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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 17 Apr 2009
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TransAfrica - bike for a big guy?

Hi,

Toying with a London to Cape Town trip. Am tall & heavy - 6"5, 220lbs - & am conscious that weight is key.

In that vein, from what I can tell, the KTM 640 Adventure is looking like the best bet to me (I want to avoid a twin). No experience of bikes, so coming at this blind.

Am I way off the mark, or does this sound like my best bet?

Would be grateful for any insight you may be able to offer.

Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 21 Apr 2009
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If you can be a post 2003 bike I reckon it would be up to the job , pre 2003 bikes had bearing problems and engine internal problems.

The fuel / compression ratio issue is resolved by the switchable CDI so I reckon it would be ok.

An important thing to do is to being a 9 volt battery and or something to charge it with , as the adventure has a quirk in that although it has a kicker it still needs some power to run the electrics , with a 9 volt battery you can wire it into the CDI and remove it the second it catches.

Also stick some gators on it.
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  #3  
Old 22 Apr 2009
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Any particular reason why you want to avoid a twin ???

An Africa Twin maybe perfect for you. Some pretty small guys have crossed Africa on them, and with your size and build, you could probably treat it like a smaller guy treats a DRZ400 !

Twins are nice on the tar but still have enough grunt for the dirt... IMO, the perfect compromise for an overland machine..

If you're hell bent on a single, the new Yamaha Tenere is a tall bike too and has great reviews.

Other than that, the KTM maybe your bike but its no fun at all on long road rides !! Loads of vibration and spare parts will be unheard on in Africa.
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  #4  
Old 22 Apr 2009
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Quote:
spare parts will be unheard on in Africa.
Hmmm, dealers in Morocco/Togo/Nigeria/Ethiopia/|Kenya/Namibia/Egypt/SA, would parts for the new Tenere be any more available? Either bike would be a decent choice i suspect, but the iffy reliability of an early ktm (newer ones are better i read) would be a concern for me. But the ktm's lighter.
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Old 22 Apr 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pottsy View Post
Hmmm, dealers in Morocco/Togo/Nigeria/Ethiopia/|Kenya/Namibia/Egypt/SA, would parts for the new Tenere be any more available? Either bike would be a decent choice i suspect, but the iffy reliability of an early ktm (newer ones are better i read) would be a concern for me. But the ktm's lighter.
You're probably right, but the bigger citys are much more likely to have Yamaha dealers than KTM..A main dealer can almost always get your part brought in without any customs and postage problems. (although you'll get Royaly bummed for it, cost wise)...

Although I can't vouch for this having never been through those places !
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  #6  
Old 18 May 2009
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I'll tow in and say 1100 or 1150.

I know people don't like them as they're not as underground since Ewan & thingy did LWR but who cares. They are cracking machines, esp for us larger guys.
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