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2 Nov 2008
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Join Date: Nov 2008
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What bike to buy in Dakar for novice planning trip in West Africa
I'm working in Dakar, Senegal and planning a trip to Mali and possibly beyond early next year.
I've ridden bikes while travelling in the past but have never owned one and know nothing about maintenance so want something reliable, easy to ride, easy to fix and cheap to run.
Roads here aren't terrible but aren't great and there will probably be a fair amount of off-roading.
A friendly mechanic in Dakar has recommended a Yamaha XTE600. Is this a good recommendation? Do I need an engine that big? In terms of getting spare parts is there any one make that would be better in Senegal?
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Also:
I don't have a motorbike license but have been told that if I get a license here it will be valid across the EU (including the UK). Anyone know if that's true? (can figure this one out for myself, bike advice more welcome!)
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5 Nov 2008
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Join Date: Nov 2008
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thanks for your help!
thanks for putting up those links. much appreciated. i'd not seen the ones by the 2 guys as green as me.
i'm thinking that as i'm going to be going slowly on bad african roads when i'm not going off-road I'd probably be ok on something quite small engined. the mechanic's said he'll give me lessons and i've found a guy who organises off-road weekend trips so i figure that's a good way to build my experience and confidence before heading out on my own.
then there are things like insurance and licenses and visas to sort out. all complicated but should be good. if you're interested check out Zander's Blog, motorcycle diaries will hopefully be there in the new year. until then ramblings on west africa.
cheers,
zander
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5 Nov 2008
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3
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thanks for your help!
thanks for putting up those links. much appreciated. i'd not seen the ones by the 2 guys as green as me.
i'm thinking that as i'm going to be going slowly on bad african roads when i'm not going off-road I'd probably be ok on something quite small engined. the mechanic's said he'll give me lessons and i've found a guy who organises off-road weekend trips so i figure that's a good way to build my experience and confidence before heading out on my own.
then there are things like insurance and licenses and visas to sort out. all complicated but should be good. if you're interested check out Zander's Blog, motorcycle diaries will hopefully be there in the new year. until then ramblings on west africa.
cheers,
zander
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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