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8 Aug 2013
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Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon R
I took my Transalp from Tokyo to Cape Town, through Mongolia and the Stans. It is very comfortable on the tar, but not a real dirt bike, too low and 19" front wheel, but very reliable. It needed the fuel pump to be flushed and cleaned in Burkina Faso and that is all. My wife rode a BMW G650GS and it went like a dream, 50,000 ks no issues. A friend came with us from Tokyo to St. Petersburg on a KTM990, we had to get a new fuel pump in Mongolia and it was a new bike, no electrical problems. I have read a few reports where both the 990 and 690 KTM bikes have serious fuel pump problems, if you get dirt in the fuel
For your trip if you are buying a bike from scratch I would look at the KTM 690R, very light 138Kg, excellent fuel econoimy and you can get long distance tanks, made for dirt riding but good on the highway, thinking of making it my next bike.
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Woow! What an amazing trip!
Good to know about the fuel pump problems. I'll have one spare pump for sure.
I already discarded the 690, i'm now thinking about the Tenere or the 990 (same as my friend)
Do you think the Tenere has very bad suspensions? Should i change them for better ones? I'll have to carry some weight.
Last edited by Playmobil; 8 Aug 2013 at 10:55.
Reason: I orgott to say something
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8 Aug 2013
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
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XR650R vs 990 ADV vs Africa Twin?
I respectfully suggest that you pin down, just a tad, what you are considering - in less than a week this thread has named 11 specific models of bikes (I've just counted them), most of which are no longer sold in countries that have laws about pollution.
Details such as:-
New/second owner (you could still find a new 990 adv but the 1190 is rapidly replacing it).
Budget.
Your mechanical skills for keeping old machines in running order.
etc would clarify what you are really prepared to consider.
Regarding your question about suspensions on bikes, the big 4 Jap manufacturers fit OEM equipment that is based on their main market - those who ride a few thousand miles per year on surfaced roads and trade in their machine every, say, 2-3 years; hence the OEM suspension doesn't last too long because it doesn't have to, it tends to be non-repairable and it is built "down to a budget".
__________________
Dave
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9 Aug 2013
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Playmobil
The Suzuki is a great bike but a bit too old.
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Not in North America, I can buy a brand new one for 4000 GBP
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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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"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
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Lots more comments here!
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Diaries of a compulsive traveller
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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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