Guys (and girls)

For my trip in 2008 I was thinking of using an Africa Twin. But it seems the XT600E seems to be the favoured bike for so many people. Is this because most people are simply following what others do or are there specific reasons why the XT is the most suitable machine? I don't really plan to do any off-road riding if I can help it (at least, not on a bike anyway! ) so is the XT my best bet or will the Africa Twin do the job just as well???

I guess there can be 1000 answers to this question.....but there seems to be something about this bike and I'd love to know what it is!

Many thanks for your help folks.

Chris

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"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"

I think the bikes popularity is a general reflection of the overall reliability of the model, simplicity of maintenance, availability of spares and the capability for the bike to pretty much 'go anywhere'. Compared to the Africa Twin it is a much lighter lump of metal, which you would probably appreciate if you were doing some off-roading.

However as you mention that you'll be sticking mainly to the lovely black stuff, you might appreciate the additional comfort and power afforded by the Africa Twin. In my estimation the Africa Twin would handle longer stretches of (fast) tarmac better than the XT, although that's not to say the XT can't do the tarmac well of course. It can, although I find it tends to lack a little in power towards the speedier end of highway riding, and of course unless you add a screen you'll be copping a face-full of wind.


2x Transalp far left, Africa Twin in the middle, XT far right (the dirty one) Even in this photo you can see the size difference.

Of course it's all down to personal preference in the end, I think the XT looks better. But I'm biased 'cos I've got one

Hi sly -fox
Just out of interest where was the pic of the bike's taken, i think i saw one of the Africa twins ( Black one, Red star on the tank) on the coral coast in Australia, am i right. Skip

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Do the best you can with what you have,
A stranger in a strange land now heading North South East West to.....

Hi Chris1200

It,s a tough one, I did a trip through morocco on a transalp with a mate on an africa twin. No problems at all even with some off piste, smooth running on the tarmac and honda build quality, but heavy off-road and not a lot of fuel in the transalp.

I do also have a tenere, as an air cooled single, easyier to repair and most mechanics in far flung places in the world understand air cooled singles. Much better off road and better ground clearance, but with luggage, still heavy which effects handling. Not as comfortable to ride long distances on tarmac though.

In my humble opinion, if you take the AT, change the fuel pump, if you take the xt, get a sheepskin.

Regards
Dave

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Remember what Yoda said\", there is no try, either do or not do\".

I owned an XRV750 many years ago and it was a truly excellent machine with startling on-road, touring abilities (performance, handling, weather protection and tank range and spring to mind). Of course, it wasn't as fuel efficient and was more complicated so this must be considered when maintenance is considered. Mine also chewed up drive chains as if they were going out of fashion, but I never did get round to fitting a Scottoiler which might have helped in that department. It's definitely not as D-I-Y friendly as the XT.

In comparison, my XT600E is much lighter, significantly more fuel efficient, and far easier (and cheaper) to maintain.

Both are very reliable bikes, at least my two were/are (touch wood).

As has already been said, the XT will undoubtedly do it all but would also benefit from some wind protection for those long highway miles you intend to do.

As for seat comfort: IIRC, the AT was never particularly comfy either. I use an Airhawk seat cover on my XT and wish that I'd bought it many years ago when I owned the AT.

If I had to choose between them now, and if I was about to embark on a long journey such as yours, it would almost be a flip-of-a-coin decision. The deciding factor boils down to the fact that the XT works reasonably well both on and off-road but I wouldn't like to venture too far off the beaten track on an AT. It's far too top heavy and expensive to repair if dropped (don't ask me how I know), unless of course you invest in some expensive engine/tank protection bars.

HTH

i was thinking about getting an airhawk seat for my xt, now you've just sold one .Bye bye monkey butt.

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Remember what Yoda said\", there is no try, either do or not do\".

Just checked out the airhawk seat does anyone know what size fits the xt best???

It's quite possible you did, they were heading down that way from Darwin, where that picture was taken.

Bonfireboy, this site might help.

Bykebitz Motorcycle Accessories Ltd WHAT SIZE CUSHION DO I CHOOSE?

I happen to be using the Large cushion merely because I already had one, having used it on a <whisper> BMW Cruiser </whisper> in a previous life. It works fine on the XT though a smaller size would be equally effective, it seems.