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Saturday 14 May 2011

Five best motorcycles for a trip through Africa

5. Kawasaki 650 KLR



Was number three on my list until Norman Emslie had his KLR snap into two under him while travelling through Tanzania.



Pros:
Reliable
Spares available
Good fuel consumption
Good gearing

Cons:
Underpowered
Seat uncomfortable
Average suspension
No middle stand
Not tough enough for big South African farmers

4. Yamaha Tenere XTZ660


Pros:
Solid and dependable motor
Very good fuel economy
Great suspension for the dirt
Real off road capability

Cons:
Lacks top end power and torque
Single cylinder vibration at speed

3. Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin


Pros:
Very reliable
Great fuel economy
Long range
Durable
Good gearing
Easy to service

Cons:
Low on power
No longer manufactured
Fuel pump prone to failure
Soft front suspension
Sticky choke

2. BMW 800 GS


Pros:
No vibration
Great suspension
Well geared
Plenty of power
Well balanced
Good mix of on-road and off-road

Cons:
Seats is uncomfortable
No wind protection from fairing
Twitchy throttle

1. KTM 950 ADV


Pros:
Good fuel consumption at 100 - 120km/h
Brilliant gearing
Power aplenty
Fantastic off-road capability
Perfect balance
Excellent suspension
Great handling from low petrol tank design
At home on tar and dirt

Cons:
Very thirsty above 120 km/h
Limited range

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

the yamaha would do. the KTM would be wasted there. Simple & reliable trumps powerful every time. Fuel economy is more valuable than power because it can't even move without gas. It has to be cheap enough to be no loss if stolen or if you must abandon it.