XR650L vs Africa Twin

**leon.lab** · #1 18 Aug 2005

We are planning a trip through Africa, and I would like to know whether the XR650L or the Africa Twin would be the best bike to go for. Your help will be appreciated, any advice?

Regards

Leon

[This message has been edited by leon.lab (edited 18 August 2005).]

**BCK_973** · #2 19 Aug 2005

Leon
I don´t know what kind of trip you are planing.Your size and experience.Both bikes are great,i personal love the XR 650L,is simple,very handy and strong.Very reliable.
AT is bigger and heavyer.And more complicated.But many did extreme tors on that bike.Excelent for paking the thing with heavy loads.
XR 650 L has a fragile sub frame.You need to reinforce it.Needs biger tank!
You can see my bike here:

http://community.webshots.com/user/bck_973

I am 191cm high,90 kg.
Bye
KH

**RichLees** · #3 19 Aug 2005

if you want to enjoy the off-road, the XRL is more suitable. if you're going to stick to the tar, the AT is a bit better. one downside of the AT seems to be its rear shock. people load ATs to the max, but the shock can't cope on rough roads. I'd take the XRL again.
looking at the lionked photos, its nice to see another one with the big tank! there's a whole host of worthwhile mods to the suspension, sub-frame etc etc.