Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 16
Cheap chinese bikes for 2

Instead of riding 2UP with tons of gear on a big bike, I was wondering if anyone had experience/thoughts on getting a cheap bike for each of two people, keeping a minimum of gear and riding from Mali on down towards the Cape.

Apparently 2/3rds of the bikes in Mali are Chinese 'Jakartas' and they cost around Ā£500 to buy. New Statesman - Motorcycle diaries
I have seen them carry huge loads and are apparently just what you need if you are snacking on goat as they can also be strapped on.

I was wondering if this might actually be more practical and fun than a mega bike?

Ideas, problems, solutions?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Hey Mande,

I would hazard a guess that the quality of the Chinese bikes is not quite up to scratch for a long distance journey. Keep in mind that German/Japanese/British/etc. bike manufacturers that have been at it for decades and make some tough as hell bikes and even these are beaten up while enduring the rigors of overland travel.

An inexpensive Chinese bike is compelling but would require a heck of a lot of fixing along the way, even with light loads. A rip around a single country would be an interesting trip though and probably place realistic expectations on a bike with that build quality. They are getting better though every year so at some point, it will become a more realistic option. Safe travels.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Aug 2010
ydv ydv is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bialystok, Poland
Posts: 89
Few months ago (December 09) I have bought new Nanfang 150 (410.000 CFA) in Yaounde/Cameroon and rode it through Gabon and Congo to Brazzaville. Total 3.500 km. One small backpack attached to backseat by rubber straps. Fuel consumption 2.7l/100 km.

Problems encountered:
- chain tensioner broken (replaced for 500 CFA)
- clock link detached (fixed by myself)
- one tyre puncture

Broken or lost along the way:
- clock glass
- mirror
- headlamp
- padlock

Every 1000 km I have rolled into local motocycle garage and asked for general check - each time they tightened all nuts, regulated chain tension and put some grease on it.

If you like it - do it. If something breaks beyond repair you can always sell what remains and buy new one. Do not buy anything which pretends not to be chinese bike - friend of mine bought Tonda DT 150 and spent each day few hours on repairs (c.a. 10.000 CFA each day) - but... finally he reached Brazzaville as well.

Here is my bike:
Afryka Ā· Plecak Ā· Przygoda • Zobacz temat - Yaounde
__________________
Janusz
www.yahodeville.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 16
Thanks MountainMan and Janusz.

I love the Nanfang bike, very encouraging and I think I can afford repairs running to 500CFA!

One thing that seems to get a lot of attention is fuel tank size (ie does its smaller tank provide a problem?) and tyres (do they grip enough)?

Were there problems with carnets/exporting the bike?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Aug 2010
eljulian's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Berlin
Posts: 110
These two managed just fine. Thing is, everybody knows how to fix it and if it breaks for good you can just buy a new one.

__________________
Where is Julian?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 16
Brilliant!

I'm there! Just visited Julianus Africanus how's the trip going? No updates for quite a while :-(
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Sep 2010
ydv ydv is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bialystok, Poland
Posts: 89
Nanfang 150 parameters:
- Fuel tank is 12 liters if you fill it to the top. With 3l/100km consumption it will takes you 400 km away between the fillings. Initially I have planned to buy additional 10 liters jerrycan, but never make it. In emergiencies friend of mine was able to fine a fuel even in small villages, but at the price tag of 5000 CFA a litre.

- Tyres I do not know as it is my first bike (so far the last too). After the rains typical "red" roads have thin, very slippery layer on the surface which stick to tyres like a clay. Two times I have flip on the side causing damages listed in previous post. About dozen of times I have hit the ground on very sandy ruts on the border Gabon/Congo (I have missed the new road and followed old track through the bush)
__________________
Janusz
www.yahodeville.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Cheap bikes

This topic should be somewhere in the "what bike" area because, for me, it does not get enough discussion - I am running a brand new (more or less) Chinese bike which I got for $750 US, new - I am not travelling, just riding around the streets and getting great fun, economising on transport costs and "mixing with the locals", more than could ever be achieved on 4 wheels in Kabul.
So "sub-Saharian" or not, the moderator should move the topic over to where-ever the others are riding bikes made in China (or Iran, or some other place that is constantly improving their products without charging the earth for the marketing men).

Examples:
new footpeg = $1
oil change = 4$, incl labour
complete new rear twin shock suspension (which was knackered after taking a pothole a bit too quickly) + new indicators all round + new instrument binacle = $60.

In fact, come to think of it, all the above prices incl labour.

Yes, bits break on the "3rd world bikes" but they cost next to nothing to replace.

ps the engine is running great - no smoke etc, but it has done only a few 1000 km so far :-)
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 16
good points Dave, I asked the question here though because I wanted to know if the bikes were suitable for overlanding in Africa, which has unique roads :-)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mande Mande View Post
good points Dave, I asked the question here though because I wanted to know if the bikes were suitable for overlanding in Africa, which has unique roads :-)
OK, understood, roads are unique in lots of places (Afghanistan has its' share), but Chinese bikes are ubiquitous (spelling?) :-)
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Chinese visa in UB Alex Rubtsov Northern and Central Asia 0 6 Sep 2005 15:02
chinese border Alex Rubtsov Northern and Central Asia 1 10 Aug 2005 00:29

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insuranceā„¢ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:57.