Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oslo, Norway/ Provence, France
Posts: 99
Africa Twin-Dominator-Transalp

I'm planning to ride around in India/Nepal and Thailand this winter. Trying to find out whats the better choice. I,m rather tall, and weigh about 100kg, I,m traveling alone. Would like to hear others experience on what to choose, Africa Twin, Dominator or TransAlp.

Dizzie

[This message has been edited by Dizzie (edited 11 November 2002).]
__________________
Dizzie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 May 2002
mmaarten's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
I would go for the AT.. But I am pregedist owning one myself

I guess it depends a bit on your needs. Do you want to go heavy off-road, or stay on the (dirt)roads?

The transalp is a bit heavyer then the AT but has less power. So there I would go for the AT. The dommie I don't know much about.
For the AT make sure you get a RD07A, it's the best version. Check for fuel-pump trouble (early models) or wheel-bearings (later models). For the rest they are bomb-proof.

Maarten

------------------
- www.maartensworld.tmfweb.nl -
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
Hello
Since your based in Norway, the best choice would be the TransAlp. AT is expensive, and Dommies also hold their price to good compared to TA. When you get stuck in indian trafic, watercooling is a nice thing.
There is a 89` XRV 650ccm for sale in Moss (50 000,-), low milage. That`s a nice bike...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 May 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
Being from the states, I have only limited knowledge of each of these bikes. But there have been plenty of reports that each of these bikes is a great tourer - so perhaps the issue is to consider how much money you want to spend on the bike and how much money your carnet will cost?

Going to India, your carnet will cost you quite a bit. So the less your bike is worth, the less money you'll have to invest up front and the more time you'll get to spend on the road.

Cheers,
Wright
__________________
Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jun 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 391
The three bike are all good uns, and you wont go wrong with any of them. The Africa Twin is the heaviest, and therefore the least good off road (unless you are talented). And you dont need it power where you are going. Its large tank, metal bashplate and strong swingarm are absent from the transalp though. Of the half a dozen dominator riders I have met overlanding, all but one have wanted a Transalp for its comfort and speed. It's far better on the highway. But the dommie, IMHO, is not much better than the TA off-road. If you are serious about off-road you could consider a true off road bike: there are plenty of opportunities in India and SE Asia. In India you are rarely moving fast.

[This message has been edited by Simon Kennedy (edited 10 June 2002).]
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Jun 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Tauranga N.Z.
Posts: 52
Hmmmm,

I must be the one happy Dommie rider then aye Simon? I've met a couple of others more than happy with this choice - it's a great machine.

But the pertinent points for you obviously are your size, which rules the Dommie out really. It's built for more compact riders and would cramp your knees too much. Much overland riding is a long dull slug remember.

To my mind the weight issue is somewhat irrelavant also. A Dommie is 160kg dry & the A-F & T-A another 40kg plus on top of this. But once you load any bike down with another 50kg of luggage for life on the road they all become heavy & somewhat unweildy negating the fun factor to a degree. Take the boxes off though & I'd back the Dommie any day in the dirt. All three are really only glorified street bikes though.

So yeah I agree with Simon that one of the big twins is the way to go for a big fella like you.

Hillsy in Malaysia
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
I'd have to say just get out and give each of them a ride to see which suites you. Different people like different bikes and the only person who can really make a judgement on what you need/want is you. Whatever you choose (good or bad) you'll come to love it for its good points and the bad points you'll come to see as 'charictor'!

All that said, I had an AT an loved it. Never had a problem taking it off road and I'm no six footer. Crap seat though - get a better seat or a better ass if you go with this one.

Whatever you choose - enjoy.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Jun 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
I have a Transalp 650, done 55000km in less than one and a half year with it. Took it too Marocco for 8300km of fun, lots of off road. Seen the Alps and whole of France with it. Ride as an Express courier with it.

It pulled me through everything but.... if I could make the choice again I would go for the AT.
I have ridden short distances on the AT and it gives the extra power you might need or want from time to time. Also windprotection is lots better with a high screen and the bike actualy less heavy then the Transalp!!!
I weigh around 70 and it was limit sometimes (long oueds, sand,...). If conditions get hard I am afraid you might have a hard time. Also you will get banged around because of lack of windprotection. Especially when you are tall.
Other things: the airfilter is very hard to reach (you have to take the tank of) and after 8300km back and forward to Marocco I needed to replace it... It is a paper one and I couldn't find a suitable foam one to replace it.
Fuelfilter is also hard to reach, you also need to take the tank off.
Suspension is a bit too soft for long and hard aff road stuff. Although this also seems to be a problem on the AT.


Although I really love my ever trusty Transalp and I would like to take it around the world, I wouldn't recommend it for you. Go for the AT, they are better suited for a tall and bigger somebody in my eyes.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: athens greece
Posts: 1
hi there
i curently have a TA-600 ride with it 45.000 with not a single problem but its heavy and not to powerfull(am 115 kg) and in case i would go so far a africa twin would be me choice since its built to be stronger and can be loaded more heavily than the TA
good luck and safe trip

john from athens greece
__________________
Yes i have a hairdresser ....his name is Helmet
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Sep 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: the netherlands
Posts: 266
Im about to take a dommie for a roundtrip Africa and im a 1.90m/85kg bloke! Its true, with my length i do not have any space for tankpanniers.. Mainly Ive chosen this bike for its relativly lower weight, reliable engine and positive feedbacks on the tripreports at www.adventure-motorcycling.com and sure its a financial thing as well.. Both front and rear shocks are upgraded so should go better offroad with panniers but still, its heavy... TA and AT must be worse in this area but general the comfort zone on these bikes are much better....
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


 
 

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 Insurance™ 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 23:48.