Dr750big ,AT,orTA

[rc30rob]

Im travelling the Americas next year no pillion,light luggage what do you lot think on the bikes above .I have tried all of the above on local test rides and as ususl cant make my mind up,all are in good condition and the mechanical work is no problem,all have low milages,HELP

[Simon Kennedy]

Remember that once you go south of the USA you will probably be on what in the UK would be classified as B roads.

Which of the above would you say is best for those?

TA is perfect for north america dual sport use (which usually involves lots of highway miles). It is a little large for south america. It central america it is way too big.

The DR800 needs more careful attention - cam chains in particular. The one overlander I came across on one had no end of troubles.

AT is a good bike too, but all that sturdiness is of little use on small roads. After the upgrades of the mid-nineties (which in many respects were downgrades) the AT moved away from off road and towards road. Same is true, to a lesser extent, of the TA.

Simon

[rc30rob]

simon can you tell me what if any other probs he had with the dr,what would you recomend to use as myself and mate john will have the same bikes but he is limited by cost,thanks ,rob

[Simon Kennedy]

Rob,

Well, as I recall, all electrics were up the spout and the engine wasn't too hot either: cam chain needs very regular attention otherise very bad stuff happens. Not comfortable, and lots of stress on the engine parts. It is just too much of godamned thump innit?

I am sure there are plenty of people who have had good times with the DR800. But I know too that if you took a straw poll of bikers, nearly all would choose an AT over a DR800. No contest at all.

Suzuki's huge single was an interesting experiment. But, ultimately, a flawed one. I can't think of a single reason in the world to choose a DR800 over an Africa Twin: the latter is so much more refined and reliable.

But I would suggest that you have a think about something a bit smaller. You say you are going light and one up - so why not look at the 600/650 singles? (An '80s Transalp is almost in this category too).

I did the route on a 1993 Transalp and it was fine, but most south of the US border something smaller would have been as good, if not better.

If I were you I would get a five year old Jap single with under 25,000 miles on it and no obvious mechanical problems - preferably something that has been dropped. This way you get the good mechanics at a cut price. The plastic is going to get bashed on your trip anyhow (at least it should if you are enjoying yourself properly).

If you and John can get the same bike, then you're laughing. Share spares and tools.

All the bikes in this category would do you just fine - DR650, NX650 Dominator, KLR650 XT etc etc. Personally, I have had a great experience with Hondas, and seen lots of smiling Honda biker overlanders.

It is hard to appreciate right now I know, but the kind of riding you are going to do is a world away from what you are used to. The criteria for a good overlanding bike are totally different from what you need in Europe.

In a nutshell, buy something cheap, siple and reliable. Then spend the money you save on having a good time, not oversized bikes.

Lastly I would say, get some other opinions, but from overlanders - this is a specialist buisness. The R1 road racer and Advanced Police Course rider know their stuff doubtless, but it is different stuff.

Have a browse on this site. There are lots of useful experiences.

Hope this is helpful,

Simon

[BCK_973]

Have you think to choose a XR 650 L?
The best choice in my opinion.Put a 22 liter tank and hit the road!
KH

[Jeff@TheQuadShop]

Keep in mind that the AfricaTwin was never sold in north or south America so finding parts will be near impossible. I'm not sure about the DR750 but I know it was never sold in the US. TA parts are no problem.

------------------
Jeff Stoess
Factory ATK
GNCC #17
http://www.quadshopatv.com

Ride coast to coast off road on the Trans-America Trail! http://www.transamtrail.com/

[This message has been edited by Jeff@TheQuadShop (edited 14 November 2005).]

[javkap]

Jeff:
The Africa Twin WAS SOLD in many place on the south: Argentina (where I’m), Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela are some countries than I know have it.
The troubles to find parts are more about if you are looking on the right places, the economical crisis, or if you are in small or big citys.

Javier…
www.dakarmotos.com

[Jeff@TheQuadShop]

Oh sorry, I was told otherwise.

------------------
Jeff Stoess
Factory ATK
GNCC #17
http://www.quadshopatv.com

Ride coast to coast off road on the Trans-America Trail! http://www.transamtrail.com/

[BCK_973]

Yes i had to agree with Javier in that point.The AT was sold in important quantitys here in Argentina and chile(model 92 till 97)
And when you hit the long road you will find them on the ruta(highway).In that period the bike business was booming here!
Bye
KH

[ozbiker]

Consider the Honda Transalp XLV650
It is a nice bike easy to ride
Get a better seat like a Corbin for long trips.
It has proven itself around the world as a
bullet proof machine.
Not the prettiest looking beast but who cares.
Travel safely