MT 500 for trans Africa...
 

Hi all
Planning a route across africa looking at an Armstrong MT500. Reasons: Cheap,strong doest need sub frame beefing up and twin shocks,comes with good rack, not too high+ big seat, simple, air cooled engine. larger tank avaliable. I know of changing front forks from MT350 to get dick brakes and to replace carbs.
other choice is F650 Dakar but costs more!

I've posted a comment about MT500's/MT350's on the equipment forum (iirc..)
I wouldn't worry about the brake on the 500 , if the drum is ok and the brake actually works then you will still have better brakes than most of the other vehicles you'll meet http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif
We used MT350's across west/north africa and I know I went for days without needing more than the lightest touch on the front brake.

The one thing I would change is to fit the biggest fuel tank you can - the 350 in particular is severely range-limited in this regard.
If I were to do it again I would have 25-30L in then tank rather than 12-13L.

Ray