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Transalp and Africa Twin Transalp and Africa Twin
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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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 23 Dec 2004
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Minnesota, Florida
Posts: 33
Transalp and Africa Twin
I have had great fun touring my Suzuki Bandit but want a little more offroad capability. The Transalp and Africa Twin look interesting but my understanding is that they weren't imported to the states. True?
Can I find a used model in Canada or the U.S., and if I do are parts going to be a hassle?
Is the KLR 650 similar to the Hondas in performance?
Your subjective opinions welcome.
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  #2  
Old 23 Dec 2004
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
Bobo,
You're right, we can't get the transalp or the africa twin in the U.S.. Honda used to sell the transalp here (around '89 or '90 maybe?), and now these are rare but cheap ones do show up on ebay from time to time. I think parts wouldn't be too big a problem due to their popularity in Europe.
The klr650 is a good bike and much better off road than the transalp or the africa twin (in my opinion of course!), another choice would be the 650 v-strom from suzuki.
Good Luck,
Nate
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  #3  
Old 23 Dec 2004
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Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
I'd go for AfricaTwin for sure. More performance and better suspension. Quite the same price level too compared with newer TransAlps here in Europe altough the AT has been the same design since '94.

KLR is more like living in 5 years past in technology compared with newer Twins and Alps. But the very reasonable price of those Kawi machines can make all worth it indeed.

Margus

Quote:
Originally posted by Bobo:
I have had great fun touring my Suzuki Bandit but want a little more offroad capability. The Transalp and Africa Twin look interesting but my understanding is that they weren't imported to the states. True?
Can I find a used model in Canada or the U.S., and if I do are parts going to be a hassle?
Is the KLR 650 similar to the Hondas in performance?
Your subjective opinions welcome.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Dec 2004
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
I have got an '89 Transalp. Transalps were imported into the US in 1989 and 1990 only. Africa Twins were never imported into the US.

Parts for the US Transalps are readily available from any US Honda dealer. Some parts have to be special ordered, but typical wear and tear type stuff is usually in stock.

Transalps in the US are rare, but they are out there. I got a mint condition one last spring with 17k miles. Start looking and you will eventually find one. A decent '89 or '90 runs about $2500-$3500.

The Africa Twin would be the better bike between the two, but its not an option for US riders. The Transalp is an excellent bike however and would make a good adventure bike. Like most Hondas, reliability is the strong point.

-Dave
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