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Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



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  #1  
Old 23 May 2018
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Exploring SA on a "flash" bike
I currently own a new T120, and love it. It's the best bike I've ridden 2up, and I find extremely comfortable, so think it would be an ideal bike for exploring on. I just worry that I'll wake up one morning and it'll be gone. Is this a legit fear? If so what is a good alternative for 2up travel in SA?
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Old 24 May 2018
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I think the same fear could be realised in any part of the world, generally the more remote, and the poorer the area the less chance of theft. The more built up the area with conflict between rich and poor the greater the chance of theft. Many guesthouses in places such as Peru allow you to park in a nearby locked yard or even in the lobby. Check apps like IOverlander and recommendations on this forum for accommodation with secure parking. And if you camp, well I park the bike near the tent and if anyone wanted off with the bike they would have to contend with a rudely awoken me.

A bike cover works wonders if you are worried about leaving the bike, and especially if you are worried about the looks of the bike.

17000 motorcycles were stolen in London last year.

SA is a very big place and you cannot generalise. At least a T120 won't be mistaken for a cop bike like that poor couple who rode into a favela in Sao Paulo https://www.reuters.com/article/us-b...-idUSKBN13X2KI

Interesting you say the T120 is comfortable. My dad has one and even with the triumph comfort seat he and his wife can only manage 80 miles before giving up. However they can do 200+ miles easy on his Honda NC750, and prefers the wind protection and fairing.
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Old 24 May 2018
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You could have that bike stolen just as easily in your home town as in the middle of South America - maybe more so, depending on the hometown!

Ultimately, you should ride what feels best for you. I don't see a T120 as all that 'flash' but I suppose to a poor local it would be.

What is your contingency plan for such a theft? Plan ahead. If it does get stolen, will you bail out and fly home? Maybe pick up a cheapie local 125cc for $2000 and keep riding?
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Old 24 May 2018
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Very true what you say about it being just as nickable anywhere, my other bike was stolen from behind my flat last year (though I managed to get it back) which is probably why I'm nervous. Tbh that's really alleviated my fears cheers guys, time for more planning!

Re: T120 comfort - I don't mind the lack of windscreen, you get less buffeting from the wind. No handlebar vibration, no weight on my dodgy wrists and a seating position that allows you to move around a bit create a real winner for me.

Re: contingency - I'd probably cry and mope for a day, have a good strop, then continue on foot/maybe bicycle. Unless i was already coming to the end of the trip (read: no money left), then I'd find a job somewhere.
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Old 24 May 2018
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I like the idea of a cover. Really does help. As mentioned, urban areas pose more of a threat than small towns or villages.

I would not consider your Triumph a "flash bike" really. Once on the road for a few weeks it will no longer have that Show Room Shine! Leave it dirty!

To most that Triumph looks like an old nail from the 60's or 70's. A new 1000cc sports bike would be a flash bike, IMO ... or a new KTM 1290 or new BMW GS.

I have not found newer Bonneville's comfortable for more than about an hour.
The riding position is pretty good but was not impressed with the seat for all day riding. I rode a model a few years old, maybe newer ones better?

Good, solid bike, low maintenance. A bit heavy for what it is. If going 2 up I'd be interested to see your luggage arrangement.

You may be able to procure some form of theft insurance on a country by country basis. Ask around. Mostly its liability only.
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Old 24 May 2018
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Always choose accomodation with safe parking, easy to check out when booking on for example Booking.com or Airbnb. Or choose with your own eyes when you come to a place if you havent prebooked.

Disclock with alarm might help, a good cover as mentioned above is good too.
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