It's no trail bike but once I fitted K60's instead of road tyres I was happy on anything you could really call a road.

Andy

Don't rule out the old Army workhorse - Harley Davidson MT350

It's single cylinder, but well balanced and negligible vibration

Easy to fix anywhere in the world

See MTRIDERSCLUB.CO.UK

Indeed hoping for the middle ground, something with a carb, well 2. Modern ignition and easy enough to work on or at least not a nightmare.



Thanks, I had one of these for several years. I did find it mega comfortable, they got the riding position and seat dead on. The vibes did bother me more than a twin though but you're right they aren't that bad and very simple easy to work on bike I may have to look at again. Those front panniers would come in handy as well.

If I'm looking at singles it opens a whole can of worms. I'm not looking to put mega miles per day in I guess.


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The mxv sounds perfect but can't find one for sale. Seriously looks awesome though probably need to mod the seat and prob gear ratios. Would love to test ride one .

I might go with the at or ta and strip the fairing off if I find it bothers me. As you said though its one if those where its a pain to do but you don't do our often. If I ride it and don't like it I might just fold and buy a nice simple single. :/ anyway I'm going to a dealer with both today. Decisions decisions but getting to the point where I just need to buy something and be done.

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18 days to go..!

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Anyone know how the 650gs compares to an at in terms of comfort and simplicity?

Forgot all the twins are fi never mind.

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Helcat - I own and ride a carbureted '05 650 Transalp - but spent a whole day, mainly off-road, on a BMW G 650 GS last September.

The two bikes near mirror each in terms of general overall characteristics, such as power, weight, seat height, etceteras. The Transalp is ever-so slightly smoother to ride, as you would expect, it being a twin and'all.

At 5' 10" and 185 pounds the TA fits me perfectly. At 6' 5" you might be a bit cramped on one though.

Bottom line: I would never swap my wonderful, super-reliable 650 TA for the GS. Never-ever.

Incidentally, I don't know where you live, but if you're in the UK, then I should think you could pick-up a half-decent TA - around the same age as mine - for considerably less than GB£3,000 (possibly nearer £2K).

Good luck with your final choice.

Keith

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Right Way Round ...

A not so short walk across a bit of North Africa colours my judgement against rebadged Aprillias, Rotax chocolate fire guard design principles and Bavarian customer service. F650 singles are comfortable and efficient for as long as they work.

Google chaingang and check out the various F650 threads on here for a more balanced view. Personally if you want a single get a Japanese one.

F650 GS is FI BTW, carbs stopped ( pun intended) with the Funduro in 99-2000. (Strewth that makes me feel old. Don't think my zimmer frame would stand over dressed hiking in Morocco).

Andy

I have purchased and am the proud new owner of a (slightly scratched up) transalp 650. Rode it 2.5 hours home and a little trail with semi deep ruts and I'm real happy with it.

I looked at an Africa twin as well but felt I got way more for the money with the transalp albeit looking slightly less cool. It doesnt meet the simple criteria, well I think it half does but I'm hoping it will make it up to me in not needing anything doing.

Runs sweet and doesn't need anything though I will get started giving it a full service down to the tappets and carb balance just so I know what's what and where on it and so its in tip top shape. Also gonna put new tyres on it, reading around looks like K60s are a safe bet.

I'm thinking about getting the top box for it and I will strap my backpack on the back.

Fun begins..

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A damn fine choice!



K60s or Conti Escapes. Perfect!


.

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Right Way Round ...

Enjoy it

Andy

I sold it for a yam ttr Italy Turkey Greece Tunisia and Libya loving the little 250 single whod have known. Back in France going north the east heat is killing me right now.

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Sounds like you had some sort or revelation along the way? First you were headed to Morocco, then reversed down to Italy ... then Tunisia! Wow! Sounds like fun.

What happened to your Honda TransAlp? Why did you sell it?
Is your TTR 250 a new FI model or older Carb one? If a new one ... keep a fresh battery in it.

Lets see some pics!

Safe riding ... How's the leg room on your TTR?

I did the transalp was great at blasting down the motorway at 85 but as soon as I was out of England I realised that wasn't what I wanted to do.

It was also heavy and being clumsy I nearly dropped it a couple times, and realised what it'd be like in the dirt.. then the clutch started slipping and the choke was playing up small problems but I took it as a sign and sold it upfront for a loss and bought a ttr 250 with the plastic tank and carb.

I love the ttr. I can basically pick it up clean off the ground its that light.

I know its everything I said I didn't want small engine single but turns out its perfect. Its awesome off road.

The leg room is great. Its higher than the transalp by quite a bit. Seat was not comfy but got this air pillow which is dreamy. Don't ride for long distances non stop in general anyway.

I've got some great pics but I've been posting them all back to the UK on memory cards. I'm going to do a ride report at some point when I can get more organised. Been posting letters to myself as well kind of journals to jog my memory.

I never really had much of a plan, and once I was in Italy I just didn't want to leave so kept going until I was in the deep south. I'd have liked to work my way across to morocco but it didn't work out.

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Great summary Helcat! Good to see you discovered what many have. Small singles are great ... and the more into the 3rd world you get I'm betting the happier you'll be on your TTR. Off road will actually be FUN ... not fearful!

Looking forward to pics and a report when you get caught up!
Safe Riding All Round!