Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Africa Twin XRV 750. 2 up on a long trip Africa Twin XRV 750. 2 up on a long trip
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree7Likes
  • 1 Post By
  • 1 Post By
  • 1 Post By
  • 1 Post By Pip and Mouse
  • 1 Post By niello8
  • 1 Post By mollydog
  • 1 Post By niello8

Closed Thread
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Jan 2014
motonoodles
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Shropshire UK
Posts: 49
Change of heart?
I love the AT, something about it. Really enjoy riding it (1 up) but Squily is right, I'm tall and there isn't much room behind me. Was out today on it with my better half and with a top box on and she felt cramped and a bit squashed up against me. We may have to rethink this
Really not sure about taking our GSA1200, sooooo bloody heavy and I have a slightly dodgy back. But I'm so tall, what a pain.
However, we've got time on our side, gonna start looking at other tall but lighter bikes. Might start by looking at the F800GS, the earlier 2008 - 2010 models. About 185kg (dry) before adding bash plate, crash bars, luggage etc and tall, 880 saddle height. It's strange, you see so many threads on sites about people struggling to lower bikes and I have the exact opposite problem.
:confused1:
__________________
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right
  #2  
Old 7 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
The 800 GS is nice & tall, we went RTW on ours. The seat length is fairly long but the stock seat is like a plank of wood. We used a wooly & it was fine. The bike is also much lighter than the 1200gsa & probably the AT? Most people don't go for it for 2 up but for us it was a good balance .
  #3  
Old 7 Jan 2014
motonoodles
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Shropshire UK
Posts: 49
Rtw f800gs
Quote:
Originally Posted by niello8 View Post
The 800 GS is nice & tall, we went RTW on ours. The seat length is fairly long but the stock seat is like a plank of wood. We used a wooly & it was fine. The bike is also much lighter than the 1200gsa & probably the AT? Most people don't go for it for 2 up but for us it was a good balance .
Thanks Neiell08 that's useful info. The stock seat does indeed seem a bit of a plank but we saw a seat on the new 800 Adventure the other day and it was nice and comfy although the drivers bit seemed a bit cut away and low.
When you were 2 up what sort of height are you both? It seems big enough when I sit on it for my lanky 6' 4" frame but I haven't been able to test ride one yet.
As a matter of interest, what luggage system did you end up using and how did it perform?

RTW is what we'd like to do ultimately but we'll have to start with the America's and see how the money and energy hold out!
__________________
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right
  #4  
Old 7 Jan 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
1-7, 10:26
Only one truly light weight bike that is tall enough, enough room for two (once set up correctly): The KTM 950SE, 990 or 1190 Adventure.

KTM 950SE would be best. REMARKABLY light (under 500 lbs. WET), very tall seat height and BY FAR best off road capabilities in class.

Lots of rider leg room, fun to ride, only knock is poor fuel economy. (roughly 35 to 40 MPG us gallons) The new KTM's do much better on fuel but none are as light or as tall as the SE model.

Will it be as comfy as your R12GSA? No. But as mentioned, with a really good custom seat and good luggage arrangement, the SE is quite a remarkable bike. Yes ... you will have to stay right on top of maintenance, but once set up properly the SE will run forever.

Or you could do the smart and easy solution:

Install rising links (aka "dog bones") on your Africa Twin rear suspension. Then, swap in modern, longer dirt bike front forks to match rear height.

Worth two inches no problem, perhaps more. But it may still be too cramped. But it's amazing what a good custom seat maker can do ... extending pillion portion back a few inches and much wider than stock. It could work. You may have to give up some space on your rear luggage rack but would be worth it for pillion comfort.
  #5  
Old 7 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
My husband is about 5'10" and weighs about 145. I'm about 5'3" and was about 190lbs. He was just about flat footed with me on the back and loaded. We used pelican cases and a rack we got from twisted throttle in America. The rack held up ok, we had to weld reinforcements on the top plate (we carried spare tires while doing a lot of off road in Central Asia) and one side of the rack ended up needing to be rewelded. The locks that hold the cases on were total crap, we used straps as well. They constantly broke. The cases themselves are absolutely bombproof and watertight. The bike was on its side many times, cases went flying down the road, we had a bit of a nasty crash in Laos and the cases are a bit scratched...that's it. I'd go with the same panniers again for sure. They are big but not too wide on the bike and can be installed according to your seating position.

I heard the 800GSA seat is supposed to be way better. Even so you probably want a wooly or something to supplement. That bike does add a lot of weight with the bigger tank and other things. There is a long thread here about it.

Holler if y'all come thru washington DC

Si
Closed Thread

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 09:53
uk to south africa overland trip in 1996 jeep grand cherokee gea_man26 4 wheel Overland Travel 11 9 Apr 2012 15:49
uk to south africa trip gea_man26 Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 2 Feb 2012 02:22
Paperwork? Africa trip, down the west coast and up the east Tgon65 Trip Paperwork 7 4 Nov 2011 12:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top