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

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



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  #1  
Old 25 Feb 2024
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Hello

I've only had a short tarmac testride on the Africa Twin and it felt like inbetween my XT660Z (208kg) and XT1200Z(263kg?).
For my taste to big for sandtracks.

But as said on previous posts, the weight on paper is only one thing.
Today I have a KTM890R adv, a few kg more than the XT660Z but a huge difference on sandtracks due to the low centre of mass.
(KTM 790/890adv are great concepts, but would never recommend for a RTW due to the quality of KTMs today)

Location: Maitland Australia
If you are still living there, you have all the roads/tracks one will find on a RTW within a week long trip.
Can you still handle(have fun) the bike on the roads/tracks you want to ride?

If not, go smaller/lighter, T700 or DR 650 still available?

I know that on smaller bikes than that I have no fun at all, then I rather take my bycicle.

cheers sushi
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  #2  
Old 25 Feb 2024
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Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
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Travel
"I know that on smaller bikes than that I have no fun at all, then I rather take my bycicle"

Well, we travel for different reasons.
I want to see places. see fantastic views, learn about countries and cultures.
See how people live, work and eat.
Learn about the history.
And maybe get my own people to better understand other areas.
I like to interact with the local people
And learn more about myself. Pilgrimage.


Nothing of this is dependent on the amount of cc or horse power.
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  #3  
Old 26 Feb 2024
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Thanks again for all the ideas. I will research some of the suggestions folks and see where I end up. By the way, a jack is available to lift a heavy bike off the ground, so that might help people who can't lift their bikes without help. Another item to carry I know!
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  #4  
Old 26 Feb 2024
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fernbrook View Post
By the way, a jack is available to lift a heavy bike off the ground, so that might help people who can't lift their bikes without help.
I've seen those. There's a couple of different designs around but tbh if we've got to the stage where we need a jack to rescue a fallen motorcycle then there's something seriously wrong with our approach. In my opinion of course.


Quote:
Originally Posted by sushi2831 View Post
I know that on smaller bikes than that I have no fun at all, then I rather take my bycicle.
A bicycle! Way too heavy. Dump it and buy some running shoes. Nothing beats running through the countryside. Become part of nature rather than frightening it off with all that day-glo lycra
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  #5  
Old 27 Feb 2024
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Prior to this trip I have never considered using a jack but with arthritis in back and knees as well as a worn out knee (67yo) I have no alternative. I may not have anybody around to help you get it up, so a jack goes with me unfortunately.
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  #6  
Old 27 Feb 2024
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Mhhh.... 110 kgs, arthritis, bust knee, back problems


It's a question of weight in every aspect. You need a bike to carry you plus luggage, and you need a bike light enough to pick up after dropping it


Two cylinder bikes are IMHO a good choice for long distance travelling: Enough power, smooth engines, but even the Tenere weighs too much for a sore back. So the alternative is a small, light bike.



I had a test ride on a KTM 390. 160 kg, just under 40 hp. I'm 183 cm tall and felt comfortable on it. Besides that its got alloy rims, meaning that punctures are easy to fix.


Last year I swapped bikes with a South African and (first time ever) travelled on a 660 Tenere. Jeez, I enjoyed the trip. A very capable bike, but as mentioned above, top-heavy and net weight is around 210 kg.


Me, I'm riding a F650GS twin, and I'm a decade older than you, but I still manage to pick it up without removing the luggage. It is much lower than the XTZ 660 and about the same weight. But with back problems I'd take a close look at the little KTM or for rougher pistes the 300cc Honda.


My two cents worth
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  #7  
Old 28 Feb 2024
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As always this question is not about the bike but about you - and mainly your personality.
A RTW trip can and has, been done on any bike from moped to Goldwing.
What do you really want to do?
A suggestion, if I may.
Make a sliding scale of ‘as max dirt as possible’ to 100% road and put a realistic mark where you stand.
Then think about how you stand on compromise.
Then think about your temperament.
Then correlate that with your riding ability.

Hopefully that will help you decide whether a big or small bike will be best for you.

I shall give myself as an example:
My choice was the 1200gs in my garage
A T700
CRF300 Rally
Using the technique above and financial considerations made me choose the 1200gs and it was perfect.
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