Choosing new bike - it will be a thumper this time
Some good advice there Mollydog.
I ride an xt1200z on the road too and do a bit of off roading on a ktm350 freeride. I am no off road expert but have been riding off-road for 10 years so am not a complete novice either.
I used an xt660z in Africa last year and it was too big/heavy for my confidence and ability on serious off road/sand. What i would not have given to be on my freeride at those times.
I'd say the 650s are fine for gravel roads and dirt tracks but for serious rocks, mud and sand they are still a bit heavy. I had never ridden sand before and my 660z was the wrong bike to learn on.
One bit of advice i wish i'd had: get some proper training on sand riding before you go if sand riding is new to you.
Look forward to hearing how you get on (bike and trip).
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