The way I see the bike of choice needs two main qualities.
Fuel range, and weight.
However the single and most important requirement, far outweighs all others, is "reliability and ease of repair"
All these big bikes are more than powerful enough, so I have discounted power.
From the probably the three most popular bikes mentioned, here they are.
BMW F800GS
KTM 990
Africa Twin 750.
All details taken from MCN.
2008 BMW F800GS Specifications
Top speed
130mph
1/4-mile acceleration
secs
Power
85bhp
Torque
60ftlb
Weight
185kg
Seat height
880mm
Fuel capacity
16 litres
Average fuel consumption
45mpg
Tank range
140 miles
Insurance group
12
Engine size
798cc
Engine specification
8v parallel twin, 6 gears
Frame
Tubular steel
Front suspension adjustment
45mm inverted forks, no adjust
Rear suspension adjustment
Single shock, preload and rebound damping adjust
Front brakes
2 x 300mm discs
Rear brake
265mm disc
Front tyre size
90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size
150/70 x 21
KTM 990 Adventurer Specifications
Top speed
140mph
1/4-mile acceleration
11.03 secs
Power
115bhp
Torque
71ftlb
Weight
196kg
Seat height
855mm
Fuel capacity
19 litres
Average fuel consumption
48mpg
Tank range
150 miles
Insurance group
17
Engine size
999cc
Engine specification
8 valve, 75 degree V-twin
Frame
Steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment
Fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment
Fully adjustable
Front brakes
2 x 305mm discs
Rear brake
Front tyre size
120/70 17in
Rear tyre size
180/55 17in
Last model 2003 Aftica Twin Specifications
Top speed
110mph
1/4-mile acceleration
13.9 secs
Power
61bhp
Torque
46ftlb
Weight
202kg
Seat height
860mm
Fuel capacity
23 litres
Average fuel consumption
38mpg
Tank range
190 miles
Insurance group
12
Engine size
742cc
Engine specification
6v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame
Steel perimeter
Front suspension adjustment
Preload
Rear suspension adjustment
Preload, compression
Front brakes
Twin 276mm discs
Rear brake
256mm disc
Front tyre size
90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size
140/80 x 17
The Africa Twin is 10 years older than the other 2 bikes, and as such I believe will be far easier to fix.
The Africa Twin, gives far greater driving range that any of the others.
However the Africa Twin, because it is older, is also a little heavier.
BMW = 185 kg
KTM = 196 kg
AT = 202 kg
In the big picture, the Africa Twin isn't that much heavier.
In view of all the information, there is but just one sensible choice, and that gents, is the Africa Twin.
'vette
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