Agreed
 

Butch,

I agree with Nigel about just grabbing and extra Jerry can and strap it on. When you ride long distance with a wide tank, you tire more often because of your spread-leg position.

We had a range that we could count on of 170 km, more at high altitude if the terrain was easy, much less in mud or sand. We filled more often than necessary 'just in case' the next town 100 km distant did not have the gas like people said it would.

We would use the disposable 2 liter bottles that water or soft drinks came in. They are always available. Just bungee-net 2 of them to the pack on the seat behind you. When you get past the critical stretch, just dump it in the tank before filling up and throw the bottles in the trash.

Go for the 250, much lighter when you have to wrestle it on rough roads. But stay out of deep soft sand as 250cc is not enough to dig itself out. best to stop and yank the bike to a more firm footing.

Thanks
 

Thanks team, I'll continue my research. I'm new to this site, so just finding my way around.

Thanks to all.
 

Thanks team:thumbup1:

Butch, like advice already given travel light and a 250 is just fine and dandy. I took my TTR 250 to Africa no worries, i guess the only limit is when you start to bog in the sand and have to go through the gears quicker, but you are not in deep sand all the time so I wouldnt worry about that. The XR 4 is also an excelent choice both bikes offer slightly better fuel economy than most 600s. My TTR was part od a RTW triple including the other two bikes mentioned.

Do you plan on having the bike for a while after your trip ?

If you just want to check out africa and europe it may even be possible to hire a bike.

Have fun