Bike for RTW Trip

pg147 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Oct 2018 Karma :

Hi all

New to the forum.

I am planning a rtw trip, starting in the UK and then heading south through Western Africa then back up the east side.

Would like to hear peoples thoughts on different bikes.

I dont want to use one of the monster adv bikes that are impossible to get back up. Want to go as light as possible without having to stop to refuel every couple of hours.

Thank in advance for your help.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

The Shaggy D.A. · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

YBR125.

https://www.re-moto.com/images/the_motorcycles/Yamaha_YBR_125_La_Garota.jpg

https://www.re-moto.com/the_motorcycles.php?lang=eng
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Sister Sledge · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Aug 2018 Karma :

As has been said - a Honda C90.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVqpNG1R72i21jh-nAxEk4A

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

I've travelled on a c90. Think of it more like a bicycle. It's got it's plus points but wouldn't recommend for a riding experience.

KLR650 (bit fat) DR650 (Generally a bit pricey) XT600E (What I chose for America) are obvious choices for low stress, reliability and simplicity.

My fully kitted out XT may be for sale in a month or so, undecided if I'll use it any more.
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garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

Also c90s are very expensive now. Mine got left in the Gambia. Laughing

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Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

Yamaha XT225 Serow with kick and electric start and a comfy seat fitted.
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owl · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Oct 2016 Karma :

You haven’t said when you are going or what your budget it is.

https://i.imgur.com/jRPDLfu.jpg
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Moo. · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Karma :

doggone · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

CRF250L with larger fuel tank might be worth looking at.

Jetlag Jon · L Plate Warrior Joined: 27 Nov 2018 Karma :

Royal Enfield Himalayan. A lot of bike for £4000 new.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Freddyfruitba... · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2016 Karma :

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

CRF250L with some mods has always looked a good option to me. I was thinking about getting one as a cheap tourer but my work is buying one I'm planning to try out first.

CB500X with rally raid kit fitted could be a good option too.

To be honest anything up to around 650 and reasonably light would work, doeant have to be an off roader. Plenty of people did such tours on the likes of R80s and the like. I'd pick something with at least a bit of dirt ability though.

New Yam Tenere 700 perhaps? A modified Tracer 700 has done it too.

MCN · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2015 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

MCN · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2015 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Stevie GooGs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Karma :

For what its worth this couple are doing a RWT.

https://ultimateaddons.com/blogs/news/how-we-chose-and-prepared-our-motorcycles-to-ride-around-the-world
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

owl · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Oct 2016 Karma :

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

As far as pure simplicity (rather than brand reliability) goes...
CB500x has more to go wrong than the KTM surely?
And the newer CRF250L at least has ABS that you can only turn off on the back I think.
Otherwise the only more complicated thing with the KTM really is the balance crank, which I'm guessing the others don't have.

When I got my KTM, I think they advertised that you could take 85% of fasteners off with the included tool kit. (On that, I do like that they often use dual hex and trx head bolts.)

May be harder to find parts for the KTM compared to some other bikes - but not sure the Hondas you mention will be much better.
A good lot of the parts on the KTM are compatible with a wide range of other KTM, Husaberg, Husky and CCM etc parts. Though of course you're less likely to find someone with said parts in Siberia!

Northern Monkey · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Nov 2013 Karma :

In Mongolia, there were always a couple of KTMs stuck waiting for parts at the Oasis Cafe and Guest House. Ullanbatar isn't even the real arse end of no-where. There are daily flights in and out

Simpler, crapper bikes didn't seem to be stuck as long. A KTM wouldn't be my choice for a trip into the real arse and of no-where.
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