Fun Touring Bike? Europe to Africa!

[Springbok_Rider]

Hi,

Ever since I saw the long way round/down and even before, I've been wanting to do a trans Africa trip. Good or bad, it'll be a trip of a lifetime. I'm originally from South Africa but haven't been back in almost 20 years so it'll be a homecoming of sorts.

Anyway, I've researched a lot and know I need to save and plan at least over the next year in order to have enough funds and knowledge to do the trip (Norway to South Africa) on a reasonable budget and with as few issues as possible.

Originally I was looking to do the usual - Egypt - Sudan - Ethiopia, but with all the crap there at the moment, it might make more sense to get a ferry from Gibraltar and go down the West. Finding the best route is going to be tricky especially in the North due to all the nonsense which is ever changing.

Anyway, back on track. I was going to get a Monster or a Speed Triple this year, but figure perhaps it makes sense to get acquainted with a good dual sport touring bike instead.

I'm looking at spending £3-4k just on the bike, but would like something that I can have fun with on twisty Summer roads as well as off road if need be - not to mention the Africa trip.

Although height doesn't really matter (I'm 5'7) since most dual sports are big bikes, perhaps something with good clearance, but a lower seat height would be more practical.

All thoughts appreciated. I'm partial to V-Twins as well.

Thanks,
Antony
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2005 SV650 ---> 2002 CBR 600 FS ---> 2010 Monster 1100 ---> 2006 Yamaha YZ250F ---> 2008 Street Triple 675

[devonboy]

Actor Danny John Jules and a mate did a trip around all the Med. countries, before all the shit kicked off, on Transalps. There was a blog on one of the forums last year from a rider going down the west coast on a cheap chianese bike but a lot of borders were closed because of the Ebola virus.

[stinkwheel]

Have you considered an R1 with desert bars?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Matt B]

R1 with a set of trick tyres?

https://i1.wp.com/www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Yamaha-YZF-R1-sand-dunes-07.jpg?resize=635%2C362
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[J4mes]

MT500 with assault rifle box still attached, with an assault rifle inside it for when Isis try to procure you for their fundraising and YouTube channel.

[Springbok_Rider]

You're not wrong with the assault rifle. Luckily in Norway the gun laws are a little more relaxed than the UK - would make sense to travel with a side arm at least. If only that was possible in this day and age.

Screw getting the R1 stuck on a sandy/muddy hill.

Anyway, will have to put this on pause. I've succumbed to the calling of a Ducati Monster. Just trying to figure out which one.

Will consider the touring bike again at a later date. Might make more sense to fly to South Africa and just do a 'small' circuit of South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and back.
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2005 SV650 ---> 2002 CBR 600 FS ---> 2010 Monster 1100 ---> 2006 Yamaha YZ250F ---> 2008 Street Triple 675

[Matt B]

[Silver_Fox]

Why have steak when you can get an Iceland ready meal for £2
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CBR600 F3 FV
CG125

[Springbok_Rider]

I didn't say I'd go trans Africa on a monster. I just need to ride a v twin again! Unless northern Africa sorts out it's sh** I'll probably just do the lower portion and rent a bike for a few weeks.

As for steak - only fillet for me please.
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2005 SV650 ---> 2002 CBR 600 FS ---> 2010 Monster 1100 ---> 2006 Yamaha YZ250F ---> 2008 Street Triple 675

[c-m]

How about Western Sahara then on to Dakar in September/October?

[TCFA]

just take the monster it'll be fine. you'll really know your way round that bike by the end
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[Evergreen]

Hey!I'm planning to do Africa too-ride around it following the coast. When are you going?

I'm thinking of getting myself an Africa Twin (old version) for this trip. Transalp would be plan B.