CBF125 to Africa Twin... Am I mad?

[Mountain_Man86]

Hello everyone,

I passed my CBT back in April and have been riding a CB125F every week since. I've got a 5-day DAS course booked for next week and all being well, I'll be able to upgrade my 125 shortly thereafter.

I'm 6'2", 35yrs old and 75kg. I'm really keen on the Africa Twin as my next and first big bike.

I won't be commuting on the bike as I have a car. I want the bike for pleasant countryside rides and tours up to North Wales and the Lake District where i'll go camping and walking. In time, I also want to visit the Alps.

For me, the thrill of riding comes from the exposure and freedom rather than sheer speed.

Am I mad in considering the Africa Twin as my first big bike? I welcome thoughts on this and whether there are any suggestions on appropriate alternatives, for example, the Tiger 900 - which i'd like to test ride along with the Africa Twin.

Many thanks in advance.

[Nobby the Bastard]

It's not as mad as having a busa as a first big bike.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Mountain_Man86]

[Nobby the Bastard]

As a busa is a big sport tourer, in the panniers that can be purchased for it?
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Mountain_Man86]

[Nobby the Bastard]

TBH they are madder than lawrence fox after he got beaten by Count Binface in the london mayoral election and lost his deposit.
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[to v or not to v]

if you have a car and the bike is just for fun, then go with what you desire.
just make sure to test ride first, so that you have an idea of what you are letting yourself in for.
____________________
current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.

[BigTim]

I know of a chap that went from a 125 to a Blackbird.

just be sensible until you used to it.
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MZ S50B, Suzuki GP100, Honda CBF1000, Honda Blackbird (I like my Blackbird)

[Skudd]

I went from a 250 wetdream to a 750 Africa Twin, not as bigger leap, but still a big leap at the time (25 years ago)
____________________
Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[JohanTheAndro...]

[Irn-Bru]

Wouldn't be a big deal, they aren't that quick really, just the size and weight to get used to. I see loads of them around the Lakes, adventure bikes are rather common these days.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[to v or not to v]

[Mountain_Man86]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Firstly, I am pleased to say that I passed both Mod 1 and Mod 2 today, and therefore I now have full bike license!! I'm so happy.

I've been riding around on a 21' plate Honda CB650R for the past 5 days as that's what the riding school use. I've really enjoyed it. So much so that I think i'm going to change my mind about the Africa Twin and instead buy a 650R.

Having given considerable thought to what I want to use the bike for over the next 2-3 years, I think the Africa Twin will be OTT. I recon i'll have more fun using the 650R for a couple of years and then considering a touring bike.

[to v or not to v]

congratulations.
id go for the ott myself. enjoy it while you can.
____________________
current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

well done!

go for the crf thou if you're tall enough @ 6' 3" - and strong enough (for the wheeling it around your drive / garage, I mean)...it probably makes the same power as the 650, for one thing - also, being taller than average, it'll probably be comfier for you
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Mountain_Man86]

[TaffyTDM]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Mountain_Man86]

So I test rode few bikes over the past few days. Namely then Trident 660, then the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, followed by the Africa Twin manual.

I tried to test ride the BMW F900R but they have a policy of not allowing new riders to go on their bikes. I'm not buying a bike without test riding it, so it's their loss. Not sure what others think, but my experience of BMW thus far has been rather unwelcoming. Whenever i've spoken to them, i've felt like just another number to them and they seem to make life very difficult for new riders to experience their bikes. Honda and Triumph on the other hand were great. Hats off to Destination Triumph especially as they made me feel really welcome.

I'm really smitten by the Tiger range and placed a deposit for a Tiger 850 Sport in blue this morning. I hope to take delivery later October. Cant wait!!

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

the f900 is shit anyway
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[to v or not to v]

well done. just a shame youll be missing the last of the good weather.
____________________
current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.

[Zen Dog]

[Mountain_Man86]

[TaffyTDM]

[Mountain_Man86]