Simon suggested I should give an update on the XT250. The strange thing is, I'm taking for granted that gets me and my stuff where I want to go. However when I look at the map below, the bike deserves some credit for transporting me through these 7 different countries, sometimes on bad roads.
It starts on the shortest press of the starter button, a great quality for an adventure bike. It runs well and pulls me along at between 80 to 100km/h, a good speed for travelling in Africa. Its 135kg with a full tank and oil, but a bit heavier with a pannier frame and topbox, not to mention my luggage. It copes with most road conditions but we have a deal that I won't ask it to take me through much sand or thick gravel. It uses from 3.3 - 4L/100km depending on speed and wind direction. With only 20bhp, it is impacted by a headwind. I hesitate to say this mid trip but it has been totally reliable so far.
It carries the luggage well and the Magadan panniers suit it great. I'm known for not travelling light but the bike doesn't complain. It carries a little camel my granddaughter gave me, which has now done many thousands of kilometers in Africa. The bike also carries proudly an Irish sticker, which has been an excellent distraction at many roadside police checks. Overall an excellent bike for touring Africa and I can't believe I'm thinking of selling it!
Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk
It starts on the shortest press of the starter button, a great quality for an adventure bike. It runs well and pulls me along at between 80 to 100km/h, a good speed for travelling in Africa. Its 135kg with a full tank and oil, but a bit heavier with a pannier frame and topbox, not to mention my luggage. It copes with most road conditions but we have a deal that I won't ask it to take me through much sand or thick gravel. It uses from 3.3 - 4L/100km depending on speed and wind direction. With only 20bhp, it is impacted by a headwind. I hesitate to say this mid trip but it has been totally reliable so far.
It carries the luggage well and the Magadan panniers suit it great. I'm known for not travelling light but the bike doesn't complain. It carries a little camel my granddaughter gave me, which has now done many thousands of kilometers in Africa. The bike also carries proudly an Irish sticker, which has been an excellent distraction at many roadside police checks. Overall an excellent bike for touring Africa and I can't believe I'm thinking of selling it!
Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk