TechnomadicJim
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2013
- Messages
- 133
- Reaction score
- 9
- Bike
- AJS (all models)
Wanted to start a discussion here on the pro's and con's of having a big bike like a 600+CC GS/Transalp etc.. with metal panniers etc... vs a smaller Honda XR250 Tornado or CTX 200. I imagine you guys are all riding the bigger bikes but I'm considering my trip (here's the planning thread : https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=134555.0) on a smaller bike. Specifically the CTX 200. I've spied one in the local Cape Town Honda dealership and to me it seems like the perfect bike for the trip :
Pro's :
Comes with all the racks / bars / bash plates I would need.
Warranty included.
Easy to work on pretty much anywhere.
Kick & button start.
Rugged bike. Likely to be very reliable.
Relatively cheap for a new bike.
Replacement tyres easy to get. No need to carry them.
Con's :
Only 200cc. I plan to travel light and slow so not an issue for me really.
10 Litre tank. I plan to have an extra 5L can with me.
No security. I still need a way to have a lockable compartment on the bike for laptop / camera when camping.
Personally I travel slow and im in no real hurry. I don't like 1000k+ days of driving so speed is not an issue. In my opinion travelling slower allows you to take in more and appreciate the ride rather than getting from A to B quickly.
I think a new CTX 200 would be preferable to say a second hand XR250 tornado as I would have to spend money and time kitting out the tornado with racks etc.. Also a new bike comes without too much worry of where it's been or any issues plus the security of buying from a dealer vs untrusted private person.
Very much interested on your opinions on this topic and any planning info you guys might like to contribute to my other thread (https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=134555.0)
Pro's :
Comes with all the racks / bars / bash plates I would need.
Warranty included.
Easy to work on pretty much anywhere.
Kick & button start.
Rugged bike. Likely to be very reliable.
Relatively cheap for a new bike.
Replacement tyres easy to get. No need to carry them.
Con's :
Only 200cc. I plan to travel light and slow so not an issue for me really.
10 Litre tank. I plan to have an extra 5L can with me.
No security. I still need a way to have a lockable compartment on the bike for laptop / camera when camping.
Personally I travel slow and im in no real hurry. I don't like 1000k+ days of driving so speed is not an issue. In my opinion travelling slower allows you to take in more and appreciate the ride rather than getting from A to B quickly.
I think a new CTX 200 would be preferable to say a second hand XR250 tornado as I would have to spend money and time kitting out the tornado with racks etc.. Also a new bike comes without too much worry of where it's been or any issues plus the security of buying from a dealer vs untrusted private person.
Very much interested on your opinions on this topic and any planning info you guys might like to contribute to my other thread (https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=134555.0)
