What defines the dark side?

[SirToU]

So, I know, I been lost to the dark side and my European KTM for 18 months now and at certain times the KTM is. Nicer bike - especially when green laning. ;-)

However, I have a 2005 Fireblade in the garage that I'm looking at trading - for a New Honda Africa Twin.....   Just wanted my old buddies opinion! As some of you I've know since 2008!

Any comments?   Africa Twin v Kawasaki Verses?   I was looking for a bike to go more off-road, but don't want to spend another 15k.....

Thoughts?

Thanks

Neil

[O.C.]

 Neil, TBH I don't think the Versys (note correct spelling)    is a near/accurate comparison to the Africa Twin, there are so mant differnces that I would consider the two bikes to be aimed at two different markets

Can I suggest you ride them both, that is if you haven't already done so, that really is the best way for you to assess them both

I cant remember what year / model your fireblade is, but it may be the better bargaining tool for the Twin. 

[2kwacks]

like Rog suggests.. AS far as off road riding is concerned the Versys is no match for the  africa twin may be this will help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrxscwTIlyw

[SirToU]

Interesting....

Just not sure I would be able to live with the less than 100bhp!

:-(

Neil

[2kwacks]

Interesting....

Just not sure I would be able to live with the less than 100bhp!

:-(

Neil

For off road riding that would be all the b.h.p you would need.. even on the road "theses days" with the 93 b.h.p is ample unless you intend to ride like a loon had 4 zzr 1400's my 2015 performance sport had had over 216  b.h.p with the ram air think I used half of that 90% of the time. now got a bike with over 90 b.h.p less and it still as enough b.h.p to keep me more than happy. in fact the GS as slowed me down not because its less b.h.p it's simple the type of the bike.. I don't feel as if I want or need to go like the clappers. if you are not planning serious off road riding.. but want a adventure looking type bike bike under £12,000 capable of touring in comfort and eating the miles also capable off the odd dirt track but still capable of getting a move on around the twisties then you can't go far wrong with the versys 1000 grand tourer just my thoughts others may disagree.

[SirToU]

Thanks 2K, but I've already been assimilated by the darker side... I have a 1290 Super Adventure! Commonly known as Katie M.   But it's not slow, same power and torque as the GTR but 70kg lighter (that's an Italian)...   It's an awesome bit of kit that is just mental....

I'm going to trade the Fireblade for something else, but not sure what to go for.  Other half gets a bit upset when I take Katie greenlaning because of her value...

I guess I'm going to have to keep looking!

Neil

[2kwacks]

Thanks 2K, but I've already been assimilated by the darker side... I have a 1290 Super Adventure! Commonly known as Katie M.   But it's not slow, same power and torque as the GTR but 70kg lighter (that's an Italian)...   It's an awesome bit of kit that is just mental....

I'm going to trade the Fireblade for something else, but not sure what to go for.  Other half gets a bit upset when I take Katie greenlaning because of her value...

I guess I'm going to have to keep looking!

Neil

Opp's.. "talk about trying to teach ya granny to suck eggs" didn't noticed you had ktm 1290 nice bike nearly as nice as the gs here is some food for thought then! if it's just for a second bike to have some minor off road fun why not pick your self up a first gen versys 1000 great allrounder won't tackle what the ktm will do off road but is capable of the odd dirt track e.t.c  and you can pic a decent low mileage one for under £5,000 here is one example to chew on
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2012-12-KAWASAKI-VERSYS-1000-KLZ-1000-ACF-/122202692437?hash=item1c73d91b55:g:1~AAAOSwo4pYE~Mk

[SirToU]

I think I've decided on the bike I'm next seeking out!  I don't think I would entertain a Versys 1000. so.....

A Ducati Multistrada 1200 - not offroad, but road biased (for seating position and handling) with 17" wheels. enough power to keep me happy, with the entire sports range of tire choices...

I'll just ignore the other half, and if all goes well with a Ducati - I'll put some offroad rubber on Katie and use it properly.

Also Multistrada was on the Bucket list before I bought my first GTR....

Neil

[nightrider]

Who go's off road anyhow , I got my ktm 1050 to go on tight twisty bumpy back roads ,which after doing Ireland and Scotland  and going to the Alps next year is proving ideal for the job ,no way do I. Need any more.  power , as my riding mate on his ktm 1290 adventure proved by having to put it in 100hp mode on the wet shitty roads we went on , people buy Africa twins and never go to Africa or across deserts , any bike can go anywhere as Nick sanders proved by going round the world on a r1 , if you want to go proper green laning then a small lightweight bike is all I would use , my gtr is still king for two up distance work , but the 1050 is miles more fun on back roads , still you pays your money. And makes your choice , I just think that 160-180 hp for back road riding is a waste of time , you. Need less weight not more power , 

[O.C.]

Who go's off road anyhow , I got my ktm 1050 to go on tight twisty bumpy back roads ,which after doing Ireland and Scotland  and going to the Alps next year is proving ideal for the job ,no way do I. Need any more.  power , as my riding mate on his ktm 1290 adventure proved by having to put it in 100hp mode on the wet shitty roads we went on , people buy Africa twins and never go to Africa or across deserts , any bike can go anywhere as Nick sanders proved by going round the world on a r1 , if you want to go proper green laning then a small lightweight bike is all I would use , my gtr is still king for two up distance work , but the 1050 is miles more fun on back roads , still you pays your money. And makes your choice , I just think that 160-180 hp for back road riding is a waste of time , you. Need less weight not more power , 

100%.... couldn't have put it better myself

Neil I would suggest something like this which I owned a couple of years ago, it will take you anywhere off road and is totally road legal far better than a big KTM



I had this before the Yam, it was a blast believe me   

   

I used to own this trials bike some time ago    

[zedmeister]

Anytime after 4pm these days 

[O.C.]

Anytime after 4pm these days 

I know I'm old and occasionally confused but am I missing summat Zed ? 

[zedmeister]

Yep deffo missing summat 

[snowy]

O.C. - you can't post up pics like those, class machinery!   
Had a go on an OSSA when riding trials originally, what a beast, I had a Sherpa 350 at the time, great days when I was fit enough to keep picking it up!
Last trials bike was a Cota 341, great tool compared to the old stuff, had to give it up when I realised I don't bounce and heal like I used to! 
KDX - animal, had a 175 in me apprentice days, Forestry Commission boys had great fun chasing us around the Forest of Dean!
Would still like another DRZ 400, great all rounder!
That's why I have the F700GS now, position still makes me feel like I could ride anywhere but commuter agility and sense rules!

Back to thread- yep, new AT is a great tool, just not really built for me and SWMBO with holiday stuff!
Never ridden dirt with one, but all reports say great bit of kit!

[O.C.]

Yep deffo missing summat 

ta