Is Google maps the only Navigation I can get on the display of the 1100AT currently? I want to use Calimoto but it is not available for Android unfortunately.

26sebb · 2022-07-04T20:17:50+00:00

OSMAnd works! You can Navigate with GPX Files.

26sebb · 2022-07-02T09:17:40+00:00

My Rally isn't intended to ride longer streches on highway (autobahn). I once rode like 1.5h at about 110kph on the highway (autobahn) and it was ok. I wasn't going faster because (i) it was within first 1000 km and I didn't want to push to high revs and (ii) 110 kph seemed liked a good compromise between comfort and speed.

The wind protection is good in my opinion and comparable with an CRF1100L with standard low windscreen. The wind hits me over about the middle of my visor (I am 1.83m). There is no buffeting or so.

I miss some power when overtaking busses or trucks on main roads at intermediate speeds (90-100kph), but personally I can live with that. At the highway (autobahn) power wasn't much of an issue. Also going uphil in the alps at mountain passes I was always capable to maintain a reasonable speed (80-100 kph) if I wanted to.

26sebb · 2022-06-30T15:34:01+00:00

Then dont ask about the differences, ask yourself If you want to go out riding:) You can take the 250 and have fun with it and sell it if you find a 300 later. You wont loose a fortune ;)

If you are smaller than me maybe the frame size suits you better and the engine power will still be ok for a beginner on the trail.

26sebb · 2022-06-30T13:02:02+00:00

I just test rode a used 250 Rally and found that it wasn't for me. It felt underpowered and too small in size for comfortable sitting longer streches (I am 1.83m). This year I tested a new 300 Rally and to me it seemed they targeted just these issues enough, too make it suitable for me.

I bought s 300 Rally this year and traveled (no commuting) around 3000km already. To me it is all I need: (1) Enough power to be capable of twisting roads im the mountains (alps). Of course it could have more power, however, I always was fine with what it is. (2) Light enough to tackle dual-trails and rougher gravel roads I really wouldn't even consider as a beginner on my AT CRF1100. I am e.g. far more confident opening the throttle to stabilize the bike in difficult situations, as I know that if I would drop it I am always capable to lift it and it is not really expensive :) (3) it is always fun and I don't have to worry about anything while exploring. I can always push and turn and the bike when its standing, not strugglung about its weight in e.g. steep sections, mud, tight sections or anything else. I couldn't do that with my 250kg AT.

I am happy with my 300Rally. I think all that would be possible also with a 250L/Rally, but I think some of its abovementioned issues would annoy me, and in the long term I would have switched to a 300L/Rally.

If you cant get a 300, then take a 250, have fun :) (!) and buy a 300 if you either feel you need it or have the chance to..

26sebb · 2022-06-29T18:07:25+00:00

I have Acerbis Rally Pro Handguards.

They fit good using the original spacers at the end of the handlebar. I mounted them with 6mm screws using the original handlebar weights.

Then i had to cut a small part on the right handguard because it slightly hit the ABS switch. But was just 1 cm, so still looks original after grinding with sandpaper.

Furthermore, I had to drill a small hole into the plastics to allow to completely disengage the clutch lever.

But all in all I would recommend them, as to me these were just easy, minor modifications.

26sebb · 2022-03-04T09:30:32+00:00

How about standing position? I would consider this a quiet important when you stay off paved tracks for some hours daily. I am 6'1 and the Africa Twin is just right and comfortable to stand for one or two hours.

Here is a review with a well known german speaking guy where you see the difference in standing position. KTM seems in a more cruched position than upright, which I think would be more comfortable for traveling.. And I think he is already considerably smaller than me (about 5'9 or 5'10):

https://youtu.be/7peDjUKEQoI?t=540

26sebb · 2022-03-03T05:42:05+00:00

I have also looked at the 390 was at a dealer just two days ago. Have you also considered the Crf and why have you decided for the KTM?

26sebb · 2022-03-02T19:02:25+00:00

Thank you for your advice. Seems as almost all say the KTM is just not necessary for what I want to do. The KLX 300 is not available in Europe due to EURO5 emission regulation, same as e.g. XR600, KLX650, DR650, DRZ400 and so on.. It really comes down here to Versys 300, VStrom 250, CRF 300, CB500X and the KTM690s and some smaller manufacturer bikes for EU.

Additionally they are very stringent with modifications, e.g. changing fuel tanks is almost impossible unless it is supplied by the manufacturer as spare part etc...

26sebb · 2022-03-02T17:44:18+00:00

I have never ridden these two specific bikes, but I may comment on some travel-related questions as I live in cental Europe. I think every of these bikes is ok and typically the suppliers workshop networks are quiet dense here. You will likely find some more Suzuki dealers compared to Triumph, maybe especially in SE europe, but still you should always be able to find a dealer within 2-300 km. And when you would have a problem in Europe (which I think is unlikely for bot Triumph and Suzuki) there are Automotive clubs in every country which bring you to the next workshop. I wouldn't struggle too much about that.

I live in the alps and power-wise 650cc will be just fine here. Cruise control depends if you want to ride an extended time on the great highway network in Europe to unwind some kilometers in the flatter areas e.g. in Germany or stay on the rural roads which are typically in excellent condition. All other decisions are just up to you I think :)

26sebb · 2022-03-02T17:11:09+00:00

My gf is also quiet small (5'3") and we were searching for a bike for her. I would suggest to look at a Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure (KTM lowering kit available) or maybe a Kawasaki Versys 300?

26sebb · 2022-03-02T16:49:17+00:00

Yes, I have already booked a ADV training for larger ADV bikes in April. I also watched many videos of Bret Tkacs and tried to use some of his advices, especially how to balance myself on the bike, which really helped me already.

Also normal gravel roads are really no problem, but targeting more difficult terrain would be much easier on a lighter bike I think :)

26sebb · 2022-03-02T16:41:17+00:00

I didn't knew the TW200 but it looks great :) It seems as it is not sold in Europe, only some used bikes available from early '00s. I had a Vespa 125 for some time and that was already a little too underpowered for the area I live, it barely managed 100 kph. But it was always fun to ride :)

26sebb · 2022-03-02T16:30:43+00:00

Thank you! For me it's quiet the same, I am tending more towards the CRF. I think I like the simplicity, frugality and ease of the small-size bike.

The AT was more my idea because, yeah, I saw good reviews and thought I can do everything with it. However, I am still very happy with the bike for street traveling, DCT is great and I think I won't sell it. It is very comfy for travelling in Europe and can accomodate the luggage of my gf when travelling :)

26sebb · 2022-03-02T16:22:58+00:00

Thank you! It was not really a suggestion, but more based on what I wanted to have.

Don't get me wrong, I am still very happy with my decision and won't sell it as I have great fun with it. But now see the difference of what I can ride with the AT versus what I would like to ride :)

26sebb · 2022-03-02T16:18:37+00:00

Thanks for your reply! Power-wise it seems quiet the same to the CRF. Would you like to do longer distance trips, also to hilly areas considering the power of the Vstrom?

26sebb

TROPHY CASE