Which bike when the journey demands something lighter than a 1200 GSA?

Brian Dublin

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Planning to do Africa and decided after my last South America trip that I need something much lighter than the 1200gsa for what will be lots of long days on dirt through Africa. Love love love the 1200 but it's just too heavy for this trip. So give me your your experience/advise on the bikes I'm considering for the job. Of course for some, I would need some upgrading on the basic spec particularly for distance so bigger tank etc.
Whichever bike it is it has to be decent for long days on tarmac, loaded (including my 14.5 stone!), and light and agile in the loose stuff. Built proof, easily fixed (parts). Also I expect the bike will get pretty trashed on a 3 month trip from Dublin to Capetown down the east coast so inclined to go for robustness rather than expensive. Considering the following;
- f800 GSA. Though they are expensive for a trip like this
- 650 Sertao
- 650 Dakar
- Suzuki DR 650 (with 22ltr tank fitted)

Initial thoughts are; f800 is great but they are expensive for a trip like this. Don't think there is enough between the Dakar and the Sertao to make it worth going for the Sertao particularly as there a few decent Dakars out there.
Really attracted to an upgraded DR 650 as they get amazing reviews and have a great reputation for reliability.
I've already rejected the DLR, Africa twin and definitely KTM
Thanks in advance for any feedback (is this even the right section for this post?)
 
You mention light, the 800gsa is about 230kg fuelled, Sertao and Dakar 195kg, so none are particularly light weight, especially once you add luggage. The DR is approx 150kg plus your 22 litre tank so considerably lighter.

All will do the job well enough with very little or no modifications. The Dakar as standard has a better range than the Sertao, but the Sertao can be fitted with a Dakar tank to extend its range.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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