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The 8 Most Reliable Motorcycles You Can Buy

22/12/2016 Cars

Over the last 20 years, industrialization has transformed Tanzania. Motorcycles and automobiles used to only be available to the most privileged citizens. Motorcycles are much more affordable these days, so a growing number of people are buying them on Kupatana.

If you browse our motorcycle listings page, you will find plenty of different motorcycles for sale. Before making a selection, take some to learn about the different brands on the market. Don’t purchase a cheap motorcycle that is likely to break down on you – it’s well worth investing in a good one.

Here are eight of the most reliable motorcycles you can buy.

1.     Yamaha SCR950

The Yamaha SCR950 is a brand new motorcycle. Yamaha spent nearly five years designing it, and it’s considered a wonder of modern engineering.

The Yamaha SCR950 makes you feel like you are traveling back in time. The low-profile bench seat and bold color accents will remind you of some of the original Yamaha bikes that were made in the mid-1970s, such as the SRX440.

However, you shouldn’t let the classic scrambler styling fool you. The Yamaha SCR950 may look like some of the older models, but it has a number of unique features which make it one of the most dependable models on the road. 

These features include:

•  A four-cylinder, V-twin, air-cooled engine. Since the engine is cooled frequently, there is little risk of overheating. This minimizes the strain on the engine, which is particularly important for riders in warmer parts of Tanzania.
•  Double-exhaust system. The exhaust system has two outlets, which makes it easier to remove carbon emissions. Since the exhaust system is more efficient than most older Yamaha models, the engine is less likely to flood and the oil doesn’t need to be changed as frequently.
•  Double-cradled frame. The double-cradled frame makes it easier to maneuver. It also reduces the stress on the frame, so the bike doesn’t require as much maintenance as many other models.

Cycle World recently wrote a glowing recommendation of the SCR950. You may want to read their review if you are considering buying this motorcycle.

2.     Yamaha Factor 150

The SCR 950 isn’t the only great motorcycle Yamaha has released over the last couple of years. The Factor 150 hit the market last year.

The Factor 150 has the same design specifications as the Factor 125. The Factor 125 is still being manufactured, but it will be phased out over the next couple of years. 

Here are some reasons the Factor 150 will take its place:

•  More durable frame. The Factor 150 was designed to look like the FZ750. The design needed to change, since riders travel over different terrain and handle their motorcycles differently these days. The Factor 150 has a more durable frame, which can more easily accommodate riders.
•  The Factor 150 has a 7,500 rpm engine, which is capable of handling even the steepest terrain. It is a good choice for people living near Mount Meru, Mawenzi, and other mountainous regions.
•  The Factor 150 has great performance capabilities. It’s a very dependable motorcycle for people living in any part of Tanzania.

3.     Honda Africa Twin

The Honda Africa Twin is made for people who like to travel. It can cover long distances and ride on any type of terrain, which makes it ideal for Tanzanian riders.

The Africa Twin made Cycle World’s list of the 10 best motorcycles for 2016. There are a number of reasons it was selected, including:

•  The lightweight chassis makes the bike more energy efficient and resilient.
•  The liquid cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin engine is capable of handling large loads and accelerating to high speeds without overheating.
•  It has a six-speed, manual transmission, which can handle both flat and very steep terrain.

Cycle World praised the Honda Africa Twin for being able to carry multiple riders on difficult terrain.

4.     Suzuki VanVan 200

Japanese manufacturers are selling more of their products to Tanzania and South Africa. They are likely to start exporting the Suzuki VanVan 200, which is one of their newest motorcycles.  The first VanVan wasreleased in the 1970s. Suzuki has gradually improved the design over the years.

Top Speed Magazine states that the 2017 Suzuki VanVan 200 is one of the most dependable motorcycles to be released this year. Experts have praised the VanVan 200 for the following reasons:

•  The two-up seating makes it easier for you to adjust the height of the seat.
•  The VanVan 200 has a lightweight, tubular frame. This design keeps the engine lower to the ground, which reduces stress while traveling on rocky or uneven ground.
•  It has both an air cooler and cooling fin radiation, which keeps the engine from overheating.
•  The VanVan 200 has a very compact frame, which makes it easy to handle.

The one downside of the VanVan 200 is that it only has a 199cc single-cylinder engine, which isn’t overly powerful. However, it is a great motorcycle for riding in the city.

5.     2017 Triumph Street Cup

Triumph is best known for selling vintage cars. However, the company has produced some excellent motorcycles over the years. The 2017 Triumph Street Cup is one of its biggest accomplishments.

The Triumph Street Cup was designed for DIY bikers who enjoy building custom motorcycles. They can purchase new accessories to get the feel they want. Café riders also enjoy the Triumph Street Cup because:

•  According to Triumph, the motorcycle is designed to have “more dynamic and sports focused ergonomics.” Its superior ergonomics make it a great motorcycle for people who enjoy riding long distances. The handlebars are positioned lower and further forward, so you can grip them more easily.
•  It comes with a 900cc high-torque engine, which can generate up to 53hp.
•  The bike has a stronger exhaust system than its predecessors.

If you are looking for a more stylish bike, the 2017 Triumph Street Cup should be at the top of your list.

6.     KTM 390 Duke

The KTM 390 Duke is another great, lightweight motorcycle. Cycling World rated it as the best lightweight street bike of 2016, but the KTM 390 Duke is great for any riding environment. You can even ride it through the jungles of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

Here are some reasons the KTM 390 Duke is so highly rated:

• Excellent braking system. The KTM 390 Duke is equipped with a Bosch 9MB ABS, which is radially bolted and has a four-piston caliper. These brakes are extremely reliable.
• Lightweight chassis. The frame only weighs 139 kg. Since it’s so lightweight, it’s easy to accelerate and decelerate. It provides a smoother and safer riding experience. The light chassis also makes the motorcycle more energy efficient.
• Reliable tires. The tires are also lightweight, which helps make it easier to change speeds safely and efficiently. They also maintain a firm grip on the road, which reduces the risk of skidding. This is particularly important if you are driving on sandy terrain or riding through wet jungles or marshlands.

The KTM 390 Duke is a very dependable motorcycle for riding in both the city and the wilderness.

7.     Kawasaki KX450F

Many motorcycles are made for sporting these days, but the Kawasaki KX450F is great for regular riding. It has been widely praised by Dirt Rider Magazine, Cycling World, and many other critics.

Nick Evennou, a contributor for Dirt Rider, eventually decided the Kawasaki KX450F was his favorite bike.

“After the 2016 Dirt Rider 450 MX Shootout came to a close, I was pretty dead set that the Yamaha YZ450F and the Kawasaki KX450F were my two favorite machines without a doubt. Having the 2016 KX450F for a few months now, I’ve started to get acclimated to it more now than when I rode it at the shootout.”

These are a variety of reasons Evennou and his colleagues speak so fondly of this bike:

• It has very strong, dependable brakes.
• It’s a very nimble bike.
• It turns very easily.
• It’s equipped with DFI couplers, so it’s easy to adjust the power.

If you intend to ride every day, then you may want to invest in a Kawasaki KX450F.

8.     Harley Davidson Low Rider S

Harley Davidson has been one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers since 1903. The company has created some great new models over the last couple of years, including the Low Rider S.

Cycle World said the Low Rider S is the best motorcycle Harley Davidson has ever made, which is a bold statement for a company with such an exceptional reputation.

Here’s an excerpt of their review:

“...In 2016 no cruiser felt better than the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. It has great brakes, a magnificently strong 110ci V-twin, ultra-fine-shifting six-speed gearbox, and rubber engine mounts that let that rich thump reach your body and soul in just the right amount. What really sets the Low Rider S apart is that you never forget what you are riding, and it always brings a smile to your face.”

Image: Flickr.