9 630 Miles Through Africa on 200 cc Chinese Motorcycles: Is it Possible?

I chat about some of the highlights of our Cape to Cairo motorcycle adventure through Africa. Feel free to ask me anything about the trip in the comments below or share stories of similar adventures you've done on small bikes.
Please check out the links below for more useful information:
1) Our Recommended Gear: adventurebiket...
2) Touring on Small Motorcycles: adventurebiket...
3) Motorcycle Trips for Couples: adventurebiket...
4) Hard vs Soft Motorcycle Luggage: adventurebiket...
5) Must Have Adventure Bike Accessories: adventurebiket...
No, you don't need a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R or a KTM 790 Adventure R to tour through Africa. All you need is two wheels and a spirit for adventure.
Also check out our blog that we kept throughout the trip at www.crossingafrica.co.za

[@cambag77]

I especially liked how uninterested you were initially in recording your trip. You were primarily focused in enjoying it, as should be. The telling of the story with only some pictures makes it feel like meeting a friend back from a vacation. Thanks for sharing! It's not about the size of the ride in the adventure, but the size of the adventure in the rider.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for that insightful comment! I often regret not filming on the trip, but I think you are right. It would have been very different with a lot of unnecessary stress. And we would have missed so much along the way. Cheers

[@nutlange6910]

What an awesome adventure. Really appreciating you sharing it. Hats off to you and your wife !!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Nico! I appreciate the comment. It really was an amazing trip.

[@philwinter63]

Thank you for sharing. This is a simple non commercialised way to express your trip and I found it refreshing. Perfect.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Philip. I appreciate it. Yes, we wanted to show that ANYONE can do it. Sorry for the super late reply.

[@pepelimantour3757]

F😢antastic presentation better than a video. Keep up the good work. Cheers from south africa

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Dankie! :) I appreciate the support. Wish we filmed some of the trip back then.

[@MrGravelpits]

I'm doing the same from South America to Mexico right now

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Oh wow!! Enjoy! Anywhere we can follow you?

[@ronbatt756]

A vary interesting experience. Excellent presentation. Not many would take that on! 🇨🇦

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Ron! It certainly was an amazing experience. I learned that the hardest part was just deciding to go. The rest just happened.

[@blooskyy7]

Great channel, very interesting info on traveling though Africa. It would be good to see more photos and videos of the trip.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I am kicking myself for not taking more video clips on the trip..🙈 next time! I might do more vids with photos of the interesting sections. Cheers

[@ivofer8349]

just love the simplicity, honest guidance of your trip ..

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for watching and the for the feedback :)

[@DavidFaiton]

after watching your full video Am very inspired,well done,Congrats

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, David. I appreciate the comment!

[@motovlogsindonesia]

Great trip story thanks !!! On my bucket list now!!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, I appreciate it! You must do it!

[@deberryfh]

You are an excellent story teller. I gated to pause it to go eat. Thank you for great work.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thank you for the kind words, Fred.

[@Euronasa]

My younger brother and his wife bought a Suzuki DR600 in Cape Town years ago, could be around 25 yrs ago. They planned to ride from there and home to Norway but the bike broke down due to a loose valve seat. They ended up arguing with the dealer and after a while they left the bike there and I believe they got some of their money back. They ran out of time and money and their adventure was cancelled. In 2008 my brother and I rode around Scotland, and he later sold his Africa twin.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

That's a pity that they never did the big trip back then. Mechanical issues was always at the back of my mind. that's why we opted for new (simple) bikes instead of our 2nd-hand 650cc's. It must have been awesome to tour with your brother.

[@francoisputter7018]

Hey Francois and Tanya. Nice to see this video. I followed your trip when you did it. I ride a 250cc (Scrambler) Moto Mia. Mates told me when I bought it (2nd hand) it won't last me. I've been riding it to work and back since 2015... I've even taken it into the Tankwa and Cederberg... I'd love to see another adventure on a cheap Chinese bike... (Francois P)...

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hey Francois (nice name!). Thanks for the comment and for the support back then and now. Wow, that is awesome that you are still riding yours after 7 years. That's the bike we should have used back then. Would have been perfect! I miss the Tanwka. We'd love to do another trip one day... but it is your turn first :) Cheers

[@supriadiramlan5545]

awesome vids

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thank you for watching

[@RidewithShaddy]

I'm truly encouraged. Starting my adventures soon

[@owengrobler5055]

Great adventure, thank you for sharing it 🙏🏻

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Owen. I appreciate it!

[@africavacationsafaris]

You have inspired me to do more on my 200 chinese bike.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I missed this comment. Thanks!

[@Gullinkambi]

dit was na a lekker adventure trip my bru, dankie dat jy gedeel het. Respect, God bless

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Dankie vd comment en jammer dat ek dit gemis het!👊🏼

[@Gullinkambi]

No stress brother

[@hermanjvanzyl]

Wow, what an adventure.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Herman. I wish we filmed it back then.

[@FynbosGarden]

Congratulations both. I dis it in 87 with a tent and fishing rod using local busses

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Wow, that sounds like an awesome trip!

[@woodly1069]

Fantastic story!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Tim!

[@allanschuh6797]

Amazing trip!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Allan!

[@Neeko_Z]

Well.. those bikes definitely added to the adventure. Anyhow, it’s not the arrow it’s the Indian. 💪🏼

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the comment, Neeko! Yeah, I've heard the same expression from a friend of mine. These little bikes actually made the whole trip much simpler.

[@xolanidube9399]

i Think i Like Sudan Already 😊❤️❤️

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Awesome people!

[@TheNikral1]

Thanks for sharing your story. I’m considering a similar journey. Do you think its possible to sell the bike anywhere in East Africa? I know most countries want TIPs or Carnets, but it seems like selling the bike and flying home would be a lot easier than shipping the bike. Thanks!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

We actually thought of that, but the Carnet made it difficult. If you don’t mind losing the deposit it could work. Might be cheaper than shipping. We were lucky to ship for free with the Voetspore team

[@TheNikral1]

@@GreaseAndGravel thanks for replying! I’m so glad you shared your journey so I know it’s possible. Gonna keep researching ways to get around shipping the bike back to SA. With the rising costs of shipping it seems like an expensive option, especially for a cheap bike

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@TheNikral1 If you can get someone who wants to do the trip in reverse, then you can sell it and the buyer rides it back.. Keep planning! You'll make it happen!

[@Smple_pictures]

Hi, sir l have big boy Mustang 250. It's a cruiser Chinese motorcycle and I'm planning to take 1800klm from Cape Town to Eastern Cape, South Africa. What can you advise me?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Oh wow!! That sounds like an awesome trip. Are you doing some dirt roads as well? I am very envious of you :) The only real advice you need is to watch out for other motorists. If you can stay off the busy roads as far as possible, that is the best. Apart from that, just enjoy it! Don't overload the bike. Luckily you should be able to find spares in any town. If the bike is fairly new, it should be fine. Just have it serviced before you leave then it should be good for 1800km. If you remember, let me know how it went. ENJOY!!

[@TarekElShabrawy]

👍🏽

[@geraldsavory899]

Nice story but I watched this video as I thought it was about a bike ride…..less talk and more riding footage

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks. If I had video footage of the trip I would have definitely used it. Unfortunately, back then I wasn’t making vids yet. Next time!

[@joseeudesbarrospinto7878]

Sorry but... blá blá blá blá 🤔🙄👎😎🇧🇷

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment with all those emojis 😁