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travelling without panniers? travelling without panniers?
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #31  
Old 27 Apr 2011
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Giant loop on a 125?
I am leaning towards doing a 6 month trip to S.A on a gc125.
Having done my research here on the HUB one of the key issues with all trips seems to be security of your luggage and especially if riding solo, being apprehensive about leaving your bike and luggage alone for any period of time. Regardless of soft saddlebags or panniers it still seems to be high on peoples lists of concerns.
The benefits of a small, affordable and extremely reliable bike like the GC 125 are well documented but the thought of using a Giant loop bag that I can just throw over the back (plan to travel very light) and then remove quickly is extremely appealing. And then your bike just looks like another local Moto.

I plan to do quite a bit of solo travel so I dont want to be stressing about security as many seem to.
I'm surprised more people dont take this option given the cost of shipping, Carnets, fuel etc? Or maybe I'm clueless and will learn a bitter lesson.:confused1:
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  #32  
Old 27 Apr 2011
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Hi,

If your 125er is able to do more then 50.000 kilometers (25K down and back) then its probably the best bike to use. Fuel consum and carned deposit should be less then with any other bike. Lesse wait is also more importent in africa then horsepower. If you travel some offroad parts there is no chance to get 100 PS like a GS1200 on the ground anyway and if there is tar there are usuarly so many pothols that you cant go fast.

I traveled the westcoast alone and realy enjoyed it but did not leave my bike unetendet in any big city even i had alu boxes. Rather ask locals if they can wath for you like i did in Brazzaville while i had to get the visa for Kamerun etc.

LG, Tobi
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  #33  
Old 1 May 2011
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Go soft travel light, the rucksack on the back of the Honda contained all I needed for a few weeks in Cambodia, no camping equipment just clothes and a small sleeping bag. Carried no spares for the bike only basic tools.

I had more stuff on the Serow as it was a two month trip. Only weighed about 10 kg (40 Ltr) but included some luxuries like walking boots, mosquito net and cold weather clothing.

I used a waterproof cover when it rained.

Biggest advantage for me of a single bag is you can take it with you when you leave the bike.

I rented a bike in New Zealand which came with full Hard Luggage, I only used one Pannier and the Tankbag, the other two did come in useful for storing my bike clothing if I found a nice place to explore on route. I was always concerned about someone stealing them if I left them unattended, most nights I had the hassle of carrying them into the hotels. If I was to use hard luggage again I would ensure everything fitted into two panniers and nothing more as its easier to unload the bike each night.
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Last edited by DarrenM; 1 May 2011 at 02:29.
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  #34  
Old 9 May 2013
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Giant Loop Q&A
Hello HUBBsters!

Just started a new Giant Loop company thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ant-loop-70221

Please feel free to post your questions, comments, feedback and photos there. We'll do our best to respond quickly, honestly and completely.

Ride while you can,
Harold
owner, co-founder
Giant Loop LLC
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Giant Loop Moto
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