Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Regina SK, Canada
Posts: 17
Recommended Bikes for Budapest to Bamako rally??

I'm looking into purchasing a motorcycle to do the 2011 Budapest to Bamako rally.

The ride will consist of riding from Hungary to Spain in the winter, which I have heard can be cold. But I will be wearing fairly good gear, heated vest/grips. Then after that, the African stages are mostly off road.

What type of bike would work well, and cost preferably under 2000 euros?

For Yamaha, I have been looking at xt600, and xtz660. I like the look of the xtz660... how would they be?

For Kawasaki, the kle500 looks the best. Mostly because its cheap!! But are they worthy desert tourers? But their fuel tanks are small...

For Suzuki, the dr650.

For Honda, I have seen some nice transalps. But they are always high mileage, and don't look as offroad capable as the others. But the fairing would be nice in Europe!

So far I'm leaning towards an xtz660 or a kle 500. I am hoping to buy in Germany this coming fall.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Podgorica, Montenegro
Posts: 9
I have driven KLE 500 for several thousand kilometers and, TMHO, I can tell you this:

1. with decent tires, it is quite capable off-road (been driving through some decent mud), but it is quite heavy compared to cross motorcycles and it can be hard to put it back on wheels after flipping somewhere in sand (180ish kg dry weight). On the other hand much better on road than cross motorcycles (been driven up to 100mph).
2. I've been told by people that driven it through desert that sometimes sand can get into carburetor, requiring cleaning that is quite simple to do on spot. Generally, KLE 500 is easy to repair on spot and usually nothings get broken if maintained properly.
3. Fuel tank is small. With on road driving i could not make more than 300km with one tank (190 miles)!

Hope this helps.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Budapest-Bamako Rally betterfastermore Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 7 May 2010 14:21
Budapest to Bamako rally Danthe125man 4 wheel Overland Travel 2 20 Aug 2009 12:31
Budapest to Bamako rally Danthe125man Europe 1 15 Aug 2009 00:34
Budapest-Bamako Rally travellingred81 North Africa 1 8 Aug 2007 23:14
Budapest - Bamako 100wattwarlock Motorcycle Events around the world 2 27 Jun 2005 17:18

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:41.