Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
Planning an america trip: total beginner Planning an america trip: total beginner
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
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



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 10 Nov 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,811
Quote:
Pack what you think you need, after a week dump what you don't and buy what you forgot :-)
Nicely summed up, BP. Barely a wasted word ;-)

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 10 Nov 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 60
Since you ask for opinions, here's mine. I'd say it all hinges on the passenger. If she's not going to come, the TS is ideal. If she is, I don't think any of them are ideal. Why not do a trial run? Take at least 4 days off and drag her along. Pretend it's for real, so no cheating, and see how it goes. If you can stand the bike and she can stand the "adventure" then you have you're answer. It would really suck to drop thousands of dollars on a bike that fits a need that goes away 2 weeks into the trip if she decides that she can't handle it and takes the bus home. It may be that she loves it and wants to get her license and takes the CB125 to ride herself. You never know until you try :-)
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Don't travel on an uncomfortable bike - no one enjoys it!

That is especially important with a pillion!

Roger2002's ideal of a test ride is good - do it! Even if it is only an overnight - travel Saturday out, overnight somewhere, return Sunday. That will give an impression (pun intended) as to comfort being acceptable.

You may find the seat is not acceptable - possibly a replacement seat from a wrecker might be a way to go, may look not so good but comfort is what you are after. Once you have changed it test it with another test ride as above. You may find that just half a day into the Saturday start that things are not acceptable, don't persist return and change it. For the pillion you may find a wide seat is best - look for them. The key for the pillion is them being happy, don't go too far into unpleasant experiences otherwise that pillion may never go again

As for packing - put out what you think you'll need - take half of it. If you really need something you don't have - buy it.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 12 Nov 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 91
I know you are hearing a lot of suggestions on taking the big bike, but I think you might be okay on either of the small ones. I personally avoid 2-strokes, so would take the 125, but that's just me.

You don't mention a time frame on your trip, and the only reason to blast through anywhere over 75mph is if you have to be somewhere. Poking around this site you will hear, frequently, slower travel is cheaper travel. If you're willing to rough camp on public lands (something else to look at is a National Parks Pass, $80 and free entry to every National Park. Not only are the parks cool, many also have free camping) you can save even more.

Taking a small bike is going to attract more local attention, make you a lot more friends, and if something breaks (when something breaks) you will have an easier time finding parts.

No, if you have two weeks of vacation and want to get from one coast to the other and back, then you should be looking at the bigger bike.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

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
Trip planning N=>S America dstehouwer Route Planning 1 6 Dec 2010 04:50
Planning for a Trip Peckham BMW Tech 1 16 Feb 2010 02:22
Planning my first trip. Hi-Lux? Chewie2112 4 wheel Overland Travel 13 6 Nov 2009 07:36
Planning RTW trip brfoster Route Planning 0 2 Jun 2008 00:46
Total Novice Needs Advice On USA Trip 7strings Which Bike? 16 17 Dec 2007 15:39

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 13:49.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top