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12 Jul 2010
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
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Just bought the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook...
Hi All!
Well I'd heard so much about it and finally on Saturday I treated myself to a copy of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook. How brilliant a book is that?! I swallowed it whole and it has completely ignited my dreams of riding across Africa at the earliest possible opportunity!
A great balance of practical info and anecdotal stuff from people who've been out there and done it. I am now utterly inspired!
Just need to get my full motorbike licence and then I'm off towards the horizon, yeeHA!!!
Jeanie 
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12 Jul 2010
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12 Jul 2010
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That's where it starts 
My copy is now rather well thumbed. I'm glad to say it's now the travel section that's as equally well worn as the pictures of shiney boxes and discussion on the merits of various bike and tyres. If you treat the book as a shopping list as I did at the start rather than as the general guide it is, you'll advance no quicker towards easy rides in interesting places. Spent your cash on petrol IMHO until you see if you need the stuff in the pictures.
You'd think after being the main reference work on the subject for so long, Chris would be due some sort of reccognition. I wonder if there is some sort of literary prize we could vote him up for?
Good look with the bike test and enjoy it
Andy
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12 Jul 2010
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Yeah... I read his book over quite a few times back when it first came out. It was a great "bible" for me when I was just starting out in all this lunacy.
The travel stories in the back really got me wanting more too. They were fantastic !!
I wonder if a new edition is planned / published ???
I took mine to Dakar Motos where it sits in his travel Library. That's if it hasnt been "half inched"
I had a flick through the Haynes Adventure bike book too.. Very much a coffee table book for a BMW dealership. Nothing more ! Save your cash.
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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13 Jul 2010
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being dyslexic, i have to listen to audio books,
just riting on forums is hard enough, so i either get my GF or freinds to read the book or dont bother
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We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
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14 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
I had a flick through the Haynes Adventure bike book too.. Very much a coffee table book for a BMW dealership. Nothing more ! Save your cash.
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Now I really liked it. And think it's very usefull in particular for people with next to no dirt riding experience and if you prefer the more scientific approach rather than the 'sit behind me and do as I do' approach.
I recommend it together with the Adventure Riding Instruction DVD.
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14 Jul 2010
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We had this discussion when it came out. I'm with Ted, IMHO the Haynes one looked and read (had five minutes with a demo copy, so this is not a 100% fair recview) like a BMW/Touratech/other manufacturers advertising in an expensive hard cover. I don't think you can get dirt experience out of a book and the idea you must have a 21-inch front wheel for the dirt and must have over 900cc for the road and must have...... is over simplistic.
To keep the book review thread going I'd give 10/10 to Jupiters Travels and 9/10 to Lois on the loose. Lois only lost a point for not using a Triumph  . Both to me concentrate on the doing more than the having, while AMHB is a good balance and the Haynes book less so.
I've yet to get my hands on Lois in Africa or Dreaming of Jupiter. The less said about Zen and the Art (-15/10, it's self indulgent papp) the better.
I guess a lot of this is about how you take in information.
Andy
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14 Jul 2010
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Zen and the Art of motorcycle maintainence is a novel, not a handbook, so it's not really fair to look at it in the same way as the AMHB.
By the same token, Jupiters Travels is also a travel book, not a guide.
Both are pretty self indulgent and surely your enjoyment of these books is subjective as they are more concerned with a philosophy of life and travel rather than providing overlanding advice and tips. BTW, I enjoyed both 
Personally, I found the first half of AMHB immensly useful, but thought the second half (travellers tales) a bit pointless and lightweight.... I'd rather buy and read the whole of Lois on the Loose (et al) rather than just an extract. I'd love a revised edition with the first half updated and expanded.
Just the oppinion of a man that is bouncing of the walls at work
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14 Jul 2010
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I believe a new version of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook is in progress, but no idea of the timing.
I learned this over a year ago so it might be a little nearer now!
There is a Russian language version of the current book available.
In Russia the cost is about half of the English language book in UK.
There is a translator credited on the opening page, who presumably did it for a fee or royalty, so somewhere along the line this appears to be yet another example milking money from the AM Wannabees (but probably Neverwillybees) in "Rip-off Britain".
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14 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
We had this discussion when it came out. I'm with Ted, IMHO the Haynes one looked and read (had five minutes with a demo copy, so this is not a 100% fair recview) like a BMW/Touratech/other manufacturers advertising in an expensive hard cover. I don't think you can get dirt experience out of a book and the idea you must have a 21-inch front wheel for the dirt and must have over 900cc for the road and must have...... is over simplistic.
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I wasn't saying you get 'dirt experience' out of reading a book. But it does have the possibility to teach complete noobs the basics of body position, balance and bike control. Something most people don't know a thing about. Particularly in an environment where there is next to no opportunity to ride in the dirt. Which is most people that start a RTW trip I reckon.
Interesting argument that you don't need a 21" front wheel for dirt riding. Since it's standard equipment for anything that is serious about riding the thing on the dirt. Not just a couple of green lanes between 500km of tar.
Personally I think this site and other sites supersede the AMHB. I took it with me on my first trip before I discovered this site. Now I don't any more.
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15 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten
Interesting argument that you don't need a 21" front wheel for dirt riding. Since it's standard equipment for anything that is serious about riding the thing on the dirt. Not just a couple of green lanes between 500km of tar.
Personally I think this site and other sites supersede the AMHB. I took it with me on my first trip before I discovered this site. Now I don't any more.
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Which is why the web has indeed superceded the books for really good info as you say. You say the bikes have 21-inch from wheels so they must be necessary, I say BMW R's and F's, Triumph Scramblers, the odd Harley, Suzuki GT's, Ted Simons Triumph, Enfields all managed just fine on 19-inch and 21-inch is meant for blokes who ride in small circles at the weekend just to see who can go nowhere the quickest. Sure knobblies really really help and 21-inch is the standard MX spec so the choice is greater. If you write the book the reader (assuming they take the writen word as fact) buys an oversize MX bike and tries to make it suitable for the 500Km of tarmac, if I write it they might start from the other direction. (If an actors ghost writer wrote it they head for the BMW show room   ). If we both post here they get both points of view and decide what suits best.
There is still something nice about paper that laptops don't have though. My limit for the net is less that the battery life on the lappie. I can spend whole days with a book and the radio and come out feeling more relaxed. Maybe electronic readers will be a half way house?
Andy
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15 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
Which is why the web has indeed superceded the books for really good info as you say. You say the bikes have 21-inch from wheels so they must be necessary, I say BMW R's and F's, Triumph Scramblers, the odd Harley, Suzuki GT's, Ted Simons Triumph, Enfields all managed just fine on 19-inch and 21-inch is meant for blokes who ride in small circles at the weekend just to see who can go nowhere the quickest. Sure knobblies really really help and 21-inch is the standard MX spec so the choice is greater. If you write the book the reader (assuming they take the writen word as fact) buys an oversize MX bike and tries to make it suitable for the 500Km of tarmac, if I write it they might start from the other direction. (If an actors ghost writer wrote it they head for the BMW show room ). If we both post here they get both points of view and decide what suits best.
There is still something nice about paper that laptops don't have though. My limit for the net is less that the battery life on the lappie. I can spend whole days with a book and the radio and come out feeling more relaxed. Maybe electronic readers will be a half way house?
Andy |
It depend on your needs, but it seems to me that your idea of dirt it different from my idea of dirt. I wouldn't want to take a bike with a 19" designed for my back yard if all engineers in the biz design them with 21". 'Getting by' is not what I'm looking for if there is a good alternative.
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16 Jul 2010
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As a newbie rider, I really got the AMH as inspiration - the mix of practical advice and anecdotes/riders' stories is the perfect introduction to the whole world of adventure motorcycling, I think, and unlike the internet, I can carry it around all the time in my rucksack! I'm sure I'll outgrow it in favour of other sources of infoas time goes on, but as a book to inspire, excite and ignite dreams, it's pretty damn good, I'd say!
Jeanie
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16 Jul 2010
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Cough, Cough. Who's that good looking bloke on the front cover chatting up the local Shielas? I bet they thought he was sooooo handsome  Balls of steel too, I bet. 
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16 Jul 2010
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Yes, that book is a good place to start and a good read 
I'm waiting for someone to come out with a book that you can jack your bike up on!
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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.
"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™ 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!
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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.
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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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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