Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Nov 2000
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 23
One Bike or Two?

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip round the world starting out next summer. We've just the very initial planning, buying books etc. and would appreciate your thoughts on starting the process, how much it costs, weather etc. I've never ridden a bike before although have been pillion quite alot!! I'm thinking of taking a direct access course so we can go on 2 bikes - more luggage space, more freedom etc. but wondered what people thought. Also any news on the China situation - would love to go but I understand you can't on the bike - is that still the case?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Lisa
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Nov 2000
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 1
Hi Lisa,

This is Sue. I have my own bike and want to ride through Europe, et al. I have also ridden, in one go, appx 20,000 miles in 4 months, "pillion"...and 24 yrs altogether. I can speak as a driver and I can speak as an extensive "pillion" rider. GET YOUR OWN BIKE. Not knocking pillion. When you are on the back and are really into the "ride", not daydreaming and freaking out at the smallest emergency move, it is pure heaven. Quite the journey/rush. Driving though, man, you'll regret not doing it on such an extensive trip. You'll fall in love with riding, get back home after eons, go for your license and then say "man, now I'm going to have to go back and do it right". They are such different worlds. Impossible to explain. Pillion is fun, driving is everything! You have to be a trooper though Lisa. I'm a strong woman and it's hard work...man or woman. Call it a "state of mind" because through heavy winds, rain, rough terrain, cold air, hours of vibration from the grips, on the defence 75% of the time on average, mental and physical drain that can be better than sex if you let it (!), Lisa, it's ALL good. Also know, the mental part you can't take a break from for a second. You have to love it to do it. And, you should go to a safety school course for a few days and test for your license with them. On top of that, you should have at least one season in as a driver before doing something like you are planning. Not to hang a damper on your plans but it's just not wise. I'm sure other experienced drivers would agree with me. Maybe you could take the course before you go and get your license and then take turns driving the bike when travelling. Once you have some mileage and skills "earned" you can rent one and drive your own. You can pretty much rent one to travel on anywhere. As for China, no info there. May your journey be full of magic and the wind be at your back.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Dec 2000
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
Sue has said it all ...get your bike :-))
don't underestimate the big advantage of having two bikes ....that makes possible to continue the trip even in case of an accident...or just makes possible to get fuel and save a night outside on the road ...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Dec 2000
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Matane, Quebec
Posts: 87
Hi Lisa

I have to say that we are going though much the same situation as you. I have completed a round the world trip, but would like to embark on another with my girlfriend. Our plan is to ride, next fall, from NZ Australia through SE Asia into China, MOngolia then Russia over to Alaska. My girlfriend is a new rider. I am trying to teach her to ride a small enduro 200cc where we live now. The process is slow and a bit frustrating as the learning curve is short and steep. We live in a small village where there are no paved streets or streetlights, actually we own the only motorcycles for at least a thousand miles. Anyway, after a short trip last summer two up on my Suzuki dr 600, she decided that passenger was not the way to go. I am worried about the conditions that we will encounter on the road. I am sure that it will be a trial for us both, but with big rewards. It was almost impossible to fit all of our gear on one bike, and trust me I am a minimalist when it comes to gear, and still be able to enjoy a good ride. Having two bikes we can distribute some of the weight more evenly (although at 5 feet 4 inches a big bike will not work for her)but I will carry 60-70% of the gear. In NZ We will look at buying a dual purpose around 250cc (maybe even 2 stroke) that is light enough and not too tall. She will start, on the road, in NZ. Which we figure will be a safe place to learn (good roads little traffic) and if this is successful, we will then send the bike or buy one in Australia and do much the same. If this works out well and we are both comfortable with her abilities, then we may be ready for SE Asia and all its crazy traffic. If things don't work out so well we will go two up through Asia and maybe try again with 2 bikes in China. The plans are a bit sketchy right now, but for the moment thats it. We think it is important that both of us share the adventure, and a good part of that is riding our own bikes and having the autonomy to do as we like. THere will be compromises, I like to ride at a good pace,and enjoy a good long wheelie every now and then, while she seems to enjoy a much more sedate pace and less challenging mileage. This may change with experience (although I will insist on doing wheelies)
We think we are making a good decision, but are open to all comments on the issue.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Dec 2000
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Townsville Queensland Australia
Posts: 14
To 'Lost1'
Perhaps an XT 225 Yamaha for your friend?. The bike is a 4 stroke with electric start and a seat height that is reasonably low. For long distance touring stay away from 2 Strokes, the maintenance will crash the budget. The only drawback with the xt is its fuel capacity (~200km). A change to the gearing at the rear wheel would reduce the revs at highway speeds and so the fuel consumption as well.
Good luck with your trip.
Cheers Ben.
__________________
Regards
Ben Wright
00-XT600E, 89-R100GS
Townsville Queensland Australia.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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


 
 

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 09:41.