two-up travel?

[elefantman]

Thinking of shipping our Cagiva Elefant to Europe. No concrete plans on where we'd be going etc. yet but we're planning to work in a couple of countries and travel on the money.

What do people think of the idea of going two-up on this bike? In Australia it's no problem but maybe in the hectic traffic of other countries a fully luggaged two-up Elefant might be too much of an adventure.

We may be going on to Canada from Europe and don't know yet whether we'll continue down to South America and then maybe ship the bike on to Asia. I hear some countries require a huge bond on the bike which we're probably not going to be able to afford.

Any and all help appreciated, especially on the two-up issue!



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waz

[aukeboss]

Dear Elefantman,

Sometimes I really wonder what people from Aus and USA think of Europe. Let me inform you that most of us actually wear clothes and that we actually solve disagreements by discussion, ie. the wooden club is not very much in use anymore for that sort of thing.
Finding a nice piece of dirt for some offroad training is a real challenge in the larger part of Western Europe.
Traffic you will find fairly easygoing and disciplined in Europe. You might consider avoiding rush hour in the larger cities.

So, two-up on the bike in Europe: no panic!

As to the bonds required for import of the bike in a lot of countries: check elsewhere on this site, search for Carnet de Passage. Typically this document ties up abt. the current value of the vehicle. Differs per country.

Have a nice trip!
Auke

[mart]

Elefantman, you'll have no trouble riding in Europe two up. I'm from the UK and have been in quite a few european countries on bike two up or loaded up. It may be more hectic in places but at least they drive alot better than U.S. drivers(where I am now) who must be the worst I have ever seen. p.s. the last time I was on the continent traily type bikes like yours seem very popular for those nice mountain roads etc. You should see them everywhere. -In fact lots of bikes and people touring in the summer. p.p.s. If you are camping you'll find lots of excellent campsites epecially in my favourite touring place so far in Europe, which is France and the Alps. I reckon you'll love it and dont worry about two up stuff.



[This message has been edited by mart (edited 26 July 2001).]

[elefantman]

Thanks ... I suppose it's not the Europe part that concerns me the most. There are thoughts of a side-trip to Morocco and maybe making our way home thru Asia. The bureaucratic overhead might rule that out. Anyway it's all hypothetical at this stage. As I said, any and all advice ordered. PS I've just ordered the Adventure Motorcyling Handbook.

[dingofish]

G'day elefantman,
I'm an australian living in denmark at the moment (Newcastle NSW), have my trusty cagiva elefant 900ie with me (NSW rego) have just done a trip to Nordkapp and Murmansk, Russia. Riding in europe is no prob and 2 up not also, I passed a lot of different bikes heading for Nordkapp 2 up with enough freight strapped on to overload a Northern Territory "Road-Train". If getting off-road or in the sand you may want to re-evaluate the 2 up issue but all probs can be overcome, I'm only 5'4" and 67 kilo and have managed the elefant and a BMW R100GS P/D in almost every desert in outback Oz- Blast on!
p.s. if coming denmark way give me an OI! for a room and a VB!

[Chris Scott]

Verily Elephantman, your travels shall be blessed with the AMH in your pocket. It makes a great side stand pad
You can read Dingo's travel report (along with 202 others) here : http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/report/203.htm

Ch

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Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com

[elefantman]

Oh you shameless self-promoter Chris! Don't worry, I've already ordered a copy of your book as of a coupla days ago.

waz
elefantman@ozemail.com.au