Hiii Magie, transalp is a nice versatile little bike, up to a lot of fun trips Dutch police used them in Amsterdam for a while, now they use the small Beee a hemsss. Kawa kle is also good, I am also looking for an off road midrange to use for certain trips. Was kinda looking at Tiger 800, may buy second hand in Ireland & leave it their. In Europe English will get you around no prob in most countries. In Arabic countries French is a good language. I speak a little French. But I always learn the basic Hallo, goodbye & thank you in the host countries language, write 'em down, works wonders. Am planning to go to south america, have bought a spanish language course on dvd mmmnnn it still in box I always carry a pocket dictionary for non european countries & spain. But a smile & a handshake will open doors. Dictionary handy for eating if you fussy eater I enjoyed her book immensely. You will meet like minded people on the road. Did quick blast on mourne coastal & mountain route in Aug.... was visiting ne sis .. brill. Anways Maggie keep the spirit up & it will all come together. Vince

Thank you all for the responses...great to see so many people taking the time to give advice! I will be in touch...

Cheers,
Cormac

I think Transalp may have been my second choice, over a Tiger 800, for a few reasons. It's much cheaper than a BMW 800GS/Tiger 800, it's a Honda, it looks good, lots of extras, lots of parts.

That said, I think we a spoilt for choice thesedays...I think just about can be used for touring if the will is there!

Hey...where are you starting from?

Hi.

Starting from St. John Newfoundland. Going Easy to West

Tom

Hi folks,

Same story here, i'm a 30 year old bloke from Southern England, have done a few trips on the bike around Germany, France and Italy, nothing further afield than that. I ride a KTM 990 Adventure, looking for new potential travel buddies, I work offshore so usually have 4 weeks off when i'm on my downtime. Currently planning a trip to ride to the Arctic Circle in Sweden or Finland next summer, prepared to do it solo but it's more fun with others to share the experience.

Andy

Hi Cormac,

One thing you need to bear in mind is once you start you're hooked!

I'm 29 and just back in Ireland after driving from Cork to Capetown with a buddy in a defender but what started me was an trip around 10 European countries in 2 weeks the previous year. Booked a ferry Wednesday and was cruising through france Sunday!

Had someone at home buy a Dr650 I spotted online while in capetown and she will hopefully carry me to Mongolia this summer.

My advice: Go! Wherever, whenever suits you.


Slán

Tadhg

Hey have a look for the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club and get on some of the forums like Xrv Ireland and you'll soon find like minded souls :-)

Hi Cormac,

I am in Dublin and looking to do some touring when I get the cash together.

I have been to a few HU meetings and they are incredible. They sustain my interest in travelling until I get out there myself.

I have a MZ Baggy and its the business. If you want to meet up for ride-outs give me a shout.

Niall

Hi credmond
I start with a few small rides outs in April first to west Scotland in April with some rough camping, then in May head to Ireland for a long weekend stay near Moira, I tend to eat in the tannery don't no if you no the place, I sometimes go it along or a friend of mine comes along, if you are interested I can keep you posted and I don't mind the company, haven't decided whats on offer for next year as I've do a lot of Europe may do something diffrent
I've just posted a tour from England to magadan for 2015 have a look to see if this is something that would interest you
Thanks graham

Hey CodingRobot,

I am also working until mid-2014 to save money for my RTW. I am 24, live in Quebec, Canada and also an engineer.
I feel the same way about finding likeminded people who are willing to leave for a year.
I am interested in travelling through North/Central/South America, South-East Asia, Middle East... My route is not defined yet and I am willing to adapt to someone else.
I am looking for a good friend with who I can really live the experience to the maximum.
Please let me know if you are interested!

Hi all,
My names Simon most people call me Sy and I've just joined after chancing this site, reading some threads, and gaining inspiration from you all.
After ten years of owning a bike licence and never actually owning a bike, I thought I'd do something about it, therefor looking to do a tour to Scotland,the Lake District then go on to the Hubb Meeting next Year.
I've started buying some gear, be prepared dib dib dib, as yet still in the process of buying the bike.
I would like to share this experience with fellow riders for 2-3 weeks.
Thanks
Sy http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...es/mchappy.gif

Hi Credmond.

Just noticed your thread. Im a 26 year old lad from N.Ireland (Armagh). I am keen to take off somewhere and have a bit of an adventure and even more craic.

If you ever get round to making plans or you get the notion of being spontaneous and heading off somewhere let me know. I would be up for heading off.

Let me know if you're interesting in organising something sometime.

Stefan

I'm 23 and from central Scotland also interested. Not much of an off-road guy though.

Hi,
I have ridden to and from India twice in the 70's. No long haul since then just 2-3 weeks touring around Europe most years.

I retire in March 2016 and am already planning a long haul trip. My wife has given me a year off to 'get it out of my system'.

Originally wanted to go to Cape Town but feel, travelling alone, although I know I would meet up with other travellers, a little daunting due to some of the political unrest in quite a bit of Africa.

Could return to India again via China but not sure.Need an adventure not a holiday.

Best option I have come up with so far is to ship a bike to Canada then up to Alaska, USA and down through South America..Shipping cost quite high so have also been looking at purchasing something like a KLR 650 in Canada / USA and going from there.

At present all is 'open' except the date. Have to work till March 2016, then I'm free.

I have two prepared touring bikes here in the UK ( London) (i) Suzuki DR350 and a (ii) Yamaha ttr600.
Like the 350 best as I will be 64 when I start off and it's easier lifting up a laden 350 than the larger bikes. mechanically it can also be repaired on the road side in most instances. With larger fuel tank the fuel range is about 300. miles, sufficient for most road trips.

Open to discussion and may meet up on route somewhere if your going my way.

Best of luck with you plans.
Lushy 58