to both how does August 2013 sound?
Based in London aswell.

It's already been hinted at by somebody, but there's no harm in saying it again.

Central asia/sibir/mongolia all can see some pretty cold and extreme weather, so definitely a good idea to ride there in the summer if you can be flexible with your timing. And think about the weather in Europe too. If you don't have too, I'm sure you'd prefer not to set off during the winter months or even early spring.

[QUOTE=zandesiro;405470].
My previous bike was the last of the Africa Twins, which we all know is the 750cc V - Twin.

The Varadero, as I understand it is the "next generation" Honda Africa Twin.
Just up'd the power from 750cc to 1000cc, like most of the other similar type bikes, BMW etc.
The Varadero will do every thing that the Africa Twin did.
The AT in reality was always a Tarmac and gravel trail type of bike.
Generally what is seen as 90% or so of all most peoples travels.
There isn't "that much very sandy" trails.
The Varadero will munch the tarmac miles with all the travel gear, in comfort. I am guessing long hours in the seat on a Varadero would be effortless, and still allow you to walk after a 500 mile ride "day ride"

The Varadero engine, is a "tried and tested" but bigger Africa twin engine, the VXR. Reliable, I am sure it will be.
Economical, for what it is, yes, sitting at 70 mph (125 km/h) for hours is going to use fuel, but you will also be covering big distances in comfort. 280 miles (450km) from a tank on tarmac.
Definatly the next bike I will buy for this sort of riding will be the Varadero.

vette

[QUOTE=uk_vette;405956]:thumbup1:

Hello Adrian: Are you thinking of including any of the stans in you route?
Also what bike are you going to take? This could potentially work!
katie

yes and Iran if time, but depends on visas at time.
using a klx250.....

My experience
 

I went through Mongolia by bike 2 years ago starting early May...got caught in 2 major white outs and a genuine sand storm. Temperature fluctuated between -10 and +30, sometimes in 1 hour! And I rode a Yamaha Serrow (230cc?) The bigger bikes got bogged down in sand while I just scooted over most of it. Just don't overload and take your time. 400cc seems about the right compromise between power / weight.

Here's a good contact: UlaanbatarMC's Mob:976 96650062, 976 96670062 T: 976 1135 8585, Email:hachiro_9(AT)yahoo(DOT)com N47 57'54.54 E106 53'25.81

webite here: ARKA MOTO SHOP: Welcome to ARKA MOTO SHOP

Very helpful for spares and routes as is Renee at Oasis

All the best and keep us informed as I'm itching to go again!

Great helpful hints .... I am looking at leaving 15th ish August 2013 or there abouts taking a 250 either going or coming back via Iran if anyone interested. 5-6. Weeks 350- 500 miles per day. Ade

:scared:

Blimey, mate!

I went round S America on a DR350 and couldn't have chosen a better bike but long runs on tarmac are a pain in the ass. However, for weight, reliability and simplicity they take some beating.
I'm a year behind you on this one, planning to leave early 2014 but will follow your progress with interest.
Good Luck!

Good luck to u 2, South America is fab, and mostly people so friendly and helpful in my experience. Ade

Hi Katie / Ade

Just to clarify i am actually still up for being involved in this trip. When i said my visa for Oz is activated in Feb 2013- i have a year to activate it in Oz which means i need to get there by Feb 2014. For me the later i leave the more money i will have basically.

I am hoping to do the Pamir Highway, i am not sure of the route, Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan doesnt sound or look too appealing. I want to keep the number of visas and hassle to a minimum but dont want to do a boring route through Russia- would love to go through Iran but wouldnt consider it on my own.

For me i am really open and flexible on what to do and it would be great for me find people to go with as my only worry at this stage is the safety aspect. Maybe we could meet up as we are all in London? I live in Crouch End.

Cheers, Adam

Sounds good to me maybe at the Ace or some other cafe ... open to suggestions. Pamir Highway looks bit iffy at moment but watch this space..same with Iran, and our sabre wheeling counterparts across the Atlantic may cause anyone to change there plans at the last minute.

These big miles are doable, but a lot will depend on favorable weather and good road conditions. Don't get too wedded to these big mile days though, you won't do them every day. I guess with a tight itinerary youdon't have much choice but to eat the miles but you don't want it to be at the expense of the trip.

My advice is to get through the boring bits as quickly as you can and then you can slow down and relax a bit through the better bits. Make an effort to stop and speak to the people, it's all too easy to get fixated on your odometer and the destination.

Bon Voyage beer

I would happily meet you both, if you have not met each other already.
Crouch end is fine for me, maybe make it a weekend?
thanks