Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > Welcome to HU
Welcome to HU New to the HUBB and Horizons Unlimited? Introduce yourself here! Get to know the denizens.
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 16 Aug 2006
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Posts: 86
New user. First post and first trip.

Hi Folks,

I thought I'd introduce myself.

I'm a Kiwi new to the Hubb and I've found it very useful already.

Planning a bit of a trip to Russia next year. Keen on your thoughts about bikes.

Would a KLR650, DR650 or XT600 be best?

So far I'm leaning towards the KLR, with it's large tank and slightly better luggage capability. Has anyone had any breakdown issues with the KLR? What are its weak points?

Also interested to know about Fuel in Siberia, between Vladivostok and Chita. Is it hard to come by?

Anyway if you're in New Zealand and need help with something let me know. If you don't need help we could still go for a cold or something. I'm always interested to hear other people’s stories first hand.

I'm also involved in club racing here, so if you're around and want to see some racing NZ style let me know.

Cheers,

Bartman.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Aug 2006
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
no problems

Any of the bikes are fine. You might need a couple of coke bottles of extra fuel for that stretch on the sukuzi or yamaha but its hardly a reason to choose another bike.

I know of plenty of guys who have crossed Russia on KLRs in recent years.

Try
http://www.endless-highway.info/toky...n/mcmillan.htm 2004)
or
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/AdrianScott/ (2005)
if you need some points of reference

Its a pretty major biking route now, and most of the traffic is headed from Europe to Vladivostok ... if you are going the other way, you should pass hundreds of bikes coming from west to east. They will be your best source for updated info along the way.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Aug 2006
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Thumbs up Xt600

Hi mate,
I can't comment on the DR or KLR, although I believe they're both good. I have a 2003 Yam XT600E though, so can comment on that!
I must say I've found it to be an awesome bike. It has plenty of power on normal and dirt roads, and enough for cruising fast enough, fully loaded on motorways. It's a solid, very reliable bike. It's relatively unsophisticated technology means that it is not only easier to fix for the owner but also for 3rd world mechanics, who won't be conversant with more advanced stuff. It will also (to quote Mr. Scott) "happily run on yak's piss".
I've crashed mine a couple of times, dropped it, run it on really rough roads fully loaded, and it just keeps going like it was born to that stuff.
There's also a decent amount of aftermarket kit available for it, including a 23 litre Acerbis tank which retails here for about £200.
You could do a lot worse than an XT.
Having said that, when I was buying the bike for my trip I just narrowed it down to 3 options (like you've done), in my case the XT, the BMW F650 and the Honda Transalp. I then went out with my money and an open mind and found that my best option for my money was a low mileage XT for sale in glasgow. It could easily have been one of the others. Assuming people with experience of the DR and the KLR confirm what I suspect, that they are also good bikes, I'd just go out and buy whichever one you can get the best deal on.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Moscow, Russia
Posts: 33
Good idea for the first trip!

Some questions:
how long r u going to spent in Russia?
you want just to cross it or make a trip all around?

Don't worry, there is no problems with fuel even near Chita! But those roads are very hard!
You can always ask for my help, and information about Russia.
I'm going to be in NZ in the end of November, looking forvard to meet you there!
Dmitry
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pennsylvania,USA
Posts: 107
Klr

If you decide on the KLR, I would advise that you replace the rear subframe with an aftermarket one and also the subframe bolts. The OEM subframe is not up to the challenge of a full kit on the rear and tough riding with said kit. Also, a fork brace and stainless steel brake lines. Maybe some auxillary lighting too. These sites below may be of some help.

www.dual-star.com
www.cycoactive.com
www.touratech.com
www.bajadesigns.com
www.happy-trail.com

Good luck and be safe.

Last edited by ct_miller13; 15 Sep 2006 at 20:33.
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 13:49.