Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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 Dec 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: N.Ireland
Posts: 3
1st bike dilema

Hi all, just a bit of advice needed regarding a 1st bike please.

Was thinking of a GS1200, but with having to be restricted to 33bhp i realised that would be a bad move. So, was thinking of a 3-4 yr old GS650, just to "learn the ropes" before getting onto the bigger machine in 2 years time.

any advice, opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Dec 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
If you are not prepared/able to do the direct access test, then you would be much better off with a bike that was designed with 33bhp in mind, 350 single enduro style. do two years on that (with the cheaper insurance!) get your offroad/onroad experience without worrying about damaging a valuable big bike, then sell it for not much more than you paid for it and with the experience gained you will be more equiped to decide on the big bike you fancy.
there are a stack of 250/350 thumpers in your category. a restricted 650 will be a nightmare slug on the road. they were designed to be used with 50bhp.
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 138

just get a cheap one so you don't care about droping it.
after those years keep it for fun and the real nasty stuf
__________________
I’m not afraid to go fast, it’s the crash and burn part that sucks.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Dec 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
It would certainly be possible to do some adventure touring on a small thumper, with good prep and some serious seat padding. (unless you have a long narrow posteria) I use a c90, bikes don't get any slower, and I get to see the scenery. indeed, somedays In a strong headwind I suspect the scenery is overtaking me...
small enduro's tend to be very well madel, and cheap to fuel and run.
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Dec 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: N.Ireland
Posts: 3
thanks for the comments fellas
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Dec 2006
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Smaller IS better

I say get the smallest bike you can find, even down to 125cc. Maybe you can even find one for less than the cost of the depreciation you would get, rolling a new bike out a dealers door. I have taught many people to ride, and I have 35 bikes in my collection, from 50cc to 1000cc, and they all found the 50cc bikes by far the best way to learn skills and, more importantly, gain confidence. While I have done many long trips on 50cc bikes, I know it's not for everyone and everywhere. 3 to 6 months on a small bike will save you money and probably skin in the short, meduim and long term. There is absolutley nothing like feeling you are in charge of the bike at all times. That's why of the three bikes I race (Suzuki GP100, Honda CB500, BMW F650) the GP100 is the most fun. I can throw it around, launch off concrete curbs, bang elbows, slide it all over the place and generally be a very silly bastard on it and it very seldom bites me in the arse.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

--"Ride Tall, Ride Small"--
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Dec 2006
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Your best bet is probably to try and get a good, used Honda CB500. They're easily restricted if it hasn't been done already. They're reliable, not too pricey and handle well. You should find it big enough to ride comfortably over longer distances, but not too heavy around town.
Anything bigger would be a waste of money, and smaller bikes like the DR350, while fun round town, won't be as good for longer trips.
You could also consider a Kawa GPZ500, or the Suzuki GS500, although it may be harder to find one in good condition.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin280
Hi all, just a bit of advice needed regarding a 1st bike please.any advice, opinions welcome.
Thanks in advance
if you are just learning...get a small-ish (250-350) dual sport (new term...we just called them dirt bikes) and learn your stuff in the dirt. falls don't hurt when you're laughing, and all the best training off camber, slides and such become second nature when it's in the line of fun...which translates into reflex, skill, and control when you apply that to the road...you still have to watch for cell phone idiots and deer, but gravel, wet, sand, potholes, speed bumps, jumps and such become readily tucked under your belt.

in my 54 years, I've seen countless egos swagger off on blood and guts monster bikes that are way over their ability,,, to end in unexpected deaths...and people standing around with flowers saying "at least he died doing what he loved"...BS...the truth is the fool bit off more than he could chew.

IMHO the highest level of motorcycle skill is trials...it's about balance and control more than speed.
check these out:
http://www.gasgas.com/bikes/index.shtml
the bike may not look like much, but you'll not find any pretenders riding these. you don't have to go that extreme, but that's where the real skill is.

I strongly urge you to develop skills before putting the cart before the horse.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: N.Ireland
Posts: 3
ok, good or bad move. Bought a 125 Honda Varadero.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Jan 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up Well Done!

Damn fine choice in my opinion! Now ride the wheels off it.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

--"Ride Tall, Ride Small"--
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Troy,Oregon,USA
Posts: 8
Great decision

As Nigel says small can be a lot of fun, and is certainly great for learning. Don't be afraid to take long trips on the 125 either. Many years ago I went all over East Africa on a DT 125, beside a guy riding a 175. Take your time and enjoy
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Denmark
Posts: 55
Please share your thoughts on the bike when you've had some time riding it. I often read the advice that small is good (and I have afeeling that it's good advice), but most people just buy "big" bikes from the start. So it will be intereting to hear what you think! Happy riding!
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Customs impounded Bike in Argentina skip SOUTH AMERICA 11 30 Nov 2006 16:17
Buying a bike in America kitcross Trip Transport 2 19 Feb 2006 02:52
Clearing bike at Buenos Aires Airport Fritz Trip Paperwork 2 3 Nov 2005 05:48
UK citizen on Australian bike to NZ & S America ribspare Trip Paperwork 7 11 Mar 2005 14:27
Bike missionary to Hungary needs information. TresMon Make a Difference 3 26 Feb 2005 19:59

 
 

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 20:34.