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



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By anaconda moto
  • 1 Post By anaconda moto

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2012
Crusty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Herts, UK
Posts: 215
Bajaj Pulsar

Quick question folks:

Bajaj Pulsar 220. Cheap, fuel efficient, reliable way for two people to travel South America or idiotic, uncomfortable non-starter.

I hope for the former but expect the latter..!

Cheers.
__________________
Beware the dark, mechanical bird.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
My understanding is that Bajaj are decent, Kawasaki-influenced bikes, but dealer support in many areas outside of India is almost non-existent. What will you do for spare parts?
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Maybe they do nowadays sell them in some South American countries too? Just read somewhere an article about Bajaj, where this was claimed. Don´t know, if it´s actually true or not.

I believe the bike would tick all other boxes for the OP, but for going 2-up there are probably better options available. A little more room, weight-carrying ability, and engine grunt certainly would not hurt there. (Not saying it could not do it, though...)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Mar 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
If you look over on ADVrider, there's a lengthy report posted from a couple who rode 2-up from the USA to Chile on a older Ninja 250: the little Ninja did just fine, and at the end of the trip they sold it to a Chilean who is still riding it around. I'm sure you can do it on a Bajaj 220, but I do wonder about parts and dealer support.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Mar 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Bajaj is popular here in South America.
Parts everywhere,Cheap and reliable.
Suspension a bit hard.
Good size of motorbike for 2up.(for a small cc bike)
Top speed 135 kmph, . Cruizing at 90 kmph.

Good luck!
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Indonesia
Posts: 3
bajaj

i have had a bajaj pulsar 180i sport version for the last 5 years in indonesia. good for getting around town and cruising up and down the street with friends for a few hours, but i dont think that i would want to do serious miles on one. I have clocked 23,000km and the only time the bike left me stranded was when the original tubeless tires popped. other than that,it has always started and run fine. changed battery once and never an oil leak. easy to work on and cheap to get it serviced. i ride my bike like i stole it and it works well, at least for local driving. hope u have a nice trip
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Indonesia
Posts: 3
oops

forgot to add that with 2 people the rear shocks can get really spongy even if u put them at their highest setting. also the front shocks can go flat, but u just need to add a little hydrolic oil and it will firm them up.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Mar 2012
Crusty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Herts, UK
Posts: 215
Thanks guys, sounds possible then.

I didn't know they were available in South America until I saw one for sale on here. Got me thinking. I like the idea of a 'local' bike, much easier for parts etc and smaller bikes are so much cheaper for everything, means more time on the road..! That said, as there's two of us, I want to be sure it's physically big enough with enough puff to get us through the Andes. We're not in any hurry, got a year or so, but don't want to be dangerously underpowered or ridiculously cramped. Pecha, I hear what you're saying and if I decide against this, the other option would be a 650 v-strom, love your blog btw, so I might be back for some tips on that..!

I think the Pulsar has FI so it should be better at altitude and despite the 'sports' styling the riding position looks quite upright. They're not available here in the UK so I can't go look at one. Is there a comparable jap bike..?
__________________
Beware the dark, mechanical bird.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Mar 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Hola,
here in south America the Bajaj does not come with FI.
You have a fuel range of 500/550km on 1 tank.
Just make a strong rack for luggage.
The motor is good and has 22hp.Japanese bikes have better suspension,
but they always cost a lot more.

A second hand Honda Tornado cost about 2800dollar or more (in Ecuador)
(new 6400dollar)
A new xr125l about 3200dollar,but has a lot less power.
But i have seen people (not to big) 2up traveling on them,slow, but good suspension.

So if you are on a budget the Bajaj is really not a bad choice.
Always if you want better, just pay more $$$.
When you are traveling to South America ,just go to a shop
and see how you 2 are fitting on different bikes before making your choice.

Good luck!!
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
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
FOR SALE: 3 month old Baja Pulsar 180cc in Columbia mid Decmber $2,000 TerraTrekker SOUTH AMERICA 1 15 Nov 2011 16:45

 
 

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 12:08.