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 10 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Posts: 8
What sub £4500 bike should I use for riding to Asia 2up?

Hi there,
My partner and I are planning to ride overland through Turkey, Iran to India and then Thailand and Indonesia. We are travelling 2up so what bike would be best placed to take us there? We have a budget of £4000-4500. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bassett, Nebraska
Posts: 276
Hello NOLRCEG,

I am curious to know what NOLRCEG means? As to your question, most people with your budget prefer 660 Tenere, Africa Twin, BMW F650. You will be shipping it from India to Thailand, so smaller is cheaper. I just finished reading a ride report from a fellow who rode with his girlfriend from Beijing to Europe on a Yamaha YBR 125. It got great gas mileage and the fuel injection made crossing the passes in Tibet easier. So anything is possible I guess. Of course his girlfriend was Chinese and used to suffering in silence I imagine.

Cheers,
John Downs

__________________
Panama and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure - ADVrider
__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jun 2010
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
You really can do that journey on any bike you choose. I did it 33 years ago in reverse (from Australia to the UK), two up on a Yamaha RD350 2 cylinder 2 stroke - probably one of the most inappropriate bikes one could choose - but it did well and then took me down to South Africa solo.

My current travelling bike is a Suzuki AN 650 Burgman maxi scooter. It has taken me through the Australian desert and 2 years ago I rode it from Korea to Italy. I found this a very sensible choice as it is comfortable, has excellent weather protection, large luggage capacity, more than capable of handling high speed motorways and slow speed offroad and is very economical to run. My bike was 5 years old when I took it to Russia and you can easily pick up something similar for around £2000 in the Uk.

There are many options - all will do the job, dependent only on your specific riding preferences.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
As others have said you can do it on anything but when we did our UK to Cape Town trip 2 up, after several cramped touring holidays around Europe on smaller bikes, having a bike with sufficient space became the priority - we choose a BMW R100GS which seemed to be the only big/spacious trail bike available at the time. I'm 6'2" and not a stick insect and my wife is also quite tall so the space issue may have more important to us than others. The R100GS isn't perfect but we have tried other trail bikes XL 600, DR 650 and XTs of all shapes and sizes and they are all very cramped and dive fiercely when braking which, with an already slippery sloping seat that is too short, makes life hell for the pillion.

Just my view on things!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: aberdeen
Posts: 43
You can get the new style 660 tenere for around 4k now and they are a cracking bike so Iv heard but maybe a wee bit sluggish 2up, You would not go wrong with a Suzuki V-strom, I have the 650 version which has plenty of go and has a reputation for being bullit proof and will do 230miles on a tank easy enough, mine cost £3000 and is an 2007 with 7,000 miles. If the power of that is not enough then there is the 1000 version of the same bike, a little more thirsty on fuel but just as reliable and have plenty of go.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Chris
__________________
www.mainlyduesouth.com in support of the Colin McRae Vision
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Posts: 8
Thanks for your comments. I considered the v-strom as it seems like a lot of bike for the money but i heard the 1000 would be a better choice 2up and that as you say its a bit thirsty. I was also unsure about how well it would fair off-road.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Jun 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078
You mentioned setting off in October 2011. This might be too late in the year for getting through Eastern Turkey before the snows.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Posts: 8
Yes, that it a distinct possibility! We are going to try and leave the UK earlier if possible, perhaps last week of September.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
A bit long in the tooth and perhaps a little underpowered, but a late ('99 or so) Transalp 600 could be a great bike. It would cost a lot less than 4500. I'd guess about £2-2500 for a tidy one, if not less. That leaves lots of money for prep, and/or petrol money for the trip.

Less power than the DL650, and can't remember if it is heavier or not, but in it's favour it has a 21 inch front allowing for knobblier tyres if trails take your fancy. Will still cruise well, though.

I suspect economy on the Suzuki would be better thanks to the FI, but I don't know what tank size the 'Strom has so don't know about range. My early '93 TA600 will do about 55mpg on the open road, perhaps a bit more. Theoretically, that should equate to about 220 miles, give or take.

The only bike I have had extensive experience of 2-up was our late BMW R1150GS. Very comfy and capable with more than enough power for two. A decent tank range with a 24 litre tank, shaft drive, air/oil cooled boxer. Admittedly, not the most suspension travel and only a 19" front, but the wheels are spoked and yet tubeless too. Heavier, and less manageable in the dirt than the two above (although still very capable, if you're not trying to break speed records...), but on more open roads, it would have the edge over the smaller bikes, IMO. A tidy one would eat you budget whole, though!

£4500 is a nice, flexible budget, though: you should have LOTS of choice out there.

Sure, narrow/widen the list with other people's suggestions but, as always the best way is to test ride as much as you can!

Have fun: window shopping for bikes is great!!
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: aberdeen
Posts: 43
As I said i have the DL650 and I think she is ok off road.Well I think it is good enough for my trip which takes me through South America and includes a lot of gravel/sand.
the DL 1000 is in line with other 1l bikes on fuel, no worse and no better I guess. my mate rides a DL650 2up quite a lot and finds it has more than enough power, will happily cruise at 80-90mph.
Both bikes have 22l tanks and we were both getting 65mpg whilst cruising through the Alps last year.
i have never ridden an old transalp but Had a go on the new 700 and was 2 up over the course of a weekend and loved it... only has a 17l fuel tank thhough. Felt lighter than the strom off road but weights are same on paper.
Could you get a KTM 950 ADV for 4.5k? If so they are gorgeous bikes! I'd have one in a heart beat.
Chris
__________________
www.mainlyduesouth.com in support of the Colin McRae Vision
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Jun 2010
holodragon's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Back in Blighty
Posts: 171
Dl650

I have the K7 DL650 & it will do 55mpg
whether two up or solo,I got it so I could travel two up & it has so far (2 years of touring,12000 miles) done me proud,though I will be upgrading the suspension this year as it does struggle two up over uneven terrain,just do not get the Suzuki luggage as it is not great.
Andy
__________________
Andy L

From the midnight sun to the silk & rhubarb roads, 2014
I am not an adventure rider, just a biker that has adventures.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 13 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: aberdeen
Posts: 43
Hi Andy, does your K7 have the twin spark engine? I wonder if that is what makes the difference? as ours are a k5 and k6 single spark. Or maybe we were just cruising slower than youI did manage to get it down to 40 mpg on my was back from London, it was late at night and I sat at about 110 all the way home.
__________________
www.mainlyduesouth.com in support of the Colin McRae Vision
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Posts: 8
Thanks for your comments. The KTM 950 Adventure looks like a pretty solid machine too and seems to have good reviews. Has anyone got experience of riding it 2up on/off road on any lengthy trips?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Jun 2010
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
you should find quite a few answers in HU's own KTM section here or more in the KTM forum or read this

From blogs I have read, your bums will not thank you for that choice of saddle and the fuel pump is known to break. Strangely enough, just like beemers' all singing all dancin' F800GS
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
Best place to buy riding gear in Asia nealo Camping Equipment and all Clothing 5 17 Apr 2010 20:46
SE Asia riding buddy needed waterscm Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 26 Oct 2008 12:06
Youtube vids riding through Iran, Pakistan, India, SE Asia, Aus, NZ, etc parkie West and South Asia 8 17 Sep 2008 04:57
Youtube vids riding through Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, SE Asia, Aus, NZ, etc parkie Route Planning 2 24 Mar 2008 09:36
Riding partner? UK towards Asia for a year or so, spring 2008 nickthedesigner Travellers Seeking Travellers 18 7 Dec 2007 18:00

 
 

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 11:28.