Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Dream RTW bike? Dream RTW bike?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree25Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 6 1 23456
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Mar 2013
NYLon2000's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 95
Dream RTW bike?
If money wasn't a real issue, what bike would you take for a RTW trip?

Some criteria:
- 1 up
- 50,000km+
- Road and offroad riding

I'd need to be able to pick it up when i drop it, would still need to get it serviced / repaired, and can't afford to helicopter in spares, so lets not assume infinite money.

I'd go with a mid-weight BMW, or the KTM 990.

What would you pick?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYLon2000 View Post
If money wasn't a real issue, what bike would you take for a RTW trip?

Some criteria:
- 1 up
- 50,000km+
- Road and offroad riding

I'd need to be able to pick it up when i drop it, would still need to get it serviced / repaired, and can't afford to helicopter in spares, so lets not assume infinite money.

I'd go with a mid-weight BMW, or the KTM 990.

What would you pick?
Yamaha XT660Z or BMWF800GS or Suzuki V-Strom 650.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
If money wasn't an issue time wouldn't be either.

Enfield Bullet Diesel with no permanant luggage except the means to make tea, a bivvy bag and space for a collection of platinum credit cards and a tooth brush

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 28
Kawasaki W800 or .... Yamaha xt660z, awesome bike. And so perfect to go rtw.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Hypothetical question, for which I don't have an answer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock View Post
Yamaha XT660Z
Quote:
Originally Posted by thecoon View Post
.... Yamaha xt660z,
Awesome height - about 895mm seat height from memory (and not much lighter than, say, a BMW 1200GS).
Perhaps those folks who actually ride these particular XTs could state their inside leg measurement (inches or mm). I get vertigo when I try to sit on them.


I'll stick with whatever I own at the time, which changes regularly; a case of "so many bikes, so little time left". There again, the perfect bike has not been built as yet - if it has, then I haven't come across it.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Derby, UK
Posts: 119
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
(and not much lighter than, say, a BMW 1200GS)
Erm, right.
__________________
dashmoto.net
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Enfield
I'll second Andy ! Royal Enfield....but I would go for the new ones C5 for example & can carry heaps of stuff including your Misses to make that tea !!!!
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
I know it's not the best off-road bike and I know many people see it as bit of a boulevard cruiser, but for me right now, time and money unlimited it has to be a Triumph Scrambler, lightly tweaked, with a pair of Magadan panniers and a bedroll over the back



I don't want to get anywhere fast, nor conquer the Empty Quarter, I just want to feel the breeze, see the world and feel the rush of life around me and I figure I'm far less less alien on a dirty old Triumph, than a blinged up 1200GS.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 45
Honda XR650R or KTM 690 enduro, both with a larger tank and some solder to put light bags + a more comfy saddle would be the best RTW bike in my mind.

The ability to go really anywhere... and .
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
If money wasn't an issue time wouldn't be either.
So it'd be this:


Imagine how great it would be to find yourself riding around the world on something like this! To be able to do it!
In my dreams....

So that's my choice from the bikes I have. (I rode it Canada to Mexico, plus places in Europe. A Marinoni, built in Montreal)

But this has caught my eye now:


Frame built from bamboo, in Zambia - the new carbon-fibre!

And available in N. London.
Hmmmmm.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Last edited by McCrankpin; 20 Jan 2014 at 14:01.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Mar 2013
zandesiro's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Polygyros GR
Posts: 558
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock View Post
Yamaha XT660Z or BMWF800GS or Suzuki V-Strom 650.
I angree with you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NYLon2000 View Post
If money wasn't a real issue, what bike would you take for a RTW trip?

I'd go with a mid-weight BMW, or the KTM 990.

What would you pick?

In the old times that KTM doesn't have an electric starter one friend of mine told me once....................

KTM................KickTwentyMinutes!!!!
__________________
3mountainsadventure
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
For me the ultimate RTW bike would be a Honda GL150 tool.


Spares all over the world, plenty of power for most countries, an integrated rear-seat rack that is designed to carry huge loads. Big tank and awesome MPG.


Or my fantasy world, the XTW250

(no, that bike is not a production bike)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Quote:
Originally Posted by McCrankpin View Post
So it'd be this:


.
I am unfortunately not compatible with lycra! The GL150 looks good, bet I can't buy one in Europe though.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Mar 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
I think I'd build my own.

Start with a 650 single (XR, DR, or TTR) or Maybe push the boat out and go for a w650/800 twin and then build all the components around it.

Definately have to be twin shock with a shiny ally tank.

However I am perfectly happy with Roxy my ccm SR-40.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Kongsberg, Norway
Posts: 45
Want to say KTM690Enduro as what I've got (and a 530EXC), really fun to ride, plenty of power. low weight (135kg) and handles anything. BUT not sure about spare parts and though had no problems not sure I would trust it 100%?

But it's a brilliant bike for anything and only bike mentioned that will handle real offroad well. Still excellent road bike and normal service intervals.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 6 1 23456

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
HELP THIS NEWB DREAM BIG. Japan---->Portugal? RTW?!?! theoverman83 Route Planning 9 24 Dec 2012 09:40
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 03:38
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination SOUTH AMERICA 20 30 Oct 2009 17:02

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 12:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top