Global Rescue is the premier provider of medical, security and evacuation services worldwide and is the only company that will come to you, wherever you are, and evacuate you to your home hospital of choice. Additionally, Global Rescue places no restrictions on country of citizenship - all nationalities are eligible to sign-up!
Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!
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 such as this one (18 this year!); 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, the HUBB or
to receive the e-zine. 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.
Dreaming of a motorcycle trip to distant climes? This section will help you to plan your trip, whether it's to the next state, country or all the way around the world! Start here!
The Achievable Dream 5-part series - the definitive guide on DVD for planning your motorcycle adventure. Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
You could just get on a plane with your credit card and passport and buy or rent everything you need when you get there. That includes the bike, riding gear, etc. etc.
Gear Up! is a 2-DVD set, 6 hours! Which bike is right for me? How do I prepare the bike? What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers! "This DVD will save you a fortune!"See the trailer here!
So you've done it - got inspired, planned your trip, packed your stuff and you're on the road! This section is about staying healthy, happy and secure on your motorcycle adventure. And crossing borders, war zones or oceans!
On the Road! is 5.5 hours of the tips and advice you need to help you cross borders, break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies. "Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Tire Changing!Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
With an HU blog, you'll get a lot more readers than in some obscure corner of the web, it's all set to go, no setup required, and it's free! Request your blog here!
700+ HU Communities in 109 countries! People who want to meet travellers - yes that's YOU - and can provide local assistance, and may be your new best friends!
Make a Difference Tips on fundraising or donating time and energy to a cause.
After the big trip - Was the trip the best - or worst - thing you ever did?
Resources and Links
Horizons Unlimited Presents!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
"It has me all fired up to go out on my own adventure!" See the trailer here!
Meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or Africa or across Asia! They will encourage you, share their experiences and advice on how to do it!
We're not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown a hobby into a full time job and a labour of love.
When you decide to become a Member, it helps directly support the site. You get additional privileges on the HUBB, access to the Members Private Store, and more to come as we roll out new systems. Of course, you get our sincere thanks, good karma and knowing you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. :-)
All contributions are gratefully appreciated and will be acknowledged.
T-shirts, Calendars, Stickers
T-shirtsCotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the Horizons Unlimited logo on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Calendars Featuring the 13 winning photos from the Horizons Unlimited annual motorcycle travel photo contest!
World Map Sticker for PanniersShow your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Travel BooksMotorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
DVDs - Watch and Learn!
Horizons Unlimited presents!
Achievable Dream The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour DVD series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to DVD!" MCN UK.
Collectors Box SetAll 5 DVDs with a custom printed slip case. "The series is 'free' because the tips and advice will save much more than you spend on buying the DVD's."
Road Heroes - NEW series! "Inspiring and hilarious!"
Advertisers- Horizons Unlimited is well-established as the first source of reliable, unbiased information on all aspects of motorcycle travel.
We reach a dedicated, worldwide group of real travellers, and are the only website focusing exclusively on long distance motorcycle travellers.
If you sell motorcycles or motorcycle accessories, riding gear, camping equipment and clothing, transport motorcycles, organize motorcycle tours, or have motorcycles to rent, you should be advertising with us!
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.
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Last year I was traveling in South America with my F800GS. Personally I was very happy with the bike. I'd take it on another trip any time, although I'd upgrade at least the rims & hubs and probably suspension too. Also I wouldn't mind if I could shed a couple of pounds which proves to be difficult though.
Anyway since that trip I have been inspired to do a RTW some time in the future. If I'd go just by myself I'd consider taking my current bike, but I'd like to take my girlfriend along with me. 2up is no option for us, so we need a second bike. I'd like us to ride the same bike for obvious reasons. Getting a second F800GS is no option though as it's too expensive and too high and heavy for my girlfriend (to be honest I find it difficult to put it on the center stand when fully loaded).
So after some research I was thinking in the line of DR 650 SE (maybe sell my 800 and get two of those instead) since it is the lighter bike, goes for a good price, has good reviews, and can be lowered easily. I'd do the most common upgrades (tank, suspension, seat, maybe rims). Couple of questions though.
- In Germany we can only buy them used as the current models are not being imported. What's the max mileage I should opt for? Bikes with 20-30k (kilometers not miles) go for about 2.500-3.000 Euros (before negotiating).
- Will it be a huge difference in regards to power compared to my BMW? It's basically half the horsepowers. Related to that question, would you recommend a big bore upgrade? How does that mess with the reliability of the bike?
- How big is the difference from fuel injection to carb? I quite liked the fact that with my BMW I could ride at any height without any significant powerloss for example.
- How much kilometers do you get per liter? Before and after a big bore upgrade? Question is which tank would be suitable and which one is over the top maybe (I think the biggest one would be the Safari). Fuel bladder could be an option.
- I yet have to aquire some mechanical skills... Is it an easy bike to get around with without any previous experience? Maintenance effort onroad compared to the BMW? Only thing we needed to take care of was with the BMW was tires and chain really and then the regular 10.000 kilometers check up.
- In regards to weight, I think it's about 40 kilograms less than the BMW, so is it reasonable to assume that when fully loaded I should be maybe just of 210, 220 kilograms maybe? Also with the big tank?
By the way I've also looked at comparable Hondas and Yamahas (don't like the KLR too much), but the Suzuki seems to be the easiest one to get a hold of for a reasonable price.
Thanks in advance for your input,
Thomas
How about an XT660R - You can lower them by 50mm - 220 mile range on OE tank - cheap in the EU - New tech compared to the aging DR - AND EVERY BIT AS TOUGH
17 Mar 2012
Is it an easy bike to get around with without any previous experience? Maintenance effort onroad compared to the BMW? Only thing we needed to take care of was with the BMW was tires and chain really and then the regular 10.000 kilometers check up.
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