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
  #46  
Old 9 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
another bike you might like to check out for the lady, is a Kawasaki KLE500.
I know they can have their seats lowered, and they are robust. I have a friend with one, and he swears by it.
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 10 Feb 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
The KLE500 is another bike we never got in the US but I've seen them all over Europe and in the UK. Great bike if not a bit heavy. It uses the SAME motor as the Ninja 500 (ZZR500) mentioned earlier in this thread.

I met a British woman touring on one in Italy. She was tiny and having the time of her life. It was lowered, she was about 5'2" or so and the bike was fully loaded up.
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 28 Mar 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vienna
Posts: 43
been MIA for a while but I've been busy...

I ended up buying one of the German Military KTMs... unfortunately there is not a heap of them on the market so they hold thier price better than I was hoping, but with all the kit it comes with and for being a 4 year old bike it is still a good deal (i think).

I haven"t had a chance to get on it for a proper ride yet thanks to the crappy weather, but as soon as i do I will give you all an update.

Thanks to everyone who helped with advice on here!
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 28 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
What you need is three of these. but fit the low seat (720mm) to the one for the lady and standard dual seats to the other two (saving money).
If you wish you can have 21" front wheel but I would avoid that so you only need one tyre and tube size.

You can buy 22 liters ( 400 miles range) tanks for about £150 from Price parts ( you could probably rent something similar or do a buy back deal with him.
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 6 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vienna
Posts: 43
what is that ?

PS had a 5 hr ride on the KTM Military bike this weekend... so far happy with it... It certainly vibrates tho, which people chalk up to it being a 1 cylinder... It is also noticeably less stable when zipping around the autobahn at 120kmph+

The guy I bought it from recommended cruising between 80 and 100...

Whilst the seat is comfy enough.. after 2 or 3 hrs in the saddle I was already thinking how I could make it more comfy... any ideas guys?

Oh & the hand heaters have 2 settings... uncomfortably hot and is it on? so you just toggle through them...
Reply With Quote
  #51  
Old 6 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vienna
Posts: 43
oh, and as far as height... I am 5' 8" and can flat foot it fine... not a lot of extra room tho...

But the shorter lady can't even tip toe it...
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 24 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vienna
Posts: 43
thread revival & update...

I ended up buying a KTM LC4 Military... that i am still "getting to know" to put it nicely.

The Shorty lady is in the process of getting her license & I am back to the drawing board of what bike to get her.

So far the ones I have "narrowed" it down to are pre 2000 model DR's, XT's, GPZ (ninja's) KLE's and the Honda XL(R)...

I think most of these I will have to lower... but what does lowering a bike really mean???

How do you do it (other than buying a thiner seat)?

And for the above bikes how much would it cost to lower ?
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
Ultraseal - just one doubt remains... sadoblazo Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 8 30 Apr 2007 18:04
3Aj doubt NCR Yamaha Tech 3 1 Mar 2004 16:44

 
 

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 10:56.