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 26 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Devon
Posts: 8
London-CapeTown-his and hers- which bikes?

Is it possible that there is one bike to suit us both?

I'm 5ft4 and fairly novice but learning fast, he's 6ft4 and an accomplished rider.

Ideally we want the same bike - makes sense for parts I spose but what on earth can we get to suit us both. Perhaps this is not possible?

I have enough trouble picking up an unladen 250 after a day of riding! I know I'll get stronger and more capable but I don't think I could ever handle something as big as an Africa twin.

Cost of riding through each country can be much more expensive if you pick the wrong bike as I understand it?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.
Pol
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2008
charapashanperu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Huanuco, Peru, SA
Posts: 671
Stay on a 250

Pol,

You, with your novice level, would do good with a 250. Make it a REAL adventure and pack light and stay and eat where and with whom you meet along the way. Any greater than 250cc, and they start to get tall (or very heavy and only pavement worthy). When they are heavy, high, and with uneven ground underfoot, you will fall alot. One fall and your trip could be over...

I am 6-3 and an accomplished rider, but my son (17) and I took a 10,000 km trip around SA last summer on Honda XR250's. Around the Block 2007 | I would have preferred my Honda XR650L, but the 250 was more practical for the areas we would be riding thru.


CROSSING THE IGUAZU RIVER FROM BRAZIL INTO ARGENTINA

I would recommend the Yamaha TTR250, the Honda XR250, or the older Suzuki DR250 or even the DR350. The lowest (to the ground) one is the XR250L, and almost all the parts are the same as a similar year XR250R (for him).

Great luck on your trip,

Toby (charapa) Around the Block 2007 |
__________________
http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/
'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
1) don't take much stuff - less is more. If you have more that 3 changes of clothing you are over packed.

2) He carries the heavey stuff.

666) You will want to send stuff hpome - arange someone to receive the postage stuff before you go. Some of this will be stuff you over packed and don't need. Some of it will be photos etc.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
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
Capetown to London - September start The Cone of Silence Travellers Seeking Travellers 8 26 May 2006 00:54
shipping a 4X4 from Capetown to London aaestrad@hotmail.com Trip Transport 1 2 Aug 2003 18:39
capetown to London ash Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 17 Apr 2002 01:02
London to Capetown jezwilson Which Bike? 5 13 Feb 2002 19:09
Capetown to London ash Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 6 Feb 2002 01:35

 
 

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 09:44.