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



Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By zandesiro
  • 2 Post By Oo-SEB-oO
  • 1 Post By Snoah
  • 1 Post By Snoah

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 136
Transalp on the Pamir Hwy?

Anyone done the Pamir recently?

Would a transalp be suitable or should I got for something more like a dr650?

Keeping in mind I'll be doing 10000-12000 ks mainly on the bitumen.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
A significant portion of the Pamir highway is paved so you could do it on a transalp. However, I think a DR is better suited. There are many places to explore along the pamir highway that take you of the main paved route. The southern route along the Wahkin corridor/Afghanistan/pamir river is a must see. This is more technical riding and you will be happy to be on a lighter bike.

I rode it on a KTM 690 and had a blast. But.. lighter is always better for adventure travel when the going gets tough. Don't let your bike limit your trip.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 277
I think you can do it, I did it with a BMW R 100GS PD.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Nov 2013
zandesiro's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Polygyros GR
Posts: 558
I made the same question with a different bike here....
__________________
3mountainsadventure
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
It depends on the riding you want to do. If you want to explore, you will be limited by a heavy bike.

My philosophy (shared by many experienced travelers):

Start with a light bike, pack light, soft bags, and choose your adventure. Don't let the bike dictate where you can go.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Nov 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
You can do the M41 on a chopper...

However, if you venture off that road, which I encourage you to do, you'll be able to do it without too much problems on a transalp if you know how to ride it and if you have some experience in light off road.

But I share Noah's reply, the more 'adventure' you want, the lighter th bike needs to be. But your question was about the Pamir Highway, and that's absolutely not a problem. You'll only maybe struggle between KG and TJ border as the road there can be shitty.
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oo-SEB-oO View Post
You can do the M41 on a chopper...

However, if you venture off that road, which I encourage you to do, you'll be able to do it without too much problems on a transalp if you know how to ride it and if you have some experience in light off road.

But I share Noah's reply, the more 'adventure' you want, the lighter th bike needs to be. But your question was about the Pamir Highway, and that's absolutely not a problem. You'll only maybe struggle between KG and TJ border as the road there can be shitty.
I agree. Between KG and TJ boarder can be bad (or good depending on your bike) But also between Kulub and Kalaikhum. There is ongoing construction with mud and some rocky river crossings. I went this way because I was told it is better then from Kalaikhum to Dushanbe on the 41.

On the 44 between Kulub and Kalaikhum in late May.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoah View Post
I agree. Between KG and TJ boarder can be bad (or good depending on your bike) But also between Kulub and Kalaikhum. There is ongoing construction with mud and some rocky river crossings. I went this way because I was told it is better then from Kalaikhum to Dushanbe on the 41.

On the 44 between Kulub and Kalaikhum in late May.
That looks cool! Not too worried if that's what it's like. Looks like fun! A decent rear tire will be all I need there.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daze55556 View Post
That looks cool! Not too worried if that's what it's like. Looks like fun! A decent rear tire will be all I need there.
It was clay crap. you will want a decent front also.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Nov 2013
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Some photos of a Transalp on the Pamir in 2012: Summer 2012 Central Asia and Mongolia All images Copyright C Bright
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Nov 2013
zandesiro's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Polygyros GR
Posts: 558
I found this photo.....


__________________
3mountainsadventure
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
Hagon Monoshock for Transalp (Netherlands) TobiasdeGraaf TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 4 Sep 2013 14:32
Pamir Hwy / Wakhan in November takeonafrica Northern and Central Asia 4 28 Aug 2013 09:59
Tajik visa & Pamir Hwy permit! Took about 30 min. Mehmet Zeki Avar Trip Paperwork 0 11 Jul 2012 23:38

 
 

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 20:05.