Modify touring bike tyre? so can on off-road?

[ahkeong_m]

hi all

currently i am very doubted on which bike should be my choice for my 2008 RTW bike. I plan to buy the bike at beginning of 2007 so that i got time to get used to the bike and modify it if needed

my concern of my bike are:
- medium in cc. cos this will reduce my original country insurance and road tax (and surely my first cost)
- good fuel consumption
- comfortable for long journey
- may able for lightly off-road


thus after comparing, i have a bike in mind, Honda Super 4 CB400. this bike is very good looking, fuel saver, comfort and reliable.
Click on to see the pic
http://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/...ost&id=3285696


but the problem is there is no any body ever use it for RTW purpose. I may think of because it may not able for off-road riding. feel free to comment......

i am thinking of if i modify the tyre to some sort like dirt bike's tyre (may not as serious as them, just change the current to slightly offroad tyre), may it work for RTW?

I dont think i will go to seriuos off road journey but i know some time got no choice. Thus looking forward your guys construtive comment on the suitablility of CB400 for RTW and modification needed on CB400 inorder to make it robust

[beddhist]

You can go RTW without ever leaving tarmac. This looks like a 4 cylinder bike. If so, totally useless off the road, too heavy, suspension too little travel, engine characteristic unsuitable.

If you WANT to go off-road then buy a trail bike.

[Bill Ryder]

Hello Ahkeong G. I bet off road in Singapore means anything that isn't paved. A smaller 4 cylinder bike can be a nice ride on gravell and unimproved roads. You need to go a bit slower and not try to emulate a Baja racer. Also the "cool" factor is lower if you don't have a big tall dirt bike with enormous aluminum panniers. But hey it is all about the ride and the expierience now isn't it. Take all the advice and then make up your own mind. P.S. there are some dual purpose type tyres that will fit street bikes.

[htdb33]

I agree, it all depends on your definition of "off road". The original poster stated "lightly off road". I assume this means gravel/dirt roads. I think the Honda will be fine for this. Heck, most adventer tourers (GS, Tiger, Vstrom) wont handle much more.

Yankee Dog

[beat_]

just fit it with allroad tires and drive a bit slower and you'll be fine on unseald roads

[oldbmw]

This is more my personal preference than a definitive answer. but.. speaking from ignorance having never done a rtw trip, I would imagine a bike with a bit of torque at very low speeds could at time make riding much easier. dont think a small four is the right choice... for less money the kawasaki 500 twins ( klr and er5) seems a better bet. a low first gear that allows you to go at walking pace without usingthe clutch would be a definite bonus. Mind you I would be quite happy bimbling along at 50-60 on good roads in return for an easier time on bad ones.
but that is my personal choice. Try to borrow or somehow test ride a few bikes in a rtw mode.. ie laden and on a mix of roads and conditions. In the end you have to throw away the spec sheets, forget the numbers and go with what feels right. You are right in my opinion in trying to get range from efficiency rather than carry a barrel as a backup to the 45 litre tank some overlanders favour. they must be big strong lads

[ahkeong_m]

Originally Posted by beddhist

You can go RTW without ever leaving tarmac. This looks like a 4 cylinder bike. If so, totally useless off the road, too heavy, suspension too little travel, engine characteristic unsuitable.

If you WANT to go off-road then buy a trail bike.

i agree with you that most countries now are equiped with tarmac. I am not so eager for the off road, but RTW by getting through most of the world heritage and touring the world

[ahkeong_m]

or is that any body modify his bike from street/naked bike to become suitable for light off-road? kindly post out some suggestions

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by ahkeong_m

or is that any body modify his bike from street/naked bike to become suitable for light off-road? kindly post out some suggestions

Hi ,
I modified an old Yamaha XS 650 for gravel roads and mild off road .
My inspiration was the 1960s Triumph and BSA street scramblers .
I used Kenda 761 tyres ,which I find very good for a medium powered bike , any similar pattern tyre would be suitable .
I used some motocross style handlebars to give good leverage and control at slower speeds .The footpegs on the Yamaha are in a good position for standing up riding and did not need altering .
I put a larger sprocket on the rear to lower the overall gearing and give a slow first gear ,Also I carry the original small sprocket and can change back to that if I have a long stretch of paved roads to ride and need the higher speed.
I raised the seat by adding extra padding and used a sheepskin cover .
The exhaust system was modified to save weight and was raised slightly .
Mudguards [ fenders] were also raised slightly to give extra clearance , the front can be removed very easily in case of "clingy mud" .
Turn signals were relocated to avoid being damaged in the event of dropping the bike .
I don't see anything wrong with a 4 cylinder bike ,but I personally think a single or a twin would be better for long distance touring in remote places .
I think that the key to success would be to change the gearing and riding position so that slow speed riding would be more comfortable and controllable for you .

[goodwoodweirdo]

Just a question, why not go for a Honda Africa Twin ??? its ready out of the box...

Still they are very popular with everyday riders...

Its + to everything your looking for just fuel Consumpsion might be a - issue.

If you decide on a odd ball bike think about the equipment you'll need and if its not off the shelf then you'll have to have it all made...

[DAVSATO]

any bike should cope with a little gentle off road? by that i mean it depends on what your idea of offroad is?
my sportsbike can cope quite well with farm tracks and some unpaved roads, light green lanes etc. just not at any speed and ground clearance is the important thing, that plastic is expensive! you have to just take it easy, especially when its wet and try to avoid these places whenever you can.
also, you look a total jerk when you get overtaken by mountain bikers (and their kids)

[ahkeong_m]

Originally Posted by DAVSATO

any bike should cope with a little gentle off road? by that i mean it depends on what your idea of offroad is?
my sportsbike can cope quite well with farm tracks and some unpaved roads, light green lanes etc. just not at any speed and ground clearance is the important thing, that plastic is expensive! you have to just take it easy, especially when its wet and try to avoid these places whenever you can.
also, you look a total jerk when you get overtaken by mountain bikers (and their kids)

Davsa

yup, actually i am agree with you that all bike should not have too much different in performing in all sort of road condition. If we use the off road bike, it may not so well in the tarmac road; same to tour bike on off road. Even though the bike you ride is not the best choice on certain road condition, but it still may carry you to the destination.

I understand that Africa Twin is one of the best choice going for any road condition, but the motorbike first price, insurance, fuel cost and insurance just make me away from using it as my RTW partner.