Where could I NOT go on a Sportsbike.

***Touring Ted*** · #1 26 Jun 2006

Currently iv got a ZX9R that i bought cheap but its in fantastic order. Well, looking at getting away for a good few weeks or even months but a 900cc Sports bike does limit me somewhat.

Ignoring issues like comfort and luggage, where would i struggle with a dedicated road bike ?

Im guessing most of Africa, Asia and South America eh ?? Unless I want to limit myself to motorways & freeways

Anyone done long distance on a sportsbike ?

**Grant Johnson** · #2 26 Jun 2006

Any paved road is easy, and there are LOADS more of those than you may think, even in Africa and South America.

And check out Sjaak Lucassen's story (links page) - he's on his second RTW - this time on an R1, first time on a Fireblade - it CAN be done!

**Mike Stone** · #3 27 Jun 2006

I disagree that any paved road is easy. Throughout Mexico there are topes, big speed bumps, and a lot of them in many areas. I would be concerned about trying to ride through Mexico on a bike with less than eight inches of ground clearance, which would include most sportbikes and many cruisers. Eight inches is not a hard and fast number, because suspension travel and how the bike is loaded are going to be factors, but it is probably a good rule of thumb.

Having said that: 1). I rode an FJ1200 throughout Mexico in '89. It was a mistake (though great for passing packs of slower traffic), and I wouldn't do it again. 2). I have seen a few new sportbikes recently riding in central Mexico, as well as some pretty low looking Harleys. I don't know how they are doing it, or if they are being very careful in selecting routes.

Keep in mind that the topes are often unmarked and can be in rural areas where you would not expect them. Hit one at 100+ kph on a bike with a six inch high chin spoiler protecting several 6-1/2 inch high exhaust headers, and it is gunna be ugly.

**yuma simon** · #4 11 Jul 2006

The sportbike is the perfect vehicle for rtw trips. Here's a video of one blowing by a US trooper at around 160 mph

http://www.sportbikez.net/video/40

Here is how to get through crowded city streets, in, I believe, Paris

http://www.sportbikez.net/video/81

And this is how to ride around Paris is you are truly pressed for time

http://www.sportbikez.net/video/5

Hope this compelling video evidence convinces you to try it on a sportbike.

**lee5500** · #5 11 Jul 2006

As far as Africa is concerned it is now possible to get from Europe to Bamako in Mali without having to leave pretty decent tarmac (other than 5km of piste at the Mauritanian border which, taken slow, is perfectly do-able). Very soon another new road will be completed in central Mali which means you could get all the way from Europe to Nigeria on tarmac - and not too bad tarmac either... food for thought?

**beddhist** · #6 11 Jul 2006

I wouldn't attempt to reach Ladakh on one, nor would I be keen to ride it in slow Asian traffic, but it has been done.

**muthaf9cka** · #7 12 Jul 2006

Toxteth. Sorry, couldn't resist.

***Touring Ted*** · #8 12 Jul 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by muthaf9cka

Toxteth. Sorry, couldn't resist.

You know.. Liverpool aint too bad these days. its had millions s[ent on redevelopment. There's obviosuly places I wouldnt walk alone at night but i reckon that even the worst places are a lot safer than some London neighbourhoods .

**muthaf9cka** · #9 12 Jul 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedmagnum

You know.. Liverpool aint too bad these days. its had millions s[ent on redevelopment. There's obviosuly places I wouldnt walk alone at night but i reckon that even the worst places are a lot safer than some London neighbourhoods .

I've no doubt that's true. I live and work around South East London and it's grim. You don't live here, it lives in you. I reckon if you can survive around here, downtown Baghdad would look easy.

The only advantage is that it's close to Dover.

***Touring Ted*** · #10 12 Jul 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by muthaf9cka

I've no doubt that's true. I live and work around South East London and it's grim. You don't live here, it lives in you. I reckon if you can survive around here, downtown Baghdad would look easy.

The only advantage is that it's close to Dover.

That is a bonus