Where to start? - Horizons Unlimited

**peeko** · #1 3 Oct 2002

After many childhood moons of dreaming about getting my own road-bike, I'm finally getting my act together and looking for a bike. The grande plan is to do some touring in central america next summer...

However, my problem is that I really dont know what type of bike will meet my needs?

I'm 5'8", will be touring with a passenger, and am trying to spend under $3000 CDN on the bike. I have ridden dirt bikes for the past few years but have no road experience.

My main concerns are comfort (both passenger & rider), reliability and luggage carrying capacity.

Do you think my budget is unrealistic?

Any comments or suggestions would be gratefully appreciated as this is completely new territory for me.

Cheers!

**JohnZ** · #2 4 Oct 2002

I think the fact you are taking a passenger and luggage for two will limit your choice and put your budget at risk. No offence to your passenger, but with him/her and their kitchen sink you are adding some serious weight to the rear axle and, I presume, going to ride on bad and bumpy roads....not all bikes can handle that! You could start by working out how much weight will be on the bike and check which machines can handle this officially. All bikes have a maximum load figure. At a guess I think you may be in BMW/Pan European (Pacific Coast?) territory, and these bikes are rarely cheap.Others could include the Yamaha XJ900N Diversion and possibly the NTV 650 (Deauville ) or good old Transalp XL650V. These bikes get good reviews from owners and passengers, although I doubt if many of them have covered the distances you hope to travel! If there is one thing I can gaurantee you, it's that almost ALL of the luggage you intend to take as a first time traveller, can be left at home. Good hunting!

**peeko** · #3 10 Oct 2002

Thanx for the advice John,

The Yamaha XJ900N Diversion could be a possibility, although I havent seen many around, the NTV 650 (Deauville ) I know nothing about, and the Transalp XL650V isnt sold this side of the water.

However, there are lots of old hondas around, and one I looked at recently was a 78 CB750K. Any comments on this machine?

(I love the style!!)

Cheers

Peeko

**Hombre** · #4 24 Oct 2002

Hi Peeko,

I think you'd be alright with an CB750K. I've ridden from Seattle to Panama on a Yamaha XJ650 (shaft driven) two up partway and had no issues at all! In Central America most of the time you'll be on paved or gravel road, so a CB750K will do the job. the most important is to testdrive it with a passenger and make sure it's in sound condition.

One thing I found helpful, when riding 6-8 hours, is the good old sheepskin: it widens the sitting surface and soaks up the sweat !

I can only say, go for it, have fun and enjoy every moment

Hombre