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 28 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Norway
Posts: 47
Wonderbike

Hello all,
I was just thinking which bike would be most suitable for long distance travelling. Instead of going after a particular type, I would make up a list and see which bike is nearest.

1. Should have at least 50hp.
2. Four stroke.
3. Weight, max +-200kgs.
4. No chain, either belt or shaft. If not possible, the chain should be fully enclosed.
5. Large fuel tank or aftermarket tank available.
6. Good brakes.
7. Good reputation for reliability.

Ooops, this cancel out most bikes on the market.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Jun 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
You really don't want belt drive for any sort of overland travel. Stones catch easily between belt & pulley, snapped/chewed up belt is the result.

You have a reasonable chance of finding a chain & sprocket kit locally & no chance of finding a belt & pulley set.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 655
hello,

i would go next for a small jap 125 cc messenger bike !

10-15 hp, max speed 80km/h, chain, light, can go over 200 000 kms without problems, parts and competent mecanicians available everywhere + little luggage on it (for solo i mean).

maybe put better forks and suspension. road or mix road off road tyres, what you find locally :-)

cheap to buy, cheap CPD if needed, you re not always worried about you bike (getting stolen or whatever).

slowly but surely :-)

you look "simple, cheap" compared to a big metal mule bmw in the eyes of the "locals" :-)

or xr250 or same style/range.

(i was travelling before solo with a bmw r100gs pd)



[This message has been edited by vincent danna (edited 28 June 2005).]
__________________
--
Vincent Danna

* www.va-project.com
Sept 2008 - dec 2009 : Voyage et art contemporain en Amérique du sud.

* http://vincent.danna.free.fr/
2002 - 2004 : Un tour du monde en moto.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 391
Yeah, I agree. Fifty hp not needed. A robust 250 will do the job.

You don't really need a big tank either. The occasional jerry can fillup will do it. And small bikes get good milage.

I did my trip on a Transalp. Great for two-up, as I was half the time. But for one, something between 250 and 400 is just fine. Not highly tuned. I fear the XR range is wound a bit tight no?

There are a few bikes that fulfill these criteria: the DR350, KLR250, NX250, XT225.

Hardly what springs to mind when you say "wonderbike" and "round the world bike" now is it?

Why is this? Because the marketing men want to convince us that twenty thousand dollars of metal brings adventure cred. They spend tens of thousands on this deceit. And give away bikes to anyone who'll help spread it for them.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Jun 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 182
I would say reliability first definitely! 200kg on the weight is really heavy, no fun on difficult terrain. Especially if you add the weight of you luggage and the fuel in your extra large fuel tank! My next trip is going to be on a really small bike 200/250cc. Light and cheap, no need for power and high speed if you just want to enjoy the view and take it easy. I think it will be a completly different experience to the bigger bike on my last trip.

------------------
Africa Trip web journal
__________________
Africa Trips web journal
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Jun 2005
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally posted by Simon Kennedy:

Why is this? Because the marketing men want to convince us that twenty thousand dollars of metal brings adventure cred. They spend tens of thousands on this deceit. And give away bikes to anyone who'll help spread it for them.
Where can I sign up to get one? :-))
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Jun 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
Change your name to mr Iwan McGreggor,then go and tell BMW that you want to travel the world and that they're gonna give you a bike to do it on!

------------------
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Norman Oklahoma,USA
Posts: 34
An Aerosmith song comes to mind!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jun 2005
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Also see http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000182.html
ChrisB

------------------
TheBrightStuffDotCom
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
ive spotted a honda this year that i'd never heard of, it was at least 10yrs old, a large 750cc v-twin traily with shaft drive. apparently it was popular on the continent but not so much in UK (surprise surprise) so they gave it a rest for a few years then came out with the bike they thought we all wanted, the varadero.
if they'd developed the other bike then by now it would be giving the GSs a hard time?

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Jun 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
You're referring to the XLV750 - aircooled v-twin (52 degree?), red painted engine & an external oil filter mounted next to the base of the front cylinder. Shaft drive & drum rear brake & 20 litre tank (approx?)

Engine was originally developed from the RS750 Flat Tracker. I've been aware of them for years, saw one for the third time in the UK at last weekends HU meet.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
that was it steve, XLV750. with a bit of imagination and 10 years to play with, what would you have turned the bike into by now if you were mr. Honda?
i certainly wouldnt have come up with the varadero, although its a nice enough road bike.

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Jun 2005
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Maybe Mr Honda and Mr (or Ms?) Wonderbra should colaborate? They'd probably end up with an R-series Beemer...
ChrisB

------------------
TheBrightStuffDotCom
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 1 Jul 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Powys, Cymru, U.K.
Posts: 94
XLV750R........cracking bike.

I had one for a good few years and went all over on it. Road trips around Europe and many a dirty weekend trail riding around Wales. Alas, I sold it as the fuel tank was resembling a teabag and leaking from several places and requiring immense repair work.
It was originaly from Australia and was an extremely versatile bike.
I'd have another if they weren't all so old and knackered!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Norway
Posts: 47
Hello all,
thanks for excellent feedback! My post was not intended as a BMW ad. The reasons for my choices are the following:

1)50hp, been riding a Yam SR500 for years done 185000kms on it, it`s now been retired. Then I bought a "new" bike thinking about the SR`s strong and weak points. 33hp is in my opinion to little with two passengers and luggage.
The main roads in most of the world are suitable for relatively fast riding. 125cc and 10hp is boring and slow, bikes are about passion. Good enough perhaps on small jungle roads in Africa/Asia, but imagine cruising at 50km/h behind a large truck in the desert in Iran/Australia etc. and you don`t have the power to overturn it. If 125cc is dull at home it wouldn`t be more fun taking it along on the adventure of your life!

2)4 strokes, a personal choice really. Don`t like the smell and sound of two strokes.

3)Weight. No matter what bike you chose you need to bring tent, sleepingbags, tools etc.etc. A small bike, say 150kgs, handle worse than a 200kg bike with the same bagage and passenger load.

4)Chain. Adjusting the bloody thing every time it has rained (with luggage and sidestand), spraying it, bringing chainlube.
Try to get chainlube outside western countries. In addition to all that, the muck and gunge that sticks to your sidebags and everything else that you take into the tent etc. And driving in the desert or on non asphalt roads, you now have a machine element covered in grinding paste. Really! Spare me. No more chain for this dude! You could add a Scott oiler, but I believed that total loss lubrication was a theme of the 1920`es.

5),6) and 7 are obvious.

So what did I get? An R80GS (surprise) + a Moto Guzzi LeMans. But an NTV 650 engine in a dual purpose bike would have done nicely, or the XLV 750 or similar. Or of course the Monster S4 or MV Agusta Brutale, sometimes you need to compromise.

Regards
John
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


 
 

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 11:47.