Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SE Asia
Moving to Bali - Bike Questions Moving to Bali - Bike Questions
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
SE Asia Includes Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, plus Indonesia
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree12Likes
  • 2 Post By motoreiter
  • 2 Post By Snakeboy
  • 3 Post By PanEuropean
  • 1 Post By brclarke
  • 3 Post By Aussie_Gringo
  • 1 Post By Snakeboy

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Oct 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 8
Moving to Bali - Bike Questions
Hello,

I move to Bali in a few months on a retirement visa. Looking for recommendations on the best bike to get over there which has parts and service to get in reasonable time. Been there 7 times previously and have seen a zillion scooters and a few Harleys, considered the Street 750 but heard handling and ergonomics are a problem. I know what the traffic is like on Bali, still, I think around 750 cc size is right for me. Possible Africa Twin or Tenere 'm looking at and as well as an 883 Roadster. Any help is much appreciated. I'll be in Medewi, Negara, West Bali where traffic is much lighter than Denpasar. Thank for your help.

PS, I've ridden many scooters in Bali and a scooter for me will not work.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Mar 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Honestly a 750 seems like overkill for a place like Bali...seems to me a 250-400 bike might be better?

I usually ride a GS1200 but when I rode in Laos rented a 250 and really enjoyed it, and moreover was still the fastest thing on the road by a long way.

I've test-ridden the newish BMW 300 GS, like it, AFAIK there are several other good choices in that range.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Mar 2021
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
When I rode RTW I spent 11-12 days in Bali and I rode a Tenere 660 back then. But on Bali a friend lent me her Honda Vario 125 scooter, which happend to be a much better bike for Bali than the Tenere.

If I could choose whatever bike I wanted for Bali and Indonesia it would be something like a 250 cc bike. Anything more would be totally overkill.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Mar 2021
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,130
I agree with motoreiter and Snakeboy - you want something small and lightweight, certainly no bigger than 400 cc. Based on my experience in Indonesia, I suggest 250 cc.

Remember, traffic in Indonesia flows like schools of fish, not always on the roadway, you want something that is lightweight that you can easily maneuver around with no worries at all about tipping it over.

Also consider that parking is "anywhere and everywhere", and that other people may have to move your motorcycle a wee bit to get their scooter or moto in and out of a parking area. Indonesians are generally not built like Arnold Schwartznegger - could you imagine a small Indonesian person trying to move a litrebike? The bike would be left lying on its side.

Lastly, if you are retiring, that suggests that you are not young yourself. Be aware that motorcycles get heavier as you get older. When I bought my Honda ST 1100 new in 2001, I could easily manouver it around, it wasn't a heavy bike like a Gold Wing. 20 years later, now that I am retired, it is clear to me that my ST 1100 has gained several hundred pounds in weight, because now I have to be darn careful about not getting into situations that might cause the bike to tip over.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Feb 2022
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
I lived on Java for a year, and spent a week in Bali while there. I also think a 750 is overkill - as a couple of posters have said, a 250 would be plenty enough bike for Bali roads and traffic.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Mar 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 8
Thanks for the info
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
I lived on Java for a year, and spent a week in Bali while there. I also think a 750 is overkill - as a couple of posters have said, a 250 would be plenty enough bike for Bali roads and traffic.
Thanks for the replies. I ended up getting a new Yamaha XSR 155 set up for touring. The bike is easy to deal with an parts and shops are all over here.

BTW, with said bike I head out towards Sumatra from my home in Medewi, Bali with no time frame, schedule, or itinerary. Are there any suggestions for places to visit or avoid?

Further, Bali is now open with Visas On Arrival, and travel PCR tests between islands have been lifted as of TODAY. All vaccinations are required though including booster.

Further, further, hit me up if anyone is local or interested in checking Bali out...I've lived here a year now and love it.

Moving to Bali - Bike Questions-20220212_085929.jpg

Moving to Bali - Bike Questions-20220212_085918.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Mar 2022
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Thats looks like a great bike for touring around Indonesia. As you know speed is hardly ever above 60-70 km/h so no need for a big bike.

For Sumatra I suggest Lake Toba a crater lake at a certain altitude which has great climate and some tourist facilities at the village of Tuktuk.

Then there is Bukit Lawang, a small mountain settlement with a very modest tourist scene. Jungle trips with rafting and orangutang spotting was cool.

Banda Aceh - the northernmost province which was very hard hit by the 2004 tsunami. There is a huge tsunami museum and other spots to watch. And the road from Banda Aceh and south on the west coast is extremely nice!

Bukittingi and the road and ride to Padang was cool and also the ride from Padang to Lampung along the west coast. Never was the feeling of being lost and on an adventure higher than there during my RTW ride.

There are many other interesting places on Sumatra - I hope others can chime in with advice…
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Last edited by Snakeboy; 17 Mar 2022 at 05:15.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Apr 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
Thats looks like a great bike for touring around Indonesia. As you know speed is hardly ever above 60-70 km/h so no need for a big bike.

For Sumatra I suggest Lake Toba a crater lake at a certain altitude which has great climate and some tourist facilities at the village of Tuktuk.

Then there is Bukit Lawang, a small mountain settlement with a very modest tourist scene. Jungle trips with rafting and orangutang spotting was cool.

Banda Aceh - the northernmost province which was very hard hit by the 2004 tsunami. There is a huge tsunami museum and other spots to watch. And the road from Banda Aceh and south on the west coast is extremely nice!

Bukittingi and the road and ride to Padang was cool and also the ride from Padang to Lampung along the west coast. Never was the feeling of being lost and on an adventure higher than there during my RTW ride.

There are many other interesting places on Sumatra - I hope others can chime in with advice…
Leaving tomorrow if all goes as planned today. After research and speaking with locals, my planned route through Java and Sumatra has changed; too many reports of crime. I'm heading east instead towards Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The Java truck traffic between Denpasar and Jakarta has been a real problem for me, had this truck attempt to overtake me a few weeks ago and failed (location is West Bali).
Attached Thumbnails
Moving to Bali - Bike Questions-20220317_084556.jpg  

Moving to Bali - Bike Questions-20220420_152138.jpg  

Moving to Bali - Bike Questions-r-4-.jpg  

Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Apr 2022
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Lots of great places to see in Lombok, Sumbawa and Flores too so Im sure you will have a great trip that direction too.

Have a look at your fellow countryman Kotamarudus postings and maybe you can get in touch with him for more information and advices about travelling on those outer Indonesian islands. He is very well travelled around there. He also run a little guesthouse/homestay on Lombok.

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...aritime-101462

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...hook-up-101431
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Sep 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 1
Hi, when I went to Bali to visit friends, I used a Honda Vario 125 scooter. You would like this great bike because it has excellent handling and is very fast and light. I think this is what you need while in Bali because there are narrow roads there. And by the way, I ride this bike with my friends every year. Still, while I'm at home, I don't use it, and I keep it with the Sekamoving company(https://sekamoving.com/storage-space/). I think that soon, when I also move to another state or somewhere else, I will use the services of this moving and storage company.
Last edited by NowYouDoWhat1; 19 Sep 2022 at 10:40.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Ask a motorcycle thief bodii88 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 37 9 Oct 2020 11:25
Shipping a Bike Los Angeles to Denpasar Bali, Indonesia Aussie_Gringo Trip Transport 1 24 May 2019 23:41
Dili to Bali or Surabaya - bike share ColinD SE Asia 0 16 Jun 2017 05:12
Questions on Argentina/Uruguay Temp Import & Bike Storage in Buenos Aires/Montevideo arooni SOUTH AMERICA 23 10 Apr 2015 18:44
Insurance for one day for moving a bike in the UK Arch Trip Paperwork 1 29 Nov 2012 05:58

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 13:27.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top