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16 Jun 2013
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
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Quote:
Originally Posted by plainshorse
This is not the first tale of woe I have encountered in regard to the shortcomings of travelling using a vehicle loaded with state of the art electronics and I wonder why people put themselves in this vulnerable position. If, as readers surely do, you wish to travel to and in these places, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to use vehicles better suited to the task. That is a vehicle that is uncomplicated, that can be more easily repaired in the field either by the rider or by a local workshop; one that is not largely tied to being fixed by the manufacturer’s dealer network.
I cannot think of any reason for buying and using a modern high tech bike for adventure travel, unless you are doing it the Ewan and Charlie way. Can anyone enlighten me?
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Personally I've grown very tired of anyone taking a modern BMW on an "adventure" tour being compared to Ewan and Charlie. The fact is that properly prepped, and if you carry a couple of spare parts, these bikes are generally very reliable. Several years ago I was with a group riding from China to France; mainly R1200GS, a KTM and one old BMW (R800GSPD?). Guess which one was the only one to break down and have to be shipped home from Siberia? Yes, the GSPD, despite having parts shipped for it from Europe, etc.
I think more problems tend to come up if you take a new bike right off the showroom floor and haven't done any research to find out about known weaknesses to correct them prior to the trip.
I think its great that people want to take their 20 year old bikes around the world and certainly agree that there is no need to go out and buy a newer bike to do so. But on the other hand, if you're buying a bike for this kind of trip, I see no reason to limit the choice to something without FI, electronics, etc. Ultimately it is up to the individual to decide what is appropriate for them, is it not?
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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.
"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)

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(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
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