hi
Paul2129, I too have a dream of an idea to travel to Thailand and on to my son in NZ, via OZ. Realistically it cannot start until 2015. I have two small bikes, I've been trying out a honda innova 125, unfortunately my back knots up so long journeys are out on it, will have to use my other bike a '98 cb250. I will need to make a side pannier rack and some aluminum boxes. I'm based both in the uk and in the middle of France, we are trying to sell one or both houses at the moment, need to finish doing the french one up first. Knee operations have stopped my building work for the last year, thus there isn't the possibility of a long trip in the near future. Will be back in France 87250 after august 10, if anyone wants a place to overnight.

Ah, now it's a bit clearer :)

I'm no solo riding expert but I have done 3 EU trips on my own & spend most of my UK riding alone. I don't prefer it, it simply works out that way and I've learned to enjoy having "me" time.

Riding to Italy would be a great first time solo trip. If you are restricted on time there are auto trains which go to Italy & the cost may be worth arriving relaxed than with neck ache again.
Alternatively, consider going to Spain via the Portsmouth to Santander ferry. I did this last year and it was fantastic! The Picos mountains are wonderful and in easy reach of the ferry. Plenty of small-bike friendly roads to explore :)

There are many biker-friendly hotels, some with full garage facilities. Have a google & you'll find a few web sites that list them.

When are you thinking of going?

The original plan was in August, but my 185 mile ride on Sunday has caused me agony, I think I need to get back to the doctors !
When I told them that I only got the pain when I we t motorcycling, they simply told me to stop motorcycling ! Idiots !
One of the things I will try next is the lightest crash helmet I can lay my hands on. The Caberg Justissimo is no lightweight, and it must be helping the issue. The flip front is also weight biased towards the front, increasing neck strain

Hi I love your can-do attitude.

There are a number of guys travelling across continents on small bikes. One of my favourite is Nathan who travelled from Australia on a 125 postie without any preparation. A real biking hero.

What you want to avoid is long days in the saddle. Personally I like the sit up and beg position and don't want anything heavier than 200Kg when loaded. The smaller the weight the better. Your CG is great if it works for you. Around Europe you will be on good roads and a bigger machine is always nice, but once you are on smaller roads and tracks then the smallest bike wins hands down.

I would caution you on trying to travel too far in a short time. If you only have a week or two then anything beyond France maybe Spain is pushing it. The travel adage is whatever you were planning: half the distance and double the time.

If you do make it to Ireland for a week or so then I'd be up for taking a spin around the country and camping. (I'll be in France/Spain in early September though.)


The bike you have is the best one, so enjoy it. The bike won't be the problem, it will do whatever you want it to.

Enjoy.

Thanks for your advice and comments. It's amusing how people appear to judge bikes so much, they don't get to know anything outside of what the general consensus says. It shows how narrow minded some people are. I'm not suggesting that my way is the right way, just that I think people don't realise how capable that random alternatives to the Pan European and BMW GS can be. I stand by 'small capacity transport' even if most don't agree :)

Hey Paul
knowing that MX riders have access to neck braces, I did a brief google on neck support system & found 2 that may be of interested to you:
the first is simply extra padding but may offer extra comfort:
MADHEAD Neck Support

this one is a fully integrated system but not sure it's in production yet - perhaps you could ask Dainese to test one for them!
Dainese - Neck

I have a Caberg and it's probably one of the heaviest I've ever owned. A lighter helmet may help but it's doubtful.
Have you considered seeing a private osteotherapist? I had a very bad shoulder issue last year but my GP would only refer me to a physio who was beyond useless. After a 6 months of pain, I paid for private osteo treatment followed by 2 sessions of acupuncture & it seems to be fixed! :)

Good Luck!

Your advice is great ! Thank you so much. The neck brace looks like a good cheap temporary fix, but you're right about further treatment, and you're right that physio's can be a waste of time !

I'll certainly look into this

Thanks for taking the time to reply, very useful information :)


Paul