Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke
I think it comes down to one simple thing: money.
You have a young person fresh out of university, saddle them with student debt, and then tell them to get out into the work force and compete against boomers who can't really afford to take an early retirement.
Travel is expensive, even backpacking and camping out in a tent or staying in a hostel for any length of time is pricey.
When I was 20 or 30, I couldn't afford to take lengthy tours overseas - hell, at 50 I can barely afford it!
|
Experienced international motorcycle adventurers have probably encountered younger riders on the road and might be able to pass on how these youngsters created the time and money for motorcycle adventure travel.
If we discount the "trustafarians" and accept the example in "brclarke" post that current students/graduates might be in debt and not have a regular source of income, then task one might be suggest ways the young can finance motorcycle adventure travel while on the road.
Today, the young are driving camper vans and motorcycles internationally financed by web site or YouTube revenues, and/or product endorsements.
There is an old standby of legally buying a used bike in country, exploring that country while camping and fixing up the bike to legally sell for profit in the same country. Then, repeat the process in another country. After a year or two it is possible to have ridden many countries and to return "home" with money in pocket.
"Start up" money will be required, but just enough to buy one used motorcycle, food and shelter for a month or two. Each of us could select a worthy youngster and loan/grant the start up money. Perhaps that errant nephew, or that niece who is at loose ends, or even a daughter or son.
What a great education that youngster would have after a year or two of motorcycle travel. She/he would have learned to be self sufficient, frugal, learned priorities and common sense. They might even find temporary or a life work while on the road.
Developed countries offer free kitchens, free camping and even some health care. Third world countries are more challenging, but also less expensive.
Always check regulations and restrictions for "tourists" purchasing motorcycles.
Merhaba, to Mehmet, founder of this thread, thanks for your comments. We bought 2 new BMW G650gs in Spain and rode to Istanbul where one bike had starter problems and the other a blown gasket - but BMW Istanbul and a Turkish lawyer BMW rider Okun Beggu, whom we will never forget, came to our rescue, repaired both bikes and provided us 4 glorious nights at an upscale Istanbul hotel at no charge to us. We were speechless.
FYI, I graduated high school in Ankara as a diplo brat.