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Advice for my first bike
Hey, guys, it's great to be here.
I've been interested in doing a big trip on a bike for a long time now, mainly because of my trips in cars across Europe, and I would love to head out on a bike soon. However, I've yet to ride a bike! I have no real knowledge of what I should be looking for, so any tips would be great. From browsing this and other forums, I've read lots of praise for Honda bikes. Are these the best? Because of funding, I would prefer to get one from 250cc to 600cc. Would I be better off with a small bike, as I'm not used to riding? I plan to head across Europe, sticking to the roads and then go across Africa. I'd love to travel all the way down to South Africa. I would definetly like to go across Asia at some point though, so I'm after a bike which will be able to do all of these. Any recommendations would be great! I'm not knowledgeable to ask any further questions, though I'm sure I'll make future threads. By the way, I'm loving reading all these amazing stories. Its been an idea that's stuck in my head for ages and coming on here and seeing all these fantastic pictures and tales? Every time I come on here, I act like a kid on Christmas Day. It's real pleasure to browse this wonderful forum. Thanks! |
As someone who also wants and is planning to do some big trips I can say that the wait, saving and planning can take a very long time. And the bike you might want for those trips might not be the best one for trips across Europe.
So right now I would choose a bike that you can hone your skills on (get too much too soon and your confidence and possibly your health will suffer!) and enjoy the local roads here and over the channel. Yes, Hondas are very good. There are bad ones, but there are also some excellent ones. Having said that the other bike manufacturers are also very good and make great bikes.... What would help is knowing what kind of bikes you like, what your budget is and if you have a full licence yet. O, and welcome to the board!! |
Welcomw to the forum...
Just a heads up for you... If you use the search function and type in "what bike, which bike etc", You will have more reading than you can digest in 2 lifetimes !! :) |
Thanks for your replies!
I think that's why I'd prefer a smaller bike. Something that I can handle and if I got knocked off a few times, it's ok, haha. I'd like to get the bike I want to travel on, to practice on too, you know? So I can really get the feel of it and, hopefully, head off as soon as possible. I like the look of the off road bikes. I think they look really cool and I'd like to get one of those. I really can't offer any more opinions on what bike I would like, though, as I'm so inexperienced with them! I'd like to spend under £1500. I can go over this but I'd prefer not too. The quality of the bike really isn't important, as long as it is reliable and relatively comfortable. I don't want any extras or fancy equipment. Two wheels and a reliable engine will suit me perfectly. I don't have any licenes yet, though I have looked into them. I've spent some time looking at the XR400 and XR250 on this site! So far, I'm impressed with the general opinion. The bike seems good, though if you guys have any other recommendations,I'd really like to take them on board. |
without putting the dampers on it all go do a DAS (direct Access bike test), before you do anything else.
Then decide the type of roads & bike you will be riding On or off road, bear in mind Enfield bullets are still used in India on/off road some off road bikes are un comfey where as a road bike is, a traditional sit up and beg position you may find more appealing. |
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First chink in the armour!! The XR is a great bike, but NOOOOOT comfortable!! If those are your criteria, then £1500 opens up a stack of options: Honda Transalp Honda XRs Honda Dominator Kawasaki KLR Kawasaki KLE Suzuki DRs Suzuki Freewind Yamaha 600 Tenere Yamaha Super tenere Yamaha TDM850 to name but a few. All are "offroad" styled, the TDM being most road biased and the XR least. Basically, what I'm saying is you'd be well advised to go and search through old threads and discussions as TT suggested above), research the pros and cons of various models on the net, even just decide which bike you like the look of. Then come back and ask for advice on a short list if you feel the need. But just to confuse things.: Honda CB-1, as a frist bike, would be great!!! One bike I really regret selling. |
Thanks a lot, everyone.
I've spent a lot of time reading about them and I think I'm going to go for a XR400. It's light enough for me and I'm going to be a nervous rider, so I'm not interested in doing big speeds. because it's lights, it seems like a good choice for the different terrains I'd like to go across. I just wonder though...I've seen a couple of ex-special forces XR400's on a website. Does anyone recommend them? Are they likely to be a good purchase because they're in my price range and they don't seem to have too many miles. It's definetly intrigued me but I'm not sure whether to go for it so soon or not. Thanks, everyone. |
XT600E... One of the best introduction to trail/overland bikes about !!
Simple, reliable, robust, cheap etc etc. |
I envy you starting off. Motorcycling is one of the best ways to waste the time you have left on this planet, enjoy it!
All of the bikes in that list look good. Take someone with you who knows a bit about bikes when you go (always a good idea even if you know about bikes, if only to avoid shiny bike syndrome!) Have fun out there! David |
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That's an interesting way to look at it! Haha Thanks a lot everyone. For now, I'll keep on doing my research but I'm glad I have a few models to compare. Cheers, everyone. |
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Hear hear !! Best line of the day !! lol |
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Ted has it right, IMHO. The XT is your best bet by far based on whats available and whats cheap and strong. Having owned and traveled a bit on a XR400, I would avoid this bike. If you were doing ALL OFF ROAD, then I'd say the XR400 would be OK. But really not a road bike. The XT will be much better. It's also cheap and bullet proof. Check out the Yamaha forum for a true education on these bikes. Many around in the UK, many already outfitted for travel. So pay a bit more and buy one that is all ready to go. Will save a packet doing it this way. Plus One on doing the rider training course FIRST! Then .... practice practice practice!! :thumbup1: |
Don't forget Sam Manicom pretty much took his test and headed off to Africa. Buy his book to see how he got on. :)
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Are you intimating that training is useless ... a waste of time? :innocent:
Just because a non motorcyclist used a motorcycle as a gimmick to make his writing marketable to make money, doesn't mean it's the best move for a new rider. Mr. Manicom never rode a bike in his life .... and suddenly he's an expert rider based on his books? How does that work? :cool4: Not that riding skills are unobtainable or hard to learn but there are one or two things that can be learned from a course or from an experienced teacher. Who knows .... might save your life! Manicom survived because he's lucky and made it down the road far enough to learn how to survive. Plenty don't survive. Training and practice merely improve ones odds and better prepare a rider for challenges once out in the wider world. To extrapolate ... one could say, "why take a test at all? Just go!" The British tiered licensing system in only valid in the UK. Once out of the country no one cares about your UK license. An Int. DL or passport usually is enough to get you by. I've never once been asked for my DL. Passport, bike papers is mostly what they want to see. |
Now step down from your soapbox and read what I actually wrote: "Sam took his test and headed to Africa. Buy his book to see how he got on."
I didn't say it was a great idea, or a stupid idea. I simply stated the fact he'd done it! Sheesh! :) |
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Thanks for more replies, everyone.
Why is the XT600E more suited to different types of terrain? Is it much different with the suspension and things or is it just a case of tyres? And I also wanted to ask, would you say it's a good idea to take a spare back tyre, maybe one suited to sand, if I'm planning to do a type of trip that covers different terrain? Right now, the trip I'm planning will be to southern Spain on roads and then into Africa, going across some sand and enjoying that continent before coming back up through Italy. Just to get used to it :P |
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I read and understood perfectly what you said. On the face of it it looks to me as a dismissal of the importance of training as put forward in other posts here. Sure, Manicom did it and many do the same as he did. IMHO, their idiots ... because not everyone is lucky ... or talented. But I would rebut that cavalier approach based on 45 years of riding experience. As an off the cuff "Well, you could just go ... " statement, its fine. I would only add a big "BUT" in there suggesting ... BUT training is not a bad idea. Cheers |
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And why others won't work for rough road/dirt road travel. The XT is a dual sport bike. These are pretty tough bikes built to take a hit and survive, have lots of ground clearance, are simple, economical and reliable and can carry a fair bit of gear. The more you read it will become clear. |
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Or maybe you are Sam Manicom's agent trying to boost sales of the book?:confused1: |
Not at all. I simply read the book and enjoyed it. So many people are terrified of just taking life by the scruff of the neck due to the cotton wool society we live in these days, so I found it refreshing to see someone had a dream and just went for it.
Sure you can take months to learn how to ride, take lots of expensive training sessions, read all the blogs on the internet and test ride a thousand bikes while asking for everyone's opinion. Or just pick a bike, any bike, and do it. You'll find out what works for you, and have an adventure while you're at it. Be it a Honda 125 or a 1200GSA. Did Helge take lots of training before he set off? Did Ted Simon? Sure seeking advice is very helpful, and this is the site to do it. But don't get harrassed into crossing every t and dotting every i. Life is for living, don't worry about those litigation obsessed folks! |
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Strong wooden box which was used for shipping soap, handy size for carrying, so it could be used to stand on whilst addressing the crowd, putting the world, or irresponsible bikers to rights.
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Yes, training is good but who's to say when a person has finally had enough training.
I would support someone getting off-road training, IAM training, survival training, if they chose to but I would also accept if they decided to just get up and go. I have no idea if the OP plans on following any training course or do a Helg/Ted/Sam and just up and go. I think either is OK. Whichever the OP plans to do, I think the bottom line is to give oneself pleeeenty of time to make the journey. Training or not, being in a rush is someting to avoid. |
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:oops2: to your comments on S. Manicom!!! Kinda wrong? And sorry - youre not right about the UK licence system. Try riding in the rest of the EU without one. :scooter: PS What's an "Int. Passport"? They're all international arent they? |
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But you are right abt UK licences - all of EU licences are now tiered in the same way; it's the reason the UK bike test is in 3 parts. Theory, practical part 1 and practical part 2. Part 1 is in purpose built test centres which allows testees to ride above the 30mph limit to 32mph which conforms to EU speed limits. But sheeesh - who cares. The Post Office will issue a full bike international driving licence (stamped by the AA) without even looking to see if a valid group A is on the UK plastic license. They have been told to issue a full licence, which includes all bikes..... |
Veering Wildly Off Topic Here Guys ...
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I'm not English but have driven/ridden in much of Europe. Never once asked for a drivers license, only passport. They would sometimes run the plate on my bike ... that was it. So you're saying Spanish, Polish or Swedish Police will all understand the intricacies of a UK Tiered driving license? I've seen one up close and couldn't even read the frikin thing, print too small :biggrin3:... made no sense to me and I more of less understand English. I guess all the Euro police get special seminars by Interpol on how to read and decipher a British license.:stupid: |
try keep if friendly guys :) we're just trying to help each other :nono:
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If you've ever talked to Sam, you will realise hes a very down to earth, humble bloke..
I've read his books and I like them. As far as I know, he never rode a motorcycle before his trips. Nowhere does he proclaim himself a a good rider and I think he was very nervous about the whole thing. Was using a bike a gimmick !! ? Hmm, I don't think so. Why did any of us start riding ?? Why do any of us use bikes for travel ??? I'm not trying to bait anyone, just making a point. Anway.... Training IS important but I think experience is worth more than any piece of paper. Training gives you experience and helps you not pick up bad habbits which you usually have to unlearn the hard way ! Casestudy: I rode with an American girl for 2 months who bought a bike in Chile and pretty much learnt to ride it there. She got her licience in the US about a week before she flew to Chili. Her riding terrified me and how she made it home alive is a miracle. Me and the other guy I was travelling with had our hearts in our mouths when she overtook long trucks on blind bends, flying over hill crests on her 250 pizza bike at full throttle on the wrong side of the road..That's when she wasnt riding into the back of cars with no brake lights or dissapearing down pot holes. She was a terrible rider and was nearly killed everyday with her terrible riding. We actually had to pull her over and shake some sense into her before we were dealing with road kill. She is the prime example of PEOPLE NEED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING before an overland trip. Like MickyD says, many people don't survive the very steep learning curve. She did eventually listen to us and she made it home alive... She was lucky !! It IS a free world though (mostly), and people are very free to make their own mind up how they decide to approach things. Theres no point telling someone how to ride, how to train , what to ride etc etc ! The advice is usually water off a ducks back and people almost always end up doing what they originally planned anyway, no matter how daft it may seem to the rest of us with a little more experience. Back to the XT600.. Like people have said.. It's a reliable "dual purpose" bike. It will do anything and go anywhere but is no master of any ! Cheap, robust, easy to repair and work on and there are loads of gear about for it to make it a very good overlander. It's the VW Beetle of the overland world. You need to get out there and start sitting on bikes. Get youself to a HU meeting and walk around asking questions and "Trying on" bikes. :thumbup1: |
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ATB! |
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Very informative and a perfect example of why newcomers need SOME training to obtain roadcraft and survival skills .:mchappy: |
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TROLL :nono: |
Theres an XT600E on Ebay now for only £1000
That is cheap for a 2002 altough the mileage is a little high. Maybe its been around the world ??? 2002 YAMAHA XT 600 E BLUE on eBay (end time 01-Sep-10 22:32:40 BST) Theres also one with 10,000 miles for £1500 Yamaha XT600 2003 px swap delivery xt 600 on eBay (end time 12-Sep-10 17:08:24 BST) |
Off-Topic
Gentlemen and Ladies(if appropriate), can you all please refrain from taking this thread off-topic. It is not fair to the user who started the thread and it isn't likely to impress a new user too much either.
I am not one who believes in censorship or being authoritarian, but if it does go off-topic again, I will delete any posts within the thread that I feel are off-topic. Thanks for your co-operation. |
I would use a xt600 or an old tenere. Fuel tank with good autonomy, simple mechanics, only one cylinder, easily lifted in case of falls, good ability to put luggage.
I believe that our lives are determined by our decisions, there are not such things as choices. As the experience or time spent driving, I see it as necessary and good for a correct attitude. Sometimes there is no time to think about a decision. Past experience makes many decisions a matter of attitude unconscious, instinctive. The instinct to drive a motorcycle is different from those instincts to drive a car. Sometimes it's more important what you do not see than what you're looking at. Predicting what may happen is useful, very helpful. This is a difference between having or not having experience. Sometimes only your own safety is in jeopardy. Other times will also be at risk the safety of others. In any case, the decision is yours. You will always be truly solely responsible for your actions and decisions. I suggests that you ask yourself: can you answer for them? |
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£1500 and change for a snack on the ride home - fantastic!!! Is there some fairing missing from the front of the tank? Despite being an advocate of test rides over spec sheets, here are some spec sheets...:innocent: 2003 Yamaha XT 600 E specifications and pictures Yamaha MotorBikeSpecs.net Motorcycle Specification Database A better choice than an XR400 if you value your spine and backside |
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I paid £1800 for mine in 2006. It was 3 years old with 1500 miles on the clock. It was IMMACULATE !! It was a good bike and never let me down. It's somewhere in Colombia now. My only gripe is that Top comfortable speed is about 65mph which is slow on the long , endless stretches of RTA 3 in Argentina. 300 mile stretches of road with no bends, scenery, etc etc ! Still, my DRZ only does about 55-60mph. |
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It's a good thing we had to ride back up that country so that the neck muscles on the other side had a chance to develop too: evened me out a bit. |
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Thoughts from a newbie rider
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I've got this plan to ride across Africa and I REALLY want to go soon - but I know that if I've got a realisitic chance of making it through alive (literally!) I need to put in some groundwork at home first. My instructor told me that maybe one person in 100 is a natural when it comes to riding a motorcycle - that means that for 99 per cent of us, only practise makes perfect. So I'll carry on trundling around suburban roads, making my miles, practising good riding habits, building my skills, cos I know that all this will stand me in good stead when finally the time comes to head for the Dark Continent...bring it on!! Jeanie :mchappy: |
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Your remarks about him being "Sam Manicom's agent" insults not only Sam Manicom, and the HUBB, but the bloke who you already said made "dumb comments". doh It's not the right spirit, if you'll take the hint.:funmeterno: Maybe you had an offday or a bad headache, and that happens sometimes. Good roads anyway! :scooter: edited for clarity and brevity |
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Denis you have a very strange point of view ,please read Dave's reply and you will realise that the message was received in the spirit that was intended. Perhaps you are bored or dispirited ,go for a nice bike ride ,it'll pick you up :mchappy:. |
You need to RIDE MORE.
Now, to the OP:Some humble advice coming from my 2 years (and 2 bikes) worth of riding experience is that you may not choose the 'right' bike first time round no matter how much research you do. Also, as you develop your riding skills, it is quite likely that you may find yourself being swayed towards a certain style of riding/bike. For example, I bought a bandit 600 and envisaged myself going on a path towards streetbike riding. After a while I realised I wanted to do some overlanding too, but I really loved the thrill of going fast. After those two years I knew excactly which bike was perfect for me and went out and bought a ktm 950. When I bought the bandit (which was actually an engagement present...ohhh) I was convinced that I would have this bike forever, but in reality it was never the 'right' bike. The upshot of all this BS is buy something cheap, readily available and dont set your heart on finding the right bike straight off. Chances are you'll want something different after a few rides anyway. Good luck |
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I am not a off road person but would suggest anything between 250 & up to 650 depending on trip & route will give you a good choice of bike. the main thing is Practice riding in all weathers I have my IAM ROSPA gold (back flips), but i did them cos i wanted to, I love riding full stop practice makes perfect & no one will ever be perfect at riding, you can have a perfect ride. Go out get a bike & ride enjoy then when you have enough ££ then decide on bike etc go dooooo it good luck on your ride |
Almost any bike will sort you out for gaining experience. An electric start XR250 or TTR250 would be cracking bikes to hoon around on and you'll get back roughly what you paid when you come to sell. Or maybe a CB500 or equivalent.
Training is good, no point practicing being bad at something. Even top sportman still have coaching sessions. "a smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others" Over the years, I've done a few training days with enduro and MX riders and I learnt a few very useful techniques. Also bloody good fun for not much money. I also did a Bike Safe day run by the Met Police. Surprisingly useful training in hazzard perception and self preservation and once again, a lot of fun. This was when I witnessed the worst case of "sorry mate, I didn't see you"; a car pulled out of a side road and T-boned the instructor's Pan European. Yes, It was bright white with dayglow orange bits all over it and the word Police dotted about. Get your test passed, get out and about and enjoy. |
Thought I'd add my 2p worth. I should start be saying I have no overland motorbike experience but have done a fair amount of cycle touring, I decided to take my test on a whim really as something to do when the Dr's told me I couldnt ride a bicycle anymore (and no I'm not that old). I come and look at this sight to have a bit of a dream but in reality some trips round europe will be the most I manage for sometime (first nipper on way). After passing my test I bought a BMW F650 Funduro for £900, then on its maiden voyage some tit ran into the back of me at a roundabout, eventually the bike was fixed but it took a long time to get my confidence up, I use the bike most days to go to work and the odd weekend ride. Its taken around a year before I feel all that confident on it. I reckon that had I got something more offroad ready it could well have taken me longer, the BMW isnt fast but is fast enough to keep out of trouble when I want to, big enough to allow me to look around and capable of scooting down the motorway at 75 with a bit of zip still avaialble if needed. What I'm trying to say is maybe get a bike that is cheap and capable on the road first before you get carried away with dreams, it will help get you confident and ready to go. Unless of course you are just going to pass you test and bugger off in which case I'm slightly jealous.
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