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-   -   Best bike for offroading...its a Scooter!!! (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/which-bike/best-bike-offroading-its-scooter-94591)

ta-rider 25 Mar 2018 11:54

Best bike for offroading...its a Scooter!!!
 
I enjoyed scooter riding in Asia and India so much. They are light, easy to repair if needet and just cost 4 Dollars per day. At home people cant imagine how much fun they are and how good they actually are for offroading so just check out this (not my) Video. Introducing the best and lightest bike for offroading: http://www.facebook.com/Ronny.Family/videos/1343343849059979/

tremens 25 Mar 2018 14:18

you know, when riding I need to have fun as well... :mchappy:
no scooter will give me that.

ta-rider 25 Mar 2018 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by tremens (Post 581017)
you know, when riding I need to have fun as well... :mchappy:
no scooter will give me that.

It shurly will it did for me. Better then any big bike. Just try it or watch the middle of this Video: https://youtu.be/d-9ObbvZmlU

mollydog 25 Mar 2018 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by ta-rider (Post 581012)

Great, fun video! Good to see those young guys "going for it". Oddly, my very first off road "bike" was a Vespa Scooter. I did a lot of what is shown in that video ... but not as well. (I was learning!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tremens (Post 581017)
you know, when riding I need to have fun as well... :mchappy:
no scooter will give me that.

Did you actually LOOK AT THAT VIDEO? You don't think those guys are having FUN! I'd say YES ... X 10!

From my Vespa I went to a Honda 50 (The Vespa was better ... everywhere as it was a 150cc vs 50cc on the Honda)

I later bought a Bultaco 250 Pursang (pure Race Bike). Raced Motocross and Flat Track at legendary Ascot Park in SoCAl. I did not go far!:helpsmilie:

Years later (in my 40's!) raced AMA Enduro on Yamaha 250cc Two Stroke race bikes. 8 years of that.

But it all started on the Vespa, in retrospect ... it was AWESOME! I would not hesitate to rent one in Asia or India. In the past I rented 125cc two stroke dual sports in Thailand ... and in the mud, girls on 100cc scooters PASSED ME RIDING 2 UP!
They just know how! :D

ta-rider 25 Mar 2018 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by mollydog (Post 581029)
Did you actually LOOK AT THAT VIDEO? You don't think those guys are having FUN! I'd say YES ... X 10!

Your so right. These days people say scooters are not fun but have actually never tryed it. Its just what everyone says so people who dont have any knowledge go to buy what everyone buys and thats not what is good but what is good advertised...a big difference...

Snakeboy 26 Mar 2018 01:11

Scooters are maybe not the best for offroading but they are much better than any +200 kilo adventure bike because they are so much lighter and easier to handle when the going gets a bit rough....watch to the end and wait for it...:clap:

https://youtu.be/Ot1ajnveRk4

mollydog 26 Mar 2018 06:00

Big bikes will have continued popularity. Fact is, most stay on paved roads on their big ADV bikes. And when they do go "off road" it ends up being more of a well traveled and maintained dirt road, not a "trail" or enduro course.

There are millions of such roads round the world. Many are scraped and gravel is added to stabilize them. Maintenance can vary country to country, and once it gets muddy, those 200 kilo guys are done. And ... IMHO, would be foolish to continue.

But plenty are perfectly happy to stay on paved roads all the time. It's all good.
20 years ago I was still racing dirt bikes and loved off road. Now? Not so much.
But I'd rather be on a Scooter over my DR650 if traversing deep mud. (I think I would just put my Scooter on a Bus, sit down and rest up! :smartass:)

tremens 26 Mar 2018 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mollydog (Post 581029)
Did you actually LOOK AT THAT VIDEO? You don't think those guys are having FUN! I'd say YES ... X 10!


ok, I thought for a moment that OP is serious doh

On the other hand when I was in Morocco struggling on our big bikes with steep, rocky climb, we met local guy on the top on small scooter indeed...

p.s.
BTW after such "fun" scooter would be destroyed, so end of the trip :)

markharf 27 Mar 2018 02:22

My needs as an over landing (“adventure”) rider are significantly different from the local guy riding a scooter. I want to cover a lot of ground, often quickly, and I want to carry an unreasonable amount of luggage while I’m doing it. I’m also not interested in spending much of my limited holiday time having maintenance done, parts bolted back on, and occasional major rebuilds—all of which are common events if putting on major mileage with those wee little toy machines.

I know that’s not always true, and I acknowledge the reports from scooter, moped and Chinese 125cc riders who claim thousands of miles of carefree performance (and $5 per day rental pricing). But basically in choosing bigger machines, I’m selecting roadworthiness, cargo capacity, decreased maintenance, and comfort for the riding I’m most likely to be doing. In other circumstances I’ve had a blast on little disposable 125s and scooters, but not when I want to cover significant mileage.

Plus I’m finally old, relatively fragile, and suffering from a surplus of money in relation to time—not the way my life used to work. Mileage varies, as we all know.

Mark
(Currently touring Vietnam in a hurry, on my huge, manly, 250cc Honda)

ta-rider 27 Mar 2018 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by tremens (Post 581137)
BTW after such "fun" scooter would be destroyed, so end of the trip :)

That just wrong. People should not talk about something they donw know. We went all over India on rented $5 per day scooters...we did not manage to destroy them. Even the Indians dont manage with 5 people on them.

Also 28.000 km around South America with 125cc was not a problem but lots of fun. Waaaay better then to ship bikes around the globe looking and treated as money on legs: http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/?report=goa

tremens 27 Mar 2018 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by ta-rider (Post 581165)
That just wrong. People should not talk about something they donw know. We went all over India on rented $5 per day scooters...we did not manage to destroy them. Even the Indians dont manage with 5 people on them.

well, exactly - so don't. And good luck with your scooter, you will need it.

p.s.
I see fun has different meaning for different people.

tremens 27 Mar 2018 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf (Post 581148)
My needs as an over landing (“adventure”) rider are significantly different from the local guy riding a scooter. I want to cover a lot of ground, often quickly, and I want to carry an unreasonable amount of luggage while I’m doing it. I’m also not interested in spending much of my limited holiday time having maintenance done, parts bolted back on, and occasional major rebuilds—all of which are common events if putting on major mileage with those wee little toy machines.

exactly :thumbup1:

Snakeboy 27 Mar 2018 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf (Post 581148)
My needs as an over landing (“adventure”) rider are significantly different from the local guy riding a scooter. I want to cover a lot of ground, often quickly, and I want to carry an unreasonable amount of luggage while I’m doing it. I’m also not interested in spending much of my limited holiday time having maintenance done, parts bolted back on, and occasional major rebuilds—all of which are common events if putting on major mileage with those wee little toy machines.

I know that’s not always true, and I acknowledge the reports from scooter, moped and Chinese 125cc riders who claim thousands of miles of carefree performance (and $5 per day rental pricing). But basically in choosing bigger machines, I’m selecting roadworthiness, cargo capacity, decreased maintenance, and comfort for the riding I’m most likely to be doing. In other circumstances I’ve had a blast on little disposable 125s and scooters, but not when I want to cover significant mileage.

Plus I’m finally old, relatively fragile, and suffering from a surplus of money in relation to time—not the way my life used to work. Mileage varies, as we all know.

Mark
(Currently touring Vietnam in a hurry, on my huge, manly, 250cc Honda)

Fair enough that - but Im not so sure you will need to spend more time at the mechanics repairing parts using a scooter than a big bike. Theres probably not ever made a more undestructible bike than the Honda Wave/Dream/C90/C110/Postiebike or whatever its called around the world. As a rentalshop owner once told me - «they are f***** indestructible! You can throw 10 handgrenades on it and it will still work»! He should know as he have rebted them out for 10 years.
Im riding a big adventure bike 650 cc around the world and Im have been constantly overtaken and bypassed by locals on small scooters and bikes all over the world - so whats fastest Im not sure?
Carry a lot of luggage? Yes a big bike can handle that better but I thought it was all about the art of packing light when you go for long travels? Although its an art I will never learn....

brclarke 28 Mar 2018 18:51

There's only one problem with scooters - they look so damned ugly! :scooter:

ta-rider 28 Mar 2018 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by brclarke (Post 581268)
There's only one problem with scooters - they look so damned ugly! :scooter:

They are not made to ride to Starbucks ;)

If you ride a scooter right, you dont see them anyway

http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/big...e_loop_065.jpg

http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/?re...aos_pakse_loop

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub.../pGMxmMwgx/9k=

sushi2831 31 Mar 2018 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeboy (Post 581198)
Carry a lot of luggage? Yes a big bike can handle that better but I thought it was all about the art of packing light when you go for long travels? Although its an art I will never learn....

Hello

Why should the art of packing light be an admirable goal?
In trekking all you need is 10 lbs. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultralight_backpacking)
By that, every biker is an overweight luxurious camper.

So, why not travel in style?
Why sitting on aluminum boxes if you can take a comfortable chair and table?
How else can one enjoy a sunset with a cup of tea (or warm beer) in the middle on nowhere?


sushi

tremens 31 Mar 2018 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by brclarke (Post 581268)
There's only one problem with scooters - they look so damned ugly! :scooter:

there are way more then one problem with scooters.

brclarke 31 Mar 2018 17:13

I'm just making a joke. If someone is out there putting miles on a scooter, good for them - two wheels are always better than four wheels.

mollydog 31 Mar 2018 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by sushi2831 (Post 581401)
Hello
Why should the art of packing light be an admirable goal?
In trekking all you need is 10 lbs. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultralight_backpacking)
By that, every biker is an overweight luxurious camper.

So, why not travel in style?
Why sitting on aluminum boxes if you can take a comfortable chair and table?
How else can one enjoy a sunset with a cup of tea (or warm beer) in the middle on nowhere?
sushi

Whatever you say mate! doh
Packing a bike is an ART ... and doing it well is not easy. Most don't.
But of course much will depend on what sort of riding is intended.

Rough tracks and trails with possibly hundreds of km of deep sand, mud can (and should) influence how much you take along ... and what "luxuries" you can afford. The type of bike used is also key. Obviously, scooters and big bikes present different challenges. Bicycle riders face even greater challenges.

Neat, light packing always is better. "A system" as it were. We all have our own
"genius" ways of dealing with this. It's taken me decades to learn this ... and it all changes with every new bike.

Camp Chairs and Tables? Perhaps you employ "porters" on your rides through the Swiss Alps? :rofl:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-.../i-dxFGmtV.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-.../i-vjHvnHJ.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Picassa-M...overload-M.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-.../i-ZbKH355.jpg
This Suzuki DR650 rider pulled this little trailer across USA. Coast to coast. Lots of ways to do it.
We have thousands of Gold Wing owners who tow BIG trailers behind their bikes. Great on smooth paved roads, but not compatible in rough off road conditions. Everyone has their own set of compromises regards packing up their bike ... and it starts with WHICH bike we are talking about. Scooters and Gold Wing riders must have different priorities.
I fall more on the pack light side. YMMV.

sushi2831 31 Mar 2018 22:34

2 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by mollydog (Post 581427)
Whatever you say mate! doh
Packing a bike is an ART ... and doing it well is not easy. Most don't.
But of course much will depend on what sort of riding is intended.
Camp Chairs and Tables? Perhaps you employ "porters" on your rides through the Swiss Alps? :rofl:

Whatever you say mate...

It's quite simple.
Take what you like and deal with it, it's your trip.

Camping chair and table OR a complete set of wheels (28kg).

Never ruin your trip by watching too much on weight, no matter what "experts" of "the art of packing a bike" say.


greeting from the swiss alps
sushi and his porters(2x XT660Z)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sushi2831 (Post 425818)


Snakeboy 31 Mar 2018 23:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by sushi2831 (Post 581401)
Hello

Why should the art of packing light be an admirable goal?
In trekking all you need is 10 lbs. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultralight_backpacking)
By that, every biker is an overweight luxurious camper.

So, why not travel in style?
Why sitting on aluminum boxes if you can take a comfortable chair and table?
How else can one enjoy a sunset with a cup of tea (or warm beer) in the middle on nowhere?


sushi

Trekking and a motorbike travel around the world isnt exactly the same. You dont need to carry spares and tools when you trek or hike. And no pump, tyre levers, chainspray, engine oil, W40, funnel, jerrycans etc when your trekking/hiking.

Weight weight weigt - the most important thing to think about when youre on a bike and going on roads a bit from the main routes.

But I do carry a chair, the second most useful item on my trip so far...:innocent:

sushi2831 1 Apr 2018 07:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeboy (Post 581434)
Trekking and a motorbike travel around the world isnt exactly the same.

Hello

In the "10lbs" religion is only camping (tent, sleepingmat, sleepingbag, cooking stuff, hygiene) defined.
Food is extra, of course, for biking the spares/tools will be extra.

Just as a reminder to the believers of the "weight, weight, weight" religion, there is still al lot of potential for improvement.

Most importent is the weight of the bike, so, take a scooter.
Then no parts are needed, if it breaks, give it back an rent another one for $5 a day.

I'm glad I'm an atheist when ist comes to the church of "weight, weight, weight".

Just have fun riding bikes
sushi


P.S.
Remember the thread title:
Best bike for offroading...its a Scooter!!!


P.S. again
Somehow can't put smilies in my text, so put them in your mind where ever one is needed.

mollydog 1 Apr 2018 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by sushi2831 (Post 581431)
Whatever you say mate...
It's quite simple. Take what you like and deal with it, it's your trip.
Camping chair and table OR a complete set of wheels (28kg).

Never ruin your trip by watching too much on weight, no matter what "experts" of "the art of packing a bike" say.

greeting from the swiss alps
sushi and his porters(2x XT660Z)

:rofl:
Some beautiful pics of some nicely packed up bikes. :thumbup1:

Sure, if you never go serious off road, "don't worry too much about weight"!
:smartass: But if you do go off road, weight is CRITICAL IMHO, especially if riding solo. If you ride with enough friends (or Porters!) then moving a 640 lb.
1200 Tenere' is possible. Solo? doh

I follow riders traveling Latin America, lived there myself and have seen most of it going back 40 years.

It's funny how many Euro Motoqueros (starting in Chile or in Mexico) bring a TON of gear on their bikes and wearing riding gear suited for Cold Northern Europe.

Camping/Cooking Gear takes up lot of space, adds lot of weight too.
Walter Colebatch claims this is a Teutonic trait. They can't help themselves! :helpsmilie:

In SO MANY cases travelers barely use their camping gear (in Latin America) and end up in Pensiones/Hotels/Backpackers 95% of the time. Now why is that? :innocent:

On recent Mexico/Cent. America trips I left ALL camping/cooking gear at home. This requires more careful planning of course but it's not too hard. If getting into super remote areas sometimes emergency camping gear is a good idea.
But most times there are towns and people everywhere.

Some riders love to camp. I get that. As an older rider I no longer am happy sleeping on the ground, but as always, YMMV and enjoy it while you can. :D:D:D

https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycl...1030402-XL.jpg
3 week camping ride on DR650. Only other luggage is my Camel Back drink system backpack. This pic shot around 2012. :wheelchair:

sushi2831 1 Apr 2018 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by mollydog (Post 581459)
Sure, if you never go serious off road, "don't worry too much about weight"!

What is "serious off road" in your eyes?

I quoted "the art of packing light when you go for long travels".
To me that means RTW riding on public routes inkl. sand tracks/dirt roads, everywhere the locals go too (in some parts of the world that's serious offroad to me), but not playing for a few days with MX-bikes loaded on a pickup truck and sleeping in a hotel.

For that you can take a scooter -> Best bike for offroading...its a Scooter!!!

tremens 2 Apr 2018 02:30

bike weight is overrated, go to GYM if feeling weak.


markharf 2 Apr 2018 04:58

That’s hilarious! Russians will try almost anything, then post the videos. I’d be convinced if I could only see whether he’s smiling like the guy on the scooter.

It’s hard to imagine how I even survived the several weeks since the last argument about what bike is better than whatever other bike, then how much baggage to bring along. Fortunately, I was able to distract myself by actually riding a motorcycle, rather heavily loaded, around much of Vietnam. FWIW, all the fellow tourists I met riding those little scooters and 125s professed jealousy about my rented 250–until I told them how much I paid for my mighty beast.

Here’s to more arguing on the internet, less riding!

Mark

(From Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most popular tourist destination)

ZorroMoto 2 Apr 2018 08:03

Scooter all over the worlds
 
Hi, funny conversation. Let me know when you are around in Central Asia. I can help you for your fun approach.
Dave

ADVscooter 16 Sep 2018 01:42

Scooters make Great Adventure bikes
 
Scooters make Great Adventure bikes! I've ridden Pakistan, Egypt and across the USA on 150-250cc scooters.

Check out my Scootistan video


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