Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Helmut Koch - Vivid autumn colors in Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch
Vivid autumn colors in Canada



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jan 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 17
Which bike for world Trip? (R1200RS or Tracer 9 GT)

Yes, these bikes aren't the first bikes that come to mine when you think RTW, but let me qualify my trip. The trip I'm doing is going to be mostly paved because I like the twisties and less of the dirt and gravel roads. I know I'll probably have to cross some rough roads going from Eastern Europe to China but I'm hoping most of my trip can be 80% paved. Also, I hope to do some parts of this trip with my wife on the back so passenger comfort is also important.

Now, onto the bikes. These are my thoughts on them and hoping you guys can chime in. I have a R1200RS myself and have been watching the reviews on the Tracer 9.

R1200RS
-I love the performance (for the twisties) with the weight down low like other R bikes.
-Comfortable for the wife
-Short seat ht. (I'm 5'-6")
-Like the reliability and little maintenance of the shaft drive
-Worried about the reliability of BMW (my first one) but heard the boxer engines are bullet proof
-Worried about how it would do crossing the rougher roads of the trip.

Tracer 9 GT:
-Seems to be a bit lighter
-Japanese built so probably more reliable than BMW
-Looks to be still comfortable for passenger
-Probably better for the rough roads than the RS
-Worried about the electronics for a long trip (although I love the features)
-Don't like the chain as much as the shaft drive for the long trip.

Based on my trip criteria, which bike would you take? Any additional thoughts on these 2 bikes? Also, any other bike you would recommend?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jan 2022
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Not exactly what you are asking, and for this I am sorry (I hate it when people answer anything but what was asked). In this case, I just can't help wonder.

If you have the bike that you have, and you are in the market for something equally big - why these two at all, and not one of the more common choices? The first one to pop into mind is the BMW R1200GSA - with the GS that coined the whole adventure bike genre and pretty much has ruled it since.

Now, a 1200 of any sort is not for me, but if I was to go down that route and had the money to spare, a BMW GS or a KTM would be at the top of my list.

The GS is far more nimble than it looks, both on and off road. It has all the luxuries and comforts one can dream of for an RTW, even two up - from past paced highways to currugated gravel roads and some serious terrain. And build quality is as good as it gets.

Now, if you have to choose between the two you mentioned, ICD stick with the one you've got and tailor it æ simply because you've got it, because you know it, and because the alternative won't make a huge difference in any regard.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
It's the 'wife on the back' bit that stands out for me. The combination of big, heavy bike (and it will be with you + pillion + luggage), even a short stretch of sandy piste and a mistake where your wife ends up in a ditch shouts out the likelihood of a very rapid reappraisal of the trip to me.

You may see sprawling in the dirt when you tip it over in sand as 'just one of those things' but from the pillion seat she'll most likely see it as a crash she was lucky to survive (and not something she wants to repeat). In your circumstances I'd be looking at something much lighter - unless you're going to restrict her to tarmac stretches only.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2022
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,294
forget the GSA - it's unnecessary for the trip you're planning, and it's TALL. The standard GS will work fine with a low seat, and you'll be very impressed with it in the twisties. You wife will love it too, guaranteed.
Reliability - that's a tough one - LOADS of people have done RTW with BMWs and had no issues, loads of others have had trouble.

Yamaha LIKELY to be overall more reliable, BUT the chain is a pain - and regularly requiring maintenance. (FAR less than old bikes, new chains etc are amazing, requiring little maintenance - but they DO require some.) Compare that to the POSSIBLE BMW failure of some kind, and only you can make that decision.

DO ride a GS, see what you think. It's easily my personal choice for a two up bike with possible/probable off-pavement bits.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Finland
Posts: 184
Just throwing it out there, but how about a super tenere? You get the shaft drive, and size for 2up with Japanese reliability.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jan 2022
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Go to the showroom, sit on them, and buy the one that strikes your fancy.
Hopefully you can get in a test ride...
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelie View Post
Not exactly what you are asking, and for this I am sorry (I hate it when people answer anything but what was asked). In this case, I just can't help wonder.

If you have the bike that you have, and you are in the market for something equally big - why these two at all, and not one of the more common choices? The first one to pop into mind is the BMW R1200GSA - with the GS that coined the whole adventure bike genre and pretty much has ruled it since.

Now, a 1200 of any sort is not for me, but if I was to go down that route and had the money to spare, a BMW GS or a KTM would be at the top of my list.

The GS is far more nimble than it looks, both on and off road. It has all the luxuries and comforts one can dream of for an RTW, even two up - from past paced highways to currugated gravel roads and some serious terrain. And build quality is as good as it gets.

Now, if you have to choose between the two you mentioned, ICD stick with the one you've got and tailor it æ simply because you've got it, because you know it, and because the alternative won't make a huge difference in any regard.
The sheer size of the GS scares me. I'm not a big guy. And it's tall. Plus I don't think I would like the position of it for cornering in the twisties. But as someone mentioned here, I should try it out first. I do know that I like the handling of the RS and maybe that boxer engine is the commonality.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
It's the 'wife on the back' bit that stands out for me. The combination of big, heavy bike (and it will be with you + pillion + luggage), even a short stretch of sandy piste and a mistake where your wife ends up in a ditch shouts out the likelihood of a very rapid reappraisal of the trip to me.

You may see sprawling in the dirt when you tip it over in sand as 'just one of those things' but from the pillion seat she'll most likely see it as a crash she was lucky to survive (and not something she wants to repeat). In your circumstances I'd be looking at something much lighter - unless you're going to restrict her to tarmac stretches only.
Yes, the plan is she will be a fairweather pillion. She definitely won't want to tough it out with me outside of Europe and North America.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by frameworkSpecialist View Post
Just throwing it out there, but how about a super tenere? You get the shaft drive, and size for 2up with Japanese reliability.
Haven't thought of it, but I like the idea of the shaft with Japanese reliability. Probably won't handle as nice as the RS in the twisties, but will check it out.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 264
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chasingthesun View Post
I like the idea of the shaft with Japanese reliability. Probably won't handle as nice as the RS in the twisties, but will check it out.
Hello

I too would recomend the XT1200Z, IF I didn't have one.
It is bad designed, not the japanese quality one would expect.
The two big flaws are rim/spoke and starting, nothing you want outside the first world, on a level worse than the hearsay of BMW or KTM.

Don't focus on the performance of the bike on twisted roads, focus on the comfort of your backseat and the suspension of the bike.
Even paved roads can be very bad, would not take one of the two bikes you mentioned in the first post.

sushi
__________________
My RTW:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrXt660ztenere
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chasingthesun View Post
Haven't thought of it, but I like the idea of the shaft with Japanese reliability. Probably won't handle as nice as the RS in the twisties, but will check it out.
I agree with the comments about the size of the bikes you are considering, even using only tarmaced roads you can go thousands of km without exceeding 80-90 kph and with potholes and the unexpected you would not find in Canada around many corners caution in the twisties will be the order of the day and manoeuverability will be more important than handling.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,101
As someone who's done a month-long road trip on a VFR800, I would advise against the RS purely on the ground that your spine will thank you for a vertical seating position. I loved everything about the bike except the seat position and the fiddly fairings, so I got a VFR800X Crossrunner, which is exactly the same thing but with the things I hated changed. In your case, the R1200GS is available, so makes sense to go for that one.

All that said, the most important thing about the bike you ride on your trip is that you are excited to get on it every morning. If you love the RS, stick with it. Even if other bikes might be incrementally better for some aspects of your planned trip, your RS will be able to handle it just fine.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Jan 2022
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
The GS or GSA looks huge and intimidating - but looks deceive. It is far more nimble on Twisties and offroad than many bikes that are "smaller". Much of the girth is just volume and not much else. It gives you and the pillion more comfort. Also the suspension, the breakers, the transmission, the power... it is all made for a VERY easy ride! In fact, I seriously doubt there are any other 1200 overlanding bikes that are easier and more comfortable to ride. I guess you get what you pay for - because it is expensive.

That much said. For the price of it, you could afford two smaller bikes, a licence for your better half, the added bike shipping costs, the extra fuel... With that, she might not be so hard pushed to go the entire distance?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 27 Jan 2022
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,294
FWIW:

Re your comment on height:

Jocelyn Snow, 5' 1" and 118 lb, rides a 1200GSA - and in the BMW GS Challenge she did well on the US Team. See https://www.advpulse.com/adv-preppin...elin-snow-bmw/

Tiffany Coates is taller, guessing 5'6, and tour guides on a 1200GS happily.

And on a bumpy twisty PAVED road, my money is on the GS for the win against an RS - with ease. Ride one.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 27 Jan 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 17
Thanks for all the comments. All good points for me to think of. I'll give the GS a try and then decide. For my RS, I have Heli risers on already and although it's not straight back, it is much more comfortable. But yes, there is something to be said for a straight back on a long trip.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
From India to Europe overland on a Royal Enfield - The 101 introduction leooo TRAVEL Hints and Tips 2 8 Mar 2020 09:05
Two-Up bike for USA trip qdboyle Which Bike? 5 25 Oct 2016 00:11
Uganda Road Trip Honda XLR250 kampalaric Ride Tales 4 1 Jun 2014 07:14
HELP! getting US bike back into the US after Latin America trip watchtheskytonight Trip Paperwork 3 20 Jun 2012 21:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:01.