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5 Jan 2011
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
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Rider comfort and peace-of-mind
All excellent and valid points that I agree with even if I didn't listen to this logic when I bought my ex-demo 1200GS in 2007... still going strong after 2.5 years and 60,000kms although the price tag was high.
I probably would have had a lot more peace-of-mind vis-a-vis insurance and replacement cost with a cheaper bike given that I never hand insurance (and still don't), but my thinking in chosing the bike 3.5years ago that would take me 1/2 way RTW was more like this:
"I want a bike that I feel confident riding in every situation, that is comfortable for long hard rides, that is capable and strong enough to handle 2up riding with luggage and that I enjoy to ride. I am no mechanic and will never be one so I want something that is reliable and easy enough to maintain for a pen-pushing, keyboard-tapping IT Geek."
For me at least I found the GS to inspire riding confidence and a good workhorse.
But XT, KLR, Transalp and Africa Twin are all just as capable. For me the most important thing was to get to know my bike before leaving. Whatever your decision, you are the one that needs to ride with it every day so keep that in mind. The $$$ (or ££££) is the first thing you forget so an extra £1000 for peace-of-mind is more important than any insurance IMHO.
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5 Jan 2011
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TurboCharger
I am no mechanic and will never be one so I want something that is reliable and easy enough to maintain for a pen-pushing, keyboard-tapping IT Geek."
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I too am a keyboard tapper and knew nothing about mechanics until I went on a bike trip, needless to say I am fairly proficient with engines etc now so don't let what you don't know put you off.
Africa Twins are a bit on the lardy side for me, as an owner of several big twin adventure bikes I'd say go for a light jap single! My next big trip will be on some sort of ex fast-food delivery bike for comedy value
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5 Jan 2011
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lands End, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 675
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The Parts
I think everyone has their gut feeling about what bike they want to ride, or what sort of style, so it's very much personal choice.
You mentioned the availability of parts possibly being a factor, if push comes to shove (and it has on occasion with me  )and you need parts, there are usually several options, if original parts are not available:
a)sometimes local alternatives are used - I had something out of a Toyota once, and parts from Russian cars fitted on my BMW.
b) you'll find that in the more remote areas, they tend to repair rather than replace, sometimes these repairs won't last a long time but enough to get you to a major city.
c) final resort you can just get the parts sent via DHL to wherever you are in the world.
I got a part sent out to me in Outer Mongolia last year.
Good luck and have a great trip.
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6 Jan 2011
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: uk
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffany
I think everyone has their gut feeling about what bike they want to ride, or what sort of style, so it's very much personal choice.
You mentioned the availability of parts possibly being a factor, if push comes to shove (and it has on occasion with me )and you need parts, there are usually several options, if original parts are not available:
a)sometimes local alternatives are used - I had something out of a Toyota once, and parts from Russian cars fitted on my BMW.
b) you'll find that in the more remote areas, they tend to repair rather than replace, sometimes these repairs won't last a long time but enough to get you to a major city.
c) final resort you can just get the parts sent via DHL to wherever you are in the world.
I got a part sent out to me in Outer Mongolia last year.
Good luck and have a great trip. |
Thankyou i will test them all ! lol well big trip planed about 24 months off work in motor trade for myself so takeing some time out , so hard saving now and hard working !
The only plan this year is to ride Loo Loo back home for 1st time ! Loo Loo
is my 996 duc sp wee of to italy to watch vali at the moto gp ! think she love it !
Cant thankyou all enuff can see this is a great site cheers peeps 
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6 Jan 2011
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HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 359
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Wow, riding a Ducati to see Rossi ride a Ducati in Italy. Fantastic!
By the way, if you really love your current bike, you could always take it. There are at least a couple of people who have taken Yamaha R1s round the world so a 996 isn't too far fetched is it? Yeah, maybe it is. A MultiStrada then?
__________________
Ekke Kok
'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
www.ekke-audrey.ca
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7 Jan 2011
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: uk
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ekke
Wow, riding a Ducati to see Rossi ride a Ducati in Italy. Fantastic!
By the way, if you really love your current bike, you could always take it. There are at least a couple of people who have taken Yamaha R1s round the world so a 996 isn't too far fetched is it? Yeah, maybe it is. A MultiStrada then?
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Yes Ekke cant wait chip down into italy with the number 46 be rude not to ! lol round world on a 996 wonder if thats been done ? not for me tho! she to mint for that ! the R1 feel like BMW GS towards the 996 she rock hard rattles your teeth out bone shaker and only likes to smooth stuff ... spent lot of time on her .....
starting looking at drz's ekke hope to have one with in next month about £1500/1800
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7 Jan 2011
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
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Ducati soul in an overland bike, there's only one choice really, the Elefant! Someone recently put an AMAZING Elefant 900 on Ebay, fully rally prepped, WP bouncy bits and a mint engine. Unfortunately I didn't have the four grand they wanted so am back to prepping my 750 and 650 instead...
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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...
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)
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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
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The Parts
Hybrid Mode
