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10 Aug 2021
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HU Founder
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,376
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Great post, thanks! Always good to get the other viewpoint.
You both need to come to the California Traveller’s Meeting and do a presentation on your trip!
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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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10 Aug 2021
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Everywhere
Posts: 19
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I'm 50 years old and very healthy. The only thing is that my sleep is not optimal and I have a very low energy level compared to an average person since I can remember (4 years old or so). Nobody (doctors etc) ever knew why this is, but I just adapt to it and rest more during the day.
I have my motorcycle license for 2,5 years now and drove about 15.000 km / 8.000 miles through Europe (accidentely some dirt roads in Sweden) on my Honda CB600s.
Until 2,5 years ago I didn't know and bother if there were any differences between motorbikes 
I bought the Honda which is a 4 cylinder and not a 2 cylinder because I think it is more relaxed riding. That's why I thought it would not be the best option for me to buy a one cylinder, because the bike will shake more and makes more noice (I like a bike to make as little noice as possible  ...). I understand that that is the case on European roads and not off road. I think and hope to find paved roads and plan to drive mainly on them.
If I really like to ride off road and not just some gravel here and there I understand I have to find another bike.
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10 Aug 2021
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Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
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Sounds like you have a nice future ahead of you.
I have a very small experience with a lowered F800gs. My wife had one and we went on a big bike off road week in Spain.
The trails were big bike friendly but a couple of times we came across a knarly stretch that I rode the 800 through. I had an 1100gs and, bearing in mind the 800 is supposed to be more off road focused, it was much easier to ride.
Whether they’re all like that or just the lowered ones or, indeed, just that particular one I do not know.
I do know that she rides a 1200gs now and can tackle the same trails with no problem.
Good luck
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10 Aug 2021
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
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@ mcwhirtj Ibelieve the f700GS is practically identical with the F650GS twin, only slightly heavier (2 front discs plus a few new gimmicks), but the F750GS is a lot heavier as far as I know.
I enjoy the way the 650 twin handles, but you're right, no comparison to the 1200 GSA. I took my little twin (standard suspension and NOT lowered) on the Portugal ACT (Adventure Country Tracks). I managed the trails, but the suspension and bashplate had a tough time. I've changed the fork springs and roughed it in Bulgaria. Was a bit better, but the problem remains that even the standard suspension does not offer the ground clearance you need for good off-road pistes.....
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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
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11 Aug 2021
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
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Check out the BMW G650. It is a single though. But they're some of the smoothest singles out there. And considerably lighter and more manageable than the F700 Twin.
It's more than fast enough..
Sunshine, asado and big smiles in smiles in South America should help your energy levels 
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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14 Aug 2021
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Join Date: Nov 2018
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bike
just buy a honda transalp ,will do the job stop the need for any gadgets and keep it simple cb 500v would do, steer away from electronic toys just not needed .
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14 Aug 2021
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
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I'd be interested in the train of thought that lead to the F700GS.
Personally I can't see much going for it and would not want the ESA, but I'm not going to ride it.
Suggesting the G650 (eats waterpumps, fries VR's, chain sized for a 125?) or Transalp (old tech, hard to buy in good condition) seems to risk missing what @loes is after?
I have just sold my CB500X. It would need a fair bit of suspension work to really go off road. It is a bit of a lump. It's well made and good value though and can do anything that's mostly legal on a UK highway. I have considered lowering it and it would be simple to do, especially combined with the work to upgrade the shock.
I'd go Enfield Himalayan (not what I'm swapping it for BTW), but low tech/high maintenance doesn't scare me and I don't have any need to break motorway speed limits.
Andy
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18 Aug 2021
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson
Great post, thanks! Always good to get the other viewpoint.
You both need to come to the California Traveller’s Meeting and do a presentation on your trip!
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We have talked about this - i.e., sharing our trip experience in some appropriate venue. We have really enjoyed those opportunities we have had to meet and talk with other people who are, were or hope to be over-landing (if that is a verb!). Our trip was "common" as such journey's go - many have done similar. But having done this as "homeless nomads" for over a year, as a couple, and a couple over 60 - that makes our experience less common, as you can relate! And every journey has it's unique story, regardless.
Re-establishing our lives back in the USA, in the midst of COVID, has kept us from actively pursuing it, but in principle we are interested. I will look into dates for upcoming HUBB meetings.
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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...
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Lots more comments here!
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