Dreaming of a motorcycle trip to distant climes? This section will help you to plan your trip, whether it's to the next state, country or all the way around the world! Start here!
The Achievable Dream 5-part series - the definitive video guide for planning your motorcycle adventure. Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
You could just get on a plane with your credit card and passport and buy or rent everything you need when you get there. That includes the bike, riding gear, etc. etc.
Gear Up! is a 2-DVD set, 6 hours! Which bike is right for me? How do I prepare the bike? What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers! "will save you a fortune!"See the trailer here!
So you've done it - got inspired, planned your trip, packed your stuff and you're on the road! This section is about staying healthy, happy and secure on your motorcycle adventure. And crossing borders, war zones or oceans!
On the Road! is 5.5 hours of the tips and advice you need to cross borders, break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Tire Changing!Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
With an HU blog, you'll get a lot more readers than in some obscure corner of the web, it's all set to go, no setup required, and it's free! Start your Travel Story Blog right now!
800+ HU Communities in over 115 countries! People who want to meet travellers - yes that's YOU - and can provide local assistance, and may be your new best friends!
Make a DifferenceTips on fundraising or donating time and energy to a cause.
After the big trip - Was the trip the best - or worst - thing you ever did?
Resources and Links
Horizons Unlimited Presents!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
"It has me all fired up to go out on my own adventure!" See the trailer here!
Meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or across Asia! They will encourage you, share their experiences and advice on how to do it!
We're not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown a hobby into a full time job and a labour of love.
When you decide to become a Member, it helps directly support the site. You get additional privileges on the HUBB, access to the Members Private Store, and more. Of course, you get our sincere thanks, good karma and knowing you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. :-)
All contributions are gratefully appreciated and acknowledged.
T-shirts, Calendars, Stickers
T-shirts Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Calendars Featuring the 13 winning photos from the Horizons Unlimited annual motorcycle travel photo contest!
World Map Sticker for PanniersShow your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Travel BooksMotorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
Videos - Watch and Learn!
Horizons Unlimited presents!
Achievable Dream The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
"The series is 'free' because the tips and advice will save much more than you spend on buying the DVD's."
Advertisers- Horizons Unlimited is well-established as the first source of reliable, unbiased information on all aspects of adventure motorcycle travel.
We reach a dedicated, worldwide group of real travellers, and are the only website focusing exclusively on long distance motorcycle travellers.
If you sell motorcycles or motorcycle accessories, riding gear, camping equipment and clothing, transport motorcycles, organize motorcycle tours, or have motorcycles to rent, you should be advertising with us!
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.
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Unfortunately I see more and more complains on different forums about new AT build quality and finish. Kinda deal breaker for me at this price range.
Please direct me to those complains. Because for the past 8 months I have heard only brilliant reviews. Tarnished rim spokes that are changed under warranty is all I heard on the negative side.
If I had to go around the world, I will pick the new AT over a GS any time. The AT is a much simpler bike, and easier to fix... BTW I have two Hondas (Africa Twin) and two BMWs (GS and KRS) in my garage. So I am not biased... ;-)
Please direct me to those complains. Because for the past 8 months I have heard only brilliant reviews. Tarnished rim spokes that are changed under warranty is all I heard on the negative side.
If I had to go around the world, I will pick the new AT over a GS any time. The AT is a much simpler bike, and easier to fix... BTW I have two Hondas (Africa Twin) and two BMWs (GS and KRS) in my garage. So I am not biased... ;-)
All modern bikes suffer from corrosion, peeling paint and general poor finish. Have a look at a 12 month old BMW. Paint flaking everywhere and every fastener is fury and discoloured..
Bikes are made to last 2-3 years now.
The market has changed from making quality machines to throw away fashion accessories which onky need to look good for the duration of their warranty or PCP finance arrangement.
Bmw and honda used to use quality fasteners but now they use A2 stainless which is the lowest grade you can get. Paint is water based and so thin its almost transparent..
Its what you get these days. I have 20 year old bikes thst have been left in the rain that lool better than some 6 month old ones
I own 2 F800GS's and we took them to over 10 countries. I have also had the Africa twin on a 48 hour test run (pretended I was trading in, really was just nosey and had nothing to do for a weekend).
Honestly?
Neither bike is a hugely capable adventure machine. At best they are sports tourers with sharper styling to suit the looks. The F800 weighs a absolute ton as soon as you get off the pavement. The AT was 20kg's heavier. They are no more dirt worthy than any other 200kg road bike with knobbled tyres.
The 2 F800's we have, have showed a number of faults. Failed fuel pump on one in France, failed water pump seal on the other in Norway. There are other known faults too.
The AT seems to have a stronger reputation, but it felt notably less capable than F800 to me.
If I had to choose i'd go 800 again.
If I was doing it all over, i'd go KTM690. The reliability issues are no worse and the costs are no greater. But at least you can ride it up a sand bank without a backup crane to lift it up again when you fall.
this issue with bending rear shock upper bolt which may result in frame damage disqualified f800gs to me and showed again bmw good engineering is a history.
If I was doing it all over, i'd go KTM690. The reliability issues are no worse and the costs are no greater. But at least you can ride it up a sand bank without a backup crane to lift it up again when you fall.
Hej guys, I rode a new AT a couple months ago, very comfy, and blistering quick in city's and lane splitting, however i found it had some issues that took me by surprise, at a green light, and with lots of cars and trucks behind me the power completely shut off with just a bit of gravel under the rear wheel, where on the highway above 75mph i felt it became instable.
After that i took it off road, the dealership told me to, in deep sand, and again i was dissapointed, the old RD07 would run circles around this bike in this department, and the F800 probably would to, except for power and comfort.
First i thought it was just my opinion, but the same week i read some test reports in some British magazines sharing my opinion.
The original Africa Twin was just an awesome bike, the new one only shares its name.
Maybe Honda will adres the issues, i rode the bike in the beginning of januari.
Some people will love something on a bike and for the next person it will be a deal breaker. (E.g. I find the seat very comfortable, but other people go on and on on how uncomfortable the seat is). I think every person has to way up their options and requirements and see what works for them.
I tried to do a review of the new vs. the old AT a while ago from my perspective. For me, the new AT is better and more capable in almost every way compared to the 800GS. The 690? Yes, very capable off-road, but not as comfortable on the bitumen.
The new AT is not as 'great' as the reviews say. It's a good bike, but has its shortcomings (same as any other bike). Unfortunately, its a bit hard to sometimes separate honest opinions from hype- e.g. die-hard fans will call any negative reporting as bike-bashing, whilst refusing to acknowledge improvements can be made. Whereas others will make a massive issue over IMO small things like spokes tarnishing.
The CRF1000 was made at a price, and it shows in some places. My biggest gripe with the new AT: rear suspension needs work. Very simple to solve, but adds to the price.
Different countries and different situations - In Australia, the new AT is cheaper than the 690 KTM, 800GS and Tiger 800XCX. So an excellent alternative/option and cheaper to boot. And Honda has a much broader support system here than the European brands. In other countries it might be different, but here in Australia (which never had the old AT), I think it is a game changer.
Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's thelist of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.
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)
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
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.