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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree9Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 28 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,104
I thought the A1, A2 etc categories were perfectly valid full licences as long as you were using them within their limitations i.e. not riding a Fireblade on an A2. As such I wouldn't have though there would be a problem going outside the EU on an A2.

Unless I've got it wrong of course but that's how the regs read to me.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 28 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
I thought the A1, A2 etc categories were perfectly valid full licences as long as you were using them within their limitations i.e. not riding a Fireblade on an A2. As such I wouldn't have though there would be a problem going outside the EU on an A2.

Unless I've got it wrong of course but that's how the regs read to me.
I am not sure either but suggest checking as certainly UK insurance companies will use any excuse not to pay including requiring you to have a full motorcycle licence to ride any powered two wheeler including mopeds before they will payout.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 28 Jun 2017
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
I thought the A1, A2 etc categories were perfectly valid full licences as long as you were using them within their limitations i.e. not riding a Fireblade on an A2. As such I wouldn't have though there would be a problem going outside the EU on an A2.

Unless I've got it wrong of course but that's how the regs read to me.
Of course they are - as you say as long as you stick to the limitations on the license.
As long as you drive a normal car on a normal car license insurance will be valid. If you drive a huge truck on a normal car license insurance will not be valid. If our man out for an adventure have an A2 license it will be valid if he ride a bike within that license limitations.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 28 Jun 2017
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesperwr View Post
I am definitely open to doing some aftermarket parts on a 250 dual purpose but since I know jack shit about bikes, I don't know what to get, how to put it on, ietc.

For me, I think it would be a safer bet to get something that works from the get go, right?
I would say that any bike of any type would benefit very much with some "personalisation". No need for upgrades if you really dont benefit from them. Lets say your a tall guy, that will often make the seating/riding position a bit uncomfortable and you could benefit from adding bar risers to the bikes handlebars. It will rise the handlebars with a few centimeters and your riding position will change - to the better hopefully. Similar with footpegs, the original might not be wide or grippy enough for your boots, thus some wider and more sturdy footpegs will benefit you. Also in Kazakhstan it can be very long between gas stations, thus an aftermarket bigger gas tank that extend your potential range can come in very handy in such a place. You can of course carry fuel in jerrycans and bottles but that are in my experience a real PITA.

When you testrided a few bikes and found one you like and bought it - take it out for a real testtrip. Load it up with the gear you would use on your main tour, camping gear, cooking gear and food, clothes, personal items, spare parts and tools, first aid kit etc etc. Since your from Danmark may I suggest going up to Notway, Sweden or Finland for a real shakedown of 2-3 weeks. You can test what works and what not works, what needs upgrading etc.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 29 Jun 2017
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Kawasaki Versys 300 review and a bit of a Honda Crf 250L too

https://youtu.be/XYYf7iG1ih4
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 29 Jun 2017
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
That's the trouble with the internet; you ask 10 people a question and you'll get 20 different answers.
Only 20?
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 29 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
Kawasaki Versys 300 review and a bit of a Honda Crf 250L too

https://youtu.be/XYYf7iG1ih4

Yeah, I just watched it before you linked that
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 29 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 12
What about registering the bike in a friend's name in Spain and then riding the bike from there - Will I have any trouble riding "someone else's" bike?

I have read up on moving my address to Spain and then buying the bike. This is a bit of trouble since I have to be living in Spain for three months before I get a Spanish ID card etc. which I need for registering the bike.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 16 Jul 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 5
Hey Mate

Just another opinion! but I am in a similar boat - I don't know too much about bikes but I'm about to ride from Australia to England over 12 months.

I ended up buying a versys 300 - its fairly light, can go 400kms on a tank, relatively cheap and can handle some dirt roads. I'm thinking I'll be doing about 80/20 road/dirt so it seemed to be the right kinda bike.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 16 Jul 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by strobbia View Post
I ended up buying a versys 300 - its fairly light, can go 400kms on a tank, relatively cheap and can handle some dirt roads. I'm thinking I'll be doing about 80/20 road/dirt so it seemed to be the right kinda bike.
Plus One on versys 300. But being such a new model, will be more expensive than older models.

Another bike I would look seriously into would be the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.
It's a GREAT beginners bike, will run forever, easy to work on and never breaks down! Not ideal is you're planning serious off road in deep mud, but none you've listed are really ideal for that either. Go with the Vstrom.

Fact is, the Vstrom will fit you well being tall and will be THE MosT comfortable, allow you to pack TON of luggage and can easily do 600km /day. Fuel economy is good but not as good as the Versys or other 250's.

I would avoid both KLR and DR650, both great bikes but illegal in EU and most you will find will be old, worn out beaters. Where would you get parts?
Answer: NO WHERE.

I own a Suzuki DR650 and love it, but i live in California where KLR and DR650 are still sold, parts everywhere.

... but for your ride (MOSTLY tarmac - 80%) nothing comes close to the Vstrom for the price and incredible versatility it offers. Buy a nice used one. I owned TWO ... GREAT bikes.

(Read the old Motorad bike tests (from 10 years ago or so), they put 20 bikes in competition riding all around the Alps. The V-Strom 650 won this competition TWO YEARS running. Great report. See links below:

http://www.stromtrooper.com/dl650-dl...rs-2006-a.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_V-Strom_650
https://www.revolvy.com/topic/Suzuki...tem_type=topic


Last edited by mollydog; 16 Jul 2017 at 19:10.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 17 Jul 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by strobbia View Post
Hey Mate

Just another opinion! but I am in a similar boat - I don't know too much about bikes but I'm about to ride from Australia to England over 12 months.

I ended up buying a versys 300 - its fairly light, can go 400kms on a tank, relatively cheap and can handle some dirt roads. I'm thinking I'll be doing about 80/20 road/dirt so it seemed to be the right kinda bike.
When are you going?
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
adventure bike, trip


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

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
Uganda Road Trip Honda XLR250 kampalaric Ride Tales 4 1 Jun 2014 07:14
Start your trip in Southern Mexico? FREE 2013 Honda Tornado 250cc... RyanFB Central America and Mexico 4 6 May 2014 05:27
Moscow to Nordkapp round trip Russki Guzzi Europe 13 11 Feb 2014 15:15
NamBotZamZim trip mikebike Route Planning 7 21 Oct 2012 20:19
My USA Road Trip Is Over panman Ride Tales 6 9 Sep 2012 11:33

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

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...

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 07:42.