Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
What bike for the Alps? What bike for the Alps?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 13
What bike for the Alps?
Hello. We are from Winnipeg, Canada. Yes, it is cold here right now. About -25C. We have dreamed about a motorcycle holiday in Europe for many years and now it is finally going to happen.
My partner and I are planning to rent a bike to ride in the UK for 10 days and then the Alps for another 10 days or so in July of 2010. I have had a lot of different bikes over my 40 years of riding and have spent a lot of time touring the US on Goldwings. I'm sure the Alps will be a lot different than anything else we've done. BMW 1200RT has been suggested by the rental companies. Is this a good choice?? Also, any advice on reputable rental companies (probably out of Munich Germany ???) Any advice would be greatly appreciated as we plan to do this without a tour group and I have never been over there before. (YIKES!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Dec 2009
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/lin...mpanies-europe

The link above has a list of touring companies, some have rentals.
For mountain riding I would prefer a roadster of some kind.
BMW R1200R or if two up a R1200GS (better passenger seat).
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,121
I spend quite a bit of time in the French Alps in the summer months and probably the most common bike I see are GSs.

Have a look at this link: AlpineRoads.com :: View topic - What bike for the Alps????
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
I don't know what build you both have, but the thing with European mountain roads is that they are very twisty , so perhaps lighter and more nimble is better than a distance machine. If you don't plan ongoing off-road, them I say maximse the enjoyment of those kinds of bends (where else can you find such bends and scenery?) and get a road biased machine (unless you can both rent Vor supermotos and live out of a small-bumbag!!)
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Dec 2009
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
In my experience you can take pretty much anything, as long as you're comfortable with it. Most common bikes are indeed GSs, and if you'll be riding two-up then I can highly recommend that bike. I'd advise you to avoid Harleys and other choppers and cruisers that have footpegs way too low for hairpin turns. But then again I've seen plenty of Harleys in the Alps, too.

There's a few rental places in and around Munich. Email me or send me a short message via the HUBB with your email address and I'll forward those addresses to you. When do you plan to arrive in Munich? We'll be in the UK for about a month in June/July 2010 but might already be back by the time you arrive in Munich.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 53
I would agree that unless you're planning on driving offroad you should consider a lighter, more road-oriented bike. Honda VFR750 was perfectly suited for the Alps, me, my wife, and a few weeks of clothes and camping gear.

Although we rode our own bike, Knopf Tours is a great business renting out of Heidelberg:
http://knopftours.com/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Dec 2009
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Well i think the GS bikes are not the best and cheapest choice but why not exploring germany on german bikes? And if you are in the alpes dont miss a short trip to swizerland (i dont know about the visa). You should definitly ride the Grimselpass and Furkapass if you love winding roads
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London, England
Posts: 141
Purely for the experience I'd go with a german, austrian, or italian (or french? or swiss? or slovenian?! or liechtensteiner :confused1 bike. Same as riding a harley or chopper across the states.

Doesn't matter which really, take what will look best in your photos.
__________________
http://bigben.to/ London to....? The big bike annual rally.
http://www.mongolbikers.com 125cc London -> Mongolia.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 54
Im going to go against the grain here and suggest a Yamaha FJR1300 or similar, eg Kawa ZZR1400/1400GTR. Power, comfort, will be good in the twisties etc.

Saying that tho i just did a 3000miles 2up + camping gear with my girlfriend last year on an FZ6 Fazer and it was great, no back pain what-so-ever, tho sore bum cheeks occasionally. Lacking power fully loaded aswell

The kind of mileage you sound like you will be doing would scare me away from the BMW's. Reliability isnt their strongest point.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Mar 2010
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
What about a 600 TransALP? It's what it was designed for afterall....

Take a trail bike for the offroad experiences. Probably best to keep away from singles as you are on tarmac most the time. A twin will tick all the boxes.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
If budget is of no concern then as a Gold Wing guy the BMW RT or LT will suit nicely. But if you want to save some money look at renting a Suzuki DL1000 in Germany. I think there may still be a couple companies that handle the Vstroms in Germany. Should be quite a bit less than a BMW.

The big Vstrom is good two up, plenty of room for two plus luggage, plenty of power and torque, even at 10,000 ft.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Alps in May stubdetoe Route Planning 5 27 Nov 2009 23:14
Where to go in the Alps? chrish Route Planning 5 16 May 2009 10:51
Swap bike in Pacific NW USA, WA, for Euro Alps region. danodemotoman Bike Swap or Rent 12 18 Dec 2008 21:50
Alps - camping/B+B? bonzo Europe 8 4 Jun 2007 21:41
What Bike for 2 weeks in Alps? Jonathan Elliott Trip Transport 6 18 Jun 2006 09:49

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 15:45.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top