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!
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!
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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 Difference Tips 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!
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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."
Road Heroes"Inspiring and hilarious!" (only on DVD)
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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.
Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!
Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia
the problem is with today's products, everything has to either too big or too small
Look at any company offer for so called adventure bike and you'll see.
If something is smaller, it has small tank or other thing making it harder to use for longer trips.
Back to market forces here IMHO. The overlanders won't buy the extended warranty, or the bi-monthly service, or bring back a 2000 mile bike in 18 months to sell or a lot of the other things the manufacturers like. The Charlies shop more, break less inside the warranty period and want to be seen down at Starbucks on a bike that's bigger and shinier than their special friends.
In 1975 my Dad went to the dealers with a list that included things like not buying petrol on the way home from work more than once a week that were directly transferable to touring. He rated 100 mph performance as a equal to higher insurance costs and would have bought the 250 over the 350 if the dealer had had one in. A different market in different times.
There is hope, the Chinese market still includes the mid-weight class and our petrol prices are pushing range as a selling point. (Which back on topic is another weight factor, 42 litre tank = average 20 kg, 12 litre tank = average 6 kg, but which gives the bigger range? you need the MPG figure as well and might even choose not to fill the big tank).
In that clip, that bike is perfectly proportioned to her. My wife has one, and I sit on the carrier when I try to ride it. Forget about standing up, as I have to fold myself double to reach the handle bars.
IMO- power to mass ratio is much more important than weight. but the lighter it is, the easier it'll be in the rough stuff...
In that clip, that bike is perfectly proportioned to her. My wife has one, and I sit on the carrier when I try to ride it. Forget about standing up, as I have to fold myself double to reach the handle bars.
IMO- power to mass ratio is much more important than weight. but the lighter it is, the easier it'll be in the rough stuff...
Bigger bike doesn't need to be heavy bike. Look at every rally bike. Most average people have trouble touching the ground.
I'm 5'9". Average male height. I am tippy toe on both sides of my 690 or flat foot on one side or the other. Its not a small bike... but it weighs less then the crf250.
I agree power is important. But I would way rather ride a crf250 in mongolia then a 1190 adv. Anyone who has ridden an big ADV bike to mongolia will probably agree with me... or they took the pavement most of the way.
Bigger bike doesn't need to be heavy bike. Look at every rally bike. Most average people have trouble touching the ground.
I agree, I don't have actually a problem with bigger sizes even like super tenere or GS1200 but weight is important if something goes bad - it's physics right?
momentum = mass x velocity... I am 6.1 with 108kg live weight and still feel safer with bikes under 200kg although I could probably handle even 300kg motorcycle..
For sure the 690 KTM would be an excellent choice. 140kg, lots of power. What more could you want?
Toured Suisse on an LC4, but the vibration got me. After 6 hours or so in saddle, everything started tingling (not just my backside). I think newer ones are a bit better, but for sure not as smooth as the Honda.
I think it depends on skill/experience and you're strength and the 'If you can be arsed' effect.
Lighter the bike, easier everything is. Except cruising comfortably at speed.
I think most people go for somewhere in the middle. 250kg when loaded up would be my personal limit though. You're talking a 400-650 Enduro style single cylinder bike.
The bike is only half the equation. Use lightweight luggage and don't carry too much and you're half way there.
Then again, people ride Harley's through sand and some people race scooters on drag strips...
how about this;
you sit at home in your Lazy Boy, and we send you videos of us out enjoying life on our preferred bikes, and you pretend that it is actually you...
that is, unless you prefer to continue to make up excuses as to why that bike wont work for you, without actually trying said bike....
I think it depends on skill/experience and you're strength and the 'If you can be arsed' effect.
Lighter the bike, easier everything is. Except cruising comfortably at speed.
I think most people go for somewhere in the middle. 250kg when loaded up would be my personal limit though. You're talking a 400-650 Enduro style single cylinder bike.
The bike is only half the equation. Use lightweight luggage and don't carry too much and you're half way there.
Then again, people ride Harley's through sand and some people race scooters on drag strips...
Spot on! Voice of experience there ... are you listening Robson?
Skill and fitness really count. Both can and will be developed somewhat on the road ... if you survive that learning curve then you'll be better equipped.
But having fitness and skill before setting out is preferred.
So true about the small bike not being good on long highway runs. Compromises. Middle ground is where I've ended up, after exploring both ends from 250's to 1000cc bikes. I've pushed to get even lower weight than Ted's 250 kgs. I'm at about 206 kgs. on my DR650. (fully fueled/loaded)
A good tall man 650 bike would be the Honda XR650L. Inexpensive and with a few key mods, very good travel bike. The Art Of Packing Light is another thread ... and is a key element in happiness on the road.
Quote:
Originally Posted by robson
I am 6.1 and a big bike like nc750x has a little cramped space for my legs
so my next bike will be even bigger most likely.
IMHO, the NC750X would be a poor choice for a travel bike.
Quite over weight, expensive and will not survive a crash well at all. Too delicate for any even moderate off road.
Once loaded, will be a beached whale.
For leg room ... you don't need a BIGGER bike, just a TALLER bike. See Honda XR650L ... or if you have money to burn,
any KTM 640 or 690. Even the lower KLR or DR650 can suit a tall rider with a built up seat, lowered pegs and bar risers.
No bike is perfect out of the crate ... they ALL need careful mods to suit.
IMHO, the NC750X would be a poor choice for a travel bike.
Quite over weight, expensive and will not survive a crash well at all. Too delicate for any even moderate off road.
Once loaded, will be a beached whale.
You've got all completely wrong, wet weight 219kg while most bigger adventure bikes are at 259kg that is heavy for you? Expensive??? come on, from where you get your numbers? it's probably the cheapest from the adventure bunch. But it has also other advantages over other bikes - it's probably the most economical bike off all, 3.1 l/100km! Just finished 900km trip over weekend, very comfortable seat, very nimble, very low center of gravity hence very good at low speeds. Tested offroad and it's also excellent. I suggest ride the bike before you criticize it. It is an excellent travel bike.
In that clip, that bike is perfectly proportioned to her. My wife has one, and I sit on the carrier when I try to ride it. Forget about standing up, as I have to fold myself double to reach the handle bars.
i completely disagree...
im about as big/tall as they come for overlanders, at 6'10" i am comfortable riding my modified xchallenge (75,000+km), just because your bigger doesnt mean that you need a bigger bike.
im also very comfortable riding a honda wave in thailand with my gf behind me.
i completely disagree...
im about as big/tall as the come for overlanders, at 6'10" i am comfortable riding my modified xchallenge (75,000+km), just because your bigger doesnt mean that you need a bigger bike.
im also very comfortable riding a honda wave in thailand with my gf behind me.
Well, there you go. X-challenge will never work for me- my knees will kill me before the 1st hour is up. I had an XR350 one, but gave up when I couldn't 'get up' off the seat anymore. But whatever floats your boat....
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)
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.)
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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 availablefrom the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
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.
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
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!
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.'
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.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
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.
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