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!
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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."
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4 wheel Overland TravelNON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Search Forums ONLY searches the HUBB, and not well. Use Site Search to search everywhere.
I've had an idea swirling around my head the last couple years and I wanted to bring it up with HUBB members to get some differing perspectives.
Ever since Tesla announced that the highest trim of their stainless steel doorstop of a truck would have a 500 mile range, 18 inches of ground clearance, and a number of other potentially unique features I've fantasized about slow travel in one.
Pros for overlanding:
Stainless steel body
Stock pneumatic suspension
Storage in the "frunk", sides, under the bed, 6.5ft bed with durable cover stock
500 mile range with the tri-motor variant, meaning possibly multiple days without range anxiety
Very few parts in the drivetrain
Less emissions and noise pollution from the vehicle
Announced solar option to allow 15-40 miles of range per day of sunlight as an OEM option
Potential Cons for overlanding:
Design will draw a lot of attention, possibly from bad actors
Availability of electricity in remote areas (solar option might help alleviate)
Brand new, unproven platform, even from this manufacturer
Parts/labor availability in countries that Tesla isn't present in
Aftermarket will take a while to catch up
The appeal of overlanding for me is not just the travel, meeting people of different cultures, etc. The appeal lies in having a true adventure and if possible doing something few people have done. I am intrigued by the idea of slow traveling the world in a vehicle that doesn't pollute, presents unique challenges, has the potential of having unique advantages, and (subjectively) looks really cool and futuristic.
Those that have overlanded to remote areas, do you feel like bringing an EV would be a fiasco like what we saw with the Long Way Up show?
I'm interested in perspective, and using the time before this vehicle is released to save money for this trip. Thanks!
If I recall how it worked for Delorean... the stainless steel body means that every ding or scratch is forever. Can't really polish anything out or use body filler/repaint. Can't easily replace body panels since they are structural.
UPDATE: Never mind, I see you have already watched it!
--
Go watch Ewan & Charley's series Long Way Up.
They ride a pair of Harley Livewire electric motorcycles, plus a couple of Rivian electric trucks from Tierra del Fuego to Los Angeles.
You may find the troubles they run into with electrical Infrastructure enlightening.
It's on Apple TV, but I believe there are extensive clips on Youtube and elsewhere.
The best attitude towards anything Elon Musk proposes is "I'll believe it when I see it." While his cars have had some successes (although many years behind original schedules), his solar roof tiles, hyper loop transit tunnels, and a host of other wildly-speculative stuff has mostly served to demonstrate the truth of P.T. Barnum's famous beliefs about suckers and the wealth available to promoters of hoaxes.
If you insist on organizing any aspect of your life around Musk concepts, I'd suggest anticipating long delays, broken promises, and significant price increases...and that's before questions of dealer networks, parts availability, and vulnerability to damage become relevant. Then again, what do I know--every so often his ideas shower money on believers!
UPDATE: Never mind, I see you have already watched it!
--
Go watch Ewan & Charley's series Long Way Up.
They ride a pair of Harley Livewire electric motorcycles, plus a couple of Rivian electric trucks from Tierra del Fuego to Los Angeles.
You may find the troubles they run into with electrical Infrastructure enlightening.
It's on Apple TV, but I believe there are extensive clips on Youtube and elsewhere.
Yeah the issue they had was what they always seem to have issues with:
"Ewen has to be back in town by X date, we better rush!"
"We picked vehicles that we could get offered to us for free, rather than picking the best tool for the job.
The Rivians and the Livewires were *terrible* choices, mostly because the Rivians had only 250 miles of optimal range on a good day, and the Livewires weren't even offroad bikes AND only have 90 miles of range on a good day.
I've owned a Tesla Model S and a Zero SR, they're not for that job and definitely don't have the safety margin to go out into the boonies regardless of modification. I was raging at the show the entire time because of this.
the Rivians had only 250 miles of optimal range on a good day, and the Livewires weren't even offroad bikes AND only have 90 miles of range on a good day.
You'll never find a bigger critic of LWU than myself. Mostly because I'm a fan of EVs and also an adventure motorcyclist. I've owned both, I have I think a decent feel for what's reasonable. What LWU portrayed was not reasonable or at all truthful.
My expectations for overlanding in something like a Tesla Cybertruck is getting between 400-500 miles on a single charge, with only 120-250 miles per day expected of actual transit. I'm willing to stop for a day or multiple days to charge, I'm in no rush, and would have solar on the vehicle as a last resort. I'm even willing to bring a gas generator if I find it unreasonable to expect less than 250 miles on gravel or because of temperature issues.
Add more batteries to increase range and find a way to charge the batteries along the way - then sure, why not? Charging by solar would take ages. Charging by generator would kindif defeat the purpose somewhat? I guess, if you went painstakingly slow to allow for recharging on a low output charger that wouldn't cause a fire to whatever you tap into - sure, why not?
There are now also great electric motorcycles that might be more suitable.
Much depends on your definition of Overlanding and where you want to go
From March 2016 until April 2019, in the early days of electric vehicles, and before there was much EV infrastructure, anywhere, Dutchman Weibe Wakker drove a borrowed electric VW from the Netherlands to New Zealand. His 1,222 day, 100,450 kilometres (62,417 miles) road adventure took him through 34 countries. He accomplished this by asking people to plug into homes and businesses and donate some of their electricity.
Can it be done? Sure. Wakker showed it can. But range and having infrastructure to recharge are going to be, IMHO, the biggest limiting factors. If you plan to cross the Sahara, for example, you may want to have lots of water, food, solar panels, and time available. Also, if you need to carry your living room chesterfield every where you go to be comfortable, that too will be a limiting factor.
Go watch Ewan & Charley's series Long Way Up.
They ride a pair of Harley Livewire electric motorcycles, plus a couple of Rivian electric trucks from Tierra del Fuego to Los Angeles.
You may find the troubles they run into with electrical Infrastructure enlightening.
I did enjoy there trip soo much! Was nice to see south america again.
I like the idea of overlanding with a Tesla. Actually, today - it just need much of the most valuable what we humans have: time..
We are private guys and no one will send a Truck with a big diesel generator to remote places to give use a charge - like showed in "long way up".
Solar Power is available on good weather, most of use dont can wait severall days till they can progress.
Probably we are too early today - and this is the best overlanding solution in 12years, when the world overpopulation brings charging stations too in "no longer" remote places.
Today - it is possible for rich people (with enough time) - to even use an electric vehicle for overlanding purpose.
LWU was pure Hollywood from start to finish.
We were shown what the sponsors wanted us to see.
Am I jealous of them? Hell, yes!
But do I believe it?
No more than I believe all the myriad of Youtube 'stars' like Itchyboots etc.
Sure, they are out there doing it, but with a band of acolytes behind the scenes doing all the fixing.
All this hype of pretty girls and boys on their RTW trips bears about as much relevance to the real world as any other blockbuster movie does.
Curmudgeonly rant over.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
3Likes
Electric Vehicle Overlanding - Tesla Cybertruck
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