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!
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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!
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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!
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. :-)
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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.
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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.
As a 2 wheeled fiend who enjoys travelling I've come to the HUBB... However, my next big adventure will be on 4 wheels, and I have no idea where to look to ask, research, and learn about my next trip.
Does anyone know of a 4 wheeled overlanding forum? (and I should stress I said 4 wheels ... that's not to say 4x4). I see lots of websites for 4x4 overlanders but they just look like a weekend warrior tour package sites. I want the nitty gritty... tech questions about where i can find my "One Life Live It!" stickers... or how many sand ladders I need to look competent or what's the best colour scheme for my jerry cans if I have at least 4m^2 of checker plate covering my vehicle.
Well, maybe regardless of this detail if anyone may know the answer to this very primary question: Permanently importing a vehicle into Mongolia... so far my searches have only shown me that vehicles over 10 years old are substantially more expensive to import. However, where is all this information written?
I would say that this is a good place to start 4x4 or not there are experienced people on here from all walks of life and with many different vehicles. Just ask your questions and you will receive honest practical advice.
This seems to be the "HUBB" for serious 4 wheeled travellers too - I'm often told stuff similar to what you said above.
Besides, 2 and 4 wheels have more or less the same issues everywhere so much of it is relevant to both.
I'm very curious - WHY would you want to permanently import a vehicle into Mongolia? I have no info myself on rules for importing into Mongolia, sorry - but someone must know!
__________________ Grant Johnson Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------ Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997! www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Besides, 2 and 4 wheels have more or less the same issues everywhere so much of it is relevant to both.
Duly noted and mostly agreed with. However, 4 wheeled specific stuff like, raising the vehicle (from stock suspension) and changing wheel sizes, are things I'm seriously considering, and I'm in the situation of: never-done-it-before.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson
I'm very curious - WHY would you want to permanently import a vehicle into Mongolia? I have no info myself on rules for importing into Mongolia, sorry - but someone must know!
I'm intending on doing something very similar to the Mongol Rally without participating in the event, in a 400-500cc car and at my leisure. Ultimately, selling the vehicle on once in Ulan Bator.
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
I just had a mental picture of a FIAT 500 (the proper one, not the new one) jacked up like a mini-monster truck! Would LOVE to see pix of that!
What kind of car are you thinking?
Matt
Hehe... similar... only not that jacked up.
Having had plenty of experience trying to wreck an Aixam micro-car.... <= not this car... but this is what it looks like when not naked.
...the past few years in spain:
..and it proving near indestructible, uber-efficient ~80mpg (and runs on diesel), weighs 380kgs and can be lifted on 2 wheels by a mere mortal. So with that established, I'm keen to buy one in the UK and making it overland-spec:
A little more ground clearance,
Standard car wheel size so that tyres are easier to come by.
A little (not too much) reinforcement for the underside, and lower sides
I like the alternative approach - very few people seem to realise the benefits of small and light instead of big and powerful. I took a sub 1 litre Citroen AX to Morocco (OK a regular gas guzzler by your standards!) and I found it surprisingly good on the modest off-roading that I did. The fact it was worth about £400 helped when you heard things go 'bang' and 'crack'! It had done about 85K when I took it to Maroc and lived on to do 130k before the suspension finally gave up and it was uneconomical to keep on the road. I genuinely really miss that car! Had loads of great adventures in it! I've seen pre-war Austin 7s get up stuff you wouldn't believe on off-road hill climb events.
Of course when us Brits were bashing around the world in Land Rovers the French were doing great things, especially in the desert, in 2CVs. Always had a bit of a hankering for a 2CV.
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Oh Dear, After niggling the bike gear heads on this site, I have to admit that I have all the bling for Australian 4x4 desert touring
Large vehicles carry more gear so are necessary for long trips but small short-wheel bases are more fun.
There are few stock vehicles that can handle true off-road conditions, so after-market additions are required.
Lift-kit - no more than 2" ( if using roof racks put only lite equipment on top as the C of G shift is one of the main causes of roll over)
Diff-lock ( air operated ) turns any fourbie into a tractor, and allows you to inflate tyres, (reduce to 12- 16 psi when in sand).
Gas shocks and large springs ( ride will be stiffer but will handle the BIG hits )
The only real bullbars are steel, but heavy, anything else is a joke.
Twin batteries and isolator - we do like all our battery draining toys
Long range fuel and water tanks Mongolia is drier than outback Oz
EPIRB - emergency beacon
Engine exhaust inflated car jacks are much better than large steel jacks in sand
Do this and you are unstoppable .
Oh Dear, After niggling the bike gear heads on this site, I have to admit that I have all the bling for Australian 4x4 desert touring
Large vehicles carry more gear so are necessary for long trips but small short-wheel bases are more fun.
There are few stock vehicles that can handle true off-road conditions, so after-market additions are required.
Lift-kit - no more than 2" ( if using roof racks put only lite equipment on top as the C of G shift is one of the main causes of roll over) 15" wheels should give 1" rise, and then doing the lift of an inch should be fine.
Diff-lock ( air operated ) turns any fourbie into a tractor, and allows you to inflate tyres, (reduce to 12- 16 psi when in sand). It's a 2wd micro-car with fwd... not really an option in this situation. But i'll consider it.
Gas shocks and large springs ( ride will be stiffer but will handle the BIG hits ) I'll see what's available, wont rule it out.
The only real bullbars are steel, but heavy, anything else is a joke. I can't say if bull bars on a micro-car are necessary, but i'll consider it.
Twin batteries and isolator - we do like all our battery draining toys I will definitely consider this
Long range fuel and water tanks Mongolia is drier than outback Oz It may come in the shape of jerrycans... the car was designed for city driving, and to be dumped off in mongolia, no intention of getting anything specially fabbed up.
EPIRB - emergency beacon Really?? Where's the fun in getting lost?
Engine exhaust inflated car jacks are much better than large steel jacks in sand It's a 380kg car... i'll consider an inflatable dingy
Do this and you are unstoppable .
Hey Neil The info was just general for all cars
it might have been a a typo but you wrote "I want the nitty gritty... tech questions "
To be honest the vehicle you have chosen will be found wanting. It will be loaded to the gunnels and heavy for its original design I agree that small is fun
but you want to go to Mongolia, not to be taken lightly ('scuse pun)
But if you are still keen, A portable air compressor to re-inflate tyres , twin batteries, (solar panel maybe) snatch strap
It maybe a 350 kg car, but how much gear, food,fuel, water etc. it will add up
The EPIRB (emergency positioning radio indicating beacon) should not be an option. I have never fired one off but they have been the best money I've spent for peace of mind, time is of essence when remote and injured.
Why not just start off with a van , commercial vehicle , as found by many people in Australia , 90% of the time these will take you anywhere a 4x4 will and are built strong enough to take punishment for quite a time., and will give you reasonable payload .
2WD preferably with a live back axle , as more robust than front drive shafts. Fit 8pr light truck tyres , look at exhaust for routing, or vulnerability ground clearance is very important.
Set of tyre chains for mud , amazing where they will take you compared with tyres only. Most 4x4 are overkill as locals dont drive 4x4 in most places.
Most cars will take a lot more modding , and are designed down to market usage , that is relatively soft . You also want less fruit that can fail, eg lecky windows etc .
A good few years back they designed a car for africa that was made of ply with austin 1100 powertrain , and drove down thru africa , cant find any references to it at the moment , but it looked at all the sort of things you will be contemplating . HTSH
.
A good few years back they designed a car for africa that was made of ply with austin 1100 powertrain , and drove down thru africa , cant find any references to it at the moment , but it looked at all the sort of things you will be contemplating . HTSH
Sounds like the 'Africar' that was based on a 2CV. I dunno why they don't make more cars out of plywood...
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
I am just loving that name!! What a brilliant idea...
However, we (my spanish friends and I) found that the Aixam in all it's vulnerabilities is in fact a very sturdy car. We've managed to drive up hill with 17 people on board... for a car that was intended as a 2 seater that's good going.
Managed to get it to get some air-time racing it off of ramps... and I personally managed to roll it with 3 of us onboard... and without stalling it, on account of the auto-transmission.
I appreciate the suggestions of other vehicles, however, I'm sort of out to prove this vehicle can do it, in spite of all the nay saying and rational arguments against.
Your'e a man after my own heart Neil
Ok now I can put the big brother "caution guy" away
This is the sort of vehicle ,and trip ,many hardcore fourbie riders talk about, and many have a project in their sheds, little suzukis old landies etc. So I think it would be a hoot, I'm in.
Questions
How many travelling with you ?, people , vehicles
How many klms are you expecting to cover in one day?
Are you using this car for pure transport or a mix of fun/transport ?
I'm going to search the specs. on this car, I'll get back to you.
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.
Virginia: April 24-27 Queensland is back! May 2-5 Ecuador June 13-15 Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 CanWest: July 10-13 Switzerland: Date TBC Ecuador: Date TBC Romania: Date TBC Austria: Sept. 11-14 California: September 18-21 France: September 19-21 Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2
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.
However, my next big adventure will be on 4 wheels, and I have no idea where to look to ask, research, and learn about my next trip. 
<= not this car... but this is what it looks like when not naked.
Your'e a man after my own heart Neil
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