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!
Make a DifferenceTips 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."
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
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Maybe this is a stupid question, but how exactly do you fix Peli cases (to a bike - not to a cat)? I like the top-boxes as laptop holders, but I'm kinda bewildered by the bolts - are there proper mounting systems or do you just drill holes in one side and bolt it down to any old rack? Details appreciated...
However there's nothing stopping you from mounting them onto any frame with those hockey puck type thingummybobs.Or you could just bolt directly but quick release would be better IMHO .
If you reinforce the inside of the case with very broad washers or a thin piece of plate to spread the load , this will help prevent the bolt heads from ripping through the case walls when the bike goes down .
There is a bunch of info on advrider , search mode should bring it up .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Dan,
I attached a Pelican case, size 1450, to my DR650 tail rack. I drilled four 5/16 holes through the rack itself, then four matching holes in the bottom of the pelicase. I took some unidirectional bolts, (they have a slot for a flat head screwdriver but can only be tightened), and pushed those up through the rack and into the box. I threw a couple fender washers on the bolts inside the box, and cinched it down with a lock washer and some cap nuts. It's a semi-permanent setup, but I don't plan on taking that box off like I will my side panniers. I'm using mine for things I want to pack easily and get to often. (Waterproof liners and hiking boots) Hope this helps.
Jeff
Note: I would recommend going a size up on the box; a 1550 maybe. I mail ordered mine and didn't visualize how much room my hiking boots were going to take up. There's not much room left for anything else.
I've done something similar to Jeff by using a peli case as a top box. I chose one of the smaller ones on purpose as all I wanted it to carry was a small tool roll, a compact extra layer for cold days and a pastrami and mustard sandwich (albiet with extra watercress).
I made a 'custom' rack for mine out of 20mm steel flat which attaches to the rear bolts of my passenger handles and the attachment points for my indicators on my XT. I welded the rack together and because I kept it as 'low profile' as possible the steel flat is stiff enough to be quite strong so no need for tubing. I then drilled four holes in the box (through the 'feet') and matching holes in the steel flat. I then tapped the holes in the steel with an M6 tap. The box is bolted to the rack from the inside using domed head bolts which aren't too intrusive and because the rack is threaded (rather than using nuts) it is well nigh impossible to detach the box from the outside. (The box is intended to remain on the bike semi-permanently) The result is an uber strong, waterproof box which would be very difficult for a theif to get into. I am dead chuffed with it and my sandwiches remain dry and safe.
I expect if you wanted to use one as a side box, mounting those 'quick release' style pucks and hangers on a peli case would present no difficulties.
*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!
Thanks, fellas - typically useful replies - gotta love this site.
Looks like a good solution to the 'what the hell do i do with my laptop?' question. Now I just need to answer the 'Do I really want an incongruous briefcase permanently bolted to the back of my dirt bike?' problem...
Suerte, Dan
PS Matt - what are you riding these days? And where are you taking it next?
PS Matt - what are you riding these days? And where are you taking it next?
Still got the XT (I've got a sneaking suspicion I'm never going to sell a bike, still got the Enfield which was my first bike, waiting for the summer and cafe racer glory!)
Taking the XT on what was originally a straight 'there and back again' trip to the Alps for spring skiing but thinking Poland is kind of on the way...
*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!
Dan
Not a stupid question
Below are the details of brackets I used to lock a Pelican 1520 case to standard B&B rack on a DR650 with Giant Loop Great Basin saddlebags.
Check size of pelican case first with thumnails below as there are many sizes.
Give drawings of attached brackets to metal fabricator
I used 3mm galv plate
Cost was $200AUD at Jackson and Jackson Metal Fabrications, Cairns
The pelican case contained an editing laptop, camera, sound equipment and drone gear and enabled me to remove the case when required. The locks ended up being hidden by the upper portion of the saddlebags.
You are free to use drawings for personal use but not manufacture for monetary gain.
If anyone would like additional information or would like to manufacture for sale please contact Mark Buttrose on the email below
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.