Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
travelling without panniers? travelling without panniers?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 27 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Giant loop on a 125?
I am leaning towards doing a 6 month trip to S.A on a gc125.
Having done my research here on the HUB one of the key issues with all trips seems to be security of your luggage and especially if riding solo, being apprehensive about leaving your bike and luggage alone for any period of time. Regardless of soft saddlebags or panniers it still seems to be high on peoples lists of concerns.
The benefits of a small, affordable and extremely reliable bike like the GC 125 are well documented but the thought of using a Giant loop bag that I can just throw over the back (plan to travel very light) and then remove quickly is extremely appealing. And then your bike just looks like another local Moto.

I plan to do quite a bit of solo travel so I dont want to be stressing about security as many seem to.
I'm surprised more people dont take this option given the cost of shipping, Carnets, fuel etc? Or maybe I'm clueless and will learn a bitter lesson.:confused1:
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 27 Apr 2011
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Hi,

If your 125er is able to do more then 50.000 kilometers (25K down and back) then its probably the best bike to use. Fuel consum and carned deposit should be less then with any other bike. Lesse wait is also more importent in africa then horsepower. If you travel some offroad parts there is no chance to get 100 PS like a GS1200 on the ground anyway and if there is tar there are usuarly so many pothols that you cant go fast.

I traveled the westcoast alone and realy enjoyed it but did not leave my bike unetendet in any big city even i had alu boxes. Rather ask locals if they can wath for you like i did in Brazzaville while i had to get the visa for Kamerun etc.

LG, Tobi
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 1 May 2011
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
Go soft travel light, the rucksack on the back of the Honda contained all I needed for a few weeks in Cambodia, no camping equipment just clothes and a small sleeping bag. Carried no spares for the bike only basic tools.

I had more stuff on the Serow as it was a two month trip. Only weighed about 10 kg (40 Ltr) but included some luxuries like walking boots, mosquito net and cold weather clothing.

I used a waterproof cover when it rained.

Biggest advantage for me of a single bag is you can take it with you when you leave the bike.

I rented a bike in New Zealand which came with full Hard Luggage, I only used one Pannier and the Tankbag, the other two did come in useful for storing my bike clothing if I found a nice place to explore on route. I was always concerned about someone stealing them if I left them unattended, most nights I had the hassle of carrying them into the hotels. If I was to use hard luggage again I would ensure everything fitted into two panniers and nothing more as its easier to unload the bike each night.
Attached Thumbnails
travelling without panniers?-rscn1362.jpg  

travelling without panniers?-dscn1059.jpg  

Last edited by DarrenM; 1 May 2011 at 03:29.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 9 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Giant Loop Q&A
Hello HUBBsters!

Just started a new Giant Loop company thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ant-loop-70221

Please feel free to post your questions, comments, feedback and photos there. We'll do our best to respond quickly, honestly and completely.

Ride while you can,
Harold
owner, co-founder
Giant Loop LLC
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3

« 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
metal panniers v/s soft panniers zaplaje Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 40 18 Jun 2011 16:11
BMW F650gs Dakar 2000 expandable panniers + tank panniers vince24 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 8 Jan 2011 12:42
Alu panniers or textile panniers ??? whats the best option tiger boy uk Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 30 28 Apr 2010 13:36
Givi panniers v aluminium panniers simonandmags Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 13 Mar 2004 02:09

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

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

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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 06:33.

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