Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 30 Aug 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 65
emprovements..

hello everyone, seems like sue best lad a forum so far.

Im thinking of buying one as getting a landi or cruiser cuts quite a big chunk out of my budget. Id rather spend the money on traveling as y don't mind braking down (as I have had only good experiences so far, lets hope they stay like this)

Well the thing is, I'm planing to travel central asia maybe even to mongolia, and i think getting spares in ex soviet countries should not be too hard, also i don't mind traveling slow and low un luggage. But a little increase from the 400kg wouldn't bee bad. (i think i have nearly put this much on my bike before)

does anyone have experience in this?
the diesel seems to be the best choice.. what do you guys think?
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 30 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
Vitara might be a better bet , less transmission problems , the lada was a bit beset by driveline vibrations , I used a vitara 1600 towing a camper trailer to cross Australia
__________________
Current : 2007 Mowag Bucher Duro 6x6 Motorhome , 2006 Sedici 4x4, 2007 Range Rover supercharged
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 30 Aug 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Finland
Posts: 19
Niva is tough little vehicle, only minus is small fueltank.
And btw Vitara might be too complicated and less easy to find spareparts there (former soviet)...
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 30 Aug 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 65
yes i think the lada will be ok for eastern europe. Im thinking about the 1,9 diesel… for the small tank y can carry a few jerry cans, 2x 20litres will do the job i guess,central asia is not too bad i hope, only mongolia could be a problem.

Im interested in increasing the payload a bit. 400kg is quickly reached, especially with a roof tent.. what do you guys think!
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 31 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
We had a Niva Cossack for about 16 years , the Mk1 , have driven a Mk2 (1.7 engine, and deeper tailgate) and the drivetrain seemed a bit better (vibration wise) . From a practical point of view , it would be easy enough to increase payload , by fitting heavier duty rear coil springs . The problem would be that legally you would be overloaded anywhere in the EU , how big a factor this would be in Russia , cant advise on that . The diesel engine used is a 1.9 peugeot/citroen unit , good engine , need to change cam belt regularly , because if it goes , usually breaks cam , and caps, and means new cylinder head assy !! The biggest pain with them is usually wiring problems . The seats are a bit uncomfortable , but the ride is excellent . HTSH
__________________
Current : 2007 Mowag Bucher Duro 6x6 Motorhome , 2006 Sedici 4x4, 2007 Range Rover supercharged
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 9 Sep 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
very good availability for nivas in eastern europe, almost non existent for old suzis. I've spent quite a bit of time in Belarus, Ukraine and a bit in Russia and Nivas are quite prolific.

The UK importers did have to do quite a bit of work on them to make them fit for sale in the UK, so I wouldn't buy one from eastern europe!

I've never driven a niva (although I have driven quite a few suzukis) but have heard good things about them, very capable little trucks.

weight is your enemy in a small truck, beefing up the suspension just means something else will fail. treat the disease, not the symptoms. keep your weight down. why do you need a rooftent?
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014

Last edited by moggy 1968; 10 Sep 2014 at 22:25.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
INFO about Buy & Sell Bikes in Argentina. javkap South America 8 24 Jan 2013 18:21
Traveling the world in Lada Niva mgagro 4 wheel Overland Travel 3 8 Apr 2006 18:39
Bike Missionary need help! overseas info needed! TresMon Trip Transport 1 1 Mar 2005 06:19
Lada Niva ? jazzmand Equipping the Overland Vehicle 2 5 Dec 2002 03:00

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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!

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 13:56.