Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
LHD versus RHD? LHD versus RHD?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cornwall uk
Posts: 30
LHD versus RHD?
Now that my first post is out of the way - here is the second.

For a genuine 'round the world' trip (3+ years), including Africa and the Americas, I have presumed that left hand drive is the only way to go for a base vehicle.
Correct?
Thanks.
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Oct 2006
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by ClassicCruiser
Now that my first post is out of the way - here is the second.

For a genuine 'round the world' trip (3+ years), including Africa and the Americas, I have presumed that left hand drive is the only way to go for a base vehicle.
Correct?
Thanks.
Steve
No.

Handle bar drive is the only way to go
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cornwall uk
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceP
No.

Handle bar drive is the only way to go
Done that (BMW Airhead), besides, we're taking two dirt bikes onboard
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Not Necessarily
Hi there fellow Cornishman!

Well I think you may be right that you are better off with a LHD vehicle, but my research (about 15 minutes of googling when I was very tired) said its perfectly feasible to do it in a RHD. So I went and bought one.

Our NR1 target is to get to Oz, but we do hope to kick on from there to South America and onwards, but that's too far in the future to know.

I think the other thing to consider is if there is going to be two of you in the vehicle helping each other for 99% of the journey, then you can overcome some of the obstacles created by driving on the wrong side of the road.

Basically what I am saying is don't let this dominate your thoughts, but be just one consideration amongst many.

What are you plans anyhow? Where abouts in the promised land are you?

Good luck with plans anyhow

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cornwall uk
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity
Hi there fellow Cornishman!

Well I think you may be right that you are better off with a LHD vehicle, but my research (about 15 minutes of googling when I was very tired) said its perfectly feasible to do it in a RHD. So I went and bought one.

Our NR1 target is to get to Oz, but we do hope to kick on from there to South America and onwards, but that's too far in the future to know.

I think the other thing to consider is if there is going to be two of you in the vehicle helping each other for 99% of the journey, then you can overcome some of the obstacles created by driving on the wrong side of the road.

Basically what I am saying is don't let this dominate your thoughts, but be just one consideration amongst many.

What are you plans anyhow? Where abouts in the promised land are you?

Good luck with plans anyhow

Cheers
Cheers mate,
I wasn't thinking so much about the driving aspect (we've done plenty of 'wrong side' stuff). It was just the number of threds on here referring to problems with admission to certain countries for RHD. Is it an issue?

BTW. We are split between Truro & Liskeard (home & business).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Oct 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: san francisco
Posts: 144
RHD vehicles are banned in Gambia, but it's the only country I remember having seen causing a problem to travelers. More info at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ghlight=gambia

Pierre - http://www.photobiker.com
__________________
Pierre Saslawsky
http://photobiker.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
West Penwith Man
Hi There!

I'm a St Just man myself, although I have been exiled for 16 years now. I do manage to come backa couple of times a year to see my folks and that. I'd love to end up back in Cornwall eventually, but gotta go off and see the world first ........

I've not come across any countries on my trip that will stop us in a RHD. Let me know if you do come across and other than the Gambia, and we'll plan a quick swerve!
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
Don't let them see the wheel.
If you're high enough off the ground it doesn't make any difference.
In WAf, the police (at oh so many checkpoints) came to the left of the truck, asked my wife for a driving licence and received mine. This lack of observation skills was an excellent starting point to wangle the way out of any "fines, cadeaux etc."
In the Gambia we made a point of leaving the truck by its back door, and I don't think the police saw which of us was driving. At the Gambian checkpoints we handed over my wife's licence and kept quiet.
...
Luke
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Vietnam certainly used to be a problem and don't think anything has changed. If you are driving through China to get to Aus, you need to look at exiting through Laos, not Vietnam.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
you can get into Gambia with a RHD, it's just that you need a carnet to stop you selling it again, so if you have a carnet already it's not a problem, just add it to the list. if it's LHD you don't need a carnet.
Andy

landcruiser H60
landrover 101 Ambie
1968 Morris MInor Traveller
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Captain-Mog...3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
shipping crated versus uncrated paulc Trip Transport 12 10 Feb 2024 06:20
buying a bike in australia and shipping it to Paris versus b michael cummins Trip Transport 9 1 Feb 2006 04:41
650R versus 650L for Overland? Traveldog Honda Tech 6 2 Nov 2004 11:12
air versus water simong Which Bike? 2 1 Feb 2004 22:33
XTZ660 versus XT600E Fuchur Yamaha Tech 1 15 Nov 2001 17:33

 
 

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!

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 18:14.

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