Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Using small cc bikes for touring Using small cc bikes for touring
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sunderland, UK
Posts: 280
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldsomeman View Post
i think i am in the process of changing my mind as to which bike...the 90 isa rear ens night mare .more than 20 mile and your shifting a lot in the saddle.so i would have to buy one of the single broader saddles i think if i was to use it
I have started to cast about for other bikes and so thanks for the suggestions.
with my weight the 90 would probabaly only chug along at about 40-45 anyway!
I seem to remember you were planning a trip to Austria but had limited time to complete it. If so, you will need to use the autobahns and unless you really want to be a liability to yourself, you need a bike that will comfortably maintain at least 70-80mph.

I spoke to a German woman and her friend at Cochem on the Mosel, on their way back from Eastern Europe. She had a Kawasaki ER5 which in my opinion would be ideal for this guy's needs. I've ridden one and although they're nothing special, they're cheap, reliable and more than fast enough for touring at a sedate pace.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
LMAO

Ask Ewan of WrongWayDown fame if he would like a smaller bike now that he has fallen off time and again, as always he has 5 guys helping him right the Beast as he couldn't lift it himself.

God I cried tears of joy at the sight of him falling towards the hard rocky earth with the bikes back sliding out from under him and that huge crashing noise with bits getting all bent out of shape, and then with the 80 meters of mud to traverse OMG I'm crying again.

My little F650GS Dakar is still big for me but I can pick her up as often as I need to, a GSA with my one good leg no way not without some serious leverage, take a bike that best fits the route you want to go travel not the free one that's on offer that you can't ride or lift, Common Sense I think.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sunderland, UK
Posts: 280
Quote:
Originally Posted by juddadredd View Post
LMAO

Ask Ewan of WrongWayDown fame if he would like a smaller bike now that he has fallen off time and again, as always he has 5 guys helping him right the Beast as he couldn't lift it himself.
And who will ever forget Charley Boorman shouting in panic, "Can someone help please", when he almost dropped his before they even crossed the start line on Long Way Round.

I sat on one at a dealer and I bottled out of lifting the thing up off it's sidestand due to the weight (I'm 5'7" and 11st) and didn't fancy picking up the bill for the damage. I have a lot of respect to anyone who can make these bikes work for them without the aid of a back-up crew and 3 support vehicles.

As for bike choice, it's all horses for courses really. Like the man said, use common sense and buy to suit the purpose. After a lot of research on the internet and in usual bike mags, I bought a '01 Kawasaki ZX6R about 6 months ago. My basic requirements are that my bike must be able to handle a relatively long ride without needing to be on 1st name terms with your chiropractor but still be able to keep pace with the much more focused sportsbikes that my mate's ride. I'm trying to convince three of them to come to the Nurburgring with me. Their choice of bikes are the stumbling blocks even though it's only half a day from Amsterdam. I'm planning a trip to the Dolomites for next year which is pretty much out of the question on a Ducati 916. You pay your money and take your choice.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
thanks for the replies
well, for better or worse ive purchased an '83 superdream 250 cc to go touring.Its in good condition and i hope this will be sufficient to tour with, although aware its a heavy bike
if all else fails then its definitely back to the c9o.
i still want to go to Austria but can allow myself 2 weeks which should get me there,even if i take the none motorway roads...failing that there is a lot of France ive not seen lol
now i have to make decisions about a fairing.If i need one or not,and if so what sort and where from!,i do tend to a cockpit one at least...but i suppose one with an upright screen would suffice...although a full one is tempting to imagine.....till you drop the bike lol!
ps do you think the super dream will be ok? lol
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
superdream, nice......
My first 'proper' bike after I passed my test was a superdream.....
thrashed the hell out of it all over the UK to rallies, runs and generally learnt to ride properly on it. they hardly ever go wrong, they are gutless (but will do 65-70 all day) return reasonable mpg, parts are pennies from breakers or ebay, lots of stuff from other hondas fit, tyres never wear out ( not enuff power.....lol) same with chains..... if adjusted well.

add a rack, a set of throw over panniers, a top box and a waterproof stuff sack to stuff clothes in ( nice to lean back on too) and enjoy it. oh yes, add air horns, and a better headlamp bulb, apart from that.......... lets see a pic!

Enjoy!

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
superdream
wel to be honest its stil in the van wher ei placed it when bringing it home.
It due to be taken to mot tomorrow
so ill photo it then.but its a big ragged but sound.wel i wil know that tomorrow
I do have to fix a broken stand though.
When yo say change the bulb , what do you mean?
i thought air horns where illegal in Britain.or is that for the continent.for i surely intend to go there early next year!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
ok, I will be a bit clearer...
Hi, sometimes, the bulbs in the Superdreams are the old NON Halogen ones, about as bright as a wet candle........ put in a H4 Halogen 55/60w ( or brighter if u want, its not like the MOT are gonna really check it) the new 'BLUE' bulbs are a 'whiter brighter' light ( Halfords or similar) takes 10 mins max to replace.

Air horns are only illegal if they play a tune. like the dukes of hazzard ones..... air horns and bright lights are the way to go. dipped lights on ALL the time, even in the day, make sure the dozy car drivers see you, if they dont, blast em with the horn to wake em up!

PS I live in Spain and the ITV stations (equivalent to MOT) dont care wether its a bulb horn, a buzzer, bicycle bell or air horn as long as its an audible warning device.....
Have fun

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by craig76 View Post
I spoke to a German woman and her friend at Cochem on the Mosel, on their way back from Eastern Europe. She had a Kawasaki ER5 which in my opinion would be ideal for this guy's needs. I've ridden one and although they're nothing special, they're cheap, reliable and more than fast enough for touring at a sedate pace.
I fully agree, very underrated bike
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Nov 2007
TDMalcolm's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: norfolk uk
Posts: 140
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
I fully agree, very underrated bike
Hi All, thats why many choose the KLE500..same engine, basic mechanics etc,
I'm happy with mine
TDMalcolm
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by TDMalcolm View Post
Hi All, thats why many choose the KLE500..same engine, basic mechanics etc,
I'm happy with mine
TDMalcolm
i m debating a kle too , for much the same reasons
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 bikes Panama to Colombia chrisandlori Trip Transport 21 8 Mar 2017 17:36
Leaving Bikes in Mexico Normanmags Central America and Mexico 4 12 Oct 2005 01:08
Two bikes in one crate customs problem? Dirk Taalman Trip Transport 1 14 May 2005 18:03
Two bikes in one crate customs problem? Dirk Taalman South America 4 12 May 2005 20:55

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

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 available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 08:26.

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