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!
We're not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown a hobby into a full time job and a labour of love.
When you decide to become a Member, it helps directly support the site. You get additional privileges on the HUBB, access to the Members Private Store, and more. Of course, you get our sincere thanks, good karma and knowing you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. :-)
All contributions are gratefully appreciated and acknowledged.
T-shirts, Calendars, Stickers
T-shirts Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Calendars Featuring the 13 winning photos from the Horizons Unlimited annual motorcycle travel photo contest!
World Map Sticker for PanniersShow your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Travel BooksMotorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
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."
Advertisers- Horizons Unlimited is well-established as the first source of reliable, unbiased information on all aspects of adventure motorcycle travel.
We reach a dedicated, worldwide group of real travellers, and are the only website focusing exclusively on long distance motorcycle travellers.
If you sell motorcycles or motorcycle accessories, riding gear, camping equipment and clothing, transport motorcycles, organize motorcycle tours, or have motorcycles to rent, you should be advertising with us!
I just bought a Honda crf250l and i am planing a long trip with it (France - south east Asia or Australia).
I was wondering if there were general weakness with it. I read several posts saying the clutch gets used very quickly for instance.
Any one here with a pretty long experience with this bike ?
Or any advice ?
Also i plan to take soft luguages and i don't really like the rear racks i see. Any experience on that ?
I heard the same about the clutch.... But I think this is mostly on renthal bikes in Thailand coused by un experienced riders.
We are doing a trip on two CRFL's and have now covered more than 60.000 km. Clutch is doing fine. I carry spare clutch plates but would not bring them next time. One one of our bikes the camchaintensioner lifter became weak, I read of a few other cases.
Use a good rack wich distibutes the weight of your luggage towards the main frame (Some people break their subframe by carrying a lot of weight far at the back). We had one custom build by a welder but these days I think you can buy some online. ( I think Wolfman had a nice one but I am not sure if it is still available).
I can also advice to switch to a 13t front sprocket, with the original you have to shift back really far and often when you are going uphill.
It is nice of you to answer as i saw your site and you are obviously well aware of the pros and cons of this Honda.
Actually seeing your site i contacted your welder for the rack but he doesn't remember the specification and I am leaving in the south of France so it is a bit far to go and see him just for a rack !
Also i found your rack maybe a bit bulky ! What do you think now you are using it ? A smaller one would be better or you would still recommend one as big as yours ?
To go back to the Honda i read some people had put the plates of the crf205R and the springs of the cbr 250 (or something like that ). But if i read you correctly, for you, it seems strong enough like that ?
If so then i might leave with a pretty normal bike (I am using your blog for my modifications hehe)
Feel free to give me any other recommandation.
Also if there are other owners of the crf250l it would be pretty nice to give your opinion
Alain
Alain, we are very happy with the rack and don't find it bulky at all. But if you dont need the rotopax, you can build it a little bit slimmer. In that case defenately go with a bigger fuel tank, the 12 liter will give you a range of at least 300km, which is enough in most cases. Just take a extra 2 liter fuelcan (for emergencies and miscalculations ;-) ).
Think about upgrading the rear shock. Without luggage it is OK but loaded it is a little bit to weak. You can buy a new shock which is quite expensive, or you can just change the spring for a stronger one.
You defenately don't need to upgrade the clutch before you leave!
yes i saw the shock you put. Nice although very expensive. But i like the way you can adjust it on the spot when you carry les luguages !
There is also a girl traveling around the world right now ( i don't remember her name, she is English i think) with a Honda CRFL. She put a hard top at the rear and had problem with her subframe.
I think the bike you are asking about is the same one Steph Jeavons is using for her RTW trip, she seems fairly happy with it and would be a good person to ask. One Steph Beyond...
I ran one for a few 1000 miles in SWUSA and I'd agree the clutch is not a weak point on the CRF any more than any other bikes, but the skinny subframe could be. Mine deflected sideways (pushed by panniers) after a slow speed fall.
I'd base a rack on a support from the rear indicators to the front footrests, more or less. Not that that would greatly reduce side deflection; only cure for that is a heavier subframe.
Then I'd consider improving suspension, but only if riding unsealed roads and there's money to spare.
Stick with the standard pipe, despite the weight. I found the EJK fuel Controller improved things a bit (more here). It's a common tweak to modern, lean running motors.
Oh, and of course the annoyingly small tank - 7.8L.(my fuel log here. Never quite cracked 100mpg but got close once). I made do with a 1 gallon can - the aftermarket tanks at the time were not worth the expense for the small increase in volume. That may have changed now.
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,338
I did over 3000 miles in Northern Thailand and Laos on a rental bike CRF 250L from a Thai Rental company (C&P in Chiang Mai). The bike only had 500km on the clock when i got it. It was really good, if I had a complaint about it....it would be that it had no power when going up hill on the trails. But I would use another one anytime
I ran one for a few and I'd agree the clutch is not a weak point on the CRF any more than any other bikes, but the skinny subframe could be. Mine deflected sideways (pushed by panniers) after a slow speed fall.
I'd base a rack on a support from the rear indicators to the front footrests, more or less. Not that that would greatly reduce side deflection; only cure for that is a heavier subframe.
What about reinforcing the existing sub frame? Honda dual sports are known for having weak ones. If well designed and done well, should add more strength without much extra weight or expense.
As you say, crash damage is hard to build for.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Then I'd consider improving suspension, but only if riding unsealed roads and there's money to spare.
Stick with the standard pipe, despite the weight. I found the EJK fuel Controller improved things a bit . It's a common tweak to modern, lean running motors.
Oh, and of course the annoyingly small tank - 7.8L.. Never quite cracked 100mpg but got close once). I made do with a 1 gallon can - the aftermarket tanks at the time were not worth the expense for the small increase in volume. That may have changed now.
I'd love to see a 450 version of this bike.
I've not ridden the new CRF250L but I'd think any stock, road legal Honda may come in a bit on the soft side carrying 30 to 40 kg. of gear on board ... especially noticeable riding off road.
Suspension would be near top of my list ... if for no other reason than the bike will take less of a beating riding higher in the travel, less bottoming out.
Pipes: I generally don't like loud ones. But a well made, fairly quiet, pipe like the Yoshimura on my DR650, is a good bet. You lose 7 lbs. over stock Stainless unit. Yosh is a quality piece, no repacking required ... and actually gives a boost in midrange (surprising!) and does not get as HOT as stainless stock unit. (less likely to set panniers on fire)
Tanks: IMS and Acerbis both produce a CRF tank. Both are just 3.1 U.S. Gallons (11.7L ) so just over a gallon increase above stock 2.0 US Gallon (7.8 L) tank. Better than nothing, but would have been nice to add at least another half gallon. Still, near 300 mile range is not bad!
A modern, reliable and "Honda Tough" CRF450L could be a dream bike if done well.
Something like an upgraded and refined DRZ400S. I think It would be a big seller in EU and USA.
Honda's logic with the 250 is they can sell the Thai produced CRF world wide in emerging markets ... so huge potential sales. The 450 would cost A LOT more, so limited market limited to 1st world, fewer sales. We can only HOPE!
My XR 250 has 50,000k on it now - no issues at all with the engine. I'm thinking of riding it to the states now from Colombia, maybe even further - is 50'000k a lot for a 250 (nearly always ran it with synthetic)? Does a 250 engine 'run out' quicker than say a 650, etc?
Does a 250 engine 'run out' quicker than say a 650, etc?
Good question. You'd think it would, being smaller, but much must depend on how hard its used (short rides in town vs long) and frequency of quality oil changes. I'd guess you got the same distance left in it and by then you'll have got your money's worth. Going back to a 250 myself soon.
Short answer is YES, a 250 will "run out" sooner than a bigger bore engine. A 250 typically will run at higher revs than a 650. Also it's more stressed and put under a more severe load for more hours than a 650 would be. Load equals HEAT, heat equals wear.
Certainly synthetic oil will (IMO) help extend engine life ... by A LOT, but eventually it will need a Re-Fresh. But it should give you adequate warning before anything fatal happens.
But 50K km. with synthetic is not the end on your Honda IMO. I'd bet on you could make the USA without doing a new top end before departure.
But once up to 75K I'd definitely pull the head for service: New Piston, rings, hone cylinder, resurface head and valve seats, new valve guides, new valve springs, (maybe new valves). A good mechanic can do the job in 3 to 4 hours if nothing is broken inside. Pretty simple.
The bottom end should last well beyond 100K if never run low on oil and not abused too badly or overheated too severely. This illustrates the value of quality synthetic oil ... in the old days most 250's would be done by 50K km. or sooner.
Keep an eye on oil consumption and do a compression test. (leak down type is best) If not using much oil and running strong ... keep going, it will make it.
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)
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
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.