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!
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 Difference Tips 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 greatly 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.
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."
Road Heroes"Inspiring and hilarious!" (only on DVD)
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!
When is this weather going to finally break? I am so sick of this... I need my bike back.....
Uber, what RAM mount do I need for the GPS?
Get the U-bolt + ball kit at The Source.... I was in there yesterday, selling them for ~$11. You'll also need the RAM arm - aka "clamp" - comes in 2",4" and 6" lengths - you pick what best suits your need.
That's all you need to buy because I'm going to give you the RAM mounting base plate that I currently have attached to the cradle. I needed a different mounting base plate for my 276 cradle.
So, one of the guys coming on our trip has a bit of a rep. for crashing... and it's not me...
All kidding aside, I hope we have a safe trip... ~850km's over three days around Algonquin park - just too much terrain to cover to be screwing around.
So, I've got a route sheet here divided into 25km blocks. $25/block. The first three were gone in 30 seconds. Let me know your preference.
I'll loan you my wheelchair when you tell the folks at home what I said to you when I got off your KTM...
I've got you number, sweet pea.
...."I can't understand why you weren't riding circles around me"
Granted, I let off on the straightaways... no skill needed to go fast in a straight line. But I was shocked to see you on my tail in the corners - on knobbies no less!
.....later that night you also said "You're one of the fastest rider's I've ridden with that doesn't have an national title..." .... maybe you were drunk.... "I blow goats" came shortly after - multiple times!!!!!!!
...can't wait to ride again... I'll have the knobbies on this time!!
...."I can't understand why you weren't riding circles around me"
Granted, I let off on the straightaways... no skill needed to go fast in a straight line. But I was shocked to see you on my tail in the corners - on knobbies no less!
.....later that night you also said "You're one of the fastest rider's I've ridden with that doesn't have an national title..." .... maybe you were drunk.... "I blow goats" came shortly after - multiple times!!!!!!!
...can't wait to ride again... I'll have the knobbies on this time!!
Hmmmn, let the games begin... hah hah hah... Yer a good rider, Ubert, but you've still got lots to learn... Like sell the freekin sled and get a 450 for SM, ice and single track... That'll help your learning curve...
Less'see... Hmmn... KTM 950 ADV vs. '92 R100GSPD loaded with DSLR camera equipment and 72lbs of fuel aboard... Heh heh heh... You ain't gonna win this one... Heh heh heh...
Hmmmn, let the games begin... hah hah hah... Yer a good rider, Ubert, but you've still got lots to learn... Like sell the freekin sled and get a 450 for SM, ice and single track... That'll help your learning curve...
Less'see... Hmmn... KTM 950 ADV vs. '92 R100GSPD loaded with DSLR camera equipment and 72lbs of fuel aboard... Heh heh heh... You ain't gonna win this one... Heh heh heh...
Why weren't you lapping me?!?
:guyinthewheelchairthingie
To be honest, I'm still not comfortable riding fast on pavement... still have plenty to learn (+ comfort level isn't all that high). I know.. I know... I'm a perfect candidate for track school. There's only so far raw talent will go until you need to learn advanced techniques...
Alas.... roosting dirt roads is where my heart is at!
I am new here.
Ive been riding off-roads for 6 years. I am 20 . I am planning a trip this summer from Mexico city to Montreal, Canada. where i am going to stay for university. I am between a 640 adv 2005 and a 650 gs 2003. Both i found them in good conditions and good price.
First of all, which bike should it do me best? (i love all kinds of roads but i plan in taking my woman in the trips inside Canada as well. )
if KTM is the chosen one, how hard would it be to find replacement items in central/east USA and estern canada. Because for the BMW there will be I imagine in evey town.
It will be my first long trip. So any help would be really appreciated
I am new here.
Ive been riding off-roads for 6 years. I am 20 . I am planning a trip this summer from Mexico city to Montreal, Canada. where i am going to stay for university. I am between a 640 adv 2005 and a 650 gs 2003. Both i found them in good conditions and good price.
First of all, which bike should it do me best? (i love all kinds of roads but i plan in taking my woman in the trips inside Canada as well. )
if KTM is the chosen one, how hard would it be to find replacement items in central/east USA and estern canada. Because for the BMW there will be I imagine in evey town.
It will be my first long trip. So any help would be really appreciated
Hola Guernika,
You're going to have a fabulous overland adventure travelling between DF and Montreal.
If I were you, I'd be leaning toward the BMW. The KTM is a more thoroughbred off-road bike, but the BMW will be the more pleasant and comfortable travelling machine. Especially if you plan to do some two-up riding.
No shortage of parts sources for BMW or KTM in Canada or by US mail order.
Have a safe trip and keep us posted on your progress.
I am new here.
Ive been riding off-roads for 6 years. I am 20 . I am planning a trip this summer from Mexico city to Montreal, Canada. where i am going to stay for university. I am between a 640 adv 2005 and a 650 gs 2003. Both i found them in good conditions and good price.
First of all, which bike should it do me best? (i love all kinds of roads but i plan in taking my woman in the trips inside Canada as well. )
if KTM is the chosen one, how hard would it be to find replacement items in central/east USA and estern canada. Because for the BMW there will be I imagine in evey town.
It will be my first long trip. So any help would be really appreciated
Guernika,
I used to own a KTM 640 SuperMoto and a close friend of mine owns the BMW GS650. The main difference between the two is the counter-balancer and suspension. the KTM does not have a counter-balanced engine and vibrates a lot vs. the BMW, which is very smooth on the road. However, the KTM 640Adventure will be excellent off-road and fine on-road. The BMW will be a lot smoother on-road, better for 2-up riding but not so great off-road, as it's suspension is much shorter and softer.
Also, the GS650 is fuel injected so it's great on fuel but it feels less powerfull (fun) than the KTM 640. Overall, the two bikes are great but if you want smooth road riding get the BMW; the KTM is much more racy and fun to ride, but painful to ride super long distance.
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)
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.)
"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
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 availablefrom the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
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.
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
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!
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.'
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.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
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.
.... maybe you were drunk.... "I blow goats" came shortly after - multiple times!!!!!!!
Mexico city to Montreal
Linear Mode
