![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 6
|
|
1man1bike1world
Hello everyone,
My names Danny and as the title says, im planning on making a pilgrimage around the world ![Cool4](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/cool4.gif) sometime in 2013 me thinks
Since I don't really have much experience in "Adventure Motorcycling" so I thought I would write a little something something, to give you all ideas on where about I am with riding as well as planning;
So hi im Danny, I’ve been riding bikes for going on 4 years now and have been loving every minute of it. Years back I discovered the adventures of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman in the Long Way Round, and I thought to myself ‘what a novel thought’. unknown to me at the time this little seed of adventure had been planted and awaited idle in my brain till the time it was needed.
Years Later and now with my bike (A Varadero XL125) I plan to take ‘my show on the road’ and have a damn good attempt at getting around the world (with a limited budget), naturally I wont be doing this on the Varadero, next month (February 2011) Ill be booking and hopefully passing my Module 2 Motorcycle test so I can finally remove those ugly L Plates and over the coming months ill be saving all my pennies and living like a Hermit so for my Birthday ill be able to afford my step up bike, im going GS oh yeh! (F800 to be exact) and spend the next year or so prepping myself and the bike ready for some ‘big’ adventures
I have a plan this year to do a nice 1300 mile trip from home to John O' Groats and back again to break in the GS as well as get myself reacquainted with camping, last time I camped out was in the Scouts... so its been a while.
From that I intend to maybe take a trip around Europe in 2012 to find myself in unfamiliar surroundings and then kick it big stylie for 2013 by trying to take on the world, route wise I have nothing planned, might end up going through all of Russia and not peaking out to Mongolia or Kazakhstan, but you never know, all I know is I want it to be a fun and memorable dream come true/trip
So yeh that about covers where im up to in life and where I intend to go from here onwards,, I know I have alot of reading and research ahead of me so any help is welcomed with open arms a hug and a cup of tea
Thank You all
Dan
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Posts: 66
|
|
Sounds good Danny. I gave informal notice 2 weeks ago that I intend taking a years sabbatical for the same thing leaving UK on or around 1st September 2013 (to benefit from the tax rebate and to tie in with other personal stuff). This is my 55th birthday present to me. My plan is basically to get to Melbourne by spring of 2014, and then work out how to come back in time for restarting work in the July. I am currently considering taking my F650 Funduro although if I can't get to grips with the weight, I may have to downsize to a more appropriate DRZ400. I will keep a watch on your planning to make sure I don't miss anything
Deana
By the way, have you booked to go to Ripley in the spring. I went last year and it was invaluable
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
![palace15's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar116.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
Hi and welcome to the HUBB, if you are planning on 'solo' trips what is wrong with using the 125 Honda? I have an aircooled GS R80 parked up in the garage and I am using a YBR 125 and lovin' it, I prefer nowadays 100+mpg than 100+mph.
So by using the Honda you will save on fuel, and Carnet costs against using a more expensive bike for the big trip.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 6
|
|
Its funny you should mention that, I was thinking of trying to keep the Varadero as a "play thing"
In comparison fuel economy is about the same for the GS and the Vara both cracking out 200+ miles before complaining, i just really fancy the GS, its a stronger bike in comparison to the Vara, that bit taller and can take a drop better then anything else. its nothing like ooo BMW is a world beater etc, I just like the look of the bike and would be happy atop it for hours a day lol
I really am starting out at complete noob status, ill be checking out sorting a Carnet (in the future) as well as medical updates and injections (yay) as well as seeing if there is anything I can legally take with me i.e. a syringe and 2 sterile needles + whatever fluids needed
and thank you Deana ill be sure to keep an eye out as well in case you find any advice/kit that might be needed
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
You don't live in Walkley do you? Have seen a 125 Varadero buzzing about along South Road......
Are you really set on a GS? Once you're out of Europe there are massive benefits in having a simple, light weight Jap single (spares available most places and can be fixed without resorting to a computer). Also flying solo it's good having a bike that you can lift off yourself if it ends up on top of you - I learnt that the hard way.
I'd love an F800 R for Europe/UK road use but wouldn't go into the beyond onanything I wasn't totally happy dismantling and reassembling. Plus the cost of a GS is a lot of petrol and
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 6
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
You don't live in Walkley do you? Have seen a 125 Varadero buzzing about along South Road......
Are you really set on a GS? Once you're out of Europe there are massive benefits in having a simple, light weight Jap single (spares available most places and can be fixed without resorting to a computer). Also flying solo it's good having a bike that you can lift off yourself if it ends up on top of you - I learnt that the hard way.
I'd love an F800 R for Europe/UK road use but wouldn't go into the beyond on anything I wasn't totally happy dismantling and reassembling. Plus the cost of a GS is a lot of petrol and ![beer](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beer.gif)
|
lol that's a Black one isnt it?? Nahh its not me but I know the rider on it,, he's had the bike about a month and dropped it 4 times,, and now he's bought a ZX6R (somehow) that he cant insure or ride yet (not even done theory test let alone MOD1 and MOD2), so that's going to rot....
Im more 'respectable' lol I have a Silver Varadero, usually with a Givi topbox and wearing all black Frank Thomas Gear, ill post up a pic shortly, its got some new 'street' styled graphics from my only off, thanks to the snow, but other then that all is good
and I hear what people are saying when it comes to choice of bike, my heart is set on the GS, I have 'some' technical knowledge and various sized hammers to sort out any problem, its all part of the journey, oh yeh ill end up b*tching and moaning about it but ill look back on it as the best time of my life
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
A factor lot's of people don't take into account is how much you 'like' a bike so good on you. As a Cagiva rider I can't really comment on reliability over 'soul'!
I would fully recommend going to Ripley if you can make it, good chance to see lots of bikes and get different perspectives on how to 'overland'.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 6
|
|
Ok I found afew pics on my Twitpic to moisten peoples appetites,, the last 3 are pretty 'graphic' but you will be happy to know im still alive, off was about 2 weeks ago
Fueled up ready for adventure first time out in nearly 2 w... on Twitpic
It was my ribs vs. A touring screen,,, who won?? on Twitpic
I like the new monster styling,,, very mean looking on Twitpic
The Honda Varadero, now with 'street' styled graphi... on Twitpic
Try to imagine, 10mph on a flat road (with snow) having survived steep hills up and down and horrid bends, pooting along when suddenly the bike slips out from under you,, somehow you are sky-rocketed forwards, hit the screen, keep going, break the screen, superman fly forwards, land on your left ankle and barrel roll onto your back 10 feet away....
That's pretty much what I remember and some lovely people helping me and the bike to my feet, thank god for RAC Break down, dont thank god for a 2 hour wait in the snow,, then thank god again for the thermal linings in my gear
Since the off im back to using the standard screen which for lack of better words "sucks" when it comes to wind protection
Ill have to have a look at Ripley and see if I can make it
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Ah well, if you haven't binned a bike then you're not trying hard enough!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 6
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
Ah well, if you haven't binned a bike then you're not trying hard enough!
|
I couldn't agree more,,, 1st purchase on next bike,, engine bars!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
![T.REX63's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar35305_2.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
|
|
Fantastic, congratulations on your decision to make the trip ![Clap](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/clap.gif) . Now the trick is to stay insane until departure ![MC Happy](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/mchappy.gif) .
IMO, the F800 is an excellent bike for the job. You have plenty of time to get to know your bike.
I'll be looking forward to your up dates ![Cool4](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/cool4.gif) .
__________________
Thomas
"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun" ![Innocent](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/innocent.gif)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Jan 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 6
|
|
Thank you Thomas and I agree staying insane is the hard part! I just need to get this test out of the way then I can refocus on buying and learning, also little trips like Ripley and JOG should be a good way to get used to riding for fun again
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Jan 2011
|
![anaconda moto's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar121.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
|
|
To keep sane ,.......just use this site as a medicina.
Minimum once a day (after breakfast or luch)
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Jan 2011
|
![Wheelie's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar16518_2.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
|
|
Hi,
there are as many philosophies and ways to go about motorcycle adventuring as there are riders.. and then some more.
My reccomendation is to Purchase Chris Scott's book "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook", which is a great resource for planning. Then You should buy Emilio Scooto's book "The Longest Ride", which will not inspire you, but show you that it is possible to go RTW for 10 years, visiting every country in the world, with a bike that most would says wouldn't be up for the job, with no prior experience... and this after having been robbed for everything he owned the first day riding, including all his clothes and money, but fortunately not his bike. You could set out tomorrow if you had to.
My philosophy is this, if you have a working vehicle - regardless of what it is, it will get you there. Traveling on A vVespa like I do might be the equivalent of wiping ones ass with grass instead of luscious silky toilet paper equivalent of a BMW F 1200 GS Adventure - but at least one is wiping ones ass... so to speak. And frankly, I prefer the grass. It makes me feel like a real man
Also, the tighter your time restraints are over the distance planned, the more self reliant you must be. If you plan to travel a long way in a hurry, then you need more money at hand, more parts and tools, and more experience in turning a wrench than if you were traveling slow. If you travel slow, you can hail a tow to the nearest town where repair assistance can be offered, and you can wait for parts to be shipped in from the other end of the world. If you are traveling slow, there may be opportunities to stop to make some money, and to look out the cheapest means of self sustenance (food and shelter). Also, if you travel slow, you have time to sort out visas andd other paper requirements as you go along, a luxury which fast travelers don't have. There is an Italian who did a RTW on a classic Vespa, carrying nothing but a guitar.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|