![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: vancouver
Posts: 24
|
|
Clapped out CD200T, two up, Wales to Italy
Hi,
The post title says it all. I have this little Honda 200 twin, and come Sept 7th (or so), it is supposed to drag me and my travelling companion to Italy. I know it sounds a little mad, but we're travelling really light (20lbs payload inc tool wrap), as the two of us come to the bike's capacity as it is. Strictly tertiary and secondary roads, 50mph-80km is probably all we'll get out of it on good days. I'm taking a smaller front sprocket in my pocket to change the ratio when we hit the mountails.
We're doing a mock up here in Canada where we have purchased the Canadian version of the bike, 1979 CM185T. It will do 80km 2 up with throttel to spare, and it gets tested with cargo this weekend.
Question: Is this practically possisible, as in, could it work? I know I'm pushing the bike to the very limit of its recommended use, and the dangers that come with that.
What mechanical things should I worry about? I can pull my own wrenches, sort of, so mainetnace isn't much of an issue, except for points. Points and I never get along. I'm taking a new spare set, and a condenser, also wrapped in a sandwich bag, and plugs. Doesn't take much fouling with a puny 6V point system to kill it. Should I take tire tubes (odd, old sizes here in Canada, but in Europe?). I've never had a tire patch hold. Either I'm useless, or I buy junk, or they haven't made good kits since tube tires went out of fashion in the early 80's
Jump in, I'm sure I've overlooked the most obvious things. ![Comments?](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/comments.gif)
Mechanical, maintenance, tools?
Will the local police simply say it's just not on and pull me off the little tiddler?
Justin
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: cork,ireland
Posts: 22
|
|
I Love the idea of doing this route on a lightweight bike,I would recommend
that you make sure that the suspension is up to scratch,these honda's never handled too well from new,what is it like now.Two up will put a lot of strain
on the suspension and brakes,especially when you reach the alps.You will probably need to carry spare brake cables/ shoes/pads.Although these bikes are economical on petrol,two-up will reduce this.I've also found italian drivers to be more aggresive,traffic moves at a fast pace,and they don't(IMHO)respect bikes as much as the french and spanish.Bear this in mind,stick to quieter roads,although these can be harder to find in the north of italy.Did a similar trip last year.Where are you headed for in italy?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: vancouver
Posts: 24
|
|
It has new brake shoes fore and aft. I've ordered a throttle, clutch and front brake cable, and will tie tape them to the frame under the tank, or across the 'bars. I'm going to order new shocks and hope that they last the abuse of the trip.
Looking at the map, Turin, but only because it is there, is in Italy, so i can say I've been to Italy, sort of on the line between Freiburg and the coast. If I can get my friend into the adventure, I'm going to suggest the majestic eternal city of Rome...
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,112
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by redcoat
Hi,
Question: Is this practically possisible, as in, could it work? I know I'm pushing the bike to the very limit of its recommended use, and the dangers that come with that.
Will the local police simply say it's just not on and pull me off the little tiddler?
Justin
|
Take heart that you're not the first to do this sort of thing. Have a look at this report from 1951:
www.fratellibrothers.com- powered by SmugMug.
If they could do it you should find it easy on a modern bike.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
I'd say carry the tubes. Tyre places get better as you head south as far as stock goes, but if you carry the tubes you have three choices: fix it yourself, get any car place to fit your tube or find a proper bike/scooter shop. Without tubes your only option is the bike place and the hope they work better than the ones in the UK (Triumph in Leeds for example need two weeks to fix a puncture last time I checked!).
Andy
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
19 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: vancouver
Posts: 24
|
|
Advice taken regading the tubes!
200cc James Captain- yeah, but that's a 2 stroke, twice the bang and 1/2 the weight...still, that is an absoluterly amazing feat of endurance for the ridwer, passenger and bike. I notoce he doesn't mention the wife much. Maybe she gave him the cold shoulder somewhere past Canne! I would probably have wished the story true, but not believed it, unless I read it. Thanks for sending the link!
3 wheel bonnie- I'm a charioteer myself- got 1/2 a doz. All workers. Cheapest pick up trucks you can run! 3 up, lunch boxes, demolition tools, ghetto blaster, lamps and a coffee maker, all on a Honda 400T. Am I allowed to put a link to a site with a pic?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Jul 2008
|
![Chris Scott's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10468_1.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,840
|
|
good transportation, brakes aren't so hot
I despatched for years on CD200s - or 'Benly' as they were called here. I even made a desert racer called a 'Bénélé': MX-frame with a Benly motor and RD/VW/XL bits. Took it to the Sahara via the Bol one hot summer which it coped with better than me.
These bikes are so reliable you feel like to shooting them after a few years.
I would say your only problem two-up will be the suspension. New shocks will only transfer the stress to the pressed-cheese swing arm so expect some flexing on bumpy bends as it bottoms out as well as grounding pipes.
And as someone said, the brakes won't be so hot so wear thick-soled shoes.
I would say fit the new bits when you leave and if it breaks down just push it in a ditch.
I recently discovered they made a CD250 - a mate just bought one.
Twin carbs alas but one hell of a sexy machine!
Have a great trip.
Ch
|
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.
|
|
|