Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
UK to Thailand can it be done UK to Thailand can it be done
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 8 Jan 2010
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Townsville. Australia
Posts: 37
Hi Trix,
The bike is great for the vertically challenged, my bike is factory lowered but it has a load rating well below the standard bike.I think this was the main cause of my problem with the rear shock which packed it in at 6200 klms.There are a range of other potential problems with the bike, rear wheel bearings being one. Perhaps the 2010 model might be worth a look at. Get onto UKgsers website and checkout what they have to say about the new model.
While the bike is great on the open road, its a bugger to get up and down the very narrow streets in towns, especially with panniers. You realy have to heave it around at times.
Regards John
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 8 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 178
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmy46 View Post
Hi Trix, Re MPG, I have an Acerbis 25 litre plastic tank fitted and for safetys sake work on 250 miles per tank. In practice in remoter parts I fill up at any opportunity...It was never a problem in Russia, fill up first thing and again lunch time. Have you abandoned the idea of China?.

Regards Jimmy
Not abandoned any ideas yet as really just starting out on the plans....
On that basis the xt does 45mpg and the BMW around 60-70 i guess speeds and roads make a difference and also the XT purchase price will be far less ummmmm more thinking........
__________________
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 8 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham,England
Posts: 140
Uk Thailand
Hi Trix, My reason for the XT was its very rugged reputation along with its simple mechanics, no fuel injection, no water cooling, no pipes, water pumps, no raidiators,no electronics,weight and of course purchase price. I bought an 03 with 3000 miles on for £1300. An acerbis tank will give you a 250 plus range at 100kph with panniers and because the models been around a while you can pickup second hand tanks, luggage racks, pannier racks etc. Not sure how big the bmw tank is and the range, BMW weight ?.

Regards jimmy
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 8 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 178
Main concern with the XT is getting the ride height down but ive found a site that does a 65mm lowering kit for xt660r which would bring the seat height down to 810mm and being as it has a slim seat i think this would be ok. The lower price is a big factor as I need a his and hers, so with a bit of searching id proberbly get two XT's for the price of the BMW. (still looking at the older xt600e as well)
__________________
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 9 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmy46 View Post
Hi Trix, My reason for the XT was its very rugged reputation along with its simple mechanics, no fuel injection, no water cooling, no pipes, water pumps, no raidiators,no electronics,weight and of course purchase price. I bought an 03 with 3000 miles on for £1300. An acerbis tank will give you a 250 plus range at 100kph with panniers and because the models been around a while you can pickup second hand tanks, luggage racks, pannier racks etc. Not sure how big the bmw tank is and the range, BMW weight ?.

Regards jimmy
'
'
The choice between XT and BMW,,,,
Well there is no choice.
XT every time.
The BMW is fine if you have regular back up, and technicians, and ECU analysers, but in the real world, it's just you on your own that need to sort it to fix.
XT for the win.

'vette
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 9 Jan 2010
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Townsville. Australia
Posts: 37
Hi Trix, Good advice from Jimmy46 and UK-vette. You can't beat the KIS principle, Keep it Simple. As I said in my pm the bikes great for us shorties BUT it needs backup, if anything go's wrong they are a bugger to get sorted.The bike is great in the US, Europe and Oz but once away from a dealer you are realy on your own. If you can sort out your seat height problem with a Jap bike go for it.
Best of luck John.
Hope this won't start another BMW/ Jap bike fight.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« 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
Greetings from Thailand mekongfrank Welcome to HU 2 27 Oct 2009 14:19
Thailand? yuma simon Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 4 27 Apr 2009 18:56
Thailand ssa2 West and South Asia 3 21 Nov 2008 08:59
from thailand to n-z jos gorissen Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 11 Nov 2003 18:28
thailand to o.z jos gorissen Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 23 Sep 2003 22:56

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

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!

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!

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 07:36.

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