I started down this route in October when the realisation hit me that this is something that I could do and that, in fact, when it came to the trip, I would be far, far better off having done as the jobs on the bike to keep it running well would not be too intimidating (which, to be honest, in October they were). So I posted lots of questions - they were pretty well all answered both quickly and with helpful hints about how to do the job.

I also got pointed to some wonderful resources (including, in my case, to Snowbum's pages about BMW airheads - I didn't know what an airhead was - apart from as a derogatory term for some people - I now realise that it is in fact a compliment for talking a simpler, more involved route ).

As far as the bike is concerned it is a slower process as it is done when I have the time (and the weather is not too cold as the bike is in an unheated garage ). This suits me and my circumstances - but the best feeling when riding is that I know so much more about the bike than I ever did before - I feel far more involved and that suits me well.

Try Dual Sport Plus in Ontario, I'm pretty sure they will do some of that for you, and have a good supply of bits and pieces. Tell them HU sent you!

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Grant Johnson
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Thanks guys. I get the benefit of doing the build myself; it's akin to making your own first-aid kit - you get what you want and know how to use it. There's tonnes of advice on here and various other forums about how best to mod specific bikes, so I'll more than likely go down that road once I decide on the base bike I want.

My interest in asking was because, if there was a company making custom rides, that would influence my choice of base bike. The Harley guys have this down pat - you can surf the internet, dream your bike, and get it built. I was hoping, fruitlessly it seems, to find an adventure/dual-sport company that did the same. Risers perfect for my dimensions, suspension tweaked to my weight and riding style, accessories per my unique preferences, etc etc

At any rate, probably will go the self-build route and just wanted to say thanks for the replies.

Hi Ted

I think it’s a good idea and there are plenty of people in the market for a well sorted travel bike - for whatever reason.
However...... there are lots of vehicles on eBay that are pretending to be something that they’re not.
May I suggest you look at UKGSer forum and checkout Mikeyboy’s build threads in the airhead section. He documents his rebuilds as he goes with photos and commentary. When you come to sell the bike you can direct potential buyers to your timeline rebuild so they are in no doubt that it is the genuine article.

HU would be a good platform for this, although you will have to put up with the usual you will decry your efforts as a Starbucks chariot

Jeez I’d love to know where that mythical Starbucks is, I’d definitely pop down there and chat to a few friendly bikers

I chose a bike that has a proven track record regarding performance & reliability and comes with quality factory components. (Before you start, yes they all come with their own idiosyncrasies) Basic service parts, prices and accessories availability should also be taken into consideration. I prefer a twin but that's just me. Whatever you chose, make sure you can maintain and service it (If not, learn! It will save you plenty), pick it up and ride it comfortably, more importantly, safely in all conditions and within your budget. I also do pretty much all the work on my bikes. Your choices, ability and preferences on the above will equate to how much it will cost! For me it was around the 7K GBP mark, loaded. I could not be happier given the spec's and the versatility of what I ended up with!

A thousand Euros doesn't go very far, then again, any stock bike can take you RTW.

I guess, if you have the money to splurge, for a bike that will give you piece of mine, and also tickle you in all the right places, why not? Well, if you can keep weight down and also not so bespoke that getting spares will be a pain

For me, It will be all the usuals that I would dream off, but where I would struggle to justify even half. Crash bars, foot rests and pedals, auxiliary lighting, bash plate,
protectors on various vital parts, better mirrors, better wind screen, better saddle, better tires, better air filter, great panniers, navigation, auxiliary 12v outlets, larger tank, exhaust, centerstand, theft protection devices, tubeless spoked wheels, better shocks front and rear, tank bag, better hand protectors, heated grips, and a bunch of other stuff. 5 grand would not come close to cover all that.

I have yet to find a +600cc bike where I would struggle to spend 5 grand. The exception would be for cheaper more light weigh small displacement dual sport bikes.

I think it is ok to have to tailor a bike to the rider, the trip and the budget. I see any bike as a starting point. Ok for much of the vast number of applications and riders it was intended, but not great for most applications or riders.

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Well, I recently paid -€1000 for the adventure version of the bike I was looking at ... I guess I should post about it sometime soon, given I said I wouldn't buy another petrol bike. There's no option in the poll for negative values, lol

I don't like the extra weight but the screen, USB socket, and big rack have already come in useful

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