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!
On the Road! is 5.5 hours of the tips and advice you need to cross borders, break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
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 DifferenceTips 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 gratefully 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.
Calendars Featuring the 13 winning photos from the Horizons Unlimited annual motorcycle travel photo contest!
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."
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We reach a dedicated, worldwide group of real travellers, and are the only website focusing exclusively on long distance motorcycle travellers.
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The HUBB PUBChat forum - no useful content required!
BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Search Forums ONLY searches the HUBB, and not well. Use Site Search to search everywhere.
Got any links for me where I can read up on these facts you are presenting please ? I'm always willing to learn.
What facts are you confused about? Links? What specific questions do you have?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutchgit
Yes, that's true, even on BMW's, parts wear. (I couldn't believe it either after all that marketing!)
You misunderstand.
BMW's water pump seals have failed often and at random ... over and over again ... even at low kms. Common knowledge in BMW community (Chain Gang, F650 thread on ADV Rider ext)
Once water pump seal fails, you can loose you're entire engine if you don't catch it soon enough. Was a problem for YEARS ... BMW never fixed it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutchgit
There isn't much more to develop on these bikes.
Twin spark, fuel injection, 10.000 km service interval, runs on 80 octane no problem, runs fine on altitudes well over 4000 M.
The engines are as reliable as sunrise, I believe to be class leading in MpG, Very well built, powerfull enough for what they are as they're not made to be "ready to race" They aren't very easy to work on but that's the point, you hardly ever have to.
I think you should talk to Maria 41 and her husband!
Always room for development. Ask ANY mechanical engineer/designer. There are some GOOD things on X and F bikes. Fuel economy on F bikes is very good But too many poor engineering and planning choices, IMO.
Short list of weak items with F, G and X bikes that should be made better:
1. Suspension. Ditch rear bladder shock on X series. On F and G bikes the skinny front forks are WRONG for a 450 lb. bike. Up grade to at least 43mm fork. Low level WP shocks should be higher level pieces.
2. F and G too heavy, even X could be lighter if further development had continued. The F and G bikes are 70 lbs. heavier than my DR650 and XR650L.
Why? Because BMW never intended these bikes to set foot off road.
Road use only. Yet that is not how they market them. So ... ALL BS.
3. Should be more maintenance/owner friendly. As you say, they are HARD to work on. (I've worked on F bike) They are a PITA to do anything on.
4. Redesign elec. system. Many reports of failed Regulator/Rectifier, over charged, boiled out batteries. Poor charging system, BMW used a NON sealed battery.
Read the Chain Gang forum for a few years like I did .. dozens of problems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutchgit
So you can only develop something good racing? That's a rather narrow minded look at things if you don't mind me saying so.
Serious?
Maybe you don't understand engineering? Do you remember what Soichiro Honda said about the value of racing? It's like putting a man on the Moon. Everyone benefits from what is learned.
From 50cc kid's bikes to Moto GP winners to Formula One ... even to Honda's Jet aircraft. All racing's lessons trickle down to every aspect of production.
Racing brings out the best, most innovative solutions and then TESTS them under the harshest conditions. Pushes technology forward. We've known this FACT 100 years. Nothing new. Racing is essential to smart evolution.
Have you seen the new BMW G310? BMW designed, Indian made, 310cc.
BMW claim a "GS" version with be forthcoming, initial bike is standard bike.
34 HP, 350 lbs.
Check it out! New BMW G310R roadster revealed | MCN
Well, I'll just give up here.
There is no point in convincing internet warriors who have all the right/wrong info at their fingertips.
My knowledge comes from actual facts as I've owned and worked on all the single cilinder F and G bikes up to replacing engine internals where I had to split the casings. (that was because of the over engineered shifter on the X btw)
I just wonder why the DR and whatever else are still being sold today, the way they were designed umpteen years ago ? Those are the makes that do compete in all those races where they get their "man on the moon" right ?
Never mind. I'm out of this topic.
What facts are you confused about? Links? What specific questions do you have?
You misunderstand.
BMW's water pump seals have failed often and at random ... over and over again ... even at low kms. Common knowledge in BMW community (Chain Gang, F650 thread on ADV Rider ext)
Once water pump seal fails, you can loose you're entire engine if you don't catch it soon enough. Was a problem for YEARS ... BMW never fixed it.
I think you should talk to Maria 41 and her husband!
Always room for development. Ask ANY mechanical engineer/designer. There are some GOOD things on X and F bikes. Fuel economy on F bikes is very good But too many poor engineering and planning choices, IMO.
Short list of weak items with F, G and X bikes that should be made better:
1. Suspension. Ditch rear bladder shock on X series. On F and G bikes the skinny front forks are WRONG for a 450 lb. bike. Up grade to at least 43mm fork. Low level WP shocks should be higher level pieces.
2. F and G too heavy, even X could be lighter if further development had continued. The F and G bikes are 70 lbs. heavier than my DR650 and XR650L.
Why? Because BMW never intended these bikes to set foot off road.
Road use only. Yet that is not how they market them. So ... ALL BS.
3. Should be more maintenance/owner friendly. As you say, they are HARD to work on. (I've worked on F bike) They are a PITA to do anything on.
4. Redesign elec. system. Many reports of failed Regulator/Rectifier, over charged, boiled out batteries. Poor charging system, BMW used a NON sealed battery.
Read the Chain Gang forum for a few years like I did .. dozens of problems.
Serious?
Maybe you don't understand engineering? Do you remember what Soichiro Honda said about the value of racing? It's like putting a man on the Moon. Everyone benefits from what is learned.
From 50cc kid's bikes to Moto GP winners to Formula One ... even to Honda's Jet aircraft. All racing's lessons trickle down to every aspect of production.
Racing brings out the best, most innovative solutions and then TESTS them under the harshest conditions. Pushes technology forward. We've known this FACT 100 years. Nothing new. Racing is essential to smart evolution.
Have you seen the new BMW G310? BMW designed, Indian made, 310cc.
BMW claim a "GS" version with be forthcoming, initial bike is standard bike.
Wow that looks AMAZing! I'm looking for a decent lightweight bike as bigger, heavy bikes just don't appeal to what Motorcycling is all about (to me anyway), but I see there are very few options. Like the KTM 390 but very $$$. Suzuki make a 250 twin - the Inazuma, but it's 401lb! what else? Ninja 300 is too sporty, (wasn't the 250 one of the best selling bikes in the US?), then the Yamaha 250 YBR or the Honda equivalent. In the sixties and seventies there seemed to be loads of range sub-650cc, but then seemingly at some point, 650 become to be the benchmark for a "proper" motorcycle. I hope that BMW have a big success with that and the big four follow suit.
Probably the best big bore adventure bike of the moment. Simple design. Reliable. Huge Honda dealers network around the world. Runs on regular fuel. Ultra efficient engine. Runs cool. Rims use tubes. Superb handling. Easy to ride.
The original Africa Twin set a standard in 1988. 28 years later, the new Africa Twin sets a new standard.
Hi
I'm currently riding my AT DCT through Mexico having risen from New York.I am heading into south america. The bike is great and the weight and balance of the machine is good. My previous bike was the Honda Crosstourer - now that was heavy and totally unsuited to any mucky stuff.
I think I will be in a place to confirm its advantages once i hit the serious stuff in the jungles of Costa Rica and South America.
It does travel well on the road and offload the DCT is a great help - one less thing to think about if you are inexperienced like me!
I bought my AT DCT a few months ago. 2 days later I got 100% knee replacement. So, Feb. sees me riding on the street again. Hopefully the dirt is not to far off.
OK ................. lots of talk about this bike !... just like an american forum !
You have to ride a new bike for a few thousand miles to judge it... not around asda car park !
I have done 15000 miles on mine and................... it allways puts a smile on my face !
and ........... as for off road...........what do you call off road ?
It wont go where a wr250 will go... but it will take you to morocco and do most of the piste there !!!
Have to agree, not smart of Honda to mount that HUGE top box hung way out the back like that. Just about any sub frame is going to crack or bend when off road with that configuration. Add weight, not a good outcome.
Best to move your load forward onto pillion area, or better yet, keep heavy stuff in side panniers. Basic RTW bike loading 101.
Many travelers overload their top box ... most boxes are only rated to carry 10 or 12 lbs. max.
Now, if you head down some bad wash board, whoops or hit big pot holes, the mounting hardware, subframe are bound to fail in time (short time!).
Most experienced travelers know all this as top box mounts and pannier racks have been a major issue for MC travelers since the 70's. (Ask Grant, owner of HU!)
Hard top boxes and hard side panniers do not mix well with super rough conditions. Off road? Go to soft panniers, travel light. The new Africa Twin is a fine travel bike in many ways, but it's not a Dakar bike or a pure dirt bike. Used in more moderate off road conditions (is set up correctly) it will be fantastic. Less complex and more reliable long term than either
BMW GS or Big KTM. Decent comfort on road, simple servicing, packs up well. A winner IMO.
Looking at that I can't help but wonder how many miles it would be before the pillion load would result in a similar issue while riding 2up? It would put me off buying one for sure. Not that I am even considering it.......
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.
Virginia: April 24-27 Queensland is back! May 2-5 Ecuador June 13-15 Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 CanWest: July 10-13 Switzerland: Date TBC Ecuador: Date TBC Romania: Date TBC Austria: Sept. 11-14 California: September 18-21 France: September 19-21 Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2
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™ 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
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!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
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!
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.
86Likes
Was a problem for YEARS ... BMW never fixed it. 
But too many poor engineering and planning choices, IMO. 
Linear Mode
