Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The Ideal Adventure Motorcycle The Ideal Adventure Motorcycle
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat 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.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Like Tree7Likes
  • 2 Post By
  • 3 Post By
  • 1 Post By ChrisFS
  • 1 Post By Declan

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Dec 2016
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Mate, I need to take the luggage off ANY bike (including light weight singles) when I drop it off road.

It's a requirement for just about any bike, no matter how light the bike is without luggage.

The reason for this is basic physics - luggage is mounted high on the bike, farther away from the fulcrum (contact patch of the tyre), ergo you require more effort to get the bike upright.

Combined with a loose surface, and the bike sliding away from you as you try to lift it, means I ALWAYS remove luggage as the first step in returning the bike to vertical.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Dec 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar View Post
Mate, I need to take the luggage off ANY bike (including light weight singles) when I drop it off road.

It's a requirement for just about any bike, no matter how light the bike is without luggage.

The reason for this is basic physics - luggage is mounted high on the bike, farther away from the fulcrum (contact patch of the tyre), ergo you require more effort to get the bike upright.

Combined with a loose surface, and the bike sliding away from you as you try to lift it, means I ALWAYS remove luggage as the first step in returning the bike to vertical.
The problem with modern bikes is they are built with a wet sump shared by the gearbox. the immediate result is the engine has to be mounted higher together with the transmission. It does not hep weight distribution. Look at most 50-60's Brit bike and the crankshaft will invariably be below the wheel spindles. this makes for stability and gives more leverage to get your bike up.
Since my heart attack I don't have the strength that I did before and it is the Triumph thunderbird that will be the first bike I sell. I intend to keep the Enfield because I can manage it. Practicality cuts numbers.

http://kickstart.bikeexif.com/wp-con...motorcycle.jpg

http://www.classic-british-motorcycl...Thruxton-R.jpg

https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam...rad_Gruppe.png
hope it shows
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 98
The reality is that even though a lot of these big bikes look like they are capable off roaders, and some of them are, the majority of them never see off road and are used as gutsy macho statements. A high percentage of people who buy them want all the comforts and bells and whistles available and that's what the manufacturers give them. There is no real need to build a practical off road capable adventure bike when the true and real benefits of such a machine will be lost on the owners. Besides, people buy bikes for adventure and end up changing so many things to suit their plans and because everyone's adventure plans are different there's no conceivable way of producing one bike that will suit them all so the modifications will still need to happen anyway.
In many ways it's similar to 4x4 vehicles, the Range Rover type things...most never see mud unless it has been spilled on the road by a tractor but the drivers like the idea that their vehicle has some capabilities that others do not. If there was a true, profitable and genuine mass market opportunity for a focussed bike then I'm sure one of the manufacturers would have done it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 252
adventure bike
Yamaha wr 250 R.... it will cruise at 70 ! and you can ride it anywhere you wan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Posts: 128
Agree fully with the first post. I own a GS1200. But for true adventure riding in places like Kyrgyzstan or Mongolia I use a KLR650 - with minimal luggage. Its got no fancy electronics, its a single cylinder tall trailie, its reasonably comfortable (more than the ktm 690 2x4 plank seat) and it is reliable. Oh, and dirt cheap to buy.
__________________
Your Life is Now!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: holland-canada
Posts: 21
I had my thought's on the 1200 GSA, but while riding my 750 Super tenere on some really nice tracks here in Spain i'm thinking, na, you don't wanna take a nice and shiny beemer in this stuff, it is gonna take all the pleasure out of the actual riding, now if the Bavarian works would put a bike available...

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: holland-canada
Posts: 21
But seriously, i am considering to get a two to three grand Kawasaki Concours for my next journey, i took buddy's concours on some gravel roads a few years back, and to my complete surprise the bike did really well, could be my affordable gsa, for adventure's sake
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Money - how can you possibly afford an international overland motorcycle adventure? SMBoilerworks TRAVEL Hints and Tips 35 15 Aug 2018 19:58
Tall Motorcycle Adventure Tales - The Rally In The Gorge, August 24-28, 2016 Sun Chaser Motorcycle Events around the world 0 7 Aug 2016 00:46
Adventure Show at Colorado Motorcycle Expo Sept. 20 & 21 Sun Chaser Motorcycle Events around the world 0 13 Sep 2014 15:50
NEW Achievable Dream: The Motorcycle Adventure Travel Guide DVD series! Grant Johnson Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 26 11 Mar 2013 21:26
Planning & Preparation Tools for a South American Motorcycle Adventure 2fortheroad.co.uk South America 1 15 Sep 2012 10:39

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 15:32.

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