I have been a RTW bicycle tourer for over ten years but recently have developed an irregular heart beat and now cannot do any significant excercise. Years ago I used to run a R100GS and loved it (until a rather nasty head-on with a car) and have not ridden since (except rented 100cc Hondas in Cambodia recently which was fun). Has anyone out there any experience of turning from a cycle tourer into a motorbike tourer and how was it for you? I mainly worry about the lack of peace and simplicity of the cycle. Do you get well received in small town and villages (like, say, in Asia) on motorbikes, and is there still the feeling of freedom like with a cycle. All this may seem obvious to an experienced motorbike tourer, but as I am seriously considering a new motorbike I would love to hear any comments. Thanks.

David - I haven't cycled RTW, but have toured in Scottish Highlands and Islands by bicycle a few times, and have since been back (and to Frech alps and Med) by motorbike. They are both good but in different ways. You won't get that same minimilist feeling that you get with your cycle - but I've only done "easy" tours. If you decide to cross a desert on a trail bike I'm sure you will feel that you are close to not having enough gear.
You'll be able to do bigger things, so you can still stretch yourself. Just don't pile in too many miles per day or you may pass everything by. Still the same independent feeling and you will still be able to see the road passing under your feet - and you can still fall off! Regards.

David,
I have done RTW on a bicycle and recently switched to a Motorbike. There is the lack of peace and the insulation that comes with hearing the safety gear. And it is hard coming from a pedalling background and not riding too far every day with an engine.
Overall I haven't enjoyed it as much...
BUT there are a lot of huge plusses. You are still well received and there is always more "glam" with a motorbike. It is possible to be a lot more flexible in travelling times. Start late and not worry so much about temperature. You can carry more weight - books etc.
If you can trade that off against not being quite so free - you can always carry a pushbike anywhere - then it is still a great way to go.

Cheers

George

Hi mate,
Yeah, I have done a bit of cycle touring in Scotland and Australia and have always been a fairly keen 'day-tripper'. I agree that the simplicity of a bicycle has it's attractions, and as an ex-cycle mechanic the knowledge that I could strip and rebuild everything down to the last brass bushing in a derailer was a comfort!
Motorcycling certainly isn't as peaceful as cycling and you are not quite as connected to the surroundings, but everything is relative. I have done a couple of biggish trips by car and find that you feel far more part of the the landscape on a m-bike. It is harder work, you get wet, cold, hot, tired, smelly; indeed many of the things you get cycle touring! I'd say touring by motorbike has more in common with cycle touring than 'car touring'.
I'd disagree with the idea that motorcycling is less 'free' than cycling though. You just have a different type of freedom. The greater distances you can cover mean you have a greater choice of places to visit.
Motorcycling is a good compromise between comfort and 'adventure'. You get way more adventure, a far greater feeling of having experienced the landscape through which you've travelled, than in a car; but much greater comfort (both in terms of effort/clothing/seat and luxuries you can carry with you) than on a bicycle.
Like I say, I really enjoy cycling (particularly off-road) but at the ripe old age of 34 (I know pathetic ain't it!) I'd enjoy a week or two (or even more) of motorcycling more than the same on a bicycle.
JMHO
Matt
Welcome to the club!

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!