Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 1 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 73
Well I managed 650 miles from Denmark to Brugge on a Honda C90, my advice would be do a lot less than that

I'd kind of agree with consensus here that 250-350 miles a day will be a nice mileage, sustainable day on day, I'd be wary of Lorries and so forth trying to maintain momentum and forcing you into the hard shoulder when they pull in after an enthusiastic misjudged overtake and the fact you'll get stuck behind some of the slower movers without the oomph to get past safely

Part of me would like to repeat my Mongolia journey by something smaller like a wr250r, though I got great economy from the 990 at those speeds 52mpg average, by contrast my C90 got only 60-70mpg on the Autobahn.

If it was me, and I was concentrating my finances and time outside of Europe (taking the back roads across Europe could be fun, but taking the slow route costs £££) I'd tow/van my bike out to Chelm/Poland (I've driven that in 24hrs eating just my pack lunch from home) and head into the Ukraine on two wheels

Don't know if that is an option for you or not though, just throwing it out there....have fun
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 1 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by stickysidedown View Post
I'd be wary of Lorries and so forth trying to maintain momentum and forcing you into the hard shoulder when they pull in after an enthusiastic misjudged overtake and the fact you'll get stuck behind some of the slower movers without the oomph to get past safely

by contrast my C90 got only 60-70mpg on the Autobahn.
I'd guess your C90 was just that little bit slower than my B120 on the autobahn because I could (just) tuck in behind and benefit from their aerodynamics. You had to be doing about 50mph when they overtook to be able to stay behind them though. On the face of it it sounds dangerous but in reality being 70-80m behind a truck is a lot safer than having one 20m behind you - particularly riding a two stroke flat out.

I agree with you about overtaking though - I very quickly learnt not to (try to) overtake anything unless it was in a traffic jam.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 3 Mar 2014
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Maria I think you'll be fine with those panniers your XRs are slimmer than my Derbi at the back and my Enduristan panniers are wider than the Andyz. In fact by the time I've packed the bags and put them over the homemade supports to stop them burning on the exhaust they're as wide as the handlebars, something I then completely forgot about on Hammersmith Bridge (sincere apologies to the Ford Fiesta owner).

If either of you fancy a ride out over the Downs do get in touch it's so rare to have the chance to ride with other 125's. I'll admit to having done a test ride on mine over that route with the luggage packed just to see what it felt like (answer:strangely top heavy).

Which does bring up another point perhaps and that's the difference in feel luggage makes to a lightweight bike. It makes sense because of course you're adding a much higher proportion of the bike's original weight. Mine feels quite light on the front end and seems to want to understeer when loaded and at speed which has resulted in the odd buttock clenching moment on sweeping A-roads.

Once you get used to it it's ok but if your bike feels strange I think that too can have an effect on your comfortable daily mileage.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 3 Mar 2014
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
PS. Are you going to be at the Muff Café this Saturday?

https://www.facebook.com/events/503369303117700/
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 3 Mar 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
PS. Are you going to be at the Muff Café this Saturday?

https://www.facebook.com/events/503369303117700/

Now e can't, we're going to visit friends near Plymouth this weekend so leaving Friday (with the car as we take the dog!)

For a ride we'll see. We are very busy now with paperwork and preparations. I need to get all the stuff on the (guest) bed and see how we are going to pack, what to take, and then do a test ride fully loaded. But not sure when yet ... hoping following weekend.
I'll let you know.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
long distance on a yam WR 125 R ???? Polly Which Bike? 18 17 Jan 2021 10:21
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
Info on Voice & Data SIM Cards for Europe (and Australia/USA) Addie Communications 0 30 Dec 2013 19:26
long distance on a Yamaha WR 125 R ? Polly Yamaha Tech 7 12 Mar 2012 14:06

 
 

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 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!

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 16:59.