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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 Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 2 Sep 2010
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Bike travel is not easy. Your body gets sore from the constant seating position and the vibrations. The extreme situational awareness that is required for safe bike driving can be exhausting. There is the constant concern about the weather. None of these things are insurmountable, but it is these things that ensure only hardcore bikers do long bike trips. The limited space on a bike and subsequently small amount of belongings brought along on the trip, makes the driver feel a little like The Road Warrior - surviving on few of the comforts of home.

The positives of bike travel is the incredible mobility and nimbleness it give you. My favorite thing about bike travel is the smell - the rushing air drives the external smells (flowers, grass, trees, whatever) into your nose. In a 4x4 you never get the smells or the sense of closeness to the environment as you do on a bike. Everyone wants to talk to a biker; men especially want to talk to bikers ( i think it is b/c men have an infatuation with the 'freedom' of bikers)

I've been on both bike and 4x4. I prefer the 4x4 for long trips as it provides me with a feeling of more security; having a locked space to sleep in, place to store valuables, protection from weather, greater fuel range, more self-sufficient in terms of supplies, etc.
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  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2010
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Originally Posted by gunt86 View Post
My favorite thing about bike travel is the smell - the rushing air drives the external smells (flowers, grass, trees, whatever) into your nose. In a 4x4 you never get the smells or the sense of closeness to the environment as you do on a bike.
That's what does it for me... it's the smells. even in a 4x4/car/truck/cage with the windows open, I still don't get the aromas like I do on a bike.
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  #3  
Old 6 Sep 2010
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Just some addition things off the top of my head:

- If you're traveling solo then petrol will be much cheaper on a bike!

- Here in South America traffic can build up for whatever reason, broken down car, protest, riot or a music band walking down the street, on the motorcycle it's easier to go around and continue your travel. Once a rally race had blocked my only entrance to where I was going so I rode along the train tracks until I could hit the road again, can't do this in a 4x4.

- Motorcycles are much cheaper than 4x4's.

- If you break down on a motorbike it's easier to fix and/or load onto a truck until the next town.

- Motorcycles are easier to park, some cities are impossible to find spaces in.

- Motorcycles are far quicker in heavy traffic.

- Motorcycles can take single-tracks and are easier to go around obstacles

- Motorcycles can do wheelies!

Of course 4x4's have their advantages as well but a 4x4 guru should probably list those...
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Old 8 Sep 2010
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Hi guys,

I agree with everyone talking about the smells you experience on a motorbike!

When I went out for my first long ride through real scenery last weekend, I was amazed at the different aromas of grass, trees, mud (!), fires burning, etc etc...it really heightened the experience of being where I was. Plus you're right there in the middle of the elements, which feels amazing - I rode through rain, wind, sunshine, the lot, and it felt pretty incredible to be so at the mercy of all those things.

4x4s are good..but for me, at the moment, bikes are better!

Jeanie
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  #5  
Old 11 Sep 2010
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Originally Posted by PocketHead View Post
- Motorcycles can do wheelies!
say no more
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