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!
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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!
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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.
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We planning a 4 month trip through Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Germany) on our 2009 Goldwing and I'm wondering if I need to take any special security precautions like one of those heavy duty hardened steel chains. We're going to be pulling a trailer with all our gear so I am fairly weight conscious.
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andysr6
Hi, unfortunately yes is the answer, i have friends that have had their bikes stolen in Holland and Spain, better safe than sorry. Andy
+1
Take the precautions you can. Don't leave the bike without locking it. Don't leave anything on the bike that is not secured.
Incidentally, the highest theft rate of motorcycles is in highly developped countries like (in no particular order) Spain, Italy, France where there are a lot of bikes and the resale is garanteed.
Your're riding a Goldwing with a trailer... you can't be that weight conscious?
This is my suggestion, obviously minus the ground anchor:
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephen.stallebrass
The Almax are the best chains out there! They are the nuts, unlike the others which make claims that are just bollocks frankly. Used in combination with a Hardie Ground Anchor and a Squire Lock your bike is virtually theft proof! The scumbag(s) will need power tools to get through this bad boy!
Almax Series III has never been bolt cropped by ANYONE EVER!
Unlike the other big name chains that are cropped in seconds - literally!
(Abus City X-Plus, Abus Granite, Oxford Monster, Datatool Python, English Superlink, Squire MC4/6 and Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit)
They come in various lengths, which will obviously affect weight. The Series III Weighs 4.34kgs (9&1/2 lbs) per metre
Diameter of each link 16mm (0' 6/10ths")
Inside measurement of each link 100mm (0'3 9/10ths")
Outside Measurement of each link 132mm (0'5 2/10ths")
Outside Width of each link 56mm (0'2 3/10ths")
Aperture needed for the chain to pass through 58mm (0'2 2/10ths")
The chains have a long 16mm diameter link design with a square profile. Best used with a closed shackle.
The only 16mm quadruple tempered security chain, Case hardened (not through hardened), Carbon manganese alloy steel enhanced with boron, Thatcham approved Cat 3, Impervious to hand bolt cropper attacks, Hacksaws useless, Zinc plated with gold passivation for maximum corrosion protection, Almax's long link system allows you to lock your chain off tight, stopping sledge, wedge and freeze attacks dead in their tracks.
Uniquely designed and engineered to deter even the most foolhardy thief. Virtually indestructible British design. DIY instructions allows easy fitting within minutes. Comes complete with all fixing required including the drill bit!
Carries Europe's highest security Rating of CEN6, Boron alloy hardened steel 13mm diameter closed shackle – Solid hardened steel body, 65mm wide – 6 pin tumbler lock mechanism – double locking – Anti-drill module. This lock is manufactured in Britian from 32mm thick solid hardened steel giving maximum protection from sledgehammering, drilling, sawing and other forms of attack. The closed shackle design provides TOTAL protection against boltcroppers. – 10 year guarantee – Sold Secure GOLD
I have the Immobilser III chain, Squire SS65CS Stonghold Lock and the Hardie Ground Anchor as outlined above. I have ZERO buyer remorse and cannot reccomned them highly enough. I even got a small Kriega bag thrown for free, which that attaches to the seat and holds my chain and lock when I do take it out. :thumb2
Cost for the package £210-240 depending on chain length. This is the ONLY physical security you'll need... Here's a video of a lorry hanging by the Hardie Ground Anchor!
Don't waste good money on shite, get the best. These are cheaper then the big name brands which pale into insignificance compared to Almax!
xXx
I don't tend to take the chain when I'm touring, it's too heavy with all the other gear. I just use a Xena Disc Lock Alarm and cover the bike. I think it's much safer and secure when its out of sight out of mind!
Thanks for all the replies. The theme is definitely consistent - make sure your bike is secure. My weight concern is because we have a motorcycle tent trailer that is fairly heavy which means we have to watch the weight of our contents. Stephen sent some great info on the Almax chain but then ended by saying that he only uses the Xena disc lock alarm when touring. My biggest concerns are when we are out sightseeing or out for dinner. At night the bike will be close at hand in the campground. Any thoughts?
Most bike thefts in cities now don't even bother with taking the lock off, they just nick a van, pull up and load the bike. Alarmed disc locks are a good plan and if using a chain lock remeber to lock it up in such a way that the chain (especially the padlock) isn't sitting on the ground - this makes it a hell of a lot harder for any thief using a club hammer and cold chisel (common M.O.) to get through it.
Annoyingly councils in the UK don't allow people to install lie-flat ground anchors in front of their houses but then they can be generally anti-bike
That's a serious chunk of chain! But.....any pro can easily defeat it, right? Battery powered grinders can't be any more rare in England than the USA.
You've got to decide who you're defending against. It is an opportunist who's just looking to steal anything which isn't tied down? Or a professional motorbike thief, who knows what he wants and is willing to go to a certain amount of trouble and expense to get it? The first you can defeat with almost anything; the second.....uh uh. If you've got what they want, your lock, chain, alarm and immobiliser are unlikely to stop them for long.
The standard-issue private Guatemalan security guard with the pistol grip shotgun might be a deterrent, however, as long as he remembers whose side he's on.
That's a serious chunk of chain! But.....any pro can easily defeat it, right? Battery powered grinders can't be any more rare in England than the USA.
Mark
Rule 1: Know your enemy;
Steal to order: Comes in a van with untracable plates (CCTV will send plod looking for a similar vehicle in perfectly legal use 500 miles away), has plumbers nitrogen and an angle grinder. Steals new Ducati's, BMW GS's with the full TT set up, Harleys with paint jobs etc. Not interested in a X years old wing with a trailer.
Amature scrote: Steals the van full of builders tools, tries a chisel on good chains, just makes a mess. Still wants flash bikes.
Kiddies: Want a quick thrash on your bike, use bricks and screwdrivers, can't open a good chain.
Street scum: Only want your phone and GPS, can't open locks much better than a B&Q padlock.
You won't stop anglegrinder man, but chances are he won't bother you.
Tip: Don't use the ignition lock, scratters break that first then see the chain and **** off. A screwdrivered ignition will ruin your day.
I had a very stupid moment when in Paris last year at the start of a months tour with my gf on an old pan european. We parked the bike opposite the hotel with alarm, disclock and hardened chain and padlock secured to a pole. We left for the day to do the tourist thing and about eight hours later when enjoying a pint i realised i'd left the keys in the saddle release lock!!!!!!! After a high speed dash back i found the bike in the same place minus the keys, the disclock and the padlock. The chain was left in position around the pole and the front wheel for some reason but thankfully the immobiliser had done it's work as i had the fob in my pocket apart from the keys. Don't underestimate the power of stupidity......
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.
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...
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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.
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