I'm 23 and from central Scotland also interested. Not much of an off-road guy though.

Hey,

am from n.ireland and I feel exactly same as you, all my mates settled down and know a few people with bikes but none with the same sense of adventure as me. In july I done 10 days to france, my first trip, it was amazing! Since then I cant stop thinking about doing more. Went to wales the other wkend on my own from dublin to holyhead got soaked but still had fantastic time. Currently messing with the idea of a career break at work next yr and just taking off and doing backpacking jobs here and there for some funds on top of savings. Failing that I def wanna see a bit more of europe even if its just a few days here and there.like you no kids or committments. So much I wanna do on bike but even better if I can find others I can join up with for trips

Hey,

am from n.ireland and I feel exactly same as you, all my mates settled down and know a few people with bikes but none with the same sense of adventure as me. In july I done 10 days to france, my first trip, it was amazing! Since then I cant stop thinking about doing more. Went to wales the other wkend on my own from dublin to holyhead got soaked but still had fantastic time. Currently messing with the idea of a career break at work next yr and just taking off and doing backpacking jobs here and there for some funds on top of savings. Failing that I def wanna see a bit more of europe even if its just a few days here and there.like you no kids or committments. So much I wanna do on bike but even better if I can find others I can join up with for trips

HI credmond,
Def go to HU meeting, that will inspire you, if you have toured on bicycles you will have no bother with an engine, I am just home from a tour of Alaska, British Columbia and Western Usa, I met loads of bikers travelling alone or with a small number, its great to travel with these people for a few days and then go off and do your own thing again, If you check out UKGSER site, Ireland section, there are some good blokes living in Dublin who often tour europe, also check open invite trip section, best of luck on your travels.

Hi Maggie, sounds to me like you are on the right track, know how you feel. If you have the chance then defiantly yes take a career break & go for it. There is a good book written by Lois Pryce titled Lois on the Loose, (ibn 978-0-099-49366-3) she drove alone 20,000 miles across the Americas. Her story will answer a lot of your questions. Also if you have the time try out the HU meeting in Germany. Meantime have fun Vince

Cheers Vince,
I done 3000 mile in france in july with a friend of a friend from town, talking to bikers when I returned home I discovered lois pryce not read her book but following her on facebook and it has inspired me even more, she is in Iran at moment it sounds and looks amazing and she has a great opinion of the people. Went to Wales alone recently for a wkend alone and managed ok. Currently on a honda hornet so looking to buy a transalp or something. Any local bikers I know are not up for an adventure as they have family work and or financial committments. Must get her book and check things out I always wonder about the language barrier when travelling through many countrys.

Thanks for advice

Maggie

Hiii Magie, transalp is a nice versatile little bike, up to a lot of fun trips Dutch police used them in Amsterdam for a while, now they use the small Beee a hemsss. Kawa kle is also good, I am also looking for an off road midrange to use for certain trips. Was kinda looking at Tiger 800, may buy second hand in Ireland & leave it their. In Europe English will get you around no prob in most countries. In Arabic countries French is a good language. I speak a little French. But I always learn the basic Hallo, goodbye & thank you in the host countries language, write 'em down, works wonders. Am planning to go to south america, have bought a spanish language course on dvd mmmnnn it still in box I always carry a pocket dictionary for non european countries & spain. But a smile & a handshake will open doors. Dictionary handy for eating if you fussy eater I enjoyed her book immensely. You will meet like minded people on the road. Did quick blast on mourne coastal & mountain route in Aug.... was visiting ne sis .. brill. Anways Maggie keep the spirit up & it will all come together. Vince

Thank you all for the responses...great to see so many people taking the time to give advice! I will be in touch...

Cheers,
Cormac

I think Transalp may have been my second choice, over a Tiger 800, for a few reasons. It's much cheaper than a BMW 800GS/Tiger 800, it's a Honda, it looks good, lots of extras, lots of parts.

That said, I think we a spoilt for choice thesedays...I think just about can be used for touring if the will is there!

Hi credmond
I start with a few small rides outs in April first to west Scotland in April with some rough camping, then in May head to Ireland for a long weekend stay near Moira, I tend to eat in the tannery don't no if you no the place, I sometimes go it along or a friend of mine comes along, if you are interested I can keep you posted and I don't mind the company, haven't decided whats on offer for next year as I've do a lot of Europe may do something diffrent
I've just posted a tour from England to magadan for 2015 have a look to see if this is something that would interest you
Thanks graham

Hi.

Starting from St. John Newfoundland. Going Easy to West

Tom

Hey have a look for the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club and get on some of the forums like Xrv Ireland and you'll soon find like minded souls :-)

Hi Cormac,

I am in Dublin and looking to do some touring when I get the cash together.

I have been to a few HU meetings and they are incredible. They sustain my interest in travelling until I get out there myself.

I have a MZ Baggy and its the business. If you want to meet up for ride-outs give me a shout.

Niall

Hi,
I have ridden to and from India twice in the 70's. No long haul since then just 2-3 weeks touring around Europe most years.

I retire in March 2016 and am already planning a long haul trip. My wife has given me a year off to 'get it out of my system'.

Originally wanted to go to Cape Town but feel, travelling alone, although I know I would meet up with other travellers, a little daunting due to some of the political unrest in quite a bit of Africa.

Could return to India again via China but not sure.Need an adventure not a holiday.

Best option I have come up with so far is to ship a bike to Canada then up to Alaska, USA and down through South America..Shipping cost quite high so have also been looking at purchasing something like a KLR 650 in Canada / USA and going from there.

At present all is 'open' except the date. Have to work till March 2016, then I'm free.

I have two prepared touring bikes here in the UK ( London) (i) Suzuki DR350 and a (ii) Yamaha ttr600.
Like the 350 best as I will be 64 when I start off and it's easier lifting up a laden 350 than the larger bikes. mechanically it can also be repaired on the road side in most instances. With larger fuel tank the fuel range is about 300. miles, sufficient for most road trips.

Open to discussion and may meet up on route somewhere if your going my way.

Best of luck with you plans.
Lushy 58

Hi Cormac,

If you care to join I'll be leaving from Switzerland over to Georgia via former Yugoslavia and Turkey and back again thru Ukraine (if they have stopped shooting), Romania, etc. If you are interested, I am looking for a travel buddy. Most of my friends are tied up at work or with families and can't come or aren't interested.

Departure can be anytime from April 1 to 15. Duration I guess will be 4 to 5 weeks.

I ride a R1200GS, am 46 yo guy and don't like to pay speeding fines.

Camping is all right as long as it's not every night for a month.

Pls tell me if you are interested and we'll take it from there for more detailed plans.

Thanks.