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26 Feb 2006
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pickering, Ontario
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I need the voice of experience
Hello to all.
Starting a RTW on June/06.
Most details are more or less worked out except of course a minor one: GSA1200 or Dakar? Brains says Dakar, heart says GSA1200. We'll see what the coin says.
The Route: Toronto-->Mexico-->Central America-->South America --> New Zealand --> Oz --> Far East with/out China --> Pakistan/Iran-->Middle East-->Turkey/Greece/Italy-->Tunisia and Eastern North Africa --> Southern Africa -->West/NorthWest Africa --> Europe/Scandinavia -->Russia/Mongolia/Siberia-->Alaska-->Toronto.
Two years, give or take a few months; 160k km.
Would you chance it with a bigger bike?
I will be hitting two rainy seasons: Central America and the Thailand/Laos/Cambodia region.
I will be hitting Siberia in late August and September.
I have had the benefit of this great site, yet I know a lot of you have already done this so there is no point in reinventing the wheel [though, this is perhaps why we are are doing this after all].
Are there single point failures that I need to guard against?
Cheers
Elias
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26 Feb 2006
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
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By GSA1200 - do you mean the BMW 1200 GS Adventure model?
If so, the answer is easy - the 650 dakar.
Word is in the states at least, you'll be lucky to obtain one of the 1200 GSAdventure models before fall of '06. What's coming in are already allocated/pre-sold by most dealers.
[This message has been edited by quastdog (edited 26 February 2006).]
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quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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26 Feb 2006
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Location: South Island, New Zealand
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F650 is the answer. Other than North America and Europe/UK you will be cursing the bigger bike. It will be an extra 50-60(?)KG millstone around your neck. In fact in about half of the countries you are travelling in, the 650cc bike will be huge overkill. The locals ride 150cc bikes for good reason. Don't fall into the trap of wanting to impress the locals with your big shiney bike. I had a couple stay with me that were travelling RTW on two bikes; DR650 and DR200 Suzukis. The guy on the 650 said the 200 was a much better bike for the trip, and if he ignored his ego, he would be on the same bike.
Regards
Nigel in NZ
------------------
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read but a page"- St Augustine
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The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with  . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
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26 Feb 2006
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Or, if you look beyond BMW, the KLR 650. Lightweight, less expensive, easier to maintain, parts more available, more durable.
The KLR weights in @ 331 lbs. Light is right. Good luck~~
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26 Feb 2006
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We rode to Croatia last year - he on an 1150GS and she on 650GS. The 1150 cost twice as much in fuel. Admittedly, a nicer bike on the tarmac and spacious for the times we went 2up or to carry a lot of gear.
The 1200s have 2 computers for the engine management system so if something does go wrong you're probably up the creek...
btw, she now prefers her R80GS to the late model 650GS for touring - lighter, easier maintenance etc..
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14 Apr 2006
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Take the smaller one
I had a choice between the R1200GS and the F650GS Dakar
Recently back from a hop down to Mali and back on...F650GS Dakar
Take the smaller bike- better fuel consumption, easier maintenance-etc.
Can't think what I can do on '1200' which I can't do on 650
But I can the other way around!!
Bon voyage!
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14 Apr 2006
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Atw
[QUOTE=Elias]Hello to all.
Starting a RTW on June/06.
Starting a RTW on June/06.
The choice of bike is a matter of personal preference. Most adventure bikers seem to favour the on/off road models. If you plan on lots of excursons from the main roads it may be a necessity. But to demonstrate that the trip you are planning can be done on a heavier, if you stay on the main roads, I list the trips I have made on a Honda GL1800 Gold Wing (Dry weight 791 Lbs, 359 kg):
2002 New Orleans - Usuhaia, Argentina and back, 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
2003 New Orleans - Prudhoe Bay (Deadhorse) & back 14,000 (22,400 km)
2004 Arount the World (from New Orleans and back via Alaska, Japan, Siberia,
Mongolia, Russia, Scandinavia & Europe) 26,000 miles (47,600 km)
2005 New Zealand 2,700 Miles (4,320 km)
2005 Australia 13, 212 miles (21,139 km)
2006 in 2 weeks I aam heading for a round trip of Africa.
Estimate 25,000 miles (40,000 km)
And I am now 80 years old. - Good luck, Hans
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15 Apr 2006
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Journey
Hello travellers:
I am also travelling this coming august.
I have a question for all of you.
I am travelling on a suzuki SV650 naked. I have a windshield installed...
Now my question is, why do most of you travellers use enduro or dual sport bikes. I know of course the matters regarding off road capabilites as well as fuel tank capacities and upright sitting position among other things. But in my case, the SV650 is a very comfortable bike to ride, it does not have the fuel capacity of BMW or even KLR's.
anyway, what good advice would you give me regarding this matter.
I hope tp meet you down the road, i am travlling from laredo texas US, to Ushuaia in Argentina.
Thanks for your help,
good luck to all travellers.
dennys
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Elias
Hello to all.
Starting a RTW on June/06.
Most details are more or less worked out except of course a minor one: GSA1200 or Dakar? Brains says Dakar, heart says GSA1200. We'll see what the coin says.
The Route: Toronto-->Mexico-->Central America-->South America --> New Zealand --> Oz --> Far East with/out China --> Pakistan/Iran-->Middle East-->Turkey/Greece/Italy-->Tunisia and Eastern North Africa --> Southern Africa -->West/NorthWest Africa --> Europe/Scandinavia -->Russia/Mongolia/Siberia-->Alaska-->Toronto.
Two years, give or take a few months; 160k km.
Would you chance it with a bigger bike?
I will be hitting two rainy seasons: Central America and the Thailand/Laos/Cambodia region.
I will be hitting Siberia in late August and September.
I have had the benefit of this great site, yet I know a lot of you have already done this so there is no point in reinventing the wheel [though, this is perhaps why we are are doing this after all].
Are there single point failures that I need to guard against?
Cheers
Elias
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27 Apr 2006
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Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,374
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Choice
In the end , it is whatever bike YOU feel is best for you. If you read threads, people from all walks of life have used all sorts of bikes from mopeds/scooters to the heavy weights.
I can only suggest is you read up reasons as to why anyone chose a particular bike and evaluate how you feel about it.
The reason many use , for example, BMW's F650 is that it is a solid all-rounder, master of none but jack of all trades.
MIne is fitted with the extra long range tanks (11 litres each side) which are very well balanced . ( TOURATECH  )
Think about where you will be going/your ability to repair things/or obtain support etc etc A Gold Wing could be great on motorways but personally I shouldn't like to take one into sand in Africa!!
but I took my F650GS Dakar from Kent in the UK through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Mali and back. Brilliant, alittle heavy in sand, then corrugations, tracks of various descriptions and even crossing flooded oueds in 94 cm deep water!
BMW Best Motorcycle World-adventures Bon voyage!
Last edited by Bertrand; 30 Apr 2006 at 09:59.
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30 Apr 2006
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Use the head on your shoulders and get the F650.
The SV650 is a great bike as long as you stay on pavement. If Suzuki and Kawasaku would co-develop a KLR v-twin that would be something.
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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)
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Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
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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!
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.
Take the smaller one
Choice
Hybrid Mode
