 80Likes
 |
|
21 Feb 2013
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
|
UK - Magadan/VLAD 2014/2015
I'm just throwing this out there.....
I'm thinking about doing this trip in the next 12-24 months. Vague I know !!
I'm interested in meeting like minded people planning the same trip to share ideas, planning and maybe the road with.
I'm thinking of heading through Eastern Europe, along the bottom of the black sea and riding through Kazakstan, Mongolia and into Russia. No real idea at the moment though.
I'll probably be taking a Honda XR650L and taking about 6 months(ish)
Cheers,
Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
25 Feb 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 48
|
|
|
UK - Vlad
Ted, Ive been thinking about this trip for last few months. The earliest I can do it is 2015, no restrictions re time. I didnt bother putting anything on here as i thought it would be too far off for most people. Mark
|
25 Feb 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 48
|
|
|
Plan to do it on a r80gs basic by the way,
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by simplemind
Plan to do it on a r80gs basic by the way,
|
R80 will be quite heavy for those roads IMHO.
I would go with a lighter one.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 23
|
|
If you're taking an XR650L then I would recommend fitting an oil cooler. I have one of Mark Suttons oil colers (GS Mark on ADV rider) Sutton Cycle Works Honda XR 650L Oil Cooler on my 650 dominator (same engine as the 650L) and can highly recommend it. I found out the hard way what can happen when one of these engines overheats. My bike dropped a valve seat only 200miles after I bought it! My problem was caused by me caning the bike at 90mph with a damaged inlet manifold seal causing a lean mixture. The weak point of these engines is minimal finning on the head especially on the right hand side and the first thing to go is the RHS exhaust valve seat falling out the head. Honda's fix was to fit air scoops on the tank of the 650L but you won't have them if you're fitting an oversized tank so an oil cooler would be prudent. I believe that the later heads were cast from a better quality alloy so are less prone to this problem (mine's a 1990 bike) so a later 650L with a cooler should be bombproof.
Here's what mine looked like when I pulled it to bits.
Once repaired though I did 3100 miles in 11 days on a round trip from Scotland to the Pyrenees to take part in The VINCE with no problems at all.
Best of luck with your trip
cheers
Stewart
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jethro
If you're taking an XR650L then I would recommend fitting an oil cooler. I have one of Mark Suttons oil colers (GS Mark on ADV rider) Sutton Cycle Works Honda XR 650L Oil Cooler on my 650 dominator (same engine as the 650L) and can highly recommend it. I found out the hard way what can happen when one of these engines overheats. My bike dropped a valve seat only 200miles after I bought it! My problem was caused by me caning the bike at 90mph with a damaged inlet manifold seal causing a lean mixture. The weak point of these engines is minimal finning on the head especially on the right hand side and the first thing to go is the RHS exhaust valve seat falling out the head. Honda's fix was to fit air scoops on the tank of the 650L but you won't have them if you're fitting an oversized tank so an oil cooler would be prudent. I believe that the later heads were cast from a better quality alloy so are less prone to this problem (mine's a 1990 bike) so a later 650L with a cooler should be bombproof.
Here's what mine looked like when I pulled it to bits.
Once repaired though I did 3100 miles in 11 days on a round trip from Scotland to the Pyrenees to take part in The VINCE with no problems at all.
Best of luck with your trip
cheers
Stewart |
Mines a 1995... I'll deffo look into the oil cooler !!
Thanks 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
16 Apr 2013
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy
R80 will be quite heavy for those roads IMHO.
I would go with a lighter one.
|
An R80 is not heavy for ANY roads, infact its one of,if not the best overland bike ever!
I am ready for 'incoming'!!! 
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Omaha Nebraska
Posts: 48
|
|
|
Mongolia 2014
Hi Ted!
I am planning to go the Russian Far East and Mongolia via the Stans starting April 2014. I was going to do it Vlad to Berlin, but I think I will now be starting in Ireland and travel with warmer dryer weather to the East.
I do not want to pay for a tour, and lack the balls to do it solo. I will determine what bike to take later. If figure it might be better to buy a ride in Ireland and save freight from the USA.
My itinerary is simple - point the bike east and stay flexible.
Fritz
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Gloucester, England
Posts: 419
|
|
Ted, you're such a tease, I was thinking of hanging up my helmet until I read this.
Regards, Mick 
|
14 May 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley
Ted, you're such a tease, I was thinking of hanging up my helmet until I read this.
Regards, Mick
|
Don't you dare hang up that helmet...
There's plenty of devilishness left in you....
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
20 May 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Delft Netherlands
Posts: 21
|
|
|
Carnet
Talked yesterday on the German HU meeting with a Belgian guy going to Iran - Pakistan - India who first tried to get a Carnet in Belgium and had to deposit over 20.000 Euro for his bike.
He went to the ADAC in Germany and got a Carnet there for less than 200 Euro and a deposit of 3000 Euro (value bike < 15000 Euro).
I know that if I order a carnet from the Dutch automobile club it will be ordered from the German ADAC anyway. Seems to me all countries are getting the Carnet from Germany. Think you Brits can do the same. 
Best,
Leo
http://www.adac.de/_mmm/pdf/Carnet%2...isch_18337.pdf
|
21 May 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
Carnets aren't as difficult or expensive as people think...
The trick is having a CHEAP bike.
I have a carnet for Egypt and it was 800%.. My bike was valued (LIE), at £1000 so my carnet amount was £8000.
I got a bank guarantee from Barclays and it cost me about £250 in charges. The carnet document was another £200 or something.
That's about 450 in total...
The bank guarantee is by far the cheapest but you need a good relationship with you bank and it helps to have all your money with them.
I borrowed £6000 off my mum six weeks before I applied and they were happy with that. As soon as I got the carnet I gave it back to her. 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
25 Apr 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Posts: 34
|
|
|
Hi...!!
Fritz you can freight from the USA for about 2000 USD, and in uk bike like yamaha xt660z which i owe few years old can be purchased for around 4500 £££..(6000 usd)
Ted do you do any ABR rallies? the outlines of the trip are pretty much same as i was thinking...Only Iran is questionable as carnett is required and that is load of £££..??
is it May 2014 convenient starting point????
I will go to Iceland in august this year, little practice river crossing and offroading, anyone welcome..
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
|
Re: UK - Magadan/VLAD 2014/2015
You're too much of a deviant to leave your helmet alone mick.
www.touringted.com
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
2 Mar 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
|
|
I need to stop reading your posts Ted - one by one you're doing all the trips that I have on my list and for various reasons (family, money and family taking money - the usual suspects) have had to postpone. It's like living my life second hand 
Need any bits for the XR-L ? - I've got 20L (Clarke see-thru) and 40L (Acerbis in white plastic) tanks + one of Chris Scott's Desert Riders bespoke racks sitting around doing nothing.
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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)
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 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.
|
|
|
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.
Hybrid Mode
