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23 Jun 2019
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Decision Time!
Hello All
well as the title says, its time to make a decision
Currently a corporate slave, and now thinking that there is a bit more than being tied up to the desk.
A brit, but living in Asia for the last 15 years.. (mid aged ;-)
Now i am trying to decide:
1 firstly to hit the global road, and give up everything.
2. where!? and by which way, start in Thailand then head.....?
3 Back home for a while then leave UK to..?
4. What bike for a global trip (budget is ok)
Its a tough one, so any answer will be much appreciated.. 
Thanks all
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23 Jun 2019
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Hi djays
Welcome to HU I hope that you are well. There are some broad questions but I will try and give the short answers for now.
1 firstly to hit the global road, and give up everything.
2. where!? and by which way, start in Thailand then head.....?
3 Back home for a while then leave UK to..?
4. What bike for a global trip (budget is ok)
1. Hell Yeah!!! Read Mark Twain's quote on regret
2&3. Work out what you want to see work out a route. You may want to finish where you started. Be careful of going to the UK "for a while" you may get stuck.
4. How long is a piece of string. There are great adventure bikes of all types and sizes. Pick one that you are most comfortable on and like. There are people going round the world on everything from 1290cc to 90cc, from purpose build to postman's bikes. Good luck and enjoy the planning it's part of the trip IMO 
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23 Jun 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 7800
Hi djays
Welcome to HU I hope that you are well. There are some broad questions but I will try and give the short answers for now.
1 firstly to hit the global road, and give up everything.
2. where!? and by which way, start in Thailand then head.....?
3 Back home for a while then leave UK to..?
4. What bike for a global trip (budget is ok)
1. Hell Yeah!!! Read Mark Twain's quote on regret
2&3. Work out what you want to see work out a route. You may want to finish where you started. Be careful of going to the UK "for a while" you may get stuck.
4. How long is a piece of string. There are great adventure bikes of all types and sizes. Pick one that you are most comfortable on and like. There are people going round the world on everything from 1290cc to 90cc, from purpose build to postman's bikes. Good luck and enjoy the planning it's part of the trip IMO |
Hi 7800..
Thanks for the welcome.. yes they are broad, and that is my dilemma.
1.True, i've done many things.. but this would top them all..
2/3..Route- either head to India then upwards through Central Asia work through Europe..
or
Head East up through Vietnam/China/- Trans Siberian
4. I'm debating on the Africa Twin, or Multistrada at this time... but will also look at the Tenere
Planning for sure is exciting, just trying to get my thinking cap on it straight!
cheers!
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23 Jun 2019
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The route through Myanmar and Bangladesh to India looks great. You could go right round India including Sri lanka and Nepal then up through Pakistan and "the Stans" to europe. You could then drop into Africa............
I'm more of a small bike man but love Hondas so the Africa Twin would be my choice. There are a lot of people on here more qualified than me to talk bikes.
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24 Jun 2019
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One of the benefits of starting in the UK is it will probably be easier to get a carnet de passage for a UK registered bike than one from SE Asia and the bike will possibly be cheaper as well.
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24 Jun 2019
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Hi
I used to think that one day I’d do a RTW trip - I still might
More and more though, for me, there are 3 big bike trips I’d like to do and I think they will be on different bikes. I’m UK based.
1 - The Americas - probably on a 1200gs.
2 - Africa down the west to Cape Town then up the east side as far as I can go - on a 250.
3 - Overland to Mongolia - bike undecided as yet.
As far as India and south east Asia are concerned I would probably back-pack picking up the odd 2 wheeled transport as I went along.
Good luck with your decision and trip, don’t forget the RR 
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25 Jun 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flipflop
Hi
I used to think that one day I’d do a RTW trip - I still might
More and more though, for me, there are 3 big bike trips I’d like to do and I think they will be on different bikes. I’m UK based.
1 - The Americas - probably on a 1200gs.
2 - Africa down the west to Cape Town then up the east side as far as I can go - on a 250.
3 - Overland to Mongolia - bike undecided as yet.
As far as India and south east Asia are concerned I would probably back-pack picking up the odd 2 wheeled transport as I went along.
Good luck with your decision and trip, don’t forget the RR |
Hello Flipflop
Yes it’s a commitment to go ahead with a RTW 
Why do you think of changing bikes for specific areas then?
RR??
Cheers I’m still working on it and the plan, so many things... 
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25 Jun 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley
One of the benefits of starting in the UK is it will probably be easier to get a carnet de passage for a UK registered bike than one from SE Asia and the bike will possibly be cheaper as well.
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Hi Mark
Yes actually correct the bikes are considerably cheaper in Europe than in Thailand, by multiple thousands..,
This has also added a spanner to the works now 
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25 Jun 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by djays
Hello Flipflop
Yes it’s a commitment to go ahead with a RTW
Why do you think of changing bikes for specific areas then?
RR??
Cheers I’m still working on it and the plan, so many things... |
RR = ride report 
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26 Jun 2019
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I am going around the world now, and have been gone a year. A Suzuki DL650 is ideal, bulletproof, servicing everywhere and 260 mile range. You can get an early one in the UK for around £1500 probably with some luggage already on. Carnet cost is based on the value of your bike so get a HPi report which has a valuation from the bike trade to keep costs down. Also a U.K. bike will have for now, EU cover for insurance so you wont need to shop around until you get near Turkey.
__________________
Tim & Sue Angus
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26 Jun 2019
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It's a very romantic and tempting notion to give up everything, hit the road and never think of the consequences.
I would suggest having an exit plan though. Maybe long term travel isn't for you. Maybe something (god forbid) happens and your trip is cut short. The list goes on and on.
The reality is that for 99.9% of us, the trip eventually comes to an end.
Don't leave yourself with nothing for when this time comes. Don't dramatically burn your bridges or leave yourself penniless for a romantic notion.
If you're smart, you can do both. A wise man once told me that travel is like a long game of Chess. Get all your pieces in place before you make your move and make sure you can wriggle out of a bad decision if you have to.
Get out there and explore the world. It's great
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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26 Jun 2019
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Hi djays
I am going from the UK to Cape Town next year on a crf250l. I have bought it and really like it but I would consider the crf450l if one comes up at the right price. Even tough the Chinese have paved a lot of the roads through West Africa I feel a lot more comfortable with a smaller bike. For the section from Guinea to Namibia which will be the most challenging a small bike is better IMO. There are 3 of us planning to go but if I end up doing it solo I think lighter is better for me. I did have a mad thought the other day of doing it on a Monkey Bike!! an idea that is still making me smile.
Even though America is small compared to Africa and the USA actually fits into the Sahara desert. It seems like a place for bigger bikes I don't know why. Maybe its all of the freeways and my perception of it. For a whole RWT I would probably look at something in the 400 to 650cc bracket but that's just me. There is no right or wrong with bikes its down to what you feel comfortable on and what you like. You can't get to some of the places on a big bike that you can on a smaller one but do you want to. Bigger is more suited to long stretches of freeway but again do you want to.
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28 Jun 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 7800
Hi djays
I am going from the UK to Cape Town next year on a crf250l. I have bought it and really like it but I would consider the crf450l if one comes up at the right price.
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Having ridden the 450L recently my feeling is that the 250L is much more suited to travel and road use. The 450 was buzzy, seat was dreadful and it's top speed was actually slightly lower than the 250 (due to gearing I presume). The extra torque was nice and the suspension better (stiffer, more suited to trail riding at a reasonable pace). The maintenance intervals are pretty drastic compared to the 250 also. Bear in mind also that the euro 450 is significantly down on power compared to the US model due to emissions regs.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
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28 Jun 2019
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Dear Touring Ted
As always, you speak a lot of sense. I don't live a million miles from you (Northwich). If you fancy a swift half(or twenty) please let me know.
Best regards
baluchiman
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30 Jun 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
It's a very romantic and tempting notion to give up everything, hit the road and never think of the consequences.
I would suggest having an exit plan though. Maybe long term travel isn't for you. Maybe something (god forbid) happens and your trip is cut short. The list goes on and on.
The reality is that for 99.9% of us, the trip eventually comes to an end.
Don't leave yourself with nothing for when this time comes. Don't dramatically burn your bridges or leave yourself penniless for a romantic notion.
If you're smart, you can do both. A wise man once told me that travel is like a long game of Chess. Get all your pieces in place before you make your move and make sure you can wriggle out of a bad decision if you have to.
Get out there and explore the world. It's great |
Thank you for the words.. this is in where lies the decision and all the complexities than goes along with it.
I fully agree with you, but being a corporate slave doesn't always float peoples boat.. yes the money can be good, but sometimes the work is tedious.
I am trying to pace myself a bit, but i know soon it will be make or break time! 
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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)
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...
"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!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
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!
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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