Originally Posted by 7800 (Post 601755)

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.

Originally Posted by mark manley (Post 601659)

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.

Originally Posted by baluchiman (Post 601851)

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

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 601750)

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 bier

Originally Posted by Sathimpiou38 (Post 602017)

Agreed that giving up everything to see the world is a romantic notion but in reality a lot of work goes into that. I can't afford to be reckless in my decisions so a lot of planning has to take place.

That said, I am still all for exploring. It's just 'healthy' to know that it won't be all roses - going to unfamiliar places no matter the amount of research will likely put you in unwanted situations.