Hello from SW UK
 

Hello everyone, greetings from the (currently) sunny UK!

I've had a motorbike for 6 months now (2014 F800GS) and plan to do a long-distance trip in the new year. Possibly on my GS, possibly on something cheap/ novel and easy to maintain/ get parts along the way. I'm really in the 'that-sounds-like-a-good-idea' stage at the moment and putting feelers out amongst friends to see if anyone bites.
I look forward to hearing everyone's stories and getting some insight and advice from some seasoned adventurers.

Andy

Hello Andy,

Why not take the GS, after all that's what they're made for right ??
Where are you thinking of going ? I assume being new to riding it'll be your first trip .

Loads of info here mate, sure you'll find all you need.

Lee

Hi Andy

How much time do you have and what sort of thing so you enjoy? (Will help us with pointers)

Cheers
Andy (based in Bristol)

Cheers Lee,

if it's mainly roads, then I'm more than happy to take the GS. I use it as a commuter/ sunday in the brecons bike currently, but I have zero trails experience, never ridding sand, poor surfaces etc. so maybe a trip around europe on it might be a good starting point before I consider something epic..
I was toying with the idea of riding to cambodia (I'm well travelled, just not on a bike) I could take anywhere between a month and four off in the new year to head out...
what do you think for a first trip? keep it short and learn or go balls out?

Andy

Hi Andy and welcome,
I would start with a few shorter trips and by reading a few ride reports elsewhere here. Pay attention to when people make their trips and how long they take, motorcycle travel is fairly seasonal and unless you are Nick Sanders going for a world record there is a limit to how far you can get even in a few months. You could start off by doing some trail riding locally which will give you an idea of what the bike is like on rougher roads but these days you can cross most continents on tarmac if you choose to.

Hi Andy,
My girlfriend and I are planning a long trip to South America starting April 2017.

We have done loads of two or three week trips around Europe.

Happy to chat through our experiences.


Kelvin and Suzie
Also based in Bristol


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Kelvin and Suzie,

I've travelled south America some years back, walked the andes etc., could swap some tips with you! would be great to have a chat about it! There's a guy on here called Andy from brizzle if you guys are all keen to meet up then send me a DM and we can sort something out :)

Andy :)

Welcome to the HUBB :)


The other thing you could do if funds allow is to buy a smaller, old, cheap ~ 250cc bike to learn riding dirt on at home, then you wont mind pushing yourself and the bike and dropping it - dropping the 800 GS might get expensive. For a trip around Europe the GS will be a great bike to ride, especially through the Pyrenees and the Alps ;)

Andy,
Would be great to share some hints and tips. The other Andy you refer to has just returned from an Africa trip. Lovely chap and would like to catch up with him to.


Cheers


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thanks for the advice everyone, i'll be checking out ride reports and looking at getting my shed extended....!

andy