Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > Welcome to HU
New addition to the family New addition to the family
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Welcome to HU New to the HUBB and Horizons Unlimited? Introduce yourself here! Get to know the denizens.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree9Likes
  • 1 Post By Mr Sloane
  • 1 Post By guzzi vince
  • 1 Post By Quijote routes
  • 2 Post By John933
  • 1 Post By Walkabout
  • 3 Post By Mr Sloane

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Sep 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Way up north Scotland
Posts: 5
New addition to the family
Hello to all on the forum. I am planning a long tour round France into Italy and across to Greece. Taking it easy on two wheels as I suffer from spinal problems and although good for riding on tarmac any off road riding is out- plus the machine I want to use has to be very comfortable- thus looking at a 650 Burgman. Yup a scooter- never thought I would be going down that route being an old rocker from the 1960s. haha they were the days.

Having ridden old British bikes for more than 55 years [indeed still have two 750 Triumphs as well as a 1960 500]- but the days of kickstarting bikes every morning on a tour are over. Enjoy riding and despite my spinal problems still want to enjoy touring. Not giving up that easily.

My handle here is Mr Sloane- aged 67. Live in Scotland
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
No shame riding the big Burgman. It's a fun scooter IMO. A good friend of mine has one ... and as he's gotten on in years it's become his favorite "everyday" bike. He's 70.

He also owns a '05 R1200GS and a 2013 Triumph Explorer. Both BIG - Heavy bikes. BOTH are now for sale ... but he's keeping the Burgman and will soon leave to ride it down from Northern California to his house near San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. (800 miles one way)

I've done several long stints on the Burgman ... and I liked it. Takes a bit of getting used to but has everything a good touring bike needs. I loved the paddle shifters and the power is pretty good. It's smooth as silk and handles well enough if not pushed too hard. Lean angles aren't bad either but BIG bumps whilst hauled over can upset it and it can bottom out. That's the only fault I found.

It's far better than the Burgman 400, which I did not like much at all. The suspension on the 650 is better than the 400.

For me the riding position took getting used to and I had to learn to use the parking brake when stopped.

Good luck!

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jul 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Way up north Scotland
Posts: 5
Smile
Back on the road again- rode my Harley managed 320 miles today- couple of stops for lunch and petrol/coffee. Successful surgery a few months ago and no more spinal problems- off tomorrow for 285 miles heading for London. Started off from north Scotland- took the motorway down- but my return journey will be via "A" roads and visit Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish borders. Camping.

This is me in preparation for a European tour next year- testing me, the bike to see if I am capable at the age of 68 and can I do camping. Been many years since I last camped. Determined though.

My thoughts of a Burgman - gone now that I and the Harley are good for long distance riding
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Jul 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: amsterdam
Posts: 63
Thumbs up Up and running
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Sloane View Post
Back on the road again- rode my Harley managed 320 miles today- couple of stops for lunch and petrol/coffee. Successful surgery a few months ago and no more spinal problems- off tomorrow for 285 miles heading for London. Started off from north Scotland- took the motorway down- but my return journey will be via "A" roads and visit Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish borders. Camping.

This is me in preparation for a European tour next year- testing me, the bike to see if I am capable at the age of 68 and can I do camping. Been many years since I last camped. Determined though.

My thoughts of a Burgman - gone now that I and the Harley are good for long distance riding
Well done young man, take it easy in the first days, don't strain the back, give nature, after the NHS a chance to do it's work

Nice to see that you are back on the road again & the determination is still there
Enjoy the trip..... Vince
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Aug 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Madridejos(Toledo)
Posts: 48
Hello and from Spain..
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Sloane View Post
Hello to all on the forum. I am planning a long tour round France into Italy and across to Greece. Taking it easy on two wheels as I suffer from spinal problems and although good for riding on tarmac any off road riding is out- plus the machine I want to use has to be very comfortable- thus looking at a 650 Burgman. Yup a scooter- never thought I would be going down that route being an old rocker from the 1960s. haha they were the days.

Having ridden old British bikes for more than 55 years [indeed still have two 750 Triumphs as well as a 1960 500]- but the days of kickstarting bikes every morning on a tour are over. Enjoy riding and despite my spinal problems still want to enjoy touring. Not giving up that easily.

My handle here is Mr Sloane- aged 67. Live in Scotland
There is not many of us left at your age still traveling in Europe. Keep up the good work, and fly the flag.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by John933 View Post
There is not many of us left at your age still traveling in Europe. Keep up the good work, and fly the flag.
John933
Well, I'm another one in this bracket.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Way up north Scotland
Posts: 5
Update. Been an eventful year for me - my plans of a European trip had to be put on hold. Had both knees replaced - left knee a few weeks ago the right last December - which prevented me getting out this year. My Harley sold on after 15 years of ownership - sad really but with all my camping gear found her just too heavy to hold up at stops/junctions etc I knew i was going to drop it - though did manage a long tour last summer before she went to a new owner -My touring about revealed I like my camping comforts too much and unable to fit it all on a solo bike

So not to be defeated - with the proceeds of the Harley sale bought a Triumph America with a Monza sidecar. Now i won't drop her at stops - and can carry all my gear. Folding chair and small table, a decent mattress , good sized sleeping bag, larger cooker and so on.

Been getting some "piloting"practice on the outfit recently in preparation for next years European trip - plans to celebrate my 70th birthday on the road.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Travelling with young kids and a family TurboCharger Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 9 26 Apr 2016 06:31
London To Australia - The Non Direct Route Rixxy's Ride Tales 77 8 Jun 2015 15:59
With family from Turkey to India in a camper van bobcap West and South Asia 0 5 Aug 2014 17:13
A dutch family on tis way to Capetown 4opreis Welcome to HU 3 4 Aug 2013 18:53
Hello and Family Trip this year marcusfrombelper Morocco 5 18 Jun 2013 23:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top