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3 Dec 2007
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Join Date: Jul 2006
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12 months searching, still confused....
Need advice and help please. Still having trouble deciding on what bike to take on a RTW tour. I would like a bike that will last and I can live with for what may be an indefinite period. As with past travels if I find a place I like I stay there for a while. Rather than a conventional trip around the world this will become my life.
Faults don't worry me as I am a competent engineer. Reliability, ease of service and repair with minimal spares being more of a concern. I use the facilities at small motorcycle shops for service work so tasks like an oil change should be simple.
I love to ride off-road but don’t mind hiring dirt bikes locally if my explorations are to exceed my chosen bikes limits. I’ve had great times in Asia with 250cc machines, a change of clothes and a toothbrush.
Speed is not important as I am happiest plodding along at 55mph. I am not tied to a budget but I wont spend a silly amount of money.
I have excluded bikes like KTMs, BMW R1150 / 1200GS, Suzuki VStrom and Triumph Tiger mainly due to size and weight.
My short list....
BMW F650GSD - Tough little bike but I cant love it. I am put off by reports of water pump failures, electrical niggles and its not the simplest to service.
Yamaha XT600 - Perfect for Africa, longevity of the engine and comfort concerns me.
Honda Transalp - Not pretty but reliable. Fuel range not the best, 35 Ltr tank available but made from GFK (glass fibre) and may disintegrate.
Honda Africa Twin - My hearts desire but heavy.
BMW R80 / 100 GS - Still under consideration but would need major overhaul and are selling for silly prices.
Lots of choice with the 2008 models but I don’t fancy a newly released bike.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as the time to buy is fast approaching. I guess what I am after is tough dependable transport for many years to come. To much choice can be a bad thing.
If I am still undecided then its a Land Rover with a Honda CR strapped to the back.
Thanks.
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3 Dec 2007
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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two more bikes to consider
Here's what you want:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-classic-31284
(get the latest Electra model)
....or a Harley-D MT350.
__________________
Dave
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3 Dec 2007
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You may be right. I had an Enfield for a week in India.
The tappets worked loose every 150Km.
The forks disintegrated.
It kept jumping out of 2nd gear.
The air box fell off and when I refit it the electrics caught fire (fixed roadside with a knife and tape).
The brakes boiled dry.
All of the above due to a poorly prepared rental bike, but with all these problems it managed a 700Km final day and never left me stranded, they can be easily bodged roadside.
After looking around the NEC the only stand that put a smile on my face was the Enfield stand. There is something about them that I love and with the new ones returning 80mpg they are great for the environment.
Thanks 
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3 Dec 2007
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The electra is an order of magnitude better than the old Enfield, without losing its charm.
best hurry, as they about to switch to a untit construction bike.... mind you that might be even better ( although it has efi  )
Nice to see I am not the only convert 
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3 Dec 2007
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Frankfurt/Germany
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Spare parts will drive your decision
Hi Darren,
you have summarized it well...
I had the similar short list and chose for my Panam trip a KTM, not too heavy (packed not more than 200 kg) and quiet o.k. and reliable. The only problem left was the spare parts availability. Luckily there is a good coverage across the Americas (well a fair one).
Now after the trip (I still have the LC4 now equipped for desert rallyes as well as a 450 KTM for Rallyes) and planning a new trip I would most probalby go for a Japanese model with the highest coverage of spare parts all around the wolrd. A litte 250 Honda or Yamaha. These spare parts you get everywhere, in Russia, in Angola, in Mexico, amazing. These bikes are known and easy to repair. Tyres are no problem, engines are easy to fix, bearings are standard.
I guess to equip it for a RTW you will need to adjust a few things like suspensions, Wheels etc.
But as you said, when you have time and you can repair... Why not go for such a smaller option.
If your budget does not have a limit, then I have another suggestion: Go with a Maybach and have a worldwide Helicopter Service (just in case).
Have fun
Ras
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3 Dec 2007
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Now a Maybach sounds good.... how much of a premium do you think 4 Wheel Drive would cost ?? Any volunteers to be my Chauffer.
From my experiences small would be best for most of the trip its when I hit the western world I will want more power / comfort. I have toured New Zealand before and the roads are so amazing that it would be criminal not to expliot them if I return.
As I have learnt from the Hubb there is not one bike which can do it all so an idea is something like an XT600 for Africa / South America / Asia. Hire a Harley in the USA, a Camper van in Australia and a Hummer in the Middle East.
Or stick WP suspension on an Enfield.....
I have also considered converting a Transalp into a more retro styled bike. Remove all the plastics, fit single headlight, enlarge the tank to wrap around radiator and upgrade the suspension. See photo, it looks good while retaining some off-road ability and being good on-road. All the mods would save nearly 15 kgs giving it a dry weight of 175 kg.
Last edited by DarrenM; 4 Dec 2007 at 00:13.
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4 Dec 2007
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what a choice!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarrenM
My short list....
BMW F650GSD - Tough little bike but I cant love it. I am put off by reports of water pump failures, electrical niggles and its not the simplest to service. yep, i see your point here
Yamaha XT600 - Perfect for Africa, longevity of the engine and comfort concerns me. They run and run with a bit of care, and they R TOUGH! My choice, im biased, I own one
Honda Transalp - Not pretty but reliable. Fuel range not the best, 35 Ltr tank available but made from GFK (glass fibre) and may disintegrate. yep that too
Honda Africa Twin - My hearts desire but heavy. OH yes! HEAVY...
BMW R80 / 100 GS - Still under consideration but would need major overhaul and are selling for silly prices. ALSO HEAVY!!!
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as the time to buy is fast approaching. I guess what I am after is tough dependable transport for many years to come. To much choice can be a bad thing.
If I am still undecided then its a Land Rover with a Honda CR strapped to the back. PLEASE NO...... Not another Landy!
Thanks.
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Bits in Bold my comments.
GO ON, Buy the XT, you know you want to..... sheepskin or Gel the seat so your Bum dont Numb, and you have a tougher than an old boot bike to take you anywhere. Mine is 18 yrs old and has been abused to death yet still runs sweet. wouldnt swap it for any other bike, she instills confidence, (TOO MUCH SOMETIMES) and has more grunt than a shed full of pigs!
Martyn
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4 Dec 2007
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And I can buy a new one for £3200 
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4 Dec 2007
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or ebay and save 1500?
saw a 2003 recently go on ebay for 1800quid with 6k miles on clock!
the 1500 quid saved would take you a good distance or mostly equip it with the panniers/racks/ etc GPS maybe even some other gear too.... and its had a shakedown run, I personally never trust BRAND NEW bikes anyway, they arent proven,
just a thought 
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4 Dec 2007
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I know that the problem is to reduce the options, but just out of curiosity I want to ask why KLR is out of the list. After almost ten years of XTing I am on a KLR for a year and it seems like a very good alternative for a RTW trip. Not popular in Europe but it is kind of jack of all hearts master of none, which seems like what you are looking for.
cozcan
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4 Dec 2007
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A good KLR is not easy to find in the UK and if I go water cooled I would probably take an F650. My first bike was a Kaw KMX, that was tough. Prefer to buy new and ride it for 6000 miles, you never know the real reason someone is selling there bike secondhand.
My problem stems for my need for perfection, an unachievable goal maybe, but I like to get close. As all the veterans say there is no perfect bike so why compromise. I am in a fortunate position so I will take what I consider to be the right bike at the right time.
For Africa and South America I believe an XT600e would be perfect. The next part of the trip will be USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia for that I hope the new F800GS will fulfill my needs, if not perhaps a DL650. What to take through Asia and India I am unsure, maybe a simple Honda 125 or an Enfield.
Decision made, I start on an XT600e and see how things progress.
Thanks for the advice.
Last edited by DarrenM; 4 Dec 2007 at 14:59.
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4 Dec 2007
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650 V-Strom
I would try one before you discount it. www.vstrominternational.com has loads of info and have a look on www.advmotostuff for pictures of a bike with adventure gear fitted. £5200 new or less in UK and a great bike for the money, I have mine in Saudi Arabia and plan to ride it home to the UK.
Cheers
Ian
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4 Dec 2007
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Will have a 2002 F650 Dakar coming in very soon, 14,000 miles, ABS, Heated Grips & Hazards. Comes with tankbag (Wolfman?) & throwover panniers.
Let me know if interested, test ride no problem.
Steve
01865-319070
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5 Dec 2007
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Dont know if they still have them but Force Motorcycles had some ex Danish Army 650 BMWs in a while back they also have the older style BM check them out you just may find what you want. Failing that I swear by the TTR 250. Its a great do anything bike but you need to travel light.
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5 Dec 2007
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Although my mind wonders daily I am going with the XT600 for Africa and South America then change bikes in the USA for the rest of my trip. Either the DL650 or the F800GS if it turns out to be good.
Will be cheaper to buy and kit out the F800 in the USA than the UK.
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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.
two more bikes to consider
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