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1 Jan 2012
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New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
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'89 Yamaha Virago
I'm planning to travel through Central and South America on my motorcycle with my boyfriend in October. I'm a newer rider and have only ridden the '89 Yamaha Virago 250cc that I currently own. I love the bike, but am doubting that it is the best bike for the trip (mainly because of the two gallon gas tank). I like that it is light and the weight is low to the ground so I can handle it better. I test drove some dual sport bikes, but they are so tall that I have difficulty touching the ground (I'm 5'5"). Any ideas, suggestions, or thoughts would be welcome. Thank you!
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1 Jan 2012
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
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Welcome to HU!
tip: Have a good browse through the menu - you'll find a lot of stuff you wouldn't expect, if you only browse the HUBB.
Also of course check out the DVD series for loads of thoughts and ideas about which bike.
My first thought is that you can always carry a space 2 gallons of gas on a rack on the bike for when it's needed. Much of the time it won't be! Too may people get carried away with large fuel tanks when you can always carry spare the very odd time you need to. 2 gallons IS small, but then you should also get great mileage on that bike, so your range might not be so bad.
Another thought is that there are loads of dualsport bikes that can be lowered significantly, the F650GS single or even the twin are great examples of well done lowered bikes. Many women as short as 5 feet ride them just fine.
Best of luck, and do keep us posted on your travel plans here!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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5 Jan 2012
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
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Thanks for the advice. I've definitely been reading the posts here and there's a ton of great information. My other concern with my bike is how difficult it is to start when it's cold out, but that might be something to have fixed. I'll keep you posted.
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5 Jan 2012
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 117
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miss Scarlet
Thanks for the advice. I've definitely been reading the posts here and there's a ton of great information. My other concern with my bike is how difficult it is to start when it's cold out, but that might be something to have fixed. I'll keep you posted.
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This is a comment from having owned a 750 but if it's hard to start in the cold have it looked at. With mine you put on the choke and in two turns it always started no matter how cold (I rode it in 0C weather) but then I wouldn't take a virago on a long trip because of the small tank but that's my opinion only. As the saying goes "The best bike to ride around the world is the one you have" and you can always allow for the small tank by carrying gas if you have to.
Good luck and have a great ride Cheers Growler
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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.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
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"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
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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!
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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.
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