Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 17 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 14
I have pondered a trials bike..... something light appeals to me. I wouldn't want an engine bigger than 500cc, 4 stroke of course, any other suggestions? At least I wouldn't feel guilty butchering and abusing it! Watching Ewen and Charlie definitely put the point home that light is good! It was funny when they were dropping their big bikes struggling to get them up and Claudio was skipping along on the little red devil bike!
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 18 Jun 2008
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
I got worried when you talked about left foot shifting. I'm glad to know the Enfield is still right foot. If I blow up the Duc again, it's an Enfield 350 for me. I thought I'd have to start riding my SR500 again to get used to left foot shifting.

--Dave
1965 Ducati 250
196? Monkey Wards/Benelli 125 cafe
1972 Ducati 350
1974 Norton Commando 750
1979 Yamaha SR500 (takes the "fun" out of old singles by being reliable)
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_Smith View Post
I got worried when you talked about left foot shifting. I'm glad to know the Enfield is still right foot. If I blow up the Duc again, it's an Enfield 350 for me. I thought I'd have to start riding my SR500 again to get used to left foot shifting.

--Dave
1965 Ducati 250
196? Monkey Wards/Benelli 125 cafe
1972 Ducati 350
1974 Norton Commando 750
1979 Yamaha SR500 (takes the "fun" out of old singles by being reliable)
You can buy them in right or left foot gear change!
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
If you do go for an Enfield you might want to try and get a British one. Despite the fact that they are newer the Indian Enfields have appaling metal so don't last well....
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 93
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
If you do go for an Enfield you might want to try and get a British one. Despite the fact that they are newer the Indian Enfields have appaling metal so don't last well....
Well that is yet to be determined. I'll meet you back here in 30 years and we can argue over that one.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Injun Enfields have a rather chequered history. Some are much better than others. Recent ones are quite good.

Out of interest, DSJ, you were saying you've got a few cars you don't pay tax on. What have you got? (Realise this is off topic!)

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
Injun Enfields have a rather chequered history. Some are much better than others. Recent ones are quite good.

Out of interest, DSJ, you were saying you've got a few cars you don't pay tax on. What have you got? (Realise this is off topic!)

Matt

I've got:

1972 Vauxhall Firenza 2300 with del 48's - fun!
1972 Land Rover 109
1972 Land Rover 88
1954 Austin A30
1962 Trojan Tro-bike
An old Austin Healey 3000 in need of serious restoration which I'm importing from the States.

My everyday car is a 2002 peugeot 206 1.4 diesel, that's £35 a year tax, going down to £20 a year tax next year due to good emissions!

Therefore, the thing I pay most tax on is my Ducati 996! I can't remember the price off hand.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
That's a nice collection of vehicles!

The Austin Healey 3000 is my dream car, pref. in the cream and light blue colour scheme!

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
That's a nice collection of vehicles!

The Austin Healey 3000 is my dream car, pref. in the cream and light blue colour scheme!

Matt
Same here!

I'm not a fan of red cars but I saw a red and cream Healey which just looked stunning (not sure what colour red it was), so I'll probably go for that in the end. Prior to seeing this red car I always love the cream and light blue!
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Although, it has to be said, the 100 is a bloody lovely car too. When I have inexplicably accumulated vast wealth I might have one of each!

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Royal Enfield Tool box travelHK Other Bikes Tech 32 6 Sep 2009 01:15
Royal Enfield in Europe? sidmorales Which Bike? 9 21 Apr 2009 11:55
Royal Enfield Diesel lowtech Which Bike? 16 3 Jun 2008 23:39
Royal Enfield to Morocco Stephen Which Bike? 14 11 May 2008 23:39

 
 

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!

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 09:24.