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31 Aug 2001
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
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Big or small?
Dear adventurers.
I need your advice. I`m biking from Kerala, India to Norway next summer, and obviously needs a decent bike that can take me hassle-free through mountains and deserts alike. I`m not a very experienced biker, but have been condidering a second-hand, large beast of a R1100GS. Someone adviced me that I should have a larger bike which could take the beatings through Pakistani montains AND the Autobahn in Germany. However: I can buy a new F650GS or other bikes with smaller engines at a reasonable price. I`ll travel alone. Any reason why I should choose the one instead of the other? Will 650s, 750s or 850s endure like a 1100? (Bear over with me. I`m planning the journey of my life, and want to hear from you experienced guys.)
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1 Sep 2001
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,323
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Definitely go the 650 - the 1100 is way over the top for what you need, especially if you are inexperienced. You can tour just fine on a 250, and on the autobahns, (1% of your journey) you just don't on a 250 - there are plenty of other roads that are much more pleasant anyway.
The 650 will handle the autobahns just fine, plenty fast enough.
I guarantee you will be much happier on a 650. I'd take the 650 myself for solo riding. Two-up, the 1100 for sure.
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Grant Johnson
Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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2 Sep 2001
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
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Hi Guys
Just travelled from London to Czech Republic on a F650 Dakar with a friend on a 1100 Gs.
The Dakar really proved itself had no real problems in keeping with the 1100 at a comfortable pace. The bike sits at 80mph all day and is considerbly lighter than the 1100.
The 650 is a great 1 person bike but if were 2 up would go for something with more power.
Hope this helps
Julio
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3 Sep 2001
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
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Thank you, guys. The ride through the Pakistani desert is a warm one. Is it perhaps better with air cooled engines than liquid cooled under such conditions?
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6 Sep 2001
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,323
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For maximum hot conditions, water-cooled wins hands down.
BUT - any modern air or water-cooled bike will be fine providing you don't beat it too hard.
I ran our R80G/s two-up, fully loaded with toruing gear, at 120kph plus through the Sinai desert in temperatures of 50c + in the sun. All day. No problem. It's air-cooled, and has an oil-cooler, which helps a lot.
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Grant Johnson
Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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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...
"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
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Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
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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.
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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