Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Bike for uk to Oz Bike for uk to Oz
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Warin

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Feb 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: plymouth
Posts: 5
Bike for uk to Oz
Hi, i'm in the stages of planning a trip from UK to Australia in 2014, the planned route is through Europe, turkey, iran, pakistan, india, ship to thailand, malaysia, singapore, indonesia and finally ship to darwin oz to ride the final leg to brisbane.

My question is do i really need an adventurer type bike or can this trip be done on any standard bike, at the moment I'm thinking of using my GSX1400 or Thunderbird 900, any advise would be welcome

The idea is to leave on 1st sept 2014 to arrive in brisbane 23rd dec 2014, tight schedule i know but commitments mean i can only do it in this time scale.

Thanks for any responses

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
It can be done on anything you want.

It can be any route you want.

But time and cost will change!

For cheap -

the smallest, cheapest bike preferably second hand (keeps carnet price down, and may be tyre/petrol costs, insurance etc)

Avoid Singapore - costs.

If time presses ship straight from India to Oz ... that will also save a lot of costs.


For comfort you want
A light weight bike - so you can push/pick it up easily.
A smooth running engine
Least amount of luggage ... consider throwing camping gear away once through Europe.

Something around 600cc would do.

What are you going to do with the bike when you get to OZ? If you want to use it here past the carnet then the legal hurdles are large. See past post on the subject. This could be a good reason to use a bike you already have - the ownership period being long might get you past some regulations in OZ.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Feb 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: plymouth
Posts: 5
thanks for the response, gives me somethings to consider
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Feb 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Bike for uk to Oz
I agree Singapore is a paperwork hassle and Indonesia in the wet season is an adventure probably not best done on a big heavy bike. But who am I to say

Ride whatever you want. It has been done on an R1 around the world

Good luck
TravellingStrom
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by fatblokesinacar View Post
Hi, i'm in the stages of planning a trip from UK to Australia in 2014, the planned route is through Europe, turkey, iran, pakistan, india, ship to thailand, malaysia, singapore, indonesia and finally ship to darwin oz to ride the final leg to brisbane.

My question is do i really need an adventurer type bike or can this trip be done on any standard bike, at the moment I'm thinking of using my GSX1400 or Thunderbird 900, any advise would be welcome

The idea is to leave on 1st sept 2014 to arrive in brisbane 23rd dec 2014, tight schedule i know but commitments mean i can only do it in this time scale.

Thanks for any responses

Chris
I did just about that 5 years ago, two-up on a DL650. For me, it was surprising, that for the most part, main roads were between quite do-able to downright good. There were only a few short stretches, where we struggled a little. I think a Goldwing on the hands of a good rider would have made it without any major dramas (might possibly need some protection for the engine bottom & exhausts, like a skidplate, though).

BUT if you go and explore the more remote regions, then it´s suddenly different, as you´ll find unsealed and some very poor roads.. and as was stated before, the rainy season in the tropics might bring a little more excitement (flooding on the plains, landslides, road damage, soft mud, etc.) I think, however, that your timing is so tight, that you cannot do the backroads a lot.

We spent 6 months on the road, and later on I think 8-9 months would´ve been ideal for us. 4 months is pushing it a little. Consider shipping to Oz straight from India, for example.

Something from our trip here:

MOTO1 - Matkalla

MOTO1 - Matkalla

MOTO1 - Matkalla
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Like Pecha72 did a while back I am currently riding my DL650 Vstrom back home to Oz from the UK, heading back into Thailand from Cambodia in the morning

Mine has been through China and Mongolia though, so a slightly different route

Flying to Bangkok and riding some of SEA, especially northern Thai and Laos is really something not to miss, then you can fly from Kuala Lumpa to Oz for about a $1,000

Cheers
TS
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
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
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 04:38
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 01:14.

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