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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.
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  #61  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I know little about the newly formed "Republics" once part of the Soviet Union. But obviously Warthog and Margus are doing OK if they are riding BMW's and traveling around. They must be part of the elite few who've managed to reach the top ... by whatever means necessary? fftopic
Oh WOW! Now this is 10 out of 10 points of bollocks and very shameful speculation (100% wrong also):

"part of the elite few who've managed to reach the top ... by whatever means necessary"

There lies your problem of all the discussion covered under BMW and other topics:

If you don't know anything about - can you please just shut up and stop speculating!?
  #62  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
KTM I don't yet fully understand. But I feel they are making good progress.
Lets also consider they are relative "newbies" at making big twins.

Basing on your "pseudo-theory" racing as a reliability lab: then why aren't KTM singles 100% bomb proof reliable? They've raced them for ages now.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
BMW? they have absolutely NO excuse for the poor performance of their bikes in the reliability area.

Electrics
Drive line
Fuel injection
ABS

So for example, what's Suzukis excuse to have poor reliability performance areas like:

Electrics (overall)
Fuel Injection (i.e. 3500rpm surge on Stroms)
Clutch
Poor plastics


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
These are things that should never, ever, for any reason ever given problems. Yet THOUSANDS of documented cases exist. WHY?

Can you please show us the list of those thousands documented cases? (Ask from your good friends at the consumer protection company maybe? Or industry-insiders?)


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Yamaha also own Ohlins, Swedish suspension maker.

Again wrong fact. Öhlins has been bought out by Europeans some time ago now (Kenth Öhlins himself owns 95%), Yamaha no longer owns residuals.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
BMW motorcycle division have run in the red (losing money) for MOST of their history. It is only in the last six or seven years they are finally making a profit and not being 100% supported by the Car division. FACT.
If I have time I'll dig into shares and index history of Motorrad's economy. While it holds no importance for the discussion would be interesting to check if your FACT is true or not.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Also, BMW spend more money on ads than any one of the big four do. They use one of the most expensive Ad agencies in the world to create their ad campaigns.

Wrong about the money spend. I haven't seen any BMW motorcycle ad in TV while I've seen dozens of the Big Four ads in TV in dozens of contries.

BMW is a tiny bit compared to any of the Japanese maker. Japanese Big Four have dominated the motorcycle market for a long time, they have the most money in Ads and thus also control the mythology inside the biker community.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
They also are the only motorcycle company to "cross over" into other market areas. (that means out of the motorcycle world) BMW ads can be seen in non motorcycle publications, on TV (not race events) and Radio.

I see Japanese bikes ads in various mags, from car to fashion mags, while I've seen just few BMW ads in non-motorcycle issues.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
None of the Big Four do this.

Why do you lie again?


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I never said they were crap, I simply pointed out that industry statistics show they have a poor record for reliability.

We're still waiting the details of the super-precise high quality reliable data source. It might be exacly what any HUBB newbie looks for on choosing the bike!


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I like the style and design elements on many of their bikes. They ride well too and have a nice refined feel. (when new). As a journalist, I don't need to own every bike I test to know what it is about. I don't review a bike I've only ridden one day (many do). Most test bikes I get I keep for a couple weeks or sometimes months. This was the case with the 1150GS. The R12GS we only got for about 10 days. I put over 2000 miles on it and had a nice 1100GS and another 1150GS along for comparison. This is how I test bikes.
Buy one, which ever you like, own it at least 2 years, put more than 30K on the clock in various conditions. Then share your views as an owner.

Then we can talk. (as you say)
  #63  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Mollydog, it would probably help focus the discussion (and enhance your own credibility) if you could post some sort of source for your claims about warranty repair frequencies and such. Absent this, you appear to be making a lot of unsubstantiated claims in a perhaps over-loud voice. This does not make your claims incorrect, necessarily, but neither does it contribute to making your case.
+1

That's what I've been trying to say all along.


Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
I would suggest also that comments about people's nationalities are likely to be taken as offensive by some—especially when those nationalities are only recently emerging from political and cultural domination by historically brutal outsiders. Estonia fits this description. Lighthearted joking about such matters by Americans is probably less than appropriate....unless intended to deepen misunderstandings and ill will.
So what you mean would be someting in the lines of:

For Mollydog, Ein-Stonians (as he calls us) are fat-eaten wannabe elite, who ride BMWs thus know nothing about motorcycles and better should not exist (of course, also BMW shouldn't exist)?

The only correct nation/people are those who ride only Japanese bikes? Everything else is outrageously unreliable and pointless?


Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
I've benefited personally from many of your posts here. I have no doubts about the sincerity of your hard-won beliefs or about your riding skills and experience. Nor do I doubt your obvious eagerness to be of help to other riders on this board, including those less experienced and skilled than yourself. For these contributions, I thank you.

I hope my mild interjection is taken in the constructive spirit in which it is intended.
I find it pity, when person talks too much (about matters he/she has no long-term or direct experience with) and posting wrong facts makes him/her look like a very experienced person and others automatically take it for granted, without questions.


Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Mark
(a DL650 rider, as it happens, who does not quite see the point to BMW's)
I stand corrected. Good to see HUBB promotes "sincerity" and "open mind"

Last edited by Margus; 15 Aug 2008 at 09:03.
  #64  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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This thread appears to be getting out of hand. Remember the header to "Which Bike?" reads:
Quote:
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.
  #65  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I read this info in paper form in Dealer News. Never saw it online. I'm sure it's available online but i'm not wasting time searching for it.

You really believe I'm making this stuff up, off the top of my head? All just a fantasy of mine, eh? And who would you believe? Hey, don't take my word, do some research if you really care.

Trust me, it is COMMON KNOWLEDGE in the industry. Every editor I've met is well aware of BMW's poor record and checkered history and continual poor showing in this area. BMW work hard to dispel it but there it is..... popping up again ... and again .... and again.

You and Margus really believe I'm a liar? That my goal is to make BMW guys feel bad!

Cheap shot man.
Firstly, whether you care about it or not, I will say that up until now I was merely having a discussion with you on this topic. Up until now, I have had respect for your posts in the past as you seemed approachable, knowldgable and even-handed.
I'm sorry to say that is no longer the case.

You have just made numerous personal attacks on Margus and myself, relating to Estonia and place you clearly know very little about.

You are also putting words into my mouth: I never once said you were lying, I merely asked for you to provide the facts and figures to back your reference to facts and figures: not the same as saying you are a liar.

So, no, not a cheap shot... a fabricated shot...

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
There are far more than two Japanese models that have done big miles. I'm sorry if you guys don't get big four products in Estonia or you pay more for them. Here, they are relatively cheap and available in the, its mostly what sells. BMW's are out there too but around towns you mostly see Jap bikes.
I said it once, but I'll say it again:
I am Anglo-french: I grew up in the UK and I've been riding since the age of 19. I have owned plenty of bikes from the big 4 and enjoyed all of them. My experiences are not based on the Estonian market.

I know that there are many relaible bikes from Japan: I have never said the contrary. In fact, I have owned a number of them myself... Unfortunately, the G-wing and your beloved DL are the only two you seem to keep referring to...

You seem stuck in a cycle where Japanese being relaible, automatically means that German is not: not sound logic...

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
And your right. HD guys do zero miles I can see you really have done your homework regards HD guys and how much they ride!
Like I said, BMW= 3% of bikes in the US. HD?
If you want to be taken seriously as a poster and as a journalist you might was to learn a thing or two about accuracy in your writing.
I am stunned that despite my post being two entries behind yours and you quoting it, you still manage to get what I said wrong.

My exact words:
As for HD. They are grotesquely under-tuned. 60bhp from a 1.3 litre engine? no wonder they keep going , although the Electra glide we met in Argentian had nothing but problems...
And I must say, do not know if you speak for the US market or world-wide, but US roads are hardly the most taxing on the vehicle, are they?

Pay attention...


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Take a guess Ein-stonia.
I'm sure you thought that was the height of wit.... Now that is a cheap shot...

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I guess BMW dealers in Estonia charge less? But here in the US it is the number one complaint among owners. Read any BMW forum/blog. Service prices are crazy expensive. Like $700 for a basic service.
Once more, if you just had a look at my post you would see that the currency symbol I used was £. All my running costs for the BM, apart from our trip, were in the UK

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Japanese dealers charge a lot too, but most common service parts are available aftermarket and are cheap (brake pads, filter). Hard to know for sure, I've not bought a part for any one of the dozen or so jap bikes I've owned in the last few years. You see, they just DO NOT FAIL! GET IT?
What? No pads, air-filters or oil filters?
Why, I suggest you get on your bike and ride it a little then, seeing as they need replacing every few thousand miles....

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
You're complaining about OIL FILTER prices? We can choose about four different inexpensive aftermarket oil filters here. Maybe $5 each? Plastic parts too are reasonable. And I'm not worried about changing oil every 4000 miles either.
Aftermarket parts are equally available for BMWs.... So this lends no weight to your point. The point relates only for OEM parts, like for like and OEM parts from the big 4 are very expensive, and this is how a large portion of their revenue is generated.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Please give us your brilliant Estonian knowledge on this one. It must all be a conspiracy, Ya?

Sometimes truth is painful Stop being so defensive towards BMW.
What have they ever done for you? Are you guys both Dealers? Do BMW send you free T-Shirts ?
Sorry: that is very poor.
I can't believe someone who claims to be a journalist has come to name calling and having a dig at a country they know nothing about, and yet alluding to it being somehow backward.... Sad.
As for being defensive: stop being so aggressive! If you call having an opposing view to yours and asking for justification to your claims as defensive, so be it...

I keep repeating myself, but never mind:
I do not have any problems with any of the Japanese bike companies: what I have a problem with is you and making accusations about a brand you obviously don't like and which you have repeatedly failed to back up with figures despite saying you are privvy to a wealth of information.
Now you say it was from a paper article in a single publication....

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I'm not worried about proving credibility with you Mr. W-Hog. You don't know me from Adam. But its clear from your uninformed and ignorant statements you don't exude much credibility yourself. 'nuff said.

Read my posts here on the HUBB and tell me where you see holes in my "credibility".

Patrick

Yep, I think your credibility is definitely settled...

As for knowing you from Adam, the same could be said about you knowing me, and yet you spent a large portion of this post making accusations, assumptions and presumptions... is this how you write all your pieces?

And posting smileys after saying something designed to be rude, still makes it rude...

As for this discussion, as someone quite rightly pointed out, this does not serve the purposes of the original question, so I've said my piece.

I'm just sad that you felt you needed to resort to the sort of tone you did... through out this thread I have remained perfectly civil toward you.
(I won't post a smiley....)
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  #66  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Good point there Wuming.

All bikes will do the job. As far as I'm concerned, BMW in general is the Dark Side. Alluring, tempting, flashing - but it comes with a hefty price tag. I know. I've been there. Guzzi and all the bikes that I own, otoh, are from the Good Side. Everybody knows that. Right?

May the 4 stroke force be with you all.
  #67  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uganduro View Post
I do feel bad when people engage me in intellectually unfair discussions by wanting to have it both ways.
One can't at the same time:
- call someone a liar because he bases himself on industry reports (which do exist, also at bmw) and not on "personal experience".
- call arguments based on those very "personal experiences" pointless/useless because one would miss "the whole picture";
& disregard hundreds of "personal experiences", gathered and weighed in rider reports & forum polls.
I agree with the latter part. I'm not native English, for me the fact said wrong is a lie, especially in the context of building someone's "bashing-scene" on it to make and find negative points. If the word 'lie' is too offensive somehow for native English speakers name me the alternative and I'll correct it.

And also agree on statistically weighted reports - BUT this must be done by unbiased organisation built up for statistical basis, not someone in the forum (and as said from my point of view: especially those who haven't owned a product but still try to rate them).

The only real-life reliability survey done I know on bike is the UK's 10,000 (statistical population selection) bikers surveyed back in 2004.

See here.

The results have been disputed many times here and in various other forums (i.e. BMW doesn't have any real offroad bikes that take the beating and are with short maintenance intervals etc factors of different makes), but there hasn't been any other hands-on survey on real-life reliability of motorcycles. That's the only statistics currently I know done on the reliability of bikes.

"Ride Magazine
English motorcycle magazine, Ride, has published their survey results amongst 10,000 motorcyclists in the United Kingdom in this month's publication.

The motorcyclists were asked how reliable their motorcycle is. Results:"


1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)
5. Suzuki (83.2%)
6. Kawasaki (82.8%)
7. MZ (81.3%)
8. Harley-Davidson (80.1%)
9. Aprilia (77.1%)
10. KTM (74%)
11. Buell (72.2%)
12. Cagiva (70.5%)
13. Ducati (69.1%)
14. Moto Guzzi (68.8%)
15. CCM (63.8%)
"


As with any statistical result, it shows averages, anyone can interpret it in own way.
  #68  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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What?!? Moto Guzzi on 14th??! It can't be!



  #69  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Wink

Hang on a minute!!

When the heck did Ural slip out of the top 10: they kept that one quiet....
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  #70  
Old 15 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PimpYoda View Post
I have been round the block and have been building up scramblers (as we use to call them in SAfrica) since the age of 16. The only problem i forsee is that I can take a 2stroke engine apart blindfolded and growing up movin to road bikes (and doing my bit for grey imports), I have always had someone else do the work.
I will def go do a mehanics course as this is essential to my travels. I'm blessed as I'll be driving to Cpt with my brother who has recently bought a Toyota Landcruiser VX Turbo. 96 Diesel. (he's so proud) This means I can stick as much spares as I like on his roof for when that dreaded time comes...breaking down.

I'm taking everything in and perhaps once I arrive after 5 months travelling through Eastern Europe and Africa I too will become an EVANGELIST for whichever bike I'm riding...

Thanks for all the advice!!! I'm really appreciate it!

Hey Pimp Yoda,

Lol, see the hornets nest that you inadvertently poked with what seemed like a simple question but ended up being a big stick?

With your long background in bikes and experience in South Africa you are already way ahead of most and when coming down, you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

Are you going east coast? If so, having your brother along will be a multiple blessing, not only to share a once in a lifetime experience but as you say to carry some of your gear!

One route I would suggest if you are going east coast is to go along Lake Turkana instead Moyale in northern Kenya. The route is rougher, and much, much less travelled, but was certainly a highlight. With a truck to carry a lot of your weight and the spare fuel and water, the riding will be easier to enjoy and it is truly is unique corner of Africa.


And last off topic comments:

First, the views held by Mollydog, while sometimes at the extreme, do serve a purpose in that they stir the pot and balance a lot of the preconceptions that exist in the general public. I'm sure a lot of people begin the dream to ride around the world and have in their mind that they have to use a BMW to do so.

As we all know that is not true, many options exist and this thought sort of thinking has to be jarred out of them so they can make a reasoned choice amongst options, sometimes better suited to their specific trip, sometmes not. I can't tell you how many people around the world, with varying levels of experience, would walk up to me and make comments along the lines of "I'm going to ride around the continent, as soon as I get a BMW of course, are you able to get by with your inferior bike?". This became funny after a while, and even funnier after I actually switched bikes and was riding a new model BMW.

Kudos to BMW, this has been hard earned product recognition, based on many years of experience and dedication to long distance and world touring and focused marketing. And comments by Margus and others show this, any business would be proud to have such commited and supportive customers. We should continue to be nice to BMW as well, they are pushing an area that is pretty much a niche to the big guys, even though it is the center of our world. That's probably part of the reason we are so passionate about it.

Plus, the BMW riders and Japanese riders should unite for even more reasons, there is a new enemy in town. As I mentioned before, the most common western bike that I saw in Africa was KTM, and based on my experience, their smugness has exceeded that purported to belong to owners of other brands. Rise up all, the real enemy is not KTM, but the KTM riders (Herby, we know who you are
  #71  
Old 16 Aug 2008
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Survey?

The survey results are interesting. Ask 10000 riders if they think their bike is reliable and you mostly get an opinion. Of the 10,000 lets say 1000 ride a particular brand, of that how many actually rode enough miles to break down (Urals excluded, even I managed to breakdown five times in 6 months 10,000 km). Lies, ****** lies and statistics or just an oddly worded question? The sample size is in any case too small. I can read the result as 90% of BMW's are reliable or 90% of BMW owners think they are reliable. Is this good bikes or good marketing?

Tough one isn't it

I don't think any rider of any bike is an enemy BTW. The ones who bought their mega cycles and half the Touratech catalogue but can't check their own oil level provide more imeadiate entertainment that the ones actually going places on twenty year old hacks held together with duct tape, but heck, anything's better than not going

Andy
  #72  
Old 16 Aug 2008
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Thanks MountainMan. I did seem to open a hornets nest. In my life I have only owned Japanese bikes. 1 Suzuki, 3 Yamaha's and 2 Kawa's and 1 Honda. Never owned a brand new bike in my life. These bikes have all had their problems including the last bike I owned (Honda) seized the engine so badly that the connrod went staight through the sump.

Needless to say, every bike will give you troubles eventually if you do'nt take care of it properly, Jap or German.

The input has been overwhelming and what I have learnt is to go out and speak to people who has done the journey and ask about common problems to prepare myself in the best possible way no matter what I'm riding.

I'll also go out and test a few bikes and make up my own mind before investing in a friend for life (i hope)

Thanks again and speak soon.

Ps: I will need some advice on the carnet as I do want to sell the bike in SA eventually.
  #73  
Old 16 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PimpYoda View Post

I'll also go out and test a few bikes and make up my own mind before investing in a friend for life (i hope)

Thanks again and speak soon.

Ps: I will need some advice on the carnet as I do want to sell the bike in SA eventually.

Have fun testing and let us know what you decide, PimpYoda. There is a lot of carnet stuff to read up on, there is a fairly recent post that talks about selling a UK bike in South Africa by bikerfromsark. Be aware that the standard line is that you can't, and the kindly gent who issues the carnet also reads this site so be careful of all the jokes you make about him



"I don't think any rider of any bike is an enemy BTW."

Lol, you are certainly correct, threewheelbonnie. In my experience, on the road, all riders are friends and the great "my bike is better than your bike" debates are mostly reserved for bored people on the internet who are killing time until they can get out riding.

Around the campfire, there are plenty of good humored jabs, (hence my joke) but it's all in good fun, most people are on the road are very, very humble because we all know we are one small problem away from getting towed into town and in remote locations, even small problems can take a lot of time and money to fix. You just hope that your friends aren't quick enough to film the towing and post it on the internet
  #74  
Old 17 Aug 2008
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Hi guys, I've just finished a pretty long trip with my Dakar and have been very happy with it- no breakdowns! I've ridden the standard GS too, though not nearly as far. I didn't like the smaller front wheel on the standard GS when riding off-road. Maybe I needed more time off-road with it. I really do like that 21" front wheel on the Dakar though, just my preference. In Siberia I met a South Korean man who had completed a RTW ride on a standard GS. He went through 3 stock shocks on his trip! I broke my Ohlins in Africa and it wasn't a cheap fix. The Korean guy is on a DR650 now and is happy with the bike. His buddy is a new rider and chose a KTM950. He fell down on the stretch from Khabarovsk to Chita and broke his arm. They put the bikes on the train and spent 6 weeks healing in Mongolia. Have fun- whatever you ride!
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  #75  
Old 18 Aug 2008
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F650

For an overland trip you'd better of with a Dakar, and thorough preparation of the bike, in my experience.
Look I just spent 1 year motorcycling aorund south america, doing lots of tough dirt roads. I had the F650GS (fitted with a White Power rear shock), the husband had the Dakar.
I had a never ending list of problems with. I won't retype all here. IF you take a F650, check my feedback here: bikes


I am not slacking there, I am just listing thing sthat you should keep an eye on. Also make sure to repalce the rear shock, or you won't go far.

Good luck with your preparations!

I forgot to say, since I came back from travelling last May, my bike has been in and out of workshops constantly! I got it back after yet more work last Saturday. I took it on test ride on sunday, phoned workshop again today (Monday) for yet ANOTHER problem... GAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
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"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

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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!



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.




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