7Likes
-
1
Post By Flipflop
-
1
Post By Erik_G
-
1
Post By Tomkat
-
1
Post By markharf
-
1
Post By Flipflop
-
1
Post By
-
1
Post By
 |

13 Nov 2024
|
 |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Plymouth, Devon, UK
Posts: 18
|
|
Hi Fliflop,
i mostly on road, well thats the plan so the GS would be idal. I meant its heavy if iwas out on a dirt track on my own and dropped it, I might struggle with getting back up. I'm probably over thinking it.
I am looking at the RE Himi as this could be an option, cheap bike, dont worry about it too much, probably cheaper and easier to insure for a longer trip.
I'll keep mulling over the issue.
Waffey
|

13 Nov 2024
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 485
|
|
Hi Waffey
I took my 1200gs from Canada to Patagonia - I was over thinking it too but in the end I went for the cheapest option, which was the bike in my shed.
We did plenty of gravel travel but didn’t go looking for hard stuff and the bike was perfect.
Hopefully I’ll be heading to the Stans next year so maybe see you on the road.
|

13 Nov 2024
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 488
|
|
Bike ?
"Your thoughts?"
Probably as many as there are riders......
The best bike is the one the you like and feel confortable with.
I have used both Himalayan and Suzuki DL 650 XT for long distance travel.
Both did their work excellent. And i like both of them.
Himalayan if you plan to ride some more tricky roads.
The Suzuki is not a trail bike. But I am very comfortable riding in on gravel/dirt roads. And it is better on faster roads
Both were equiped with Alu cases.
The Suzuki had luggage equipment from SW Motech.
You can see that they mount rather low. One is outside of the exhaust system =>
One 37 liters and one 45 liters => symetric
Many "adventyre bikes" have the luggage very high => Bad
And Mitas E-07 Tires 50/50
|

15 Nov 2024
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 243
|
|
I recently picked up a KLE500.
Really surprised - it does most things pretty well.
They are not popular so pretty cheap.
|

15 Nov 2024
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 874
|
|
The 650 is still heavy as adventure bikes go (or can go) but it's got to be better than an unwieldy monster that's only at home on motorways. Honestly, if Ewan and Charley hadn't set the fashion years ago nobody would even be considering them now.
|

15 Nov 2024
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,017
|
|
I rode 3 different rental bikes in Georgia, Artsakh, and Armenia (and one of my own in Turkey, but that was long ago): an Africa Twin (too tall, top-heavy and complex), an older F650 (too short and somewhat anemic), and a Canadian KLR 650 (just right, per Goldilocks). i’m no expert and no longer a bold adventurer, but in all 3 countries there were rough tracks begging to be ridden, along with the ones I ran into by accident. To have avoided these due to too large a bike would have been a real shame and seriously limited my trip.
Note: just a single data point. But I’d suggest not falling into the “I’ll stay on paved roads…” trap.
|

17 Nov 2024
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 485
|
|
This is an overland forum and I can understand why so many posters are obsessed with lightweight adventure bikes - but the OP is going on a road trip across Europe and Turkey.
In general the road conditions in the countries he will be travelling through are much better than the UK, mainly due to a combination of weather and heavy use.
My opinion is he could take any bike - my wife rode around the Balkans in 2000 on a 600 Bandit with camping gear.
If you were riding to The north of Scotland and you’d take your GS then take it to Armenia and use the money you’ve saved on the trip.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
| |
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.
"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)

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
|
|