Hey all,

I've searched the forums and I don't think I've seen this one mentioned before. I currently own and ride a 2004 BMW F650GS, but it's too heavy for me to consider for an extended solo trip like this. I've put serious consideration into the Suzuki DRZ400, but they're quite expensive used in the UK, plus all the mods that would need to get it RTW ready puts me off, as well as the Honda NX400 Falcon, which seems nearly perfect, except for potential difficulties getting parts.

I probably would have never considered this bike at all, until I recently ran into a guy who rode a very similar bike (Yamaha 250 Phaser) from China to Switzerland, so obviously it can be done - but communication barriers prevented me from asking much about how he got on with it.

Pros:
- Cheap as chips
- Light (151kg wet)
- Easy to get parts & accessories
- Seemingly indestructible
- Great fuel economy and range (up to 300 miles reported)
- Long (8000mi) service interval

Cons:
- Not for serious off road (no bash plate, low exhaust, etc)
- Rear drum brake
- Non adjustable suspension, but I'm only 55kg and pack light, so may not be a problem?
- Not a speed demon (seems to top out at 65mph)
- Doesn't "look" like something you'd take on this kind of trip



Thanks!

Yes, you are mad. This said, what are you waiting for? Just jump on you bike and ride .

People have done that kind of trips on all kind of bikes: 125cc, 250cc, sport bikes, postie bikes... And having great adventures on them.
If it is the bike you own and you feels comfortable riding it, just go for it.

Check Dorothy | The Postman - Sydney to London on a mopedThe Postman

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The only thing I would add to choutos' comments are get some sort of bash plate made up for the engine, apart from that go for it.

You allready wrote the pros. Great bike! Enjoy your trip!!!

For a bash plate, is it best to get something for another bike (if so, what?) and try to make it fit, or just go to a metal fabricator and have them make something for me?

I dont inow the bike but youre absolutely not mad. A cheap bike thats probably reliable and cheap to run - is in my eyes the right way to go. And in fact you will have a "big bike" compared to the locals for most of your planned stretch.

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

I doubt one from another bike will fit but it should be an easy job for a fabricator to make one, a piece of 3 to 4mm thick aluminium should do it.

As noted by everyone here, certainly could do the ride on that CB.
Planning on buying NEW? For sure buying in the UK? (cheaper in other countries)What is Total "on the road" cost?

To me, suitability depends on several things: 1. route choices? 2. how much OFF ROAD intended? 3. your riding skill off road? 4. how much you really end up packing onto the bike.

5. I also question long range COMFORT of that bike. Do not forget to add in cost for better seat (not crap foam pad) probably handlebar risers and better bars. Also, add $$ for upgraded suspension, luggage racks ... more.

The low hanging exhaust may be a problem once bike fully loaded. Hitting pot holes, dips or other Whoop De Doo type obstacles may have you bottoming out HARD with stock suspension once loaded, despite your low body weight.

I would give that bike a PASS!

Alternatives?
1. I'd much prefer DRZ400 (E or S model) that has already been SET UP for travel. They are around if you look and are patient. Proven bike, if bought used and fixed up some, could be ideal? (More around in USA than UK, much cheaper too)

2. If planning to avoid serious off road ... consider keeping your BMW. It's fine for most any dirt road and is paid for, sits in your shed now. If you go "Mountain Goat", then not so good.

3. The Falcon is basically an XR400R. If you start your trip in S. America, you could find a good Falcon used. Also, many XR400's for sale in USA (kick start only), some road legal, most NOT.

4. If you're cool with a 250 I would go Honda CRF250L. A better travel bike in many ways over that CB. Proven good travel bike, more money (I'd guess) than CB ... but worth it, IMHO.