Classically Styled RTW Bike?
All,
I have started to plan a RTW trip for sometime early 2012, starting in Sydney, Australia, heading up through SE Asia till I hit the Silk Route in China and then head west to the Middle East, round to Turkey, around the northern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, through to Spain and then basically the Long Way Down route through Africa to Cape town, before going back to Perth, Australia to ride home to Sydney.
One of the first things I would like to decide on is what bike I will complete this course with, currently I have a Vespa, which I have done some smaller (tarmac only) trips but the poor wee beast is breaking down, and before it gets too bad I want to sell it and trade up to a model that I will take next year with me, which gives me a year to get totally comfortable riding before taking off.
So I originally went for the Vespa because I love the classic vintage styling, and I do have that same passion for the motorcycles I am looking at to replace it. Top of my list is a original Royal Enfield Bullet 500, restored with some improvements (front & back disc brakes, 5 speed gearbox, electric start, better shocks etc.). One of the appeals of the Bullet aside from its classic styling is that mechanically it is much simpler than a GS1200 and mechanics (and myself) should have an easier time with tuning and repairs. Now I am aware of the downside of Bullets that they need both a mechanically minded owner and require a wee bit more attention with servicing than your average bike, but in my mind I feel that its worth it.
What I would like to know from you guys (especially any Enfield owners out there) is:
A) Is it possible to make it RTW on a Bullet?
B) If it is possible, would you go so far to recommend it?
C) If not are there any other classic styled bikes (Triumph Scrambler or Bonny, another RE?) that might be better suited for the task?
D) Are there aspects of this plan I have not really thought about?
Cheers guys.
Esquire
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