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Do it on a 250cc
This one goes out to all the financially strapped guys (and girls) who are sitting at home dreaming about touring but cant afford a "proper bike".
Alot of ppl think RTW touring and they go "yeah, i need my self a bmw or a super tenere or a africa twin" only problem is, bikes like that cost a fortune. I have a japan-spec dualsport Honda Ax-1 250cc which cost me 975 us$ (which is quite a fortune to me). the way i see it theres really no need to get some 600+ trans-sahara thing. what a 600 can do, a 250 can do too if not even better. a 250 is small and light, great when nipping through traffic, going off-road and when the worst happens ,like burning out a cdi box in the middle of nowhere (it happened 3 times to me!!!) it can be pushed for miles. Lack of tank capacity is made up by economical fuel consumption. My Ax-1 gets 210-230km on a tankful, which is more than Triumph's Tiger and the ZZr600. Now the powerplant is quite underpowered for high mileage highway cruising, but if auto-bahn storming is your thing then you'd be better of with a street-bike.i think thats a small price to pay for off-road capabilities. On ordinary roads it can hang in there with the biggest of them. I heard somebody mention luggage capacity...now, being a male im genuinely able to travel light but with a luggage-rack and and empty pillion i cant see anybody having trouble loading up gear for an extended tour. If you already have a 250 and you wanna go touring dont let that stop you. Just fire it up and run it out. i can almost guarantee youll be pleasantly surprised. even an old 250 would be a good choice as long as the engine is in mint condition. if you happen to break something thats impossible or too expensive to fix, you can leave the bike in a ditch and fly out. Try that with your brandnew super trans-continental touring bike and youll have nightmares for years to come. |
I agree - if you stay off the autobahns and the multilane interstate-type freeways, a small bike will do just fine for a road trip.
So whereabouts have you toured on your 250? ------------------ Bruce Clarke brclarke@islandnet.com www.islandnet.com/~brclarke |
im from beirut, lebanon and so far ive been to cyprus, greece, italy, austria, france and spain.
although i had some problems with the cdi box (which was fixed with some tv/radio components!), the bike held up allright. the hard seat which left me feeling like id been gang raped, was the only minus point during my trip. |
i was wondering if anyone had toured for a while on a smaller bike. i'm not a terribly big person and was curious about this.
noiles |
Great!
I've toured Cambodia and Vietnam on a 250cc, but not long stuff. I reckoned that 250 is the way to go (I'm 167cm and 62kgs which helps). Good to hear that I'm not the only one to go against common opinion!! Sam. |
I found a web page telling the story of a guy who spent 22 months riding around the world on a Honda Elite 250 scooter.
Yesterday I bought a copy of his book discussing the experience. It makes for a long, interesting read. You can find his web page here... http://www.melawend.com/ ------------------ Bruce Clarke brclarke@islandnet.com www.islandnet.com/~brclarke |
You're absolutely right, Mace, I took my Honda Elite 250 around the world -- a two-year odyssey (and thanks for mentioning my website and book, Bruce!). My Melawend took on the Alps, a bit of virgin Sahara in the Sudan, the Ngong Hills of Kenya, the "blast furnace" of Madhya Pradesh in India... A real blessing to me because I am not at all mechanically inclined and had never ridden a motorcycle or motorscooter before the journey.
So if you're seriously considering a 250, Noiles, I'd say go for it! More for info, check out the Odyssey website: IN THE LONG RUN: A Hopeful World Odyssey http://www.melawend.com All the best! Tom |
Interesting topic... I'm about to move over to Denmark to live for a while (I live in Australia at the moment), and have been tossing up wether or not to ship my 2000KLR250 over there, as I would like to go on some decent trips around Europe/Scandinavia... hmmm.. maybe I should just keep it - I bought it new just 9 months ago...
Is there much opportunity to ride off-road in Europe, anyone?? Dean. melbourne.australia.earth... |
An interesting twist on this is to look back 30 years or so, when a 500 was a big bike. Guys like Ted Simon rode these RTW, and I doubt very much if the power, handleing, or luggage capacity of a modern 250 gives anything up. I have talked with many tourers who have 'gone it small'- microtouring, if you will. Lots of advantages: Will you really be able to get that GS 1150 up the stairs and into the hotel lobby in Columbia? I think two up and top speed limitations are the most critical drawbacks. The back roads are better anyway!
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Hey mace I've always been on budget on the trips I've done, in fact money, or rather lack of is always the only thing thats held me back and cut trips to a few months at a time. You are right about not needing a big bike as well. I spent 3 months touring(camping and sleeping rough) around Belgium/France and Spain on my 1978 MZ 250 and I had that thing loaded like a camel and even found a reclining sun lounger which I strapped to the top of all my camping gear and carried that along too.
[This message has been edited by mart (edited 11 July 2001).] |
dworth,
I'd definitely send that bike to Denmark. You'll probably find that buying a similar bike in Denmark is way more expensive than it was in Australia due to taxes. Moving into Denmark to live entitles you to import a vehicle tax free as long as it's been in your posession for more than 6 months prior to moving. I'm in Norway myself and we have pretty crazy taxes on vehicles, but Denmark is reputed to be even worse! Denmark is, however, a fairly densely populated country, and I don't think you'll find a lot of places to go off-roading there. Lots of gravel roads in the Norwegian and Swedish forests, however, and it's not that far from Denmark. |
What counts most is that you take the trip.
I agree small bores will get the job done. Not a RTW, but I did 2 trips about 3700 miles each in the early eighties on a 10 year old honda 100. ( throughly flogged bike,that I raced as a kid). my brother went to with the same model bike. Hell of a lot of fun drafting semi's. Mondo gas mileage too. went over many passes in the US & Canadian rockies, not a problem. A 100cc bike wouldnt be my first choice but if thats all you have...... Enjoy your trip! |
I even met a guy once from England in the french alps when I was on my MZ and he was on a nifty fifty! Honda C50, camping gear,tent, the lot. I was impressed especially as his bike was about knackered and would only BARELY do 10 mph up the mountain roads. I had a look at it for him trying to help. his rings had gone although it didn't smoke. 'Got new piston and rings and as good as new.
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The Vespa Man is Giorgio Bettinelli. He did 4 trips by Vespa
1) Rome-Saigon 7 mounths 25000 km (1993) 2) Ankorage-Patagonia (1994-95?) 9 mounths KM? 3)Sydney-Cape Town (Indonesia-SEA-India-Pakistan-Iran-ME-Ethiopia....,SA (1995-96?) 4) Last trip RTW!! http://62.110.14.228/tuttomoto/00811.pdf go to page 3 there is the map of his trip. It's different of the other you have seen. That was the original project. here you can see "the trip"! It's little bit different: he did not travell into CHINA! 90 countries, 144.000 km. the total is 134 countries 244000 kms Next trip? on the moon???? Nicholas ------------------ |
Ok, I’m planning a trip down the west coast of Africa. The first half would be desert terrain, and the second half rain and mud. If money were NOT an object, how many of the 250 fans would actually opt for the 250? And which kind? I won’t need to go fast, but what I keep hearing is how the 250 engines aren’t great for long distance. Things go wrong. Other than basics I’m not wanting to spend my time tinkering with the engine half way through the trip. I’m also small and don’t want to be struggling to pick the bike up any time it falls.
Which leads me to the next question. If I were to take a bigger bike, I’ve heard there is a device you can attach to the muffler of a Land Rover that then inflates a bellows like device for when you have a flat tire. Is there anything like this made for bikes? This seems like a good option for raising a bike without killing yourself and having to take off all the luggage etc.. L. |
Lorraine,
For the desert half more power would be useful, but if you're on say a 350 travelling suitably light that should be adequate. For the mud and muck it's a no-brainer - the lighter the better, especially since you're small. Good modern 4-strokes are very reliable, and should be just as reliable as a bigger engine. Re picking up the bike, first off you MUST be able to pick up the bike yourself without having to remove everything. If you need to remove the top box/pack and tank bag to do so that's fine, they should come off very quickly and easily - make sure they do. You should then be able to pick it up. If you can't, then I strongly recommend rethinking the bike and your load. The Links page has an article on how to pick up a bike, well worth reading for smaller people - and even us bigger folks trying to pick up a loaded bike. The inflator bag is a poor option imho - what if it fails? - what if you can't start the bike? And you probably can't when it's lying on it's side, most bikes won't run lying down. A battery powered version would be dodgy - what it the bike then won't start because you've drained the battery getting it vertical? And you can bet the whole rig is going to be bulky and HEAVY and you will have to pack it - ummm, on the top box/rack, which you will have to unpack, and the clip will always be on the down side... and then repack it covered with mud... mmmm, naaa. You should make a point of travelling extremely lightly. There is a young German girl I know that rides an R100GS - with no tank bag, no top box/bag, only half-full saddlebags for months on her own in North Africa. She's not a big girl, she's very slender and around 5' 8". She manages the R100GS fine because it's relatively very light unloaded and the centre of gravity is low. But it's not good in the mud and muck, as it is still much heavier than a good 250-350 dirt bike, and nowhere near as easy to ride off-road. If you've never ridden a decent modern trail bike, only street bikes, you will NOT believe how big a difference there is off-road. It's night and day. Another very small girl rode a Suzuki DR350 from Alaska to Ushuaia and was very happy with it. Her boyfriend was on an Africa Twin I think, and they were both impressed with the DR350. hope that rather lengthy answer helps! Feel free to ask more questions. And don't forget to keep us informed on your progress and let us know when you leave! ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
I’ve heard there is a device you can attach to the muffler of a Land Rover that then inflates a bellows.......
It's called an Air-Jack. You can get it in every 4X4 shop but...It is, like Grant said, extremly heavy and large and you can't use it with a bike since it is not stable. Besides all that, it's also very expensive http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/frown.gif Maarten |
Hmm. Yes, the air inflator sounds great but the reality could be somewhat different as you both point out!
The old Honda 360CB is the only bike I’ve ever owned and it was a perfect size and I could pick it up. Only off-road bike was what I learnt on, a 125 Bultaco and a Yamaha Enduro. Yes, these new on-off road bikes are a different breed. I do keep hearing of the DR350, but I hear they’re not making it now? Hear they’re making a 400 DRz, and when I look at the seat height, ( at 36.8 inches ) it’s really too high. I’m finding that seat height is also having to be my starting place . Anything is the 90cm is too high. There’s only so much a bike can be lowered and the cushioning taken out. Right? Part of the problem at the moment is I live in Kenya, and am getting fantastic advice on other aspects of touring, because this is where people are doing it. But, there’s only a BMW and KTM dealer here. So info limited. I’ll probably be going to England in March, but want as much info as possible before then. The actual trip won’t be until next December or so, but I’m pretty excited, have my list, made a trial packing the other week (yes, very light, very little). And ok, ok, this is a book project involving four women traveling solo by four different modes of transport via four different routes to Timbuktu. Then I’ll be continuing on to South Africa. Thanks for directing me to the Links page. Lorraine |
Based on my research, if I want to take the small is smart route, but still keep to the dual sport type, I'll narrow my choices to two very similar, very keen, bikes - Honda Baja 250 XR and Suzuki Djebel 250 XC. Both are Japanese market only machines but may be available as grey imports in some countries. There are companies which export them including good-as-new second hand ones. Try www.oandkjapan.co.jp.
Both bikes are highly specced - dohc, 6 speed, with impressive power, around 30 hp. What's more, they are fitted out for LDT if not exactly RTW with a 17 litre fuel tank in the case of the Djebel. If not the KTM 640 Adventure R or BMW 650 GS Dakar, mark the Djebel for me! |
I will be traveling the Trans American trail this summer on my trusty 1971 Honda CT90. It has a few modifications but its a great simple little bike. It gets about 100 mpg and I have enough gas to go 150 miles or so. The bike is simple and has an abundant amount of parts which are fairly inexpensive. It has a 4 speed clutchless transmission with a hi/lo setup. top speed in hi is 55mph, in low is 25 mph. Its a small bike but it works, and I cant afford anything else righ now.
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Seth, have fun on the CT90 - they're tough, and they have been ridden around the world more than once.
When on the Transam Trail, don't make Ted Simons famous mistake - just because you get 150 miles out of a tank on the street doesn't mean you will off-road. In fact I'd expect somewhere around half. Or less. Or better! Depends very much on conditions. Half is a good calculator, but leave yourself spare! (Ted almost died in the Sudan on his first trip around the world, not realising that riding in first gear in heavy sand with lots of pushing and wheel spinning meant his gas mileage was cut drastically.) So are you going to send us trip reports? Have you seen Russell Fishers report on his trip on the trail in the travellers stories pages? ------------------ Grant Johnson One world, Two wheels. www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
just to add further....
I have a 650cc honda dommie which i rode india to uk, great bike and super strong, but this time when i went to india i hired a CBZ Hero Honda 150cc and toured for 3 months. It really impressed me, fast, strong, much more comfortable saddle, super good economy,and crucially light like a toy and therefore really easy to handle and great for offroad exploring. Plus its a local bike so had the added advantage of not drawing the staring crowds. I can't recommend it enough to travellers thinking of going to india who don't want the hassle of an enfield, plus it cost only 150rupees a day rental.(about 3.5 U$) I think the machismo of motorcycling can mislead us on what really is the right machine for the job. small is beautiful. |
I'll be sure to do some gas calculations and experimenting before I go. I have read Russel Fishers report of his ride on the transamtrail and I have tried emailing him but have had no responses. I also emailed sam correro, but havent heard anything back yet. I have been reading all the accounts of the trail that i can, and absorbing as much info as possible.
I will certainly try and post updates to as my travels progress. if that os not possible then I will be sure to put up a thorough write up with pictures when I finish. any suggestions on how to get ahold of Sam Correro would be appreciated. Seth S |
well i wondered about touring on a honda cg125 after reading these pages i thought why not. thanks
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yep, pretty much whatever you have or whatever your budget can support is good for touring on. A moped might be a little on the extreme, but if its all I had, I'd pack light and say what the hell.
Seth S |
Hi,
Going the light bike route has all sorts of other advantages, certainly in southern Africa where I do most of my riding. I'm about to test my 'speed doesn't matter' theory with my little Honda 200cc ag bike. I sometimes mix 'n match, using trucks or trains for parts of journeys, so the lighter and smaller the bike, the easier it is to persuade some pick-up driver to load it on back. And if something breaks in northern Mozambique, well, a battered van will come along some time and save my ass. Have owned and toured on Suzuki SP370, XT500 and CJ750. The trail bikes were great but spares are getting expensive and impossible to find in most of Africa. The CJ was just too heavy although sidecars do have their uses when touring two up. In India (Yezdi 250 2-stroke) and Vietnam (Honda Cub and Minsk 125), having cheap and reliable, if slow, transport took care of all the worries. Going bike camping this weekend on the Honda. Nice dirt and mountains around Cape Town. Ag Country! |
Nothing against light bikes:
I met a japanese girl on my trip in Australia! She rode a 50cc Ex-Australia-Post Moped that would only do 50 km/h, BUT 1. it took only 2-2,5 liters per one hunded kilometers. (40-50 km per Liter)-that way the extra petrol she took with her lasted around 200 KM!!!! 2. It was lightweight - without the luggage she could actually CARRY it through rivers! 3. She took an enormous box on the back which the bike didn't really seem to impress - it was almost more luggage than I had. 4. NOONE steals such a bike - at least less often than a big one. 5. Because she could only do 50 km/h (I assume around 26 miles an hour), it took her longer to go somewhere.... BUT she could ride all day long, 'cause with 50 km/h no Kangaroo or Cow really was a problem, where I was worrying about bumping into one at dusk or night... BUT if it was only budgetwise, is it REALLY that expensive in other places??? You get a 250cc or 650cc at the same price around here, when they have the same mileage and shape... AND they both start at around 650 EUROS (well now THAT is a bargain, but you CAN get it) - or US-Dollars - whatever you want... I do buy a KLR 650 with 26.000 km on the clock WITH carrier and boxes right now! Supposed to be in good shape, garage-maintained (even if I do not REALLY count on those fellows) and stored in a garage... And it's supposed to take around 5 liters with a 20 liter tank... Interested to hear more... Greetings Mel P.S. It's always a good idea to buy a bike OFF-SEASON [This message has been edited by onlycookie (edited 10 October 2002).] |
Here is a link a guy who did it RTW on a CT90:
http://www.dispatch.co.za/1998/02/25...ncape/SLOW.HTM |
Hello fellow travelers,
What Bike?: Any bike you want. Shakespear's Hamlet said once, "There's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will." I switched to Honda XR250L from a heavy 1000cc non off road beemer and I'll never go back. I have nearly 30,000 miles on the ol girl and nearly every mile has been pure pounding, often fully loaded and fully wound up until you'd swear it was going to melt down. I like really fast, heavily loaded, long distance enduro bash trips taking dirt when ever I can and enjoying plenty of airtime to boot! I smell the roses too, but trying to find the human and mechanical limits really is fun! I have taken good mechanical care of it but I'll be the first to admit I have been extremely hard on it and I don't see it needing any major work anytime soon. I'd like to hear some tales from other readers on how far they've seen the RFVC 250 engine go in terms of mileage. I believe this one could go 60,000 miles before major engine work. Anyone? [This message has been edited by Jason Smolka (edited 15 November 2002).] |
Hihi, interesting topic. I own a XR250R, very good offroad bike but cant really bring it for distance. My gasket wore off easily, like after 500-700km. Does anyone there have same encounter?
Tot of getting a Yamaha XT for road use. Will be mainly for highway. What's the comfortable top speed it can go? Pls drop me a mail at lavazero@singnet.com.sg |
M'Lady and I are planning our trip now and starting to get our bikes ready. They are two TS185ER Suzukis. Read more (a LOT more!!!) about it in the Suzuki tech forum,
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum12/HTML/000016.html. Regards Nigel & Kitty in NZ ------------------ [This message has been edited by Nigel Marx (edited 26 February 2003).] |
Hi, I'm planning on my rtw on a 1966 Ducati 250 single. Not leaving until Sept. 2004 though. I'm flying from California to Sydney, Australia.
I sure am glad I found this site. It makes planning this trip way easier. |
Does anyone have any experience with mounting panniers (hard or soft) on a Honda XR250L? I would love to take my 250 on an extended Asia/Africa trip as I love the gas mileage, the light weight, and dirt handling, but I am worried a bit about how much you can haul with one of these. What kind of luggage systems have people used with an XR250L?
Dave |
Tray contacting the folks at
http://www.happy-trail.com They make a nice rack for XR650Ls and can probalby help you out. WRight |
I travelled around australia on a 1979 XT250. I couldn't get a bigger bike at the time because I was on a restricted licence. Turns out it was a good thing - I had no idea what I was doing and got myself and the 250 into some sticky situations:
- bogged 2ft down in a swamp - bogged in sand numerous times - got halfway up a VERY steep and high gravel slope before realising I couldn't keep going or turn around - bogged on Lake Eyre - fell off, fell off, fell off etc etc etc All great learning experiences but I would have been in a right mess with a larger bike. It would do 80km/h without fuss, which is my preferred speed even now on a bigger bike. Excellent fuel consumption and could be lifted onto the back of a road-train by a single truck-driver (try doing that with a BMW...) Digressing here slightly... Unless there are more than one, I too met the Japanese girl going around australia on a Honda CT, except is was an ex-Australia Post CT110. This was in 1989/90. Also met a French guy on a new (!) 3AJ Tenere who had travelled all through the Americas and Africa. It was his example that has had me plotting and dreaming for the past 13 years, and inspired me to buy a blue one - just like his. ------------------ Barry 3AJ Tenere |
Thanks for the help, guys.
BTW, Barry...what kind of luggage (if any)did you use on your Australia trip? Dave |
Hi all,
Just a note on the small bike concept. In 1992 or so I was first exposed to this type of bike travel by a couple from Europe. They were riding two up from argentina to Canada on a Honda 250 dual sport. They had luggage on the back and a small gas can mounted to the handle bars. They were in northern California at the time and doing fine from what I could tell. I talked to them for a few minutes when they inquired about a camp site. John |
Hi, when I was in Bolivia, I saw a bike called the Yamaha AG200, it was used for agricultular purposes, but it seemed to me the perfect bike for traveling, it had a 200cc 4 stroke engine, a comfortable solo seat, a huge cargo rack in the back another rack in front of the headlight, knoby tires, 2 sidekick stands, engine guard, and the chain was completely encased; the only problem was the size of the fuel tank, has anyone seen this bike used for traveling?
Motor. |
There's a very rare book by a young girl named Peggy Iris Thomas called "Gasoline Gypsy" (a.k.a. "A Ride In The Sun") about her trip around the US and Mexico on a BSA Bantam (125cc) in the early 50's. On top of all her luggage, she brought an Airedale as well, riding pillion! If you find a copy, snatch it up, it's impossible to find.
I've been thinking about getting a Honda Nighthawk 250cc for just such a trip... anybody have any experience? Is there places to load up the gear? [This message has been edited by swelle (edited 10 October 2003).] |
Quote:
Chris Scott's "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" has a snippet about someone who toured on a similar bike. I used a 90 or 100cc version two-up (with only a backpack as luggage) and it did just fine, albeit slow and not very comfy. One up is the way to go. |
To add to the smaller bike topic, i just got a Yamaha XT 350 which seems fine from doing a days trail to road work, it may not be an enduro or pocket rocket but seems a good work horse which is capable and pretty competent off road due to it's lighter weight compared to a 600.
One thing ive not loaded it up though but if I were to travell with it It would be 1 up and a ruck sak anyway. |
my favorite: honda nx 250!
have been travelling tough roads with this extremely light, small and economic bike. algeria (hoggar south, b.o.d to illizi), south america (for example: uyuni to san pedro / pictures here) and morocco (taouz-mhamid etc.) - no problems so far... the small size of the bike gives you full control even in dangerous terrain. with a "white power" rear shock absorber you will be ready for any challenge, even with lots of stuff (the original absorber is the one weak part of the bike). the fuel comsumption of 3-3,5 l /100km saves a lot of money and logistics while travelling long and "dry" roads. the honda nx 250 is extremely reliable - my south american one is looking back on 110000 km. there has been no breakdown, no mechanical problem - nothing. this bike is cheap in germany (built until 95), and - because it is a favorite by women - usually in perfect condition. you will need the original 20kw for sandy deserts, most of the older ones have full power. one problem are the tires. the front one lasts about 35000km, so no problem here. but the rear one (120-90/16) is virtually not available in poorer countries. worse than that, life expectance of both available products adds to only about 10000km. so bring along two, if you're going a long way from home! with a bike like this i'm sure you will share my travel experience: half cost - double fun! good luck to everyone |
that's right I got a yumbo 200cc 6speeds dakar 200 ds bike with 1200 miles so far .and I would put it up with klr650's dr650's f650gs' all day.
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For me it would be an MZ ETZ250 or the later ETZ251. Tough, cheap, reliable, fully encased chain and above all fixable. Spent this morning with a mate thrashing a couple on and off road through the mountains of West Wales. Didn't miss a beat and when it came to fallen trees and tricky spots hey its a 250 2T so man handling is no problem. No, we went places they would have stopped big bikes in their tracks.
Stephen |
I agree on the 250! I drove a Yamaha XT 250 from Quito, Ecuador to the middle of Peru. My goal was Bolivia but a pig got in my way. Killed the pig, and the bike, and left me wobbling around Ayacucho, Peru for two weeks (best part of my trip). I reached local fame, "el gringo que mato el chancho". A friend, myth, legend, Jodi Thomas, rode a Yamaha 250 from Cochabamba, Bolivia around South America for over a year with only one rule, no asphalt. She hit a cow, broke a collar bone, but kept going.
Remember, beware farm animals, and any mechanical part can be made. Chris |
Hi
My friend and I do some travels on our bikes - MZ TS 250/1 ( 1979 ) and CZ 175 ( 1973 ) . We live in Poland, and so far we have been to Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Austria, Romania, Hungary. On such light bike ( cz - 110kg, mz - 130 kg ) we can reach many remote places, through mud, meadows... The trips are cheap as the vehicles take little fuel, we are not affraid of sleeping in a forest by the bikes as as for value they costt little. What is more, our speed is low - aobut 70, so we have the opportunity to see much from the saddle. greetings from Poland |
me!
http://motoebici.altervista.org From Italy to Nepal, From Italy to Cape Town on 250CC Nicolas http://motoebici.altervista.org |
I once rode a cb250 1000 miles From maimi flordia to tenn. Cool
------------------ THE ADVENTURE IS IN THE RIDE |
Modern 250 four strokes are well capable of doing large amounts of distance with good reliability, I had a Yam TTR 250 Raid, very good for overlanding - at a nice steady pace, leccy and kick start, H4 headlight, good sized rack, Acerbis do a 22 litre tank and its not too tall. I rode the thing all the time, around all of Europe and when I eventually sold it, I'd done 74,000 km on it with no major problems at all, and yeah maybe it takes a bit longer on a small capacity bike, but when you go fast you miss an awful lot of stuff, just pack light, ride slow and keep the few grand you saved from not buying a Paris Dakar replica in your back pocket. Gipper.
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I am riding a xr250l BAJA.. i just rode from Singapore cross Malaysia and then to the beautiful island of Ko Samui a few weeks ago.. people are skeptical about small bike for long distance,though the total journey was just about 3000km.. I wanted to prove my point. The bike was actually doing well throughout the whole trip, the fuel consumption, the engine.. everything, the only major complaint was the seat of the bike.. well Singapore is just a f***ing small island of just like 50 km apart, so we dont really feel uncomfortable on the samll and narrow seat, but after riding for 20 hours non stop.. tell me about it!!! I can swear to god that I got buttf**** by the seat a million times.! I went with one of my friend riding a 1988 xr250r, and we really curse and swear along the way!!! come to think of it, its really fun though, upon completion of the trip, the feeling was SWEET!! who need a 1000cc to travel far? perhaps i have not gone more then 3000km, but until now, i think a 250 will be nice.. and the best of all, we can hit off road when the tarmac is missing isn't it?
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Djebel 250
In 2002 I rode from Osaka, Japan to Barcelona on a used Suzuki Djebel 250. Took me 7months and went through all kinds of climates/terrains, through Russia, Mongolia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Europe proper. The bike was fantastic and reasonably comfortable to ride. Im 187cm and 80kgs.
The most important thing is to pack LIGHT. I had 27kgs of gear plus 2days food. In 3weeks time, my girlfriend and I are starting our Australia to Morocco trip, 2-up on a Honda CT110!!!! 18months together. Itll be slow but we will get there. If you can do it on a bicycle, you can do it on any motorbike. Just get on it and ride. |
Blogging on the way?
Quote:
Are you doing a blog? I would LOVE to keep up with your story. CT90/CT110 are such great bikes. Kind regards Nigel in NZ |
2-up on a CT110
Hey Nigel.
Just getting something together now. I like the idea of informing other people about whats happening but Im not too keen on the idea of a quote BLOG unquote. Im looking at other options like audio/video podcasts as an alternative but I may just be forced to go with blogger. Not much time left. Will post back here. Nathan Our bilingual Blog Faster-Than-Walking |
Small bike travel
Here is a link to a woman who traveled around and around the world on a 250 till it was worn out then bought a used 225 to ride from brazil thru the USA and on to Prudoe bay . When I asked her if whe was going to write a book or something she just said "oh this was nothing special" Help out this amazing individual if you have the opportunity - Page 7 - ADVrider
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My wife and I recently arrived in SA after crossing from London via Middl East and East Africa on two XR250's. We would swear by them as they are so light and easy to handle in all conditions. Bit slow for South African lunatic drivers though but in rest of Africa 80km/h is plenty.
My wifes did have problems which we think we inherited from the previous owner but it still made it all the way down to Cape town with it's knock. Mine purred all the way. Buya Ikhaya Charlie |
Insipiring!!! Can it be done through South America?
Wow, really inspirational reading. But having read other posts, itsoundslike motorway miles are not the best to do on a 250. My girlfriend and i want to go down to argentina from bolivia and we believe there will be a few hundred miles to cover, and therefore freeways, motorways e.t.c. Does this mean we should not get a 250? and if we should what precautions should we take?
Thanks Hubbers! |
Mongolia by 100cc 2 strokes
My brother and myself just recently did 4500km in Mongolia on Yamaha AG100's. For a country like Mongolia small bikes are ideal. Anyone interested can check out our experience at Matt and Al in Mongolia
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Just got a bilingual blog together. Faster-Than-Walking N |
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