![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Nara city,Nara pref.,Japan
Posts: 4
|
|
DR650 or Freewind or R1150GS ?
Hello.I'm an R1150GS user in Japan.I'm planning trans-Asia from Japan to Europe through Russia.It's solo trip. I selected DR650,Freewind,R1150GS as that motorcycle.Which one is the best ? I think R1150GS is too heavy to ride it on rough road.DR650 will be the best choice for rough road,but I think Freewind is more better for long trip.Please tell me your opinion.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2003
|
![Grant Johnson's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10401_1.gif) |
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,266
|
|
Hi Kenji, welcome to the HUBB!
I think you're right on in your thinking, also there is not much off-road on your route - unless you choose it. Any modern 650 single will do the trip just fine, and not be too much work on the rougher roads.
Browse the threads in this forum, you'll find a huge amount of information, and opinions, on what is the best bike for any kind of a trip.
You probably could ride the 1150GS on the trip - but if you're small it's a lot of work and very difficult to pick up loaded (even for a big guy it's really tough!).
See Greg Fraziers (under travellers' stories on the menu on the left) story on riding across Russia. There are also links on the links page about similar trips. Search for Bike Brothers - Udo Lamers and his brother did it on DR650's.
Keep us posted on how your trip goes, so we can put it in the ezine!
------------------
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Nara city,Nara pref.,Japan
Posts: 4
|
|
Thank you very much,Mr.Johnson.I'm grateful for your reply.
I'm 166cm tall,not big guy.R1150GS is a good motorccle for long trip,but it will be very hard to ride it in any cases.I'll purchase DR650 or Freewind.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2003
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 185
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by kenji:
I'm 166cm tall,not big guy.R1150GS is a good motorccle for long trip,but it will be very hard to ride it in any cases.I'll purchase DR650 or Freewind.
|
Another bike worth considering is the Honda SLR650 - my partner was looking at the Freewind and opted for this instead - again small in stature meaning she can get comfy on the SLR. Being essentiallly a Dominator engine you know the reliability will be good.
Hope this help, Tony.
__________________
Tony Robson
I'll try anything once, twice if it didn't kill me!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2003
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Venezuela
Posts: 35
|
|
Ok, I am living in Bolivia and rode around on my Africa Twin all South America. My wife with short legs got a F 650 GS BMW.
So here is our experience:
The Honda was always fine. But when I needed help the Honda dealer was around. When my gas pump broke (typical for Ats) I received in Brasil (Vacaria - thanks guys) directly a new one from the Shadow shopper (which was standing brandnew in the shop), as there is no AT sold in Brasil.
The BMW has a black box motor. You want to find a BMW dealer with the computer to find out your problem? Good luck! We had a breakdown in Brasil. We transported the bike 2000km south to Rio. BMW Rio de Janeiro needed 5 days (!!!) to receive a tool from Sao Paulo, to open the engine!
We lost 15 days in Rio because they did not want to repair but to change the parts. We got a repair, when I brought the parts to Suzuki and asked "Can you repair?" "Sure!" - and the Suzuki price was 1000Reales - BMW needed 2500Reales!
So here is my advice:
NEVER EVER think about going on a BMW, when you want to leave the town!
Go Honda or Suzuki - I mean it!
Frank
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Nara city,Nara pref.,Japan
Posts: 4
|
|
Tony,and Frank,Thank you very much for your reply.
Tony,I didn't know SLR650.Because it's made in Spain-Honda, I've never seen it in Japan!But I think about it.Thank you for your information.
Frank,your experience is very interesting!I'll leave my BMW as your advice.Thanks a lot.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Nara city,Nara pref.,Japan
Posts: 4
|
|
I said,"I'll purchase DR650 or Freewind. " But I changed my mind.I will take R1150GS for the next trip! Because I like that motorcycle very much.I think trans-Russia road is almost paved,it will be no problem.I know what Frank means.I will take care of maintenance.If the motorcycle is broken,I will carry it to Moscow by the train!
Anyway,thanks a lot for your advice.
|
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)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
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!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|