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Escorted by a slower and less experienced 250 across Europe? Escorted by a slower and less experienced 250 across Europe?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 25 Apr 2012
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Escorted by a slower and less experienced 250 across Europe?
Hi Guys

My young lad is planning to come with me for part of my trip across to Australia from UK. I suspect he can escort me in Europe as far as Turkey then turning around to head north back to UK.

As he has only just about to obtain Californian licence which limits him to a 250, I wondered if this was really feasible. If so, what would be the best model to use.

Its all on tarmac.

A commuter like a CB250 perhaps or a sporty style with fairings etc like a ZZR250?

As I'm on bigger bike I'd need to be aware of the limitations of a 250 in speed, also experience of the rider.

As there are lots of wise and knowledgable people here I wondered what you thought?
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Old 25 Apr 2012
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Anything is feasible as long as you're willing to make compromises and adjust your expectations. Smaller bikes are generally less comfortable and you may have to settle for shorter days/distances. Your son might tire more quickly since he's not used to riding as much as you are. But those aren't good enough reasons to not do it IMHO.

I ride a BMW F650GS and have 28 years riding experience. My partner rides a Yamaha 250 Virago and has 2 years riding experience. While we've never done very long trips together we have gone on overnight trips, including a 4 day trip to the Horizons meeting in Nakusp when she only had a year of riding experience.

Of course I had to adapt to a much slower riding pace due to her lesser experience and her bike's lack of passing power on two lane highways. You just have to decide whether the compromises, mostly on your part, are something you're willing to live with.

I can't help with the choice of bike but I recommend choosing whatever he finds most comfortable/fun/thrilling ...whatever turns his crank :-)



...Michelle
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Old 25 Apr 2012
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Michelle always gives such solid, considerate, level-headed advice!

OP, I'm curious about this California license you mention. I'm not aware of any California license which limits anyone to a small bike. Are you sure about that part?

Mark
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Old 25 Apr 2012
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250 on long trip
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Michelle always gives such solid, considerate, level-headed advice!

OP, I'm curious about this California license you mention. I'm not aware of any California license which limits anyone to a small bike. Are you sure about that part?

Mark

Thanks Michelle. Much appreciated.

Mark, to be perfectly honest I'm not sure I haven't looked into it in detail, Im going on info from our lad. I might have to double check this as well.

Cheers
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Old 25 Apr 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by haggis View Post
I might have to double check this.....
Yup.

That aside, a beginning rider might not want a bike larger than 250 or so regardless: that's plenty big enough to get into all sorts of trouble.

Ergonomics are intensely personal--another reason for having him put on some miles before committing to a specific bike. Personally, an upright, touring posture works for me--I can't tolerate long distances on a sport bike. And again, that sportbike mode of fast acceleration and hard cornering might have survival implications for a new rider.

Good luck, Dad.

Mark
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Old 27 Apr 2012
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What is next?
The lad has youth on his side and any bike can do the job.
Important to also consider what happens after this trip. What will the bike be used for then.
Will he continue to use the bike on a daily basis or just weekends? Commute to work, tour or go bundu bashing? Therein lays the answer.
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Old 28 Apr 2012
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As far as I know there is not a cc restriction on a Californian licence. Any bike from 150cc and up is covered with a M2 endorsement. It is 150cc and less with a M1.
Motorcycles, Mopeds and Scooters Defined
and Motorized Vehicles
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Old 28 Apr 2012
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My experince of riding with less expeinced, slower or those on smaller engined bikes it to let them take the lead so that way they are the riding within them selves rather than trying to keep up.

thanks
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