Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Escorted by a slower and less experienced 250 across Europe? Escorted by a slower and less experienced 250 across Europe?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By haggis

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Perth West Australia
Posts: 151
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?
__________________
Steven
Perth to Peru 2014 | Perth to Perth 2012
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Apr 2012
Scrabblebiker's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 343
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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Apr 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,958
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Perth West Australia
Posts: 151
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
__________________
Steven
Perth to Peru 2014 | Perth to Perth 2012
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Apr 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,958
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
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Apr 2012
JHMM's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cape Town - South Africa
Posts: 114
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.
__________________
To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Apr 2012
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
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
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Apr 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
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
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top