Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
India. Big bikes - Short people and GT550's India. Big bikes - Short people and GT550's
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jul 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Shrewsbury, UK
Posts: 41
India. Big bikes - Short people and GT550's
Hey all this seems to be the most popular area on here. I can see why with some many bikes to choose from and so many considerations. I've been riding for a number of years though unfortunately (haven't been able to in the last 2 years (23 started at 16 on an MT50). Anyway, i'm kinda a short ass probably about 5"7-5"8. Sports bikes I dont have a problem with but I'm kinda wandering about the long haul enduro kind of bikes.

Planning on going to India next year (hopefully by motorcycle). On a bit of a tight budget. So I'm either gonna fly there, buy a 2nd hand enfield and ride that back to the UK or ride there and back.

Thinking that a GT550 might be suitable or something similar. If not and I decide to go for something like an XT or DR how will I find the height. I dont know anyone thats got anything like that so I can have a go on it. Though I might try and blag a go on my mates DT200

Any problems with riding a GT550 to India?

Final destination will be Dharmasala in North India.

Any advice would be appreciated

Regards

Hutch
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jul 2006
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
No worries - much more comforable than a trailie.

Have a nice trip!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jul 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
doesn't the GT550 have poor (air damped) rear shocks, and cast wheels? mine did. there was a thread about them on here ages ago, try a search.

you could probably get a cheap UK enfield, and ride it to India. I expect at a similar price to a GT550. of the two I'd take the enfield (having ridden both lots).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jul 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Shrewsbury, UK
Posts: 41
Hey doug and parkie.

Thanks for your replies.
Yes the bike does have naff shocks, I was thinking I might be able uprate them. Cast wheels yes, will this be such a problem? (Can always bend them back no?)

The Enfields in this country are still quite expensive compared to the GT550 prices. I'm on a tight budget. Did think about flying over and riding back on an Enfield assuming theres no hidden charges and such.

The trip wont be for another 6-9 months yet so I've got a little time to decide which bike to use. Also I wander if the Enfields lack of power may be problem....

Any other bike suggestions would be appreciated. Thought about a DR650 but have heard bad things about reliability...

Bike budget is definately no more than £1000! (preferably less)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Jul 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Shrewsbury, UK
Posts: 41
Hey doug and parkie.

Thanks for your replies.
Yes the bike does have naff shocks, I was thinking I might be able uprate them. Cast wheels yes, will this be such a problem? (Can always bend them back no?)

The Enfields in this country are still quite expensive compared to the GT550 prices. I'm on a tight budget. Did think about flying over and riding back on an Enfield assuming theres no hidden charges and such.

The trip wont be for another 6-9 months yet so I've got a little time to decide which bike to use. Also I wander if the Enfields lack of power may be problem....

(btw, if anyone knows anything about enfields, do you know if all models produced after some time this century 2001 maybe have the gears and brakes right way round. Or is it only models produced for the UK market i.e. not imports)

Any other bike suggestions would be appreciated. Thought about a DR650 but have heard bad things about reliability...

Bike budget is definately no more than £1000! (preferably much less)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Jul 2006
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Having owned and travelled with Bullets twice I wouldn't dream of riding one that far, however plenty of people have - it's very much a personal choice as to what you feel most comfortable with.

You can stick to pretty much sealed roads all the way to India so don't really need a trailie, however the 'seal' is often in dire condition - broken, potholes, large humps, etc, so you want something that can take a bit of a beating...

You will be covering plenty of miles though so to my mind comfort is a prerequisite..

I wouldn't be too concerned about cast wheels - My TDM has them and has never caused me grief. Plus it has the upside that you can run tubleless tyres with Slime or Ultraseal in them and not have to deal with punctures.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Jul 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Otago, New Zealand
Posts: 63
Hi Parkie

Your comments on Slime interest me - have you used it and if so, how do you rate it ?
I like the idea of pro-actively avoiding punctures.
Also, do I take it that you can't use it in spoked wheels ?
Cheers
Howie
__________________
Howie
V-strom 650, Transalp 650, DR-Z250
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Jul 2006
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Slime
Slime is magic stuff.

Used it riding from UK - NZ and only had 1 puncture it did not deal with - a 1cm square steel rod that I picked up in Delhi.

When I changed my tyre in Bangkok I counted 9 nails in it yet no puncture thanks to the Slime.

They also do a tubeless variety but haven't tried it so don't know if it works as well...

Do a searh on Slime & Ultraseal - there are a few threads on the gunk.
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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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. 11-14
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 10:48.

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