 |

15 Oct 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 19
|
|
London to Capetown - Bike for a big boy!
Hi all..
First post on HUBB!
Looking at completing a 9 month trip from London to Capetown in mid 2016 and have begun some prep work for the adventure - however I require some much needed advice….
I am a 6' 4, 17stone rugby playing lad and am having major difficulties sourcing the right bike for my frame.
The three bikes in mind at the moment are:
DR 350
DR 650
XR 400
Obviously each has there own pro's and con's. My budget for the trip will be extremely tight, which makes me veer more to the 350 for financial reasons, however the 650 will provide the required 'umph' and power for my weight. I would prefer a lighter bike for the obvious off-roading element of Africa however Im worried a 350 might not suffice for functioning ideally with the weight of myself and luggage. Same issue with the xr400..
Any comments, advice or plain criticism would be much appreciated! Thanks
James
|

15 Oct 2014
|
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
|
|
have you seen Long Way Down movie? same trip you're planning they did in about 3 months or so on bmw 1200GS  Have a look also at yamaha xt660z
should be good for your height, it's very tall bike and not expensive. I think you should not go (I wouldn't) with anything less then 600cc.
|

15 Oct 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 19
|
|
Fantastic series! Just finished watching it again actually.
Thanks - will check out the yamaha! I agree.. I think anything less than a 600 might just not hack it.
James
|

16 Oct 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 80
|
|
G'day James,
My 660 Tenere will be back in the UK mid Oct after just completing a UK to Magadan trip. It's too tall for me and that's why I'm going to be selling it. I need to service it and change the chain and tyres, but apart from that it's ready to go. Let me know if you are interested and I'll PM you with some more details.
If you want to know what it looks like check out the blog below.
Chris
|

16 Oct 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 19
|
|
Hi Chris,
Thanks for getting in touch. Your travels looks incredible - brilliant blog! Definitely considering the 660 tenere, however unsure as to when I will be purchasing one.. Some specs and details would be great however, if you're willing to PM me. Thanks again Chris.
Regards
James
|

17 Oct 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 80
|
|
Hi James,
Sent you a PM
Chris.
|
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)

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
|
|