Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
London to NZ bike , £1500, some rough roads and no idea London to NZ bike , £1500, some rough roads and no idea
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 30 Apr 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 24
London to NZ bike , £1500, some rough roads and no idea
Hi all
I have tried reading through the info on these boards but as i dont know much about bikes myself it doesnt mean much to me.
Two friends and myself are riding london to NZ next year and are about to start looking for bikes. Our budget is about £1500 each for the bikes including any modifications and extras but not including protective gear. We will be on some rough roads but also spend some time on highways, we wont be doing many big days riding but would still like semi comfortable bikes. We are looking around the 500 - 600cc range.
Any suggestions or personal experiences with bikes that would fit this kind of trip would be greatly appreciated so i can narrow my seach.

Thanks everyone
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Apr 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Your budget seems a little low if it's to include all modifications as well? Some people spend that on luggage alone.

You might do it if you're competent at making or modifying parts yourself & have access to a good selection of tools.

I hope I don't come across as pessimistic? Have you checked out the cost, new & second hand, of luggage, larger fuel tanks, decent suspension, overhauling & servicing the bike etc?

Good luck

Steve
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Apr 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
You should probably pool your money and go round some dealers and say you want a good deal as you're buying three bikes. This might get you some money off.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 May 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 24
Yeah we will be able to do all the work on the bikes ourselves and through some contacts i can get any tools i need.

[This message has been edited by ryanclark11 (edited 30 April 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 May 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 54
I think one of the best bikes you can pick up for your budget is the Yamaha Diversion 600. There are some low mileage examples often advetised in MCN.

The Suzuki GS500 is another bike which can be cheap to buy used, as is the Yamaha Virago 535 - which has shaft drive.

With all these bikes you get a simple but very solid engine, easy to service as there are no rads and plumbing - less to go wrong.

Of the three I say try to get a Divvy. Quite a few of these were bought by the 'born agains' as their first 'big' bike, so if you can find one which has been used little by a mature owner, you are onto a winner!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 May 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Personally I'd go for the GS500. Slightly cheaper, v.important bearing in much your budget. Also, the GS has screw & locknut tappets for adjusting the valve clearances, something that can be done by the side of the road wirh minimal tools - this is just a personal preference of mine.

Steve
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 May 2004
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
I'd go for the GS500 too. They have been around for a very long time, having evolved from the GS400-GS425-GS450 first made about 1978. They have plenty of power for the trip you are planning ( in fact more than you will need, see my posting in the Suzuki section about our experiences with many travelers and bikes http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000016.html and also the "Do it on a 250cc" topic in this section.) They are still being made (and sold here in NZ), they are air cooled to water pump seals etc are no worries, they are cheap but most importand of all, they are light. You will love them when you are pushing them into that guesthouse hallway in Kathmandu. But last of all and most important of all, make sure you are all riding the SAME TYPE OF BIKE. I can't stress this enough. Not just for the spare parts, but for diagnostics and ease of repair. We have had travelers stay with us half way thru their world trip who have sent one bike back home and bought another bike in NZ to match. It really is that important, and the more bikes you are traveling with the more important it is. Finally, be sure to drop by and visit with us when you get here!
Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

--"Have you hugged your bike today?"--
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 May 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 24
Ok, after a bit more research i do realise this is a little on the low side, i like the sound of the diversion, can anyone give me a ball park figure on what their bikes cost to get ready for there trip(doing it on the cheap) after the purchase of the bike, from what i can see £1200 - 1300 should get me a tidy recent bike to start with.
Do the parts taken off the bike, fuel tank, shock etc do anything for offseting the cost of the new parts?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 May 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
If you buy a good Jap bike cheap..but well kept, you shouldnt have to do anything other than give it a service and carry some spares. (levers, cables etc.)

I have seen panniers made from large plastic containers with screw on lids..the things bulk dog food is sold in. They were bolted to a simple rack, two each side, water proof and about 10 dollars to make. They were locked with a padlock through the lid.

You shouldnt need an extra large tank for your route. Its only in south western Pakistan that I've heard of fuel scarcity. Its easy to buy a Jerry can in Iran for that leg then toss it when youve finished. Strap your spare tyres over the back seat with an Okey strap.

cheers
alec

http://users.netlink.com.au/~asimpson

__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 May 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
looked at a dominator (honda) easy ish if you have little experience and are commo0n all over as thy have been around for years. not much would need to be modified either. stick a backpack on the back and off you go. another thing is they have a bit of ability on rough ground and you can pick a half decent one up for £1500.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 May 2004
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
i agree with martyn. get a jap bike like a dommie, strap a couple of bags on the back and go. the ride through asia is technically easy. you definitely do NOT need a 1200gs, with gps, touratech goodies etc. some people think they do, but their budget allows them to prop up the bmw share price.

you'll need a carnet de passage. this is based on the value of the bike. 400% (for india) of 1000 quid is a great deal less than 400% of 15k.

every mechanic everywhere can fix a japanese single with a carburettor, be it 125 cc or 600cc.
my grain of salt.
cheers
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 May 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 24
thanks, all this info is helping heaps, i am swinging towards the Diversion as it looks like a bike i could use once i get home.

Is there any problems i should look out for when buying one of these?

What is everyones thoughts on changing the shocks, worth doing? and i am probably looking at making my own luggage. is it worth going with the hard or will packs and racks to attach them to work?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 May 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
For another alternative take a look at Rich and Lisas set up..they have a blogg on this site. They have back packs that sit either side.
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
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 10:17.

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