Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Malaysia to Turkey, bike advice? Malaysia to Turkey, bike advice?
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



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By falcon9
  • 1 Post By yokesman

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Aug 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 32
Malaysia to Turkey, bike advice?
Sorry to repeat a thread I know has bed had countless times before...
I'm about to arrive in Malaysia to search for a bike to take me to Turkey, via south east Asia and the Stans.
I'm reading here and online, and many people are talking about bikes which have price tags way out of my league (KLM650, DR650). I'm probably looking for something about 250cc, for a price of around US$2000.
Problem is, being new to riding, I still don't know all the bikes which might be good options for me! I've just completed 3500 km on a Honda Megapro 150 in Sumatra with my pack strapped to the back, which went ok, but I'd prefer to be able to attach panniers and have confidence in a bit more power, as well as getting off-road. Something comfortable for the long rides for a tall (190 cm) bloke.
I know the trip can be completed on any sort of bike as long as I can put up with it, but I'd like to enjoy it!
What advice can you offer, what bikes might you recommend?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Aug 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,524
Theres a lot of 150 ccm bikes in Malaysia. Like Yamaha FZ 15 and Honda Cb 150. Should be well up to the task I belive. They got big tanks, around 12 litres which gives a huge range. Theyre solid and reliable. Dont know about shocks and seat comfort though. And they might not be ergonomically perfect for a 190 cm tall person.

Have seen Kawasakis Klx both 150 and 250 there. But you would need a better seat and and a bigger tank as a minimum for a longer trip with those bikes.

Can you get a Carnet for a bike bought in Malaysia then?
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 163
My wife n I rode our yamaha fz150 5000 km around Malaysia 2up,not a fast bike
we have our tickets for the first of next year to continue on to Viet Nam.
we added 3 givi bags fro $200 ,rebuilt the seat to level n widen it ,pulled the 3/4 inch peg rubbers n enjoyed it , the future change will be an adjustable rear shock n shift linkage. LEDS n outside temp n clock. Fun little bike that will pull the hills easily by dropping out of the wind,great little bike. $2600 OTD at 3.64/1.now over 4/1 US
Last edited by yokesman; 23 Aug 2015 at 19:01. Reason: additioal costs added
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Aug 2015
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Unfortunately I just sold my XR600R

You won't find any DR650 here I'm afraid, I'd have bought one if there were..

This is the main website for 2nd hand bikes here:

Malaysia's Largest Marketplace - Mudah.my

There's a couple of decent looking KLR650s for sale but priced at RM21-25k. They've been advertised for a while so you never know. They already have racks and panniers so you'd be good to go.

Also have a look at the CRF250L, I nearly bought one last week but went for something bigger. Priced around RM16-18k.
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 32
Well... I'm currently looking at the Keeway RKV200, Chinabike. Reviews sound positive for a Chinabike, and archiving in Malaysia and Thailand will be ok, but elsewhere? Hmm... If it's a Honda copy most things should fit?

Sent from my vivo Y15 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 163
power wise it is identical to the fz150i,quality wise it will not be anywhere as nice.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Aug 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,524
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
Unfortunately I just sold my XR600R

You won't find any DR650 here I'm afraid, I'd have bought one if there were..

This is the main website for 2nd hand bikes here:

Malaysia's Largest Marketplace - Mudah.my

There's a couple of decent looking KLR650s for sale but priced at RM21-25k. They've been advertised for a while so you never know. They already have racks and panniers so you'd be good to go.

Also have a look at the CRF250L, I nearly bought one last week but went for something bigger. Priced around RM16-18k.
If you can find a Honda Crf 250L there it would be my favorite. Although seat comfort would be a problem on longer trips, and the gas tank only holds 7,7 liters which gives a range of max 250 kms. Rear shock could also be better.

But they are much cheaper in Thailand, the last two second hand Crfs I saw for sale there was priced 80 k baht and 100 k baht - which is around 9-12 000 Ringits. And thus almost half the price compared to Malaysia.

But then again - its difficult if not impossible to get a Carnet in Thailand. Malaysia might be easier?
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Aug 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 32
The crf is too expensive for me sadly. I have (want) to buy in Malaysia for carnet and preferences. I'm in Singapore now.
The fz150 I know will be reliable, but I'm 6'3, and worry that it is too small for such a long period in the saddle.
The Keeway is higher, more upright and looks comfortable. It is also beautifully priced at $2000brand new, with side boxes and top box thrown in by the dealer, plus warranty and for as long as I'm in Malaysia (about two months 2000km).
If I had the cash I'd go one better, but this seems like a winner to me.
If I bought a second hand touring bike I'd feel confident in how it had been treated. For a second hand enduro in Malaysia...different story.

It doesn't set off alarm bells for you does it? Are you just advising caution?



Sent from my vivo Y15 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 163
I m 6-3 also,redid the seat n took off the peg rubbers,62 yo with back history n had no troubles,didnt even adjust the bars.
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ask a motorcycle thief bodii88 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 37 9 Oct 2020 12:25
Dave Lomax - Over Weight is Under Prepared ukiceman Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 33 11 Jul 2015 14:34
Truck or ride bike out Singapore to Malaysia zalderman West and South Asia 1 2 Jan 2014 22:08
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 01:50.

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