Motard RTW?
I posted this on the equipment section, maybe this site will give more input.
Presently I’m preparing for a RTW trip late next year. I’m writing to get some input on an idea.
I’m contemplating on making my next motorcycle a supermotard setup (two 17 inch rims vs. 21/18 inch).
The following advantages going ‘Motard’ are
-Better highway performance
-Lighter, more compact. (If your carrying a spare set, you can slip the front tire into the rear)
-Easier to replace tires
-More maneuverable
-More comfort/lower center of balance
Disadvantages
-Rougher ride on washboard
-Difficulty handling mud
The reason I thought about going motard’ was meeting Sjaak Lucassen in Ulan Bator, Mongolia this past summer. He was a great source of information and ideas. Mostly that you do not need the ‘hardcore’ off road machine to tackle a RTW trip. Maybe a R1 Yamaha is a bit of an extreme, but I don’t think one needs an enduro setup. Unless your planning on riding single track or extensive desert riding, I don’t think a 21/18 is necessary.
My trip last summer I took Suzuki DRZ400s thru Siberia, and Mongolia. Of the 9,000 miles we did, 3,000 miles of dirt. It would have been easily done with a motard’ setup. Maybe some areas would have been a bit slower, but overall, I feel very doable on 17” rims.
Again, Many thanks for taking time to read this post
Joe
Hilo, Hawaii
E’ Hui Hou
(Till next time!)
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