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!)

I think it's a decent idea. I would though use spoked wheels not cast as found on some motards, have the suspension set up on the soft side and take an extra front cog to lower the gearing if the going got tough. Also tyre choice for the off road stuff would be restricted although only a real problem in heavy mud.
Good luck with the trip.

it seems it has been don already

http://www.moto-mundo.com/resizeimag...1994.jpg&x=503

When you do go, dont forget to take pics and post them here.
I like the idea of going by motard.........in a crazy kinda way