Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
overland bike? overland bike?
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 2 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: stafford
Posts: 3
overland bike?
Hi folks

im new to the forum but have been riding gs's for 10 years. is there
a specific company in the uk that builds or modify s motorbikes for overlanding?



thanks

steve
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jun 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
There are a few overland prep specialists (try Matt Savage). There are also a bunch of people that would probably be willing to help you out for a nominal fee. I personally like real ale, hint!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Depending on where you want to go, if you already have a GS of some sort you already have a bike to go there on with little or no modification apart from luggage and perhaps a bash plate if not already fitted.
I use an almost standard R80GS with aluminium panniers, some say the original ones are fine, and it has taken me to many parts of the world, your money is better spent on petrol, campsites and hotels.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2011
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley View Post
Depending on where you want to go, if you already have a GS of some sort you already have a bike to go there on with little or no modification ...
+1
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Jun 2011
discoenduro's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 132
'Touring Ted' is always on the HUBB and he's recently started offering his overlanding mechanical nouse for a fee.
Personally I've used David Lambeth in Lincolnshire and can recommend him.
Adios
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: stafford
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by crusader View Post
Hi folks

im new to the forum but have been riding gs's for 10 years. is there
a specific company in the uk that builds or modify s motorbikes for overlanding?



thanks

steve

Because im thinking of starting one im going to start with smaller lighter bikes like the suzuki drz400 , kawasaki klrs and the yamaha xt upgrading frame work and making luggage frames etc i just wanted to know if there is a gap in the market for this kind of service.


stephen
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: worcestershire,uk
Posts: 150
Mate you're not far from me in Worcestershire so I'll pop up in the future if you are making simple one-off frames to keep soft panniers away from disappearing into wheels and exhausts
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: stafford
Posts: 3
No probs mate that's the kind of stuff I'll be doing
I'm going to try and develop a pannier frame for use with
Kriega bags



Stephen
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 Jun 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by discoenduro View Post
'Touring Ted' is always on the HUBB and he's recently started offering his overlanding mechanical nouse for a fee.
Personally I've used David Lambeth in Lincolnshire and can recommend him.
Adios
I did ?? lol..

I'll always help where I can... I've not been paid yet though. I'm just too soft.


I guess it depends what kind of work that needs doing. There is so much "off the shelf" gear available now, it's really hard for anyone to make a sole living off prepping bikes.

By the time you've bought the materials and paid someone for their time (even if they're cheap), you're not far off from buying it off the net.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 Jun 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by crusader View Post
Because im thinking of starting one im going to start with smaller lighter bikes like the suzuki drz400 , kawasaki klrs and the yamaha xt upgrading frame work and making luggage frames etc i just wanted to know if there is a gap in the market for this kind of service.


stephen
Thought about that myself too.. Many have.

Unless you already own a workshop, have a load of welding, bending gear, presses, spraying etc etc etc. (and more importantly know how to use it... ) then I really don't think it's worth your time and money.

I have a rather tasty workshop already but to even pay for the extra equipment to start fabricating stuff, i'd have to charge more than factory built stuff and probably not be as tidy..

Plus, if you want to build stuff for a DRZ, you're really going to need one in your workshop, same with the XT.. How many bikes can you afford or have access to ?

I've got loads of good ideas of things that would sell, but I just don't think I could sell enough to make it worth my effort. It's a nice hobby though.

Good luck to you bud...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
I've spent months setting up my motorbikes for RTW, but guess where all that stuff ended up? In the bin, because when I started learning to ride off road I found all that crap added weight. Weight is evil and doesn't improve your skills at all. Steepens the learning curve as well. All you need is a bike with decent suspension which isn't a DIY job, good hand guards and bash plate which is easy as pie. No need for racks with soft luggage anymore if you can keep your gear requirements down. Saves you buckets of money too.

I'd suggest getting a DR650 (or DRZ but this sucks on the road. I've got one), pay someone reputable to setup the suspension for your weight +40kg (DR650 only) and just hit the trails. Fall, skid, get up and keep going. Get a larger tank over the second few months. It's a good alround learner bike and average and capable at everything.

Spend the money on top range gear like cross fire boots and body armour. Wish I did.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
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
LC4 Overland bike Peak KTM Tech 11 10 Apr 2010 03:22
Trailer to tow behind overland bike... Baron Bolton Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 20 9 Feb 2010 12:29
F 650 Overland Bike???? What to do ???? El Aleman - Jens BMW Tech 3 16 May 2006 22:44
DR 750 as an overland bike rowey007 Suzuki Tech 4 29 Jun 2005 15:30
KTM Overland Bike Check JNTaylor KTM Tech 1 22 Sep 2001 18:25

 
 

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 01:42.

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