Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Possible machines. UK-OZ/NZ Possible machines. UK-OZ/NZ
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 15 Jul 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 10
Possible machines. UK-OZ/NZ
There is so much useful info on this website and having been to the HUBB event on the Saturday I have some ideas for an overland travel machine.

Lightweight.
Good fuel mileage of at least 80MPG.
Reliable.
Simple to maintain/service.
Same size wheels.
Sensible purchase price as new.

So I am looking at these:-

Royal Enfield Trial (modern petrol engine)
Sommer Hatz Diesel (based on Royal Enfield and runs on most fuels and good MPG)
Ural Solo T

Then there are the more modern Agricultural Bikes available in Australia (and here as SVA) from Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki but unsure how these would fare on long distance travel.

Advice welcome.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jul 2012
Crappybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 35
XT 660Z TENERE...cheap in the UK and one of this best long distance overland bikes on the market....albiet with a few mods
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Jul 2012
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
I can't remeber his name but a young guy from here in NZ rode a Suzuki DF200 Trojan farm bike from Cape Town to London, and highly recommended the bike. Factory fitted front and rear carriers, side stand both sides, handlebar protectors. Large tank. It's a very good small travel bike.

Cheers

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 10
Which Bikes?
Thanks. I have been told the modern Ural (2x2) worth a look but unsure if reliable and with a sidecar attached then limits where one can go to explore?

AG bikes I am told the Yamaha 100/200 were designed from the start to use hard in work unlike alternatives which are conversions of trail bikes.

Honda do a low cost/lightweight CT110AG but would it make the overland ride?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Aug 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 10
Overland Bikes
Been suggested looking at a Suzuki Van Van as cheap to purchase good MPG and basic machine.

We looked at a Yamaha Tenere but the wife could not reach the ground when on the main seat
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Did that route two-up on a DL650. Would I go with a VanVan? Well, if there really was no other choice then yes, I might... but NOT two-up!

Remember, the roads (at least the main roads) are not that bad between Europe and Oz, in fact they are quite good in many countries. So while I understand the MPG thing, sometimes it would be nice to at least somehow keep up with the crazy bus & truck drivers, rather than have them pass you all the time, leaving a safety margin as thick as a rat´s pubic hair.
Last edited by pecha72; 13 Aug 2012 at 20:20.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 90
Hi Woodsman

The bike choice is your easiest answer to all the issues you'll be up against!! C90, Ag bike, Van Van, Tenere, R1, Harley?????? Just do it

We did, but in the other direction on a DR650 & XT250

Don't get hung up on which bike, jsut go and love every mniute of it

Good luck
__________________
www.wollongongtowoolwich.co.uk
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
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 01:13.

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