Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Reliable, simple, cheap. Which bike? Reliable, simple, cheap. Which 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 3 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 42
Reliable, simple, cheap. Which bike?
I'm having real trouble picking a trans africa bike. The priorities are reliability first and foremost (Hondas have a good rep but what about newer XT600s - are they as good as the old Teneres? - and how reliable are DR650s and KLRs?)

Next it has to be simple and easy to work on so does this realistically rule out water cooled bikes? I have an old Tenere now which I find really easy to work on and bodge as required but I'm rubbish technically if i'm honest.

I think KLRs, XTs and DRs are cheaper but is that due to lower build quality and lower reliability?

Am I right to be wary of BMWs? They seem expensive, heavy and difficult to sort out when they go wrong- which they seem to do too much for my liking. So many people seem to love them so are they a viable option?

My current Tenere is just too old and knackered for the job. All musings are very much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Aug 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
depends if your going off road a lot. And then how hard off road. XR600 or the L version with dommie engine, if your going mad but if you doing/planning a bit more gentle going I'd choose a dommie as there still OK off road and give you a far better ride there and back to the hard stuff and won't give you monkey but so soon. Only problem with dommies are the fuel range but a few cans on the back won't irritate you too much.

BMW's, I love em but just too expensive to ditch and there fairly old now and can't compete with newer bikes. still good for parts and easy to fix though well if you know what your doing.

personaly if I had a tenere I go on it as you know the bike, if not then buy a honda.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 42
Thanks for the input. I don't reckon too much off roading but if I can get through DRC then I will and the roads there can be really bad. Anyone have any thoughts on a Trans-Alp? They just look like an out and out road bike to me. I'm not sure it would take such a hammering too well but they are cheap and they are Honda.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 26
The KLR is going to be very reliable and most likely your cheapest option as long as you buy one that is either new (or hasn't been too abused) and you don't overload it with too much stuff (see postings about the frame breaking under KLR forum).

I put 19,000 mile on my 2003 through a dozen countries and had minimal problems (a few bolts shook off here and there, but other than that, the bike was bomber). You're gonna want to upgrade a few key components on the bike but once that's done you'll have a reliable RTW travelin bike.

Regards, Steve


Bikers Without Borders
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Aug 2004
MJC MJC is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 48
Hiya,

In Namibia, just come down from London on my XR650L, for me it was perfect, I love my offroading and the suspension alone will come into its own there, only thing with going for twins is the weight, in africa the lighter the bike the better, I put a sheepskin rug on my seat which helps but you butt still feels the pain but thats only on the boring tar roads. Its been easy to work on, reliable and its simple, did everything and more that i asked of it.

safe travels
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Aug 2004
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
Ditto.
Sheepskin from Ikea.
Watch the valves!



Quote:
Originally posted by MJC:
Hiya,

In Namibia, just come down from London on my XR650L, for me it was perfect, I love my offroading and the suspension alone will come into its own there, only thing with going for twins is the weight, in africa the lighter the bike the better, I put a sheepskin rug on my seat which helps but you butt still feels the pain but thats only on the boring tar roads. Its been easy to work on, reliable and its simple, did everything and more that i asked of it.

safe travels


------------------
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 54
You could consider the Suzuki GS500E, too. New ones cost around £2.800 and you have a very strong, simple engine which is air cooled, too.
One of the few bikes you can service with a Swiss Army knife. Well, almost.....

The bad points are it corrodes overnight in damp ( maybe not a worry? ) and the forks could do with stiffer springs ( about £50 ).

You may find this bike much more comfortable on long runs, and it gives between 60-75+ mpg.

I always recommend you take an off-roader on a long ride before making your mind up. Many riders bring them back to our shop after half an hour screaming in agony. The riding position can put pressure on your coccyx ( I think it's called! )and believe me, this will stop you.

Of course, not everybody finds this - you just don't want to finf this out a mile from Dover on your dream trip!!
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 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 07:38.

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