 |
|
7 Jul 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
|
Small bikes, that I can get various of.
Hey there, (first post)
Been reading through the forum and haven't seen anything similar to my question so I'll just go ahead and ask it.
I'm currently planning for next summer. Have a vision of a mondo enduro/italian job (small vehicles which all match). In essence a team of brits riding small bikes, ... wearing union jack boxers, socks and sandals, and doing the unthinkable ... not sure if the fun of it is being conveyed but anyhoow... that's not for you to worry about.
 
I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a particular brand/model that i could get a bunch of (in the UK)... that are already used.
The trip is planned for roughly next summer, however, I need to know what bike to go for from the start. I've been looking at DR-Z 400 and WR450 F... but that's just looking at the technical data not having ridden either. Also from what I've seen, neither are plentiful in the used market.
Anyone with any bright ideas where I could get 3-5 similar bikes from?
Also recommendations, prefferably anything under 500cc and less than 150KG.
Cheers
|
8 Jul 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
|
|
 Hey Neil great topic.
Out of your 2 choices I would say the DRZ is better suited to a trip. easier to work on and a better all rounder. There are loads available on biketrader.
The WR is a good bike but more enduro focused and more likely to have been raced.
Try contacting some of the trail tour companies both UK and Europe as you may be able to score a good deal buying up there old stock.
There is loads of info on the drz other bikes to consider would be Honda XR 400 (not so great on road). Yam XT 600 (heavier but bulletproof). Yam TTR 250 is also a great bike but not as easy to come by as most owners know the secret.
whatever you decide on keep us all posted as I am looking forward to reading of your great adventure. 
|
8 Jul 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
|
|
This mini is my current commuter bike and it's awesome 
However I don't think you could get one in the UK...
Maybe try a few CT110's, they're very slow but cheap as chips and extremely reliable!
|
8 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
|
Cheers guys
Thanks for the feedback stuxtttr, very encouraging. PocketHead, not entirely sure I want to go for the CT110; We will covering quite a few different surfaces on our travels.
Been looking on the autotrader site (not exactly commendable but it's a start). I see that the Honda CRF 450 is quite plentiful, and looking at the specs on the bike I see it's dry weight is just over 100KG. Obviously, engine size, and overall weight aren't the be-all and end-all of my decision making. Anyone ever tried one?
Also by the looks of it, Aqualine Safari make oversize tanks for them.
Cheers for whatever you suggest. I'll take it all on board.
|
8 Jul 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
|
|
|
I would choose a DRZ over the CRF. I have enduro'd and trail ridden a DRZ400E for the last four years and it's been great. OK, it's too heavy to race competitively but it always finishes and that normally beats about 100 bikes in a four hour race.
It will go through a ford with water up to the petrol tank and if you throw it off a Welsh mountain it will lay at the bottom ticking over, waiting for you to pick it up.
Your quite welcome to test ride mine
|
8 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
|
Hey there Big Yellow Tractor, I went on a test ride today on an '04 S (with 12k miles on it). It handled fantastically, was in quite good condition despite a bit of rusting around the edges i flagged it up to the salesman aswell as the tyres, chain and sprockets and got it down to £2,350 from £2,600, after much umming and arring.. I tried £2k to start with and mildly worked it up.
He gave me the keys and half an hour and enough fuel to get me out into the sticks so I did... and I flung it over a cattle grid at 60+ mph and I hardly noticed it (except for it was raining and the rear slipped out a little). Lovely little bike. I need to speak to the others and see how they feel about it. To me, I'm sold.
Obviously, the seat is like a razor, which needs changing for our tour.
Do any mods to yours?
|
9 Jul 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neil
Thanks for the feedback stuxtttr, very encouraging. PocketHead, not entirely sure I want to go for the CT110; We will covering quite a few different surfaces on our travels.
Been looking on the autotrader site (not exactly commendable but it's a start). I see that the Honda CRF 450 is quite plentiful, and looking at the specs on the bike I see it's dry weight is just over 100KG. Obviously, engine size, and overall weight aren't the be-all and end-all of my decision making. Anyone ever tried one?
Also by the looks of it, Aqualine Safari make oversize tanks for them.
Cheers for whatever you suggest. I'll take it all on board.
|
CT110's can go anywhere, they are an amazing little bike built for riding on farms originally but if you're after something bigger then definitely the DRZ400, that crf450 would be a pain in the ass and more suited for racing.
|
9 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
|
|
|
Neil,
No touring mods as yet. Just green lane / race. i.e. bash-plate, rad guards, hand guards, renthalls, etc.
I did replace the cam-chain tensioner with the up-dated version as soon as I bought the bike. I think anything after 2003 is OK but I can check for you.
I'm in the proccess of designing and fabricating luggage rack at the moment. Might be able to sort you out in the near future.
Have fun with your Dr Zed.
|
9 Jul 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: North Herts, UK
Posts: 20
|
|
Hi,
How about the Yamaha Serow or the newer version with the 250cc engine, they seem a very capable machine. My son did another 6 hour stint on the offroad rideout at the hubb meet this weekend returning with the 2 other remaining riders on their DRZ400 and XR400.
Picture below from last years hubb meet with my son completing the rideout again in very boggy conditions
Regards
Robin
|
9 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
|
Hey Robin, thanks for the suggestion. I have heard good things about the Serow. My greatest concern is that the 250cc wont offer us enough power, we each weigh about 13 stone and plus our kit. I should go and take a serow for a ride before I dismiss the idea, but I have my doubts.
Cheers
|
9 Jul 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 66
|
|
|
If you're going to fly-the-flag it has to be CCM or Triumph. Which probably means CCM if you really have to have small capacity bikes.
|
9 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
Hey Bronze, I literally just got back ... not been back a week from my last tour, and rode a Tiger 955i around northern Europe and Scandinavia. It was the bike that let me down, I hated it.
I bought it for the trip (big mistake), and hated it throughout. It was too high, too heavy, too clumsy, too thirsty and in essence it made me feel like I was a 50-something trying to be a Ewan McGegor. The bike had no spirit/soul at all, and had no sense of adventure.
When I bought it, I was thinking, wave the flag and blah blah blah. To be honest a piece of cloth says it clearer than a lumox of a bike that was only made to "look" the part.
For the record Triumph have really gone down in my estimation of things. Although, in fairness it's a subjective thing. I'm sure there are plenty of Tiger riders that love them. Maybe I'm the wrong demographic to be owning one.
I'm more interested in Suzuki, or any other jap bike because wherever you go you'll be able to get parts for it without being some specialist.
[/rant]
I apologise for ranting, got a bit carried away. Anyone want to buy my triumph off me? 
|
10 Jul 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Darwin,
Posts: 4
|
|
I vote for the CT110 as well, if you can get them in the UK that is. They are used in Aus as a postal delivery bike.
There is a "Postie Bike" Challenge once a year in Australia:
Postie Bike Challenge - Home
They have some tips on doing long distances on this bike.
and also this trip report:
Charge Of The Midgets_Cape York Posties Pt.1 - AusTouring.com
I think they upgraded to a larger tank for this trip
|
10 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
|
toasthall after reading those links, I'm intruiged, and would do it. Although, not sure the others would be up for it. Not seen the CT110 for sale here but we have the c90 and the zoomer. Maybe when I get back next year after doing it on dr-z i may be more open minded.
I have every intention of keeping the route next year on B or C roads and not excessing 100km/h. We'll just have to see how it all goes.
|
10 Jul 2008
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
|
Hi Neil,
here's another vote for the Serow.
Just a quick question though, are you both going to be riding the bike or one each? If both then a Serow, or anything else under 400cc won't be much use. If you're having one each then the little Yam's are fabulous. Mine's passed 50,000 miles in just over 2 1/2 years, gets abuse trail riding, does serious mileages (yesterday was just over 900kms) and never lets me down. They weigh in at 129kgs, fully fuelled and are a joy to ride. Flat out they manage to break 80mph but are happiest whilst cruising at around 55-60mph, where they give 85-90mpg.
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
