Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Suzuki DR's for RTW.... Advice? Suzuki DR's for RTW.... Advice?
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 Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jun 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
Post Suzuki DR's for RTW.... Advice?
After a bit of a non-starter about a year ago, my savings for a RTW trip are now getting somewhere.
I've umm'd and ahhh'd about bikes for a long time, and looked at all sorts of things. Thought an F650 was the way forward, and changed my mind in favour of a smaller, more trail type machine.

I accept that there is no perfect bike for this, generally it's either it's too heavy, or not powerful/strong enough.

I'm now looking at a suzuki DR, but I don't know much about them. I took a 650 accross Canada very soon after passing my bike test, and it was great for that trip.

Is the new (ish) DRZ400 a viable option, anyone know anything about these? Otherwise I'm cut between the 350 and 650. Dual start is appealing, as it light weight, and reliability.

The trip is accross from UK to Eastern Russia, then from Alaska to Argentina. Possibly then up through Africa. Two people, one female. Both want the same bike.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jun 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
. A very relaxed riding experience on a long days ride.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 05:08.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Jun 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
It's good that you're planning to use two of the same bike, very smart.
Buy 2 DRs several months or more before your trip starts and put some miles on them. Become comfortable with the maintenance, minimal as it is. Make a decision on what gearing (sprockets) you will use, although you can easily carry and change an extra front sprocket. Load the bikes and go on some short trips. In other words, know your mounts before you leave.

1,000 yards of Hell can be a lot worse than 10,000 miles of uncomfortable highway.

Personally, I don't like hard luggage for off road use.
You'll need seats, larger fuel tanks, possible spring upgrades (she may not), handguards, maybe wind screens (very personal things), and rear racks.

Add an inline fuel filter. Not the little 'stone' thing, but a real paper filter.

If money isn't a stopper, you could go to 18" rear rims as 18" rear tires are more available in some places you plan to travel.

IMO, the most important thing might be beoming very familiar with your bikes before departing on your 'big one'.

If money wasn't a limiting factor in my choice of bike for RTW trips, I would suggest....the Suzuki DR650.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Jun 2007
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
go for the DRZ 400 ... loads of aftermarket bits available, and it must one of the most widely available bikes in the world. If you walk into a motorcycle dealer in Bolivia or Kazakhstan or anywhere else like that, there will be brand new DRZs on the shop floor.

I also prefer the water cooled engine for big trips ... when you are riding in conditions from -5 degrees to +45 degrees (as you will) then its good to keep the engine at a steady temperature. Austin Vince swears by his simpler air cooled DR350 theory, but then again he has to rebuild his engine 5 times every trip.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Jun 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Both are great bikes, ride
'em and decide.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 05:09.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Jun 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
Thanks for advice
Thank you for your input folks. I think what I'll do is get a 650, and give it a bit of abuse for a few months here in England as a trial period.

I'm a pretty keen off-road rider, but as Charlotte (the girl I'm travelling with for much of the trip) is not, I think the important thing will be getting ability to get from A to B, as apposed to racing around Baja or Mongolia.

I think that the 650 is certainly the best bike in terms of comfort and load carrying, but I'm not sure how easy it will be for her to ride through the more technical bits? Practice is the key I suppose.

I've been looking at panniers, and come to the decision that I'll build my own. All the good ones are frighteningly expensive.
The ones I’m most keen on are made by a bloke in England called Vern, who sells them via a website ::::.ProjectVND.com.:::: and he’s kindly offered some help with this.

Thanks again with the advice, I’ll keep you posted with my progress.
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
A Suzuki Savage in Europe? Need advice! Thomson Which Bike? 6 20 Apr 2007 00:15
A bit of basic advice about tracks... Sly-Fox Australia / New Zealand 5 25 Oct 2006 03:07
africa route advice please (border crossings) deebee Route Planning 8 29 May 2006 22:11
Vancouver suzuki mechanic Dean Cloutier North America 1 17 Jul 2004 08:46

 
 

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
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 07:55.

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