Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Ultralight 'adv' bikes Ultralight 'adv' bikes
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



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Nov 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,991
Ultralight 'adv' bikes
from 57kg / 600km

Just the job for hardcore Siberia or Darien, I reckon.

FX Bikes Mountain Moto World’s Lightest Motorcycles 125lb 125cc 125mpg

Ch
Attached Thumbnails
Ultralight 'adv' bikes-fx-4-army-green.jpg  

Last edited by Chris Scott; 23 Nov 2012 at 09:36. Reason: added photo
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Derby, UK
Posts: 119
Haha. I was toying a while back with the idea of sticking a Cub pattern engine into a custom chassis with proper off-road bike levels of travel and ground clearance as a minimalist overland bike. Looks like someone did more than just toy with it
__________________
dashmoto.net
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Trials?
Looking at the pictures, I am reminded of specialist trials bikes, but with a higher seat.

Sherco, sherpa et al, come to mind but they carry nothing but a rider and a few spares/tools.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Nov 2012
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
It reminds me a lot of the, sadly never made, Derbi DH 2.0, although the Derbi is even more bicycle-like and at 88lbs for a 100cc even lighter.



I notice on the FX website it says:

If you have serious expedition experience (not necessarily on motorcycles) and you have some adventure ideas for an FX Expedition, you can apply for factory sponsorship.

Is anyone tempted? Sadly I can't say I've got serious experience otherwise I'd apply. Chris do you fancy pairing up on some sort of Apprentice style expedition? It might have legs.

One thing you'd have to do is pack very light, and it strikes me that motorcycling with all it's bulky clobber makes that difficult. These two seem more of the credit card and toothbrush style of touring.

Perhaps it's worthwhile flinging the Sachs Maddass into the mix? Not quite as rugged looking, but still not a scooter for those who just can't bring themselves to buy a C90.



I reckon there's a lot to be said for a super-light, small travel bike especially of you're thinking of shipping it rather than riding all the way there. The Derbi in particular could probably be stripped down and packed into a mountain bike flight case and taken on a plane as excess baggage.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Last edited by Alexlebrit; 22 Nov 2012 at 11:22.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304


This one weighs in at 85kg and there are luggage racks available as options. They all need bigger fuel capacity though.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 22 Nov 2012 at 15:55. Reason: CS made picture bigger
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Nov 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,991
Some people can manage with less than others.
This is a mate in Morocco earlier this year, including tent and s-bag.


(He sent me the fxb link)

Realistically I think durability is an important factor on the long road and putting a motor in what looks like a chunky downhill MTB frame may not be compatible with someone of my weight + gear. All the chassis bearings and other running gear would get hard pressed, IMO.

Better suited, like I suggested, for specific hardcore 'stunts' where being able to pick up your moto (or float it on a packraft) is useful.

I did like the look of the Honda Zoomer (below) when it came out - though MadAss looks much better. Only a moped of course and 87 kg, but that seat frame could easily be raised to make room for more stuff - same on the Sachs. And in the merely lightweight category there is the Ryoku (concept only) + ag bikes, postie bikes and C90 step thrus.

I'd take that factory sponsorship offer with a pinch of salt. All they are going to do is give you a bike and expect the earth.

What is that Magnon?

Ch
Attached Thumbnails
Ultralight 'adv' bikes-zoomer.jpg  

Last edited by Chris Scott; 22 Nov 2012 at 17:27.
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
Bike shipping Kathmandu Nepal – Bangkok READ THIS! Brian and Tanja West and South Asia 40 31 Mar 2023 14:11
Warning! Why not to rent bikes from Stonehead Bikes - Delhi! WorldlyMaret West and South Asia 23 2 Dec 2021 05:18
Leaving bikes in Africa....what about Carnet Leteci Trip Paperwork 1 24 Mar 2012 15:24
3 bikes for sale in Peru Flachschieberli South America 0 10 Nov 2011 21:04

 
 

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 03:10.

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