Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Very excited beginner with big ideas but only theoretical knowledge. Help? :) Very excited beginner with big ideas but only theoretical knowledge. Help? :)
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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by fritzography View Post
  • I am a beginner. Never sat on a bike other than for my license

You will be using an A2 licence for the next couple of years then - isn't that how it works nowadays?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: australia
Posts: 28
it seems you done your home work, my 2 cents is go with the v strom 650 and you won,t go wrong cheers
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 21
Chaps,

What a great response, thank you. All your advice is very much appreciated.

I think I'll test ride / have a much closer look at both the XT600 (if I find a used one with low miles) and the KLR650.

The rebuilt Versys looks good, but my knowledge of mechanics is yet limited (though I have already booked a course to get that changed asap)

I'll also have a look at the BMW F650 that I came across today during my research - looks like a decent compromise between all the bikes, and is within my budget.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
You will be using an A2 licence for the next couple of years then - isn't that how it works nowadays?
I have the full A license. I believe you have to be over 24y if you want to get it right away, which I am.


Keep the suggestions coming if you like - I hope this thread is also useful for other newcomers. Either way, I shall update you soon on my decision.

I am very excited! Thanks again!

Best
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Norwich, UK
Posts: 18
Given that your early trips will be relatively short and, it appears, largely on Tarmac, why not a Bandit (or similar - the small V-Strom, for example) until you're ready for the more adventurous trips? By which time you may have a better understanding of your requirements, and those of your pillion. Then you might be able to trade up/across to your ideal adventure bike.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by fritzography View Post
The rebuilt Versys looks good,


I have the full A license. I believe you have to be over 24y if you want to get it right away, which I am.
I am not sure what you have in mind about the Versys, but I wrote about it here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-thread-65709


Apart from the issue of the cost of insurance, your pillion is a key input to your decision; it is simpler to just ditch the girlfriend.

You rarely hear of folk riding two up off-road (however the latter is defined) for very far or for any length of time; even rarer do they do it repeatedly.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post

You rarely hear of folk riding two up off-road (however the latter is defined) for very far or for any length of time; even rarer do they do it repeatedly.
Too true, the road from Maun to Ghanzi (in Botswana - now blacktop) and a 2k kms tour of Namibias gravel roads has put wife off dirt roads for life!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 31 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Inverness, Scotland
Posts: 251
Quote:
You rarely hear of folk riding two up off-road (however the latter is defined) for very far or for any length of time; even rarer do they do it repeatedly.
Eh? Plenty do. Tiffany Coates, the Johnsons, The Estonian couple whose names I've forgotten, the Forewoods, that couple on the Guzzi with a roof to name a few well known ones. Southern Africa- have a look at the Wild Dogs forum- plenty of two up riding there!

I've ridden thousands of kilometers two up on all sorts of shitty roads- I think 'er indoors enjoys the challenge almost as much as I do.

Good tyres and perhaps more importantly good suspension are the key. Namibian gravel is brilliant fun, sand is more of a challenge, mainly because there is more chance of falling, although on our last trip we met a couple who'd just done the D707 (v sandy road in Nam) two up on the pegs of a 1200GS at 140kph. Respect!.

Mud? Eish, no thanks. I failed to get us up the Sani Pass once, but it was pissing down and the bike was basically on road tyres. Nearly made it though...

I'd rather be on good gravel than bad tarmac any day. Sorry, off topic there.

Zambia:



Quote:
Think you should read his posts, he builds these real cheap.
I'm sure he does, the point I was really trying to make was that and cheap reliable bike kitted out with soft luggage will do. No need to worry about the shape of the thing as long as it's comfy and reliable.
__________________
Our FB page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Africa2Up/
Last edited by reggie3cl; 31 Jan 2016 at 17:31.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 31 Jan 2016
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneSteveM View Post
Given that your early trips will be relatively short and, it appears, largely on Tarmac, why not a Bandit (or similar - the small V-Strom, for example) until you're ready for the more adventurous trips? By which time you may have a better understanding of your requirements, and those of your pillion. Then you might be able to trade up/across to your ideal adventure bike.
Good point Steve.
One can always up grade or change out bikes after some shorter "shake down" tours. Once on the road you'll quickly learn what works for you and pillion .. and what does not. But do as your doing ... and look at a few bikes, test ride as many as possible. Only way to really know.

I'm not a fan of the F650 BMW. Many inherent problems, most worrisome, it's propensity for blowing head gaskets due to failed water pump ... repeatedly.

Also, over charging problems and forks that just break off without warning.
All well documented on various F650 forums.
The best thing about the F650's is the fuel economy ... 65 to 70 mpg.

But I would never own this bike. I've tested a few ... going back to first Funduro in around 1995. Several others since. Another big downside to the F650 bikes is WEIGHT. It's a full 65 lbs. heavier than the XR650L, DR650 and XT600.

65 lbs. represents ALL your luggage and extras loaded onto bike.
A huge amount that will result in dismal off road ability and make the bike hard to pick up if fallen. You will fall off road.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 1 Feb 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by reggie3cl View Post
Eh? Plenty do. Tiffany Coates, the Johnsons, The Estonian couple whose names I've forgotten, the Forewoods, that couple on the Guzzi with a roof to name a few well known ones. Southern Africa- have a look at the Wild Dogs forum- plenty of two up riding there!

I've ridden thousands of kilometers two up on all sorts of shitty roads- I think 'er indoors enjoys the challenge almost as much as I do.

Good tyres and perhaps more importantly good suspension are the key. Namibian gravel is brilliant fun, sand is more of a challenge, mainly because there is more chance of falling, although on our last trip we met a couple who'd just done the D707 (v sandy road in Nam) two up on the pegs of a 1200GS at 140kph. Respect!.

Mud? Eish, no thanks. I failed to get us up the Sani Pass once, but it was pissing down and the bike was basically on road tyres. Nearly made it though...

I'd rather be on good gravel than bad tarmac any day. Sorry, off topic there.

Zambia:



I'm sure he does, the point I was really trying to make was that and cheap reliable bike kitted out with soft luggage will do. No need to worry about the shape of the thing as long as it's comfy and reliable.
I had more in mind the new rider of the OP with his stated immediate objectives.
Your picture is a road to my eyes but there isn't much value in trying to define "off roading" in this particular thread (earlier ones have tried to do that).
It does seem that you have a very understanding wife.
Girlfriends can be a whole different case.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« 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

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. 11-15
  • 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 18:18.

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