Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Wanting bike for Slow Way South Wanting bike for Slow Way South
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



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Wanting bike for Slow Way South
Hi there,

I'm new to the forum but have been reading for a while. I've got my license 18 months ago but haven't touched a bike since then. I'm planning to get a bike in Scotland and ride all the way to Spain. I have a few questions that maybe someone has got the answer to:

Which bike should/could I get considering the following restrictions:
- got restricted license
- inexperience rider
- based in Scotland
- skint (£500 max for bike, hopefully under £200)
- haven't got a clue about maintenance (plan to do a course)
- don't intend to go off-road, but would prefer to avoid highways.
- no need for speed
- not fussy about design or age
- short rider (165)

I know they look like many restrictions... It would also help to find the bike near me, so if there is any scottish reader with and old small bike sleeping in their garage...

thank you very much
slowrider
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Falkirk, Scotland
Posts: 144
If it's 18 months since you passed your test you'd be best to wait another 6 months and then your licence restriction ends. I'm not too sure about your height, that sounds like 5'5" in Scottish money You're probably best looking at a honda400 type machine, but at the price you're quoting you'll struggle to find one.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 33
A Suzuki GS500 twin ('89 up) might fit in that budget. Cheap and easy to maintain, parts can easily be found (the GS was built over 15 years almost unchanged), one-up decent little tourer.
__________________
- Heikki & R1200GSA + V50 Monza -
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Dec 2005
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
I think the first thing to do is to activate and enlarge your circle of biking friends. There are three Horizons Communities in Scotland. Perhaps you could meet some of these people and join one of the communities yourself. These people have the same interests as you...

Second, check out local bike clubs.

Try as many bikes as you can. Find the one you are most comfortable with. Any bike will do such trips.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
try not to under-estimate the need for speed. I did 40 mph all the way down to Spain (from Edinburgh) and had a nightmare. Trucks pushing me into the verge, etc. At 40 mph (slower?) you're a hazard, and people let you know. Anyhow, on the quieter roads it was still good fun.

email me if you want a hand. looks like you might be on the hunt for a mighty Enfield...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Falkirk, Scotland
Posts: 144

Who or where are the 3 Horizons communities in Scotland?

Quote:
Originally posted by beddhist:
I think the first thing to do is to activate and enlarge your circle of biking friends. There are three Horizons Communities in Scotland. Perhaps you could meet some of these people and join one of the communities yourself. These people have the same interests as you...

Second, check out local bike clubs.

Try as many bikes as you can. Find the one you are most comfortable with. Any bike will do such trips.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Dec 2005
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
I would think your bike should have at least 12 gears, perhaps 18, skinny tires - perhaps 700C.
That's about it, I would think - your other requirements would easily be found on a whole host of fine models.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Just joined the Edinburgh community. Will try to get in touch with people after Christmas.

I appreciate all your suggestions. Yes, I am 5'5''. I know my budget is quite limited... I did consider cycling down, but ruled it out in the end

Well, since I'm at it, do you guys know if I can get insured for 2-3 months only? I may have to get the bike insured in Spain if I'm going to use it there after the trip (that's the plan). Maybe I should post this question elsewhere.

thanks

[This message has been edited by slowrider (edited 05 December 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Go for it, find a motorcycle no matter what it is. Go for the trip even if it is totaly irrational. You might only make it 100km out of town and have the decrepit lump of iron blow up.....but you will have an adventure. Long ago we flew into london and found the only bikes available (we thought) so on a 175 honda twin we toured around and then rode to southern spain and back. Another time I was sitting around midway up the alaska highway looking thru the hole in my engine at the transmission gears, but ended up meeting new friends and patching the old honda 750 up and making it home. I wouldn't do some of those things again but they were interesting to do once.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: bristol, uk
Posts: 58
have to say if you are really not bothered about speed, and want cheapness (to buy, run, reliability, to repair and insure) then try an old, but looked after C90 or CG125

both are proper honda indestrucable. the older ones are better as they are built better. parts are almost free, and both go futher than 100 miles on a gallon...

slow as shit though ;-) but should manage 55mph in neutral conditions....

(whats the hurry, you're on holiday!)

[This message has been edited by scdan3 (edited 05 December 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Dec 2005
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Quote:
Originally posted by vstrom:

Who or where are the 3 Horizons communities in Scotland?
If you look at the menu on the left, near the bottom is a link "Community". Click and read...
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 6 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
Are you looking for Road bike or dual.

For first time Road bike then you can't go wrong with a Yamaha XJ600s Diversion. Very cheap insurance, very competent tourer, quite a few restricted bike out there...I started on one. Many have Gvi luggage already fitted.

check out: http://groups.msn.com/YamahaDiversions/_whatsnew.msnw

__________________
If there's a will there's a way so I will anyway!
http://www.buyaikhaya.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 6 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Falkirk, Scotland
Posts: 144
I must admit I too, had and loved, a Divvy 600 I did many 400 mile days two up, We were a little stiff after the 400 miles though, but I had never any complaints about the bike.



[This message has been edited by vstrom (edited 06 December 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 7 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
There are limits though. Thinking along similar lines to Scdan3, I once used a Honda C50 to go to the Elephant rally in Germany. Just about ok on the flat, uphill into the wind it dropped down to around 10mph. With hundreds of miles to go I eventually dumped it, removed the tax disc for refund purposes and went pillion with someone else.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Hey guys, thanks for the advice. So far I'm thinking that the CG-125 may fit my needs, skills and budget (if I find one old enough in Scotland, give me a shout if you know of any), sounds like a reliable machine and easy to maintain. Don't want to wait until I have unrestricted licence nor do I want to restrict a bike.

Trying to get into a motorcycle maintenance course next, I have no clue about it and I think it's a must to be safe.

will keep you posted.

[This message has been edited by slowrider (edited 10 December 2005).]
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 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. 11-14
  • 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 04:32.

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