Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
which bike which bike
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jun 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: west midlands uk
Posts: 9
which bike
ok you lot africa twin or big bm traveling usa to south america march ish next year on to oz . im well versed in running and maintaining bikes just usless at deciding which one my brain now hurts, help.i wont be carrying a pillion or tonnes of junk will set the bike up as to the terrain. thanks folks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jun 2005
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
errr, neither?

650 single. light, cheap, easy to ride anywhere.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 42
I agree with Grant completely. Light good - heavy bad in my humble experience. You are one up without loads of kit... If you don't need a big bike don't take one. If you must take one or the other I recommend the AT - the best build quality on the market, comfortable and lighter than an 1150/1200GS.

Any help?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Jul 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: west midlands uk
Posts: 9
thankslee i have tested two very low milage at ,s with luggage ,im going to end up taking more than i thought i can see it they seemed a bit top heavy ill try the 650 bm next but the at seems quite a good all rounder ,thanks
Quote:
Originally posted by lee5500:
I agree with Grant completely. Light good - heavy bad in my humble experience. You are one up without loads of kit... If you don't need a big bike don't take one. If you must take one or the other I recommend the AT - the best build quality on the market, comfortable and lighter than an 1150/1200GS.

Any help?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jul 2005
LordStig's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Fife, Scotland
Posts: 96
I have an Africa Twin (after 10 years of Transalps) and use it for the daily commute (150 miles a day). It's very reliable, but the build quality is not as good as people generally believe (mine is a 2001 model). You may not be worried by rust though!

Knowing parts (but not all) of South America I'd say the AT would be fine for most things (I saw quite a few out there), but it would not be my choice - in fact the Transalp is a far better bet, and there are more of them too. The AT is just too heavy, and the trans-continental cruising ability of the AT and the BMWs for me somehow detracts from the journey, because when I travel I like to see and spend time in the areas I'm travelling through rather than get through them ASAP. These larger bikes tend to encourage that, at least with me aboard!

Overall, I agree with Grant et al. - a 650 single is the way to go. Keep it light and simple. If you are not two up or carrying the kitchen sink a single is enough, liquid or air cooled. Any bike will do though. Perhaps you need to have a shot at a shorter but similar trip with an AT or GS to find out what you'll want.

Stig
__________________
Tall men see everyone else's bald patch but their own.......
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

 
 

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
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
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.

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 01:55.

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