Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which bike for RTW? Which bike for RTW?
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 Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Like Tree30Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 19 May 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Esperance, WA
Posts: 252
Sure, we may not know much about Skyliner, but the original request stated simply: "Which would YOUR choice be and what reasons? Anything to take into consideration when making the choice?"

No comments made about what he/she need the info for/ Maybe its just a conversation starter?
__________________
Squily
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 19 May 2017
Nuff Said's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 258
Quote:
Maybe its just a conversation starter?
I read and consider all commits many times in the past I have been enlightened

Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 20 May 2017
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,525
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyliner View Post
I will make it a short list:

1. BMW F800GS Adventure
2. KTM 990 Adventure
3. BMW R1200GS
4 Triumph Tiger 800 XC

Which would your choice be and what reasons? Anything to take into consideration when making the choice?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Ok - as others pointed out, nobody has answered your questions directly.
But I will give it a try....

Of the above mentioned bikes I would probably have choosen the BMW 800 GSA.

For what reasons:

1. Big gas tank and thus long range. In my opinion its very important for long distance riding.
2. Relatively low fuel consumption. I have barely tried a standard GS800 but I have been riding for weeks with a friend whos got one 800 GS and he usually got around 25-26 kms out of 1 liter of fuel with a gentle right hand - so relatively fuel efficient.
3. Low center of gravity, the gas tank is under the seat and not up to or above the handlebars, and that makes it a tad better on the rough stuff and when going slow.
4. Relatively low first gear, which makes it a tad better on the rough stuff and in slowriding, no need to use the clutch that often.

My 2 cents only though...
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Last edited by Snakeboy; 20 May 2017 at 07:21.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 18 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 7
If I HAVE to choose between any of your list, i´d take the Triumph.
Basically, because the weight and performance.
BUT...
I would pick other simpler, inexpensive and reliable bikes before those i.e.
Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin, Kawasaky KLR 650, or the CB500X (with the Adventure kit from Rally Raid) to mention a few...

Technology is not a characteristic you need in RTW trip... Imagine yourself with a computer error in the Atacama desert. You need a bike that wont brake down, and if it brakes down, a bike that most mechanics anywhere in the world would be able to repair.
hope this helps!
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 18 Jun 2017
Nuff Said's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 258
Quote:
CB500X (with the Adventure kit from Rally Raid)
That will do nicely .......: D
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 18 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Montreal
Posts: 104
None of the 4 bikes mention would be on my list.

I suggest you enquire about a good old 1993-2003 Honda Africa Twin 750. RD07 / RD07a. They are totally dependable. Extremely easy to work on. They are not small, nor big. No electronics, except of the ultra practical tripmaster with three trips and 2 clocks.

23l fuel tank and 5 litre/100km on the road.

If doing only bush trails or sand, I would pick a Suzuki DR 650 SE for the low weight (145kg) - 1996 and up. While the F800GS is the last bike I would pick. Too damn complex. Too much electronics. Too expensive to fix.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 19 Jun 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
To All: Good effort guys, one and all, but like on SO MANY threads on HUBB the
OP is a Ghost, a one post wonder who we won't see again.

None of our suggestions will ever be acknowledged or responded to. Typical.

Nice discussion among those who actually check in on HUBB once in a while, but now too many of these time wasting Ghosts show up ...
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 20 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
To All: Good effort guys, one and all, but like on SO MANY threads on HUBB the
OP is a Ghost, a one post wonder who we won't see again.

None of our suggestions will ever be acknowledged or responded to. Typical.

Nice discussion among those who actually check in on HUBB once in a while, but now too many of these time wasting Ghosts show up ...
There is another thread started by Marcio Filho with the same question and exactly the same bikes... check it out...
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Round Africa with a Surfboard garnaro Ride Tales 185 9 Jun 2015 00:23
BMW-F800GS -adventure Snakeboy BMW Tech 71 19 May 2015 19:29
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 04:38

 
 

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
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 04:05.

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