Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jul 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 182
XT350 Opinions/Experience please

Thinking about using this bike (amongst others) for my next trip. Wouldn't mind some feedback from all you experts out there regarding reliability/suitability for long trips/known problems/any years to avoid…any useful information really.

------------------
Africa Trip web journal
__________________
Africa Trips web journal
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jul 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Early models made more power than later ones.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jul 2005
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
I think that was the bike the Mondo Enduro boys used? In which case it would seem to be pretty good.
matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jul 2005
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
The ME boys used DR350s. I met a Dutch chap in Kenya in 1999 whose XT350 front forks had snapped. Apparently quite spectacular. He was riding down the road at the time.
ChrisB

------------------
TheBrightStuffDotCom
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Aug 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 182
I have been trying out a XT350 for my next trip and my fiance is trying out the XT225 Serow.
I think the biggest negative I have found so far with the XT350 is the kickstart. I can remember numerous occasions on my last trip where I was precariously balanced after stalling and the electric start on the Transalp was a life saviour. I also know that if you drop the bike it won't kickstart for at least 5min afterwards which could be very frustrating. I haven't really ridden the bike any great distances yet so don't know what it will be like. I would imagine the narrow seat would need some extra padding and I think I can only get 150 miles on a tank in London traffic. As for reliability...well i guess only time will tell.
i have tried my fiances Serow as well. While this has electric start, it is only 225cc so I am not sure how this will perform with my 90kg and luggage. Haven't had the chance to test the fuel range on the Serow yet but apart from it's engine size, I hear nothing but good things about this little bike and a good repution for reliability is for me the best sellin gpoint any bike can have.

------------------
Africa Trip web journal
__________________
Africa Trips web journal
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Aug 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: cairns,qld,australia
Posts: 9
I owned a 350 xt in the late 80s. I treated it pretty like a bigger bike and wrecked the top end ( valves etc replaced under warranty).

After that I took it steady, used good oil, frequent changes and it lasted ubtil I sold it with about 30 000 klms.

What points I do remember include,
could be tricky to kickstart hot or cold,
not too bad off road but the hard starting could be annoying if you stalled in a muddy hole
with leaded petrol it would fly - I travelled from Leeds to the South of France in a couple of days for the Bol D`or ( about 1000klms)

Would I buy another? Probably not but that is because I have a KLR 250 and suits me well. If I needed something bigger I would go for a 600 XT as they are better catered for re spares and knowledge and probably do not weigh that much more.

I do not remember mpg or tyre usage etc but I do not remember it as been a problem.
All the best
Rob
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Aug 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
to many revs ,not enough cubes, they were never much good or popular size in oz thats for sure ,after your tour on a transalp why would you go backwards to something like this
Reply With Quote
Reply


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!

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 12:30.