Expedition Motorcycles

[mountainpete]

Thanks for the links

I was looking at this pump as well: http://bestrestproducts.com/celestia/products/cyclepump/ It's the one GlobeRiders uses on their Africa trips. Pricey - but it has a long duty cycle and is quite light.

 

[ErrinV]

Thanks for the links

I was looking at this pump as well: http://bestrestproducts.com/celestia/products/cyclepump/ It's the one GlobeRiders uses on their Africa trips. Pricey - but it has a long duty cycle and is quite light.

That's a good one too. It's just alot more expensive.

Errin

 

[Doin_It]

Great Links

Hey -

So here are a couple of sites that I feel are really good that cover the topic of motorcycle travel. The first one does cover 4x4's also. The info on travel/visas/shipping etc. is really good. Plus all of the different stories of people out there travelling. IMHO the best motorcyle travel web site out there.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/

The second covers travel within the U.S. of A. (mostly west coast). He's also done a great job of giving tons of links to everthing motorbikes.

http://www.pashnit.com/

These others are just guys out there biking the world over. The second link(aedst) is a good story of a 2 on a Ural/sidecar covering Africa. Good story telling all the tales of the parts needed, break downs, etc.

http://www.contrast.cx/
http://www.aedst.org/~mullie/
http://www.geocities.com/bikebrothers/index.html
http://africa.hareti.co.uk/

Then there is the grand daddy of them all Peter Forwood, who did the world on his Harley. Seeing the third bike in my garage is a Harley, and I grew up in West Africa, hats off to this guy, cause I know what he must of gone through in the sands of the west, on a heavy bike with a rider on the back. I I love the Harley, but I would have used my Honda 650 out there

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/index.shtml

 

[mountainpete]

Great links - I love Horizons...

You from Calgary too? Nice to see more Canadians on here. :shakin:

 

[Scott Brady]

Doin-it,

Thanks for the great links

 

[Colorado Ron]

Well thanks guys! After reading this thread a month or so ago, I really got the itch to get a bike again! I found a good deal on an older BMW Airhead ST. (street version of the GS). I packed it down and been riding ever since. The jeep and other 4x4s havent left the garage since I got the bike! I just love it. Put 3k miles on it already and try to ride it everyday, minus snow days!:arabia:

 

[colvere]

On the fence

I am looking to by a new trail bike and have looked at the BMW and have an opportunity to buy a fully prepped 06 KLR for around $4100 with all the Happy-trails.com goodies. But I am kind of leaning to the new KLX250s, it’s not a long hauler but I am very short ride from mountain and desert trails. The Guys at happy-trails are already developing panniers for one. You could add a big bore kit and I am sure af seats will be available soon, so it could eventually run longer stretches. It has a six speed transmission that helps with its on road manners.

 

[flyingwil]

I am sure most of you know of horizons unlimited, but is is a great resource for motorcycle travels.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/

 

[ErrinV]

I am sure most of you know of horizons unlimited, but is is a great resource for motorcycle travels.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/

Hey there's Glen! His book is worth reading if you haven't yet. Two Wheels Through Terror. Here's is current trip here. This is a long thread, but worth it.

Errin

 

[Hltoppr]

Glen has a 300 page write up on Adventure Rider (advrider.com) and will be coming back to the States here pretty soon.

There's a "welcome home" party in TJ and San Diego too....nothing like a bunch of riders taking on TJ Mexico....

Hmm....I might find myself there!

-H-

 

[ErrinV]

There's a "welcome home" party in TJ and San Diego too....nothing like a bunch of riders taking on TJ Mexico....

Hmm....I might find myself there!

-H-

I've been watching the thread and may try to go if I can. Sounds like it'll be a blast.

Errin

 

[Hltoppr]

Throw some TKC 80s or Tourances on the S, add a bit of oil pan protection and it'll be a nice touring BM!

I can only imagine how TJ could get out of hand for Glen's shindig...:jumping:

-H-

 

[Scott Brady]

Frame Strength

What are manufacturers doing to address the payload requirements of expedition riders? In my case, I am 6'1" and 230lbs. That already cuts into the payload. It appears that frame damage is common in many bikes.

Who makes the most robust solution (not necessarily the best performing). I.E., who is the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series of expedition motorcycles?

 

[ErrinV]

I think you'll find as many answers to that as there are riders. Seems like alot of people like the the Airhead BMW's for their simplicity. Glen is riding around the world on the BMW 650GS, but previously had a KLR650. There's a husband/wife on a R1150GS and a 650GS. There's also a couple on the KTM 640s. Guess it depends on the type of riding you like to do and how much you want to pack. The beemers are better for sticking to the pavement, where the KLR/KTM might be better off the beaten path.

As far as weight goes, the best thing to do would be to upgrade your suspension. Usually when you get it built they take into account rider weight, type of roads you intend to ride and amount of weight you plan on carrying. As long as you can keep most of your luggage as close to the passenger area as possible you should be ok. I just wouldn't carry more than the weight of an average person back there. That gives you at least 150 pounds to deal with, which should be more then enough.

Errin

 

[Hltoppr]

Scott,

I know how you feel. As mentioned, Ohlins and Progressive both make suspension upgrades for the BMWs. I've so far failed to kill the stock rear shock on mine, but an Ohlins tuned for my riding/gear weight is in the future.

Additionally, if you're really going to flog the thing, rear subframe bracing is needed on virtually every make and model of expedition bike, from a Honda XRL to a BMW 1200GS...

My gear is pretty light, as I try to stick to a "fastpacking" mentality to reduce weight. My tool kit and spares is more extensive, as well as my water supply (minimum of 160oz.). Add 1/2 gallon of fuel and 2 Qts. of oil...

BTW, there's a nice 1995 1100GS in Prescott...$5500....hint, hint.

-H-