I am going to ask a naive question has anyone built a AV bike

[Rabelais]

Hi,
I've been looking through the long list of AV bikes on the market from new and 2nd hand for a possible long trip, say 6 months on and off road 70/30, for the next few years.
As couple we ride two up (try leaving my wife behind).

We have traveled a lot be yacht Africa, S America, Aus.... and some overland.
Having read many good books and a lot a rubbish most or all talk about keeping things simple, owner maintained, minimal tools, taking some parts.

Has anyone out there built or thought about building/converting a AV bike.

A bike with the same size rims front and back so only one tyre need to be carried. and change when 1 can be find a supplier.
Large oil coolers for longer oil change intervals.
Higher ground clearance lower seats heights.
Larger tanks more than one.
Bigger batteries, newer type of charging systems.
Air cooled verses water.

"Honest l am not trying to reinvent the wheel"

I know that the Germans have probably one of the best machines (if you believe whats been written) but l already have a mortgage and thought of paying a huge 5 figure sum would go against grain and impossible.

I would welcome some thoughts or am l navie..............

Thanks
Rabelais

[Udders]

BMW R 1150 GSA. All you'll ever need!
They're the best which is why every other maker has tried to copy it.

[Rabelais]

Thanks
Just thought l would ask..

[Tramp]

Lots depends were in the world you are going...

As if its Europe or near by tyres arent a problem and also most if not all AV bikes have diff fronts and rears..to do with better steering int he dirt.

Have you looked on horizons unlimited under the HUBB as this question will have come up loads of times..

Honda xrv750 are good as are the 1150gsa but any bike 2 up and loaded wont handle the dirt..and the hondas have a huge fan base [xrv on the web] with loads of mods to be done for whatever you need the bike for.

the bmw and honda are bullet proof but just in case have some spares in the uk at a adress ready if needed as DHl go anywhere.

A 650 single 2 up loaded forget it...

have you test rided a ADV bike ? as some dont like them...but as Sanders proved most bikes can be riden around the world.

[flipflopdog]

I've had a concept in my head for years for an ADV hybrid. It's not totally unique have to say but with my own idealistic mods it will be everything I want/need/afford in a bike. Took the first step just before xmas and bought the donar bike, a BMW K75. There wont be alot left of the origonal bike when Ive finnished rest assured....!!

Do you have any idea what type of engine you want to run...???

[East Coast]

may sound like a dumb question, but what's an AV bike? I clicked on this expecting to see some sort of Audio Visual install on a bike!! confused?!?

[Duncan Mountain]

I think this is a really good idea. Other areas of the bike industry build there own bikes. Choppers and race bikes. I'm sure you would really get to know your machine, every nut and bolt. It would be really fun to do. And you would have something completely original to you

[Rabelais]

Thanks
I have some off road with ADV bikes mostly borrowed for a weekend.

I will look into what's been said.

[Rabelais]

As i said l was naive. ADV would that do..........

[Jules650]

Simon Milward had a one off bike for his millennium ride - had a Rotax engine

http://www.motorcycleoutreach.org/Simon.html