Newbie North Wales - Globetrotter to be!

[Walty79]

Hello and evening everyone,

Hope you are well. I am hoping to get lots of advise on bikes, gear, accessories etc....ideally from people, obviously with the experience of these things but mainly those that have comparitable experience. ( I've had this and that and prefer this because.....blah blah).

My plans....between Feb-Apr next year I'm planning on a RTW solo trip, for approx 12-18 months. I've always been a sports bike rider and have never ridden an adventure bike, except for a Triumph 1200 Explorer on a test ride for a couple of hours.

So, unfortunately I have many, many questions for you all Firstly, what bike?! I am looking to do both long road riding but also so off-road with heavy gravel and mud etc. So far I've been looking at:

BMW 800GS
New shape Honda Adrica Twin
KTM990 Adventure
Triumph Tiger 800 XC
.....or are all of the above overkill as they are heavier and I won't use half the power?

Hope to speak to you soon, Cheers. Mark

[Alun]

Hello and welcome to ABR.

You know, people have been RTW on just about every bike made and if I were you I wouldn't worry too much about the choice I'd just go with the one I felt most comfortable with.

Have you decided on a route yet?

[Walty79]

Thanks for the welcome Alun,

Route is a rough idea. Either:
Ferry to Lisbon,
Across Europe/Scandinavia,
Then most of Trans-Siberian Highway - Mongolia - India, Nepal, through to Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia....

OR...From Scandinavia, to Moscow, down to Azerbaijan, Iran, through all the "'Stans", India, Nepal....etc
Then down to Australia, across to Chile, down to Ushuaia and ride the whole of the Pan American Highway to Alaska. Then back across Canada to Nova Scotia.
Depending on time/funds I'll either come back to UK or send bike to South Africa and ride back up (ideally).

As for bikes, they all seem ok but difficult to tell just sat and riding for a short time.
KTM - great power but I've heard they aren't that reliable mechanically?
BMW GS - Every man and his dog has one. Parts could be expensive.
Africa Twin - not keen on looks that much. But reliable and Honda dealers everywhere
Triumph - love the looks, comfy, cheaper to buy with extras BUT huge lack of dealers support in Asia and S.America

I've seen some people do trips on CRF250's. Light bike for picking up and cheaper to ship. But they mainly have unlimited time so only have to do about 50-150 miles a day. Hence me thinking bigger bike for more miles per day 350-600.

[PHILinFRANCE]

I've only been round my back yard but agree with Alun , get a bike that fits you , one that you can fix and , get to know it well

[Walty79]

Hi Phil,

That's another thing...I've never had to do any mechanics except change oil/air filters and a battery in 14yrs of riding. I've just never had a bike go wrong at all!! Never adjusted a chain either So the thought of having to change a rear tyre on my own is a little daunting

Cool video that, where was that? Is it your place?

[Paul_C]

Personally I'd do a relatively short European plus trip first. Perhaps follow the TET down to southern Spain, then perhaps a week in the Atlas Mountains. That would highlight any potential issues, be a good training run etc.
I'd also go with a lighter bike. Most roads won't let you ride safely at ballistic speeds. 450 to 600 cc is plenty. It's not a race. You want to experience the countries too. Enjoy it.

[Walty79]

So recommendations on a smaller bike? 650GS? Transalp 700? Only thing I am concerned about on a smaller bike is comfort. Plus with all luggage, metal panniers and tyres strapped to it.

I was thinking of a blast to Spain, across to Italy and back...but it’s all funds taken out of the RTW trip.

And agree, definitely won’t be rushing. I came back last year from a RTW trip, flying, with the girlfriend. Was amazing!

[Andi_Archer]

Dont get caught up worrying about engine size, Harley MT riders have been to Russia and back all that on a 1970s 350cc engine with 2 up plus all the baggage and spare tyres.
As previous comments if your not in a rush engine size is not an issue its more about having a reliable bike and knowing how to fix simple stuff like punctures.Sort out a simple tool kit and a few spares such as bulbs and zip ties and work out what essentials you need to carry.

[Walty79]

Good point Andy....but they kinda didn't have a choice

Was thinking Zip ties, bungees, duck tape, bulbs, spare brake/clutch levers, puncture kit, small tool kit, some oil, petrol container.

I know soft luggage is a lot lighter...but will probably go hard ally panniers for security and some soft luggage on top.

Do you know what the benefit (if any) or wearing goggles instead of using a visor are?

[wideparting]

were off camping to Yorkshire next weekend.come along,there will be many different bikes and you can talk to the owners first hand so to speak. j