Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: OMEGAMAN on July 07, 2009, 12:52:29 PM
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Hi again everybodypeeps,
have been away for a while racing jap 400's 4 cyl. so not been on this site for a while.
Here's a biggy! due to my current personal circumstances (wife gone, mum just gone, friends going their own ways etc.), I am feeling the urge to pack up & get off around the world on a bike...all continents?
I have no job (no prospects either!).....am broke now so will have to sell a lot of stuff, get a bike ready, & get as far as I can on the money raised & then work/bum my way around the rest? taking 1 or 2 years (no rush to return!)
Anyway.....Questions
Suitable bike? strong/comfy/reliable/cheap etc. etc.
Gear to start off with (remember...no pennies?)
Visas? how? cost?
Medical stuff etc. etc.
GPS? maps
Tubed or tubeless? spoked or cast? steel or ally?
Books & info on similar?
This is a genuine open ended query, so feel free to add your comments & keep them coming as I know I have a lot of info to digest, but I will (75%) be going...just a case of when!
Help guys (& gals!) & no arguing! cheers, John RG
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I forgot!
Is it possible to get insurance to cover all countries visited?
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A mate decided on a R100GS. He has been pleased with it but had a number of age related problems, all of which were fixed relatively easily, but did leave him stranded in awkward places. Loads of parts available off the shelf and very easy to work on.
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I've read a number of books on this (I'm part the way through Dan Walsh's one at the moment), but if anything the latest ones (e.g. Dreaming of Jupiter by Ted Simon) seem to make parts of the world like Africa seem less alluring than they did 20 years ago.
From what I'd read I reckon that for most places one of the BMW off-roaders would be the best option, but if I was going somewhere with more off-roading required I'd consider going with the an XT600E. I'd definitely want to pack as light as possible in either case though.
There is a book called something like the adventure motorcyclists guide which is excellent for this sort of thing - it'd be a good idea to check it out.
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HUBB (Horizons Unlimited) and ADV rider message boards and Chris Scott's books are what you need. A bit of Ted Simon is good too. Lois Pryce stuff is a good read but more like "what I did on my holidays" than a how to.
After that, it's what you want and what technology you are used to, not what anyone else tells you. People have done RTW on C90's and probably had more to tell than a certain actor, his special friend and their BMW support crew put together (not that they won't have tales to tell). You do not need to take Chris Scott's book as a shopping list and get an R80GS Basic and some tin boxes, Ted Simon rode across the Sudan on a 1973 Triumph and there were fewer road then than there are now. There is way too much pointless bling about, so don't worry if you can't get a toura**** titanium combined spork and laptop docking station in the budget!
Insurance you buy at borders if they make you. You'll need a thing called a Carnet which is a guarantee that you'll export the bike back out of each country or pay the import duties if you don't. They hold a deposit based on the stated value of the bike when you get the carnet, so it is cheaper for a C90 or XT600 than say a BMW1200. You can do South America without one, they have a cheaper local version.
Medical wise you need jabs and a large supply of stoppers and un-stoppers!
I think you need to make a plan where you get out of Europe (expensive) ASAP. How about a flight to India and buy a Bullet there or something similar?
Go for it mate, wish I could joint you!
Andy
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Hello John
Good to hear from you again. Big decision to up sticks and do a RTW trip. But Hey!, and I mean this without any disrespect "we're all a long time dead". If you are set on doing something like this do it now before it's too late!
I know someone who spent loads of money prepping a bike, years planning every detail, and bailed at the first opportunity. My advise, would be - buy a reliable bike (fewer cylinders the better), learn how to do rudimentary maintenance and repairs (don't make half your luggage spares!!), learn a few foreign phrases, have the required jabs, fill your bank account with as much as you can, get the best riding/camping/living gear you can, and go!
This site should give you plenty of reading for the next few weeks:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ (http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/)
Good Luck
Boyd
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Good decision, imho. If you need it there's an MSR Whisperlite stove waiting here for you. It's the stove of choice for most lightweight travellers.
If there's any other kit that useful I'll donate it to you. How about a nice small tent? I've got a small Wild Country two man (i.e. one oerson plus some luggage) that you can take if you want it. The quality is excellent.
GC
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John , India has an attraction for me . I've flagged it up before on here , have a look at the 60kph site. Touring club in India using mainly bullets. There are some lovely travelogues on there with some stunning images .If nothing else it will inspire.
One day I will do it myself .
There was a guy recently who went to India on a £350:00 XS850 ,so anythings possible .This was featured in classic bike not so long ago.
Like Graham , I'll see what I've got to assist .
Rob .
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Choice of bike depends on where you're going. A good 350 is way more relaxing to ride on bad or imaginary roads than a BMW, but if you're going to stick to places with dual carriageways a big 'un might be at least quicker. Modern BMs have weaknesses that would surely leave you stranded somewhere. There are smallish Japanese bikes that are designed to carry big loads for large distances. You might want to re-build the seat for comfort.
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John, after reading your 'dilema' I really would recommend that you pose a similar queastion to the 'Horizons Unlimited' crowd. I have met a few of them and collectively they have covered most situations. I am sure that they could point you in the right direction and give you invaluable advice.
From a personal point of view I would advise a kick/electric start combination, air cooled and Yamaha as there are many places around the world where you can get spares.
I would also keep a base in the UK (flat, small house etc) as I have the experience of 'burning all my bridges' and leaving for four years, to came back with absolutely nothing and I mean nothing, no bank account, driving licence, clothes, tools, nowt and I was 40!
You will need some plan of action but one of the biggest headaches is the Carnet, where you pay a bond of the value of your bike, what about medical insurance etc etc.
You really must get into the Horizons crowd, really friendly and a wealth of information.
Hope this might inspire!
Cheers SteveD
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:)
Hi people,
thanks for the comments so far, keep them all coming. I'll let this thread run for a while & then pick & choose the bits that apply/helpful to my plans! just be warned!!!! I'm 80% there, but not made the full commitment yet! this is genuine, but nobody knows what will happen next week do they?
Just remember, the only money I will have, is what is left, after selling up all I own, & some of that will go towards the cost of starting out ie. bike/gear/insurances/jabs etc. etc.
I really appreciate the offers made by some members of gear etc. & will probably take some of them up, but not until I fully 100% commit, so as not to take stuff & then not use it!
I'll give you an idea what I have in mind (imagination is a dangerous thing!) then we can follow the threads that will hopefully follow!
As I said, I have to sell up everything (not too worried about burning all bridges) as I have family support (should I return?)
I want to keep as much low tech as is feasable......so.....
The bike type I have in mind, maybe? Cheap to buy/build for starters
Basic & strong
Easy to maintain
Cheap & easy to obtain spares
Comfy?
Good mpg (very important)
Shaft drive (preferably)
Twin shock or Mono shock???MMmmm? (I'm erring on the side of twinshock for ease of repairs?
Def 4/stroke by the way!
Water/air cooled????
I want a bike that is road based, but capable of travelling on dirt tracks & the like, but not an out & out off roader.
For me, the choice is an old BMW r65/80 maybe, what do you think???
Thanks in advance for everybodys help.....cheers, John RG
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Hi john, sounds like a great plan, id defo get a shaft drive beemer & an early one, R80gs etc if you can find a cheap one, plenty of these bikes in north africa if you are planning on going there & the locals will know their way round them for roadside repairs & parts if you get stuck! other than that id recommend a good water filter & carry as much clean water as you can, you can beg steal or barter for most things anywhere but when push comes to shove its clean water that could save your life! best o' luck.
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A few rolls of dental floss - not just for your teeth, it is bloody good stuff for fixing many things including you, gaffa tape and a sterile sharps pack. You can buy the latter ready made or have a chat with some medicos, having your own source of sutures, needles and if you can get it stuff like novocain - helps avoid being the 15 person and the only one without HIV to be on the end of the needle. Ceramic water filter.
Technical clothing - microfibre stuff - expensive but packs down tiny, washes out and dries in mins. Had a friend bumming around the world with a tiny back pack - all he needed clothing wise was a couple of shirts a couple of pairs of pants, couple of pairs of trews etc, wash out and wear. Maybe not so good on a bike but the base layer could be such, keep clean avoid nasty sores etc.
R
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(https://www.makeupdirect.co.nz/images/Products/Small_Nail_Clippers.jpg)
Another thing to always take is a decent pair of nail clippers. Many people, including myself, can't cut their nails on both hands with nail scissors and they really are an 'ice breaker' when you meet other travelers. Keep them on a chain though!
If you need medical kit give me a call.
Boyd
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:)
Hi, whilst contemplating & looking around my place, I've realised I have (a tatty) Honda cb500 sitting out side, & looking around it has made me think?
Cheap (I own it already!) seems comfy riding position (although not ridden yet!), engine sounds sweet (obviously will be properly checked over first) They are dead reliable (commuters/couriers/racers) & take loads of abuse, lightish weight?, economical but powerful enough, spares are plentifull?
Whatever I use will have to be stripped & put back together, so why not the cb?
Your thoughts?
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A good solid bike and easy to work on. Engine/crash bars are easy to get hold of for them so that's one less worry.
17" wheels a problem? I doubt it these days. Cross ply tyres too, the budget biker's tyre of choice ;)
No fancy electronics to go wrong. Standard bar mounts so you can fit any handlebar you choose. Racks and/or panniers plentiful on the 'Bay.
I found mine a lot less prone to carb icing in sub-zero temps than my 500 single, which is a good thing.
Could be a winner
GC
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Condoms. ;D
Seriously, they are excellent things with many more uses than the usual one, particulay is that they are sterile and streach to sodding great big, so can be used to cover injuries / burns etc. Pack small, and so on.
Probably find there is better stuff now available but they used to be the std joke when found in walkers, climbers etc survival kit.
R
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I would agree on the CB 500.My mate has one with 70 000 odd miles on it.O.K. it's tatty,he treats it like a car,just rides it,but it keeps on going.
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....he treats it like a car,just rides it,but it keeps on going.
You mean there's another way to treat bikes?? :o
;)
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Looks like the CB500 is well in the lead, but not a winner just yet! keep em coming!
I'm pretty sure I'd like to go the west route............Ship to the States (any idea of cost???), spend a few months riding around there & Canada? Mexico?, then work out some way to get to Australia & do the same before moving up into South East Asia, India, ship to Saudi & along North Africa back to Europe? :-\
Thoughts on this?????
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A mate has just flown his bike from West Africa to Atlanta for £750, his ticket was extra.
The carnet mentioned earlier can be expensive, I beleive Egypt was seven times the value of the bike, the rest of africa 3 times, one good reason for using a lower value bike. There were several ways of doing Carnets, all of which were expensive might be worth doing some reading on the options, some seem like a good idea on the surface but look deeper and thay can work out expensive.
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The CB500 sounds good to me.
17" tyres are pretty OK, if you want knobblies Heidenau do a good 17" range.
This chap has the same idea:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/honda-tech/prepping-a-cb500-world-tour-42766
Andy
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:)
Hi all!
1 decision has been made so far..........it's to be the tatty CB500.
I already own it, it runs? & it meets most of my needs to a tee! & it's almost a single?
So it's hi ho & off to work on it I go! (that's work on the bike, not to work on the bike as I haven't got a job!)
doing research now, more soon......please keep this thread going as I find it very useful!
cheers, John g......
ps. how cheap can I get the bike & gear to USA, by any means?????????
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If you're starting in the USA why don't you buy a bike there and save £750 or would it complicate matters when trying to take it out of the country.
A mate of mine went to Australia for 6 weeks with some others, they bought bikes there travelled the country selling up before they came back. Saved a fortune in hire/transportation costs, but obviously had stayed in the one country.
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ps. how cheap can I get the bike & gear to USA, by any means?????????
Mark wrote
If you're starting in the USA why don't you buy a bike there and save £750 or would it complicate matters when trying to take it out of the country.
John,
thats got to be worth thinking about?,or at least looking into,maybe it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
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I did the same as Marks friends in Australia and had the best part of 3 months use of a Guzzi Le Mans for around £300 + insurance. I'm not sure about getting insurance in the states, but it helps if you have got relatives there, I used a cousins address to insure a Chevy. It covered me for going into Canada but they wanted stupid money to enter Mexico, and the U.S border/ immigration bods can be a right bunch of power mad jobsworths(being polite here!) Cheaper to ship the bike by sea about a month before you go and get a "courier flight" with B.A Cargo, I got a return ticket to Japan for just under £400 a few years ago. The courier ticket just means you carry the paperwork for the cargo on the plane and it takes around an hour longer to get out of the airport.It cost about $1000 to ship the Chevy back to here, so I think probably half that for a bike but don't quote me on that.
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:)
ps. how cheap can I get the bike & gear to USA, by any means?????????
An Acquaintance of mine has told me you get it containered over there for around 5-600 pounds per container! Might be worth checking
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Have known of people go to the States, buy a bike and ride it and sell up before leaving, worked well for them. On the reverse met an Oz on the IoM who had come over to Italy to buy a Ducati, rode it out of Italy on temporary plates (as he was supposed to do in Italy) decided they would never be noticed in other countries, so kept them. Rode about Europe looking about and then rode home to Aus.
£500 to ship a £2000 bike is quite good, £500 to ship a £500 bike is bad business.
Cannot remember the name of the org, but we had a Yank stay with us who had a book of addresses (Published) of people willing to give a nights or two bed and board in return for some jobs being done. I was happy with his yarn, but he insisted in doing a load of cleaning even though we were not in his book. He had various things to do, cleaning, gardening, mucking out cattle etc. None too onerous and all stuff he would have done if he was staying. Now if anyone can think ofthe name of the org, they have 'members' all over Europe, US, Canada etc.
Will you be taking a list of useful contacts? I have a Brother In Law who has a motorcycle hire company on Koh Samoi (Thailand) Now whilst you will not be looking to hire a bike from him, he MAY be willing to let you use his workshop in return for some labour on his bikes etc.
R
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;)
All useful stuff guys! keep it coming!
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I have read several books on this and the most popular bike seems to be a BMW I think its called the R80. Says you cant fix with about 4 spanners and get parts all over the world.
Bugger if I was free and single would love to attempt something like this.
Ken
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I have read several books on this and the most popular bike seems to be a BMW I think its called the R80. Says you cant fix with about 4 spanners and get parts all over the world.
Ken
If you decide not to use the CB500 and want a BMW R80 a mate of mine has got one that I reckon he would sell.It's not a GS but then it would not be GS price.I am pretty sure that it would need some work to get it ready.It's not far from you,just the other side of Nottingham.
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:'(
If I had to buy a bike to do the trip, then a BMW it would be, but, like I said before, I have to do this with very few pennies! & that means using something that I already own (no great outlay?)
Just as a matter of interest! what sort of money & condition???? (so I can cry myself to sleep!)
John........
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Photos of said CB500 ATW ratbike should be in the project section soon? ::)
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:'(
Just as a matter of interest! what sort of money & condition???? (so I can cry myself to sleep!)..
I wouldn't cry too much.I have only seen it in the back of a van in the dark.R80 mono,was an RT but no fairing now.I think it is an ex police bike.Horrible king and queen seat.Tank cover under which my mate says there is no paint,just bare metal.It could make a good project if cheap enough but I have been told ''no more projects,go and get a nice bike'' gasps in amazement.
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I have read several books on this and the most popular bike seems to be a BMW I think its called the R80. Says you cant fix with about 4 spanners and get parts all over the world.
Bugger if I was free and single would love to attempt something like this.
Ken
The books seem to have hit a bit of a platea. Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook is so good no on has really done anything like it since. This was written in the early 1990's and while updated since he add's rather than rewrites.
This means while he talks about the condition and preparation in another chapter the R80GS stuff is as it was in about 1995 when rather than a 20 year old bike with mising gearbox circlips and worn drive splines, you could get a six year old bike and do what you liked using bits from 8 year old scrappers. The competition on 1995 was a Tenere that was equally out of production and used the same technology made to a lower price.
In to the mix also goes people who just won't give up on the old beasts. There is a guy who pops up on HUBB that will tell everyone that an R80GS is the ultimate bike. His however isn't off e-bay yesterday, it's a HPN frame and forks with a R1100 FI system, reworked gearbox and specially made hardened final drive. This is an air-cooled flat twin, but for what he's put into into he could have had a new BM and a new Tenere.
If Chris Scott had included 20 year old bikes when he'd written the AMH, Ted Simon's Triumph would have been in there too! It is, but it's lumped in a general section called rat bikes.
IMHO, it's about the condition of the bike and your knowledge of of, not what the marketing man or authors back when tell you. The CB500 is pretty close to a modern version of Ted Simons Jupiter, so I say that's the better machine.
Andy
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I have read several books on this and the most popular bike seems to be a BMW I think its called the R80. Says you cant fix with about 4 spanners and get parts all over the world.
Bugger if I was free and single would love to attempt something like this.
Ken
The books seem to have hit a bit of a platea. Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook is so good no on has really done anything like it since. This was written in the early 1990's and while updated since he add's rather than rewrites.
This means while he talks about the condition and preparation in another chapter the R80GS stuff is as it was in about 1995 when rather than a 20 year old bike with mising gearbox circlips and worn drive splines, you could get a six year old bike and do what you liked using bits from 8 year old scrappers. The competition on 1995 was a Tenere that was equally out of production and used the same technology made to a lower price.
In to the mix also goes people who just won't give up on the old beasts. There is a guy who pops up on HUBB that will tell everyone that an R80GS is the ultimate bike. His however isn't off e-bay yesterday, it's a HPN frame and forks with a R1100 FI system, reworked gearbox and specially made hardened final drive. This is an air-cooled flat twin, but for what he's put into into he could have had a new BM and a new Tenere.
If Chris Scott had included 20 year old bikes when he'd written the AMH, Ted Simon's Triumph would have been in there too! It is, but it's lumped in a general section called rat bikes.
IMHO, it's about the condition of the bike and your knowledge of of, not what the marketing man or authors back when tell you. The CB500 is pretty close to a modern version of Ted Simons Jupiter, so I say that's the better machine.
Andy
Thanks for that Andy, I am with you on the last sentance especially................John RG
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Photos of said CB500 ATW ratbike should be in the project section soon? ::)
Man that's yellow! :D
Mine rattles like a bastard as well until the clutch is engaged. The mechanic I use (and trust implicitly) says "they all do that, you daft twat" (he has no bedside manner).
GC
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Terry Hobbs was his Mentor you fuckwit ;D
R
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Sorry Rog! you lost me on that one!
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If you head east, get a MZ. Cheap to buy and spares would be available in the ex soviet block due to standardised parts etc.
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If you head east, get a MZ. Cheap to buy and spares would be available in the ex soviet block due to standardised parts etc.
Thanks but no! I have the cb500 that looks like the one (I already own it!) so no initial outlay? I'm going to be doing the whole thing on a shoestring, so every little bit will help (hence, I will take up some of the members offers shortly!)
Also, It looks like my 1st choice route of Ship to USA, spend time touring round there + Canada & Mexico? seems like it will be fairly pricey? So! my other choice of route might be Europe, down to Spain or Italy, cross the Med to Nth Africa, travel along to Egypt, then head south through Kenya etc? to Sth Africa. Boat??? to Sth America (Brazil?) tootle around there for a while, then head up towards Mexico/USA etc. Then ship?? to Australia, nip around there, then head north (boat again?) to Indonisia/Malaysia, into S/E Asia, MAYBE? up into China then down into India (or maybe vise versa?) & either ferry from India across to Saudi/Yemen then Jordan Syria Turkey & northern Europe? OR back across Nth Africa & cross the Med again?
I know I make it sound simple! but you get the idea! ps.4 strokes only!
cheers, John RG
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If you head east, get a MZ. Cheap to buy and spares would be available in the ex soviet block due to standardised parts etc.
MZ parts are getting rare. There are no 300cc barrels/pistons to be had and the pre-ETZ models are now well in classic territory so prices are rising.
Honda have been in Russia etc. for 20 years,so you'll find dealers that while mostly seeing CG125's and the clones (superior to Urals etc.) will understand CB500 parts. The only places Eastern Block 2-strokes seem to survive is Vietnam (Minsk fighting a loosing battle against Hero Honda), Cuba and Iraq.
Andy
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Sorry Rog! you lost me on that one!
Terry Hobbs was a motorcycle dealer/engine builder. He was famed for his 'forthright' manner. I chatted to him on the phone for half an hour once and I learnt at least five new swear words.
GC
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Can anybody help? have won a couple of cheap panniers (for my RTW bike?)
BUT! I didn't realise that there was no posting! & have to collect them from SE15 (nr. Lewisham)
Does anyone live / work / party / pass through? that area during the next week & can possibly oick them up for me? hold onto them till I can collect (from Derby)
They are paid for already so should be no problems?
If anybody could help, please give me a ring on 07930916509 cheers, John.....
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John,if you are stuck could you get the seller to pack them up then you arrange collection by a courier.I have used Parcel2go.com to do this a few times.
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......I have used Parcel2go.com to do this a few times.
Found them OK as have been Parcel2ship.
I hope it works out fine, Bill.
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If? you have a few minutes to spare, a bit of fun? that might help me too!
I'm now making rough lists of stuff to take with me, So,
make your own lists of what you would take, (adding, why you chose a certain item?)
Bear in mind, what the bike is, & also, I intend to try low tech travelling! (ie. cost!), Time on the journey will be no problem either. The bike (so far)
will have a pair of (firm but soft, old BMW Krauser) plastic panniers
A large topbox (maybe with a small rack on that?)
Magnetic? tank bag
Room on the top of panniers & space where the pillion would sit!
Lots of pockets in Jacket & trousers!
LISTS.........................1: Bike spares etc.
2: Luggage, fuel cans, water etc etc.
3: Clothing (to wear/take)
4: Bike components (ie. tyres / bulbs / engine/sump guards etc)
5: Comforts/luxuries?
6: Camping stuff (All)
7: misc...........................
What I will do, is cherry pick from the lists, all the things that would be most suitable for my trip!
I will also be reading the Horizons stuff, & talking to other similar travellers.
Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Good decision, imho. If you need it there's an MSR Whisperlite stove waiting here for you. It's the stove of choice for most lightweight travellers.
If there's any other kit that useful I'll donate it to you. How about a nice small tent? I've got a small Wild Country two man (i.e. one oerson plus some luggage) that you can take if you want it. The quality is excellent.
GC
Now that I've decided, it's on! then I would love to take up your offer of the stove & tent?
I'm not too proud, & will take all the help I can get. Just let me know a little more about the items if you would? ie. size of stove/how to use it etc., & size/shape/weight/skin of tent please.
Thanks, John.........
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If I had to name one item, I would take is a half length thermarest. Packs tiny, makes even sleeping on concrete bearable (just) and is warmer than anything else I've used. Swmbo was horrified at me paying its purchase price for a "glorified rollmat", borrowed it once then went and bought herself a (more expensive!) full length one ;D
A good nights sleep is priceless....
Less critical things? Space will be an issue, you will (I imagine) need to minimise wherever possible so I would consider a folding alloy windshield to go with the whisperlite (very nice stove btw), perhaps a crusader mug (http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/militarygear/product/crusader-mug.html) instead of mug and pots/pans. Make sure you get the one with an "nsn" stamped on it so you can drink from it without burning your lips...
Don't mess around with matches/flints/rubbing boy scouts together... get a handful of 99p gas lighters. Reliable cheap and disposable, the only other alternative I'd consider for what you're planning is maybe a zippo because it can be filled from the tanks and spare flints held in the base.
I'd definately modify the luggage so you can lock it, even in "safe" places it helps give fractionally more peace of mind about your kit when you go for a beer/meal/toilet stop and are out of site of all your gear.
Only other thing that leaps to mind is a decent penknife and some string.... I'm sure the others can come up with more though... ;)
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Some more stuff sold SEE ......... EVENTS!!!!!!!!
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My lists are here (where I can't loose 'em)!
https://sites.google.com/site/threewheelbonnie/lists
Edit to add: I do have an extra wheel to help me lug this about ;D
IMHO the one really critical bit of kit is your tyre repair stuff and your everyday tool kit for adjusting the chain etc. The bike is going to be running high miles at full load. If things wear you'll loose time and have hassle and expense getting them sorted. Chains run at the right slack and tyres with decent repairs are going to make life a lot easier.
Edit to add: I think we've done this one before, but carrying a tube for each wheel and a patch kit will save you hassle. You can put a 19-inch tube in a 17-inch tyre, but would you want to leave it there for 5000 miles? The Enduro guys only carry one 21-inch to save weight, but they are hopeing they'll reach the support truck the same day. IMHO the bulk is outweighed by the convienience of fixing each puncture once, then patching the tube at leisure.
A lot of guys I've met carrying spare BMW drive shafts etc. seem to have one track minds. Having heared that the splines go, that's what they plan for. When the clutch goes the drive shaft is only a rather expensive, heavy, inefficient hammer. I'd cut down the spares to consumables unless your exact bike is prone to destroying something (the Bonneville soaks it's coil).
Do you have a route planned? To me clothes and basic camping gear are the sort of thing you need to pick up as you go on some routes. I'd go with the stove, a few bits of technical clothing (fleeces etc.) and a bivvy bag. T-shirts, underwear, even a tent you can pick up at Walmart or similar as you go (unless you are heading straight out into the desert). I'd want to travel light unless you are ready to dump stuff that starts to get in your way.
One thing I would take is a small canoe/roll sack. Stuff your worn clothes in it. Once it's half full tip a kettle full of warm water, some washing powder and fill it up with cold water, seal and shake. One washing machine!
Andy
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Hi Andy, thanks for that! not sure about the canoe though!
Anyway, What looks like the route that I'll take is as follows................
Turn right out of my gate, then right at the end of my street,
Down through France & Spain..........ship across to Morocco, then east across Nth Africa, through Algeria, Libya? to Egypt,
South, following the Nile, through Sudan, Uganda, Kenya (climb Kilimanjaro) check out Victoria falls, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique to Sth Africa.
Blag my way onto a ship to Sth America, tour round there? then head up North to central America, into Mexico & USA. Spend quite a while touring around, including some of Canada, then make my way down to the San Francisco area? & try to get a ship over to Australia.
Tour around there & finish up in the North, then ship out via Indonisia & Malaysia to Sth east Asia. Maybe into China if poss? then India. Catch a ship? to Oman/Saudi? up through the middle east via Israel, Syria to Turkey, then through eastern Europe to home? have a cuppa, then off again maybe?
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What do you recommend for a small light but robust Air Pump (tyres etc)
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Ah, well I guess calling into the Asda for a tent is a bit unlikely then ;D There is a Carrefore just outside Fez though!
For years I used an Aldi compressor made smaller by stripping off the casing. Only hassle is you couldn't leave it running you had to hold it off the deck. Could knock up a bracket that'd be better than the casing I guess. I'd get another one and add a bicycle pump as back up.
That's the compressor I left in the tent at Dent. Won me a prize ;D
Andy
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If? you have a few minutes to spare, a bit of fun? that might help me too!
I'm now making rough lists of stuff to take with me, So,
make your own lists of what you would take, (adding, why you chose a certain item?)
Bear in mind, what the bike is, & also, I intend to try low tech travelling! (ie. cost!), Time on the journey will be no problem either. The bike (so far)
will have a pair of (firm but soft, old BMW Krauser) plastic panniers
A large topbox (maybe with a small rack on that?)
Magnetic? tank bag
Room on the top of panniers & space where the pillion would sit!
Lots of pockets in Jacket & trousers!
LISTS.........................1: Bike spares etc.
2: Luggage, fuel cans, water etc etc.
3: Clothing (to wear/take)
4: Bike components (ie. tyres / bulbs / engine/sump guards etc)
5: Comforts/luxuries?
6: Camping stuff (All)
7: misc...........................
What I will do, is cherry pick from the lists, all the things that would be most suitable for my trip!
I will also be reading the Horizons stuff, & talking to other similar travellers.
Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANY MORE TAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME ON ! LETS HAVE YOUR OWN LISTS............
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A couple of tubes of superglue and a roll of gaffer tape :)
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Cannot beat a Poncho. Mine unclips at the sides and can cover the bike, slung between bike and a fence makes a lean-to, or just supported by the bike makes a good shelter. A couple of old tent poles makes the whole thing more versatile, a pole up where the hood is makes a profile to send the rain away. ;D
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Dental floss, cleans teeth, ties bike together, stitches lumps of flesh back in place.
R
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Cable ties
Gaffa tape
Spring link
?Bulbs?
Solderless nipple kit (??cables, taped in place, ready to go?)
Levers
Tubeless repair kit
sure you've got all these on yer list tho mate!
speak soon, sorry can't make the shed meet/ flea market/ swap meet. The latter is a hideous americanism, my apologies!
a
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(??cables, taped in place, ready to go?)
The only time I've seen such cables used in anger, they'd been on the bike too long and were cacked up to the point of uselessness. If you can find another space and they don't require the head/swingarm/clutch taking off to fit, I'd suggest not.
Andy
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If you do fit spare cables alongside the control cables, make sure that they are fully oiled/greased and then seal the ends with greased plastic bags or somesuch, attached using cable ties. It's a good bodge and has been beneficial for me in the past.
Another good way of sealing the cable ends is to cut up an old pushbike inner tube into short sections and use these to cover the ends. The rubber is much more robust, but thin enough to be sealed using a cable tie, even when folded over onto itself.
GC
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Thanks peeps,
lots of good ones so far! keep em going & I'll publish my own lists soon, so you can see things I've missed too!
Useful items might be things that double up to save weight & space (ie. screwdriver with changeble end?)
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Those replaceable bit screwdrivers are great, but make sure you get a long one. Some of them are a bit too stubby for good access to some bike screws. Actually I picked up a good secondhand one today. I'll send you a piccy and if it's suitable you can have that too.
A good quality (Bahco, etc.) adjustable spanner is a good investment. I have one here that will tackle everything from my steering stem nut down to 12mm nuts and bolts. They are a bit pants for smaller bolts though. People who scoff at adjustable spanners often base their criticism on experiences of using cheaper spanners. The good stuff works very well. When I adjust my chain I use one adjustable spanner... and even then I sometimes lose it mid-job ::)
GC
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Screwdriver update - sorry, when I dug out my new 'driver I realised that it's almost certainly too heavy for your needs. I'll see if I can turn up a lighter one.
GC
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Screwdriver update - sorry, when I dug out my new 'driver I realised that it's almost certainly too heavy for your needs. I'll see if I can turn up a lighter one.
GC
Thanks for the offer! but remember, I probably have all the tools I may need here?
It's a case of deciding which to take..................(reasons?)
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I always get a plastic box out on service day. Any tools I use get chucked in the box. You then put all the tools away except for the ones in the box, have a look round for any bits you didn't disturb but might need to (mudguards typically for some reason no doubt related to domed nuts), then chuck out the duplicates and hey presto, one bike tool kit.
I hate "what if" stuff and have repeatedly threatened to chuck stuff I havn't used off the ferry, but some bits I think are just useful. I carry a cap type spark plug tester because I've seen plugs that'd spark near the edge of the hole but not in it (*****y Triumphs!) and a multi socket (lots of little pins) because I've used them to shift rounded nuts before. Did you get Chris Scott's book? His list is a good start.
Where you keeping tools? Bits of drain pipe on the sump or rack are popular, but I'm betting every thieving scrote between here and Timbucktoo knows that but can't get your seat off or be bothered to open a pannier.
Andy
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Open question?
chain & sprockets (on the CB500 oem is a 525 pitch 14t front / 39t rear 108 links)
Should I fit the same size? or should I go for a stronger (heavier?) 530 set up.
OR! could I even go down size (much lighter?) to a 520 & even use an alloy rear sprocket? (taking a spare alloy rear= hardly any weight?)
I also wouldn't mind going up just 1 tooth on the front sprocket as I am very gentle on the throttle & would not be pushing fast anywhere! giving a little extra mpg?
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Not sure on chain size, but a Scottoiler will make a big difference to chain/sprocket life.
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Fit a cigarette socket to 12volts supply, you can 12volt kettles....
Always time for tea!!!
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Not sure on chain size, but a Scottoiler will make a big difference to chain/sprocket life.
Found a scottoiler hidden behind the no plate!!! Big reservoir too! so, hopefully, can get that working properly? (nice bonus?)
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Fit a cigarette socket to 12volts supply, you can 12volt kettles....
Always time for tea!!!
Yes, plan to fit a 12v socket (so I can charge my camera & have a spotlight, to light up the lions in the dark?)
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I am after a pair of strong boots (high leg) for aforementioned trip!
Size 9--- 9 1/2 No buckles, worn is ok but need to be vgc.
Anyone got anything?
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Why don't you get some ex-army ones?? Mine set me back about £25 and are the best boots I ever had. Reasonably OK to wear with jeans if your on foot too and if you keep them well polished they won't leak either.
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Why don't you get some ex-army ones?? Mine set me back about £25 and are the best boots I ever had. Reasonably OK to wear with jeans if your on foot too and if you keep them well polished they won't leak either.
Have considered those, but would like high shin protection up to the knees?
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Just been thinking! about the possibility of fitting some spoked wheels tto the Cb500?
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Have considered those, but would like high shin protection up to the knees?
WHY??? ???
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Have considered those, but would like high shin protection up to the knees?
How about some motocross knee/shin pads that strap around your legs?
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Have considered those, but would like high shin protection up to the knees?
WHY??? ???
I'm assuming I'm going to have a tumble or two? & I have hit my shins in the past when wearing short boots (& it bl**dy hurts!)
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Have considered those, but would like high shin protection up to the knees?
How about some motocross knee/shin pads that strap around your legs?
Might try my old footy shin pads?
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Hi all!
anyone who's coming over? Sat Morning to have a look at stuff (& grab a coffe/tea or two)
Could you poss just give me a ring before getting here so I have an idea of how many?
see you if you come! cheers, John........07930916509
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Sorry mate - caught in Wales, hope it goes well
R
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Thanks for the support you guys who came down yesterday, good to see you.
Hope you all had a good night at Matlock!
John.......
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Still working hard on project!
Just a couple of things,
1- I've given in on the "no tech", under advice, & am now looking for a SIMPLE to use gps
Anyone know WHICH one I should be looking at?
It has to be small/light,
able to give a position ANYWHERE in the world?
& be VERY Very CHEAP! (s/h is fine)
2- Can you look back at some of the questions asked & come up with some suggestions etc.
I'd like to keep the ball rolling on this one.
Thanks everybody who contributes.....................................John
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1- I've given in on the "no tech", under advice, & am now looking for a SIMPLE to use gps
Anyone know WHICH one I should be looking at?
It has to be small/light,
able to give a position ANYWHERE in the world?
& be VERY Very CHEAP! (s/h is fine)
You need to decide how you'll use the GPS. Something like one of the Garmin E-trex range will give you long/lat. You then need to turn that into useful info on a map to be able to tell the GPS you'd like to go to another long/lat position. It'll then just keep pointing at where you want to be.
The next step up is something like the GPS60 series. These have an autoroute function and a basic world road map in addition (you need to buy the world map to replace the area version the unit is supplied with, check on HUBB, there are non-OE free maps available). The additional function is that if you want to go to Cairo it knows all the main roads from here to there. It will therefore give limited instructions like "take the M-1 south, M-25, M-2......".
I don't think you want a full autoroute version as even big units like the 2610 need cards or a PC to get the whole world in. There again, check on HUBB and E-bay someone may be selling off older units for good cash and even if the maps not there they'll still do what an E-trex will.
You want a GPS unit, not Magellan or Russian types as these have various blind spots for suposedly secret locations. For example a Garmin GPS has a blind spot about two miles across where the radar is on Fylingdale Moor. I hear the Magellan units struggle to find Whitby as the blank is so big.
I'd go for something like the E-Trex and make a list of long/lat for places roughly where you might want to go. If you want to go to Whitby and have the long/lat of Scarborough you can use that to get close enough for traditional navigation to take over.
Happy to show you how to use the Sun Compass, it's battery free you know (unless you include the torch to see it at night) ;)
Andy
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Thanks Andy,
I really wanted to try the trip with no tech! but have been advised to at least be able to locate where I am, So will the Garmin that I buy off e-bay, that some bloke has used for walking the fells, be able, with no altering/programming? to tell me where I am when riding through Sudan?
ie. if it's in my pocket, & the first time I get it out to use is in said Sudan? will it give me my long & lat (assuming I have a map?)
john.
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ie. if it's in my pocket, & the first time I get it out to use is in said Sudan? will it give me my long & lat (assuming I have a map?)
john.
Yes, it should... but(!) It will need a decent view of the sky (ie sattelites!) and if the unit still thinks it's in Huddersfield or wherever it will initially be looking for the wrong sattelites so will take some time to give you an accurate location (some units will claim up to 20 minutes but it varies depending on location and unit).
I use a wrist mounted Garmin at work as it's *very* small and light and I don't need maps, bells whistles etc, I just need an accurate location fast. Haven't found any blank spots on military areas, but then I'm not after electronic maps, just the spot location.
You also need to be aware that if you are in a conflict zone, especially one involving US or NATO forces, there is a fair risk that the Americans will have disabled, or intorduced a large error into, the civilian GPS system (it's a fair one, they paid for it, why should they let potential opposition use them!).
In Yugoslavia during parts of 1998/99 it showed itself with civilian GPS's flicking randomly one grid square side to side and sometimes failing to produce a steady location...
btw, Andy, if you have a spare hour or two a short video or slideshow of how the sun compass works would be very interesting indeed 8)
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Tried my sun compass last night, but had difficulties with it!
Am I using too low a wattage bulb? ???
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What Smudge says. Switch your GPS on once a day and you'll save time. With the hikers version, be aware it'll eat batteries if you ride with it switched on, it's how they are set up to record a track, every 30m at 40 mph is more info than at 3 mph.
The sun compass stuff will be on my webpage once I've had time to play and take pictures (and of course we actually have some sun). I'll put a link up once I get somewhere.
Andy
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John,
have you bought a GPS yet? If not then give me a call 0797 four four 393 two two
Steffan
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Message to all the guests at my shed(s) meet/sale.
The lathe that you all saw, is now back up for sale due to the ******* who said he wanted it, messing about........
give me a ring 07930916509
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Hi all....... just a bit of an update!
Selling still underway
Visa applications etc. started
Research going well?
Start a 3 month course of jabs soon!
Just started to strip stuff of the CB500 (looks like more work than I envisaged?)
Big thank you to all who have helped or offered to so far!
One big change (or at least a VERY strong possibility!) is friend Simon, who has declared his intention of joining me on the trip!
So a solo trip looks like it may now be a duo? I am still planning to go alone though, right up to the last minute, just in case he doesn't come through!
Either way, the trip will go ahead for me....... :P
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Sorry for messing you around, the tent and stove are in a box in my hallway and WILL be posted on Saturday morning.
GC
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Thanks GC, hope all goes well! I can understand the life change thing!
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Bit of an update, down on the projects section. (ATW by CB500!)
Some pictures too!
Will have a blog site up & running soon (hopefully)
Check out some previous posts on this thread (some answers & suggestions still required!)
Cheers all.........(back off to the garage now!)
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Things are progressing slowly, but progressing.........bikes are nearly done (ha ha ha !)
Paperwork is now under way, Passports, Carnets, Visas etc.
Visas seem like a PIA (keep coming up with contradicting information) but plodding on!
Blogsite has been started if you're interested? Keep it handy........
http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
will update when can...............................
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At the risk of being too serious and dull, why don't you give me a ring and we can talk about setting up a Paypal donation link via this site. Once you're on the move we would like to have to occasional update for this site (even if we just crib it from your blog) and we can attach a link to a donation button so TCers can, if they feel inclined, chuck some petrol money at you.
We did something like this for Lois Price when she was riding the length of the Americas. We used her articles in the newsletter and sent her some petrol money each time.
The details of how this could work are too dull for here so I'll PM you my phone number.
GC
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Great idea GC, I'd be up for supporting that.
Others too I fink- we're a good bunch on whole!
Blog is nice too mate!
a
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Hi all!
Latest update on my Blog...........for those who wish to follow (no sniggering!)
http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
Not long now!
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There's an air of simple genius about this luggage system:
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7Bhp9PB-SWU/Svw2WHG9eOI/AAAAAAAAAF8/4DCblVuZ8X4/s320/latest+bikes+stuff+007.JPG)
And as for the headlamp grills:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7Bhp9PB-SWU/Svwz0q9NAqI/AAAAAAAAAFc/0bPdW2IgfRk/s320/latest+bikes+stuff+004.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7Bhp9PB-SWU/Svw08fTGkjI/AAAAAAAAAFk/B8QBAH-jw98/s320/latest+bikes+stuff+011.JPG)
They might not be tasteful, but by god they will do the job at a fraction of the cost of buying a Pooratech version.
Without wishing to cause offense, there's a hint of an A-Team solution to all this ;) :D
Keep up the good work men.
GC
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Strange you should mention that GC.........
I have been trying to find some way of putting that tune on the blog! (still working on it!)
Anyone else got a suggestion for an appropriate tune?
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Mission Impossible - they always succeeded - thus suggesting the title was wrong.
R
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A few more pics uploaded!
http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
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A few more pics uploaded!
http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
Just an idea but have you considered a couple of small rucksacks on each side of the tank. The shoulder straps from each bag go over the tank to secure to each other either side of the filler cap and then a small strap around the front to stop them blowing backwards. Protects your knees from hard rain and usable space for tools and refreshments etc. Also helps to keep some of the weight further forward.
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A few more pics uploaded!
http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
Just an idea but have you considered a couple of small rucksacks on each side of the tank. The shoulder straps from each bag go over the tank to secure to each other either side of the filler cap and then a small strap around the front to stop them blowing backwards. Protects your knees from hard rain and usable space for tools and refreshments etc. Also helps to keep some of the weight further forward.
Thanks for the suggestion! It is something we are already considering, just working out the best way to do it.
Keep them coming, as we may have missed the obvious!
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When Big Singles - the original Tenere etc started appearing in Plymouth off the ferry from Europe - they were the only people who seemed to use them for touring - strange really when you consider how much better suited to the UK roads they are - most had small - 1 to 2 litre - bags strapped to the fork sliders. Seemed to me that this was a great way of fouling up the steering and wiping the bags out on lumps and bumps, but they all seemed to have them.
Personally I thought they looked really cool, but I am not convinced of their use or utility, but for a small tool kit / 1st aid kit etc they may be fine.
Seem to remember some of the mil MT500s have them as well - oh and the really useful rifle holster...
R
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When Big Singles - the original Tenere etc started appearing in Plymouth off the ferry from Europe - they were the only people who seemed to use them for touring - strange really when you consider how much better suited to the UK roads they are - most had small - 1 to 2 litre - bags strapped to the fork sliders. Seemed to me that this was a great way of fouling up the steering and wiping the bags out on lumps and bumps, but they all seemed to have them.
Personally I thought they looked really cool, but I am not convinced of their use or utility, but for a small tool kit / 1st aid kit etc they may be fine.
Seem to remember some of the mil MT500s have them as well - oh and the really useful rifle holster...
R
After some of the replies to enquiries about travelling through some places!
The rifle holsters might come in very usefull.... cheers, John.
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Hi mate
Good luck on your trip, i hope all goes well for you.
I see you plan on going to Zambia and to see Victoria Falls. If you venture across the border to the Zimbabwe side, my parents live there and would only be too happy to put you up (and take you fishing on the Zambezi?)
If you want numbers and stuff, please dont hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Warren
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Having just ridden a CB500 through a veritable lake at 35mph, I can vouch for the suitability of the bike for rough riding conditions, it didn't miss a beat.
Part of me will be sorry to see my bike go (it will be on Ebay next week) because it's a very capable machine.
GC
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Hi mate
Good luck on your trip, i hope all goes well for you.
I see you plan on going to Zambia and to see Victoria Falls. If you venture across the border to the Zimbabwe side, my parents live there and would only be too happy to put you up (and take you fishing on the Zambezi?)
If you want numbers and stuff, please dont hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Warren
Hi Warren,
We certainly intend to visit the area of Victoria falls/Zambezi etc. So as soon as we have done a little more research, & got visa information etc. I will get back in touch with you as we would certainly be interested in taking up an offer such as yours.
Thank you very much for your kind offer. We will speak to you soon, cheers, John & Simon.
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see fund raising OR for sale section!
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Some workshop manuals going in the ads section..............be quick! :D
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Small update.......http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
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Simon & myself are being interviewed about the trip,
On BBC Radio Derby at 10:15am On Monday morning 11th Jan 2010 (LIVE)
(gotta watch the P's & Q's)
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Now starting to realise how short of money we will be (just in case we can't raise much when travelling!)
So, between now & leaving! (around March?) we will be pulling out all the stops, raising funds before we leave:
Such as.... selling even more personal stuff (empty the house & sheds etc.)
Doing regular car boot sales (weather permitting)
More stuff on e-bay
Getting more people to sign up for the (have a drink a week to us!)
Any minor sponsorship deals that crop up!
& anything you lot can suggest? (sensible if you please..........)
cheers, John & Simon.
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This might help anyone wanting to listen to the interview!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/derby/hi/tv_and_radio/
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Thanks for the link, I will listen if I get the chance (but will probably be up a ladder fixing a downpipe for a neighbour).
GC
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My brother tuned in and said it sounded good.
He rang me up and asked if I could set up some sort of route for people to sponser the trip using a standing order. He wants to pay £10 a month, starting from when you guys leave. He thinks this is a better idea than just making a one-off payment.
I will add this to my 'to do' list for when we create a link to your trip blog via this site. In the meantime I will chat to your 'financial coordinator' (John has put all this stuff into the hands of a family member to take care of whilst he's away) and sort out Gareth's standing order with her.
GC
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Hi all............still here & working hard now on the final stuff before actually leaving...
Have been ill over Christmas & New Year so planning etc. got put back by a few more weeks...(looks more like May? now)
Small update.......http://www.atwi80m.blogspot.com/
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Hi all, just letting those of you who might be interested......the blog has been updated recently & we should be on our way soon!!!!!
http://atwi80m.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html
Around the end of Summer/early Sep 2010 (if all goes well)
We are away this coming weekend 24/25/26/27th June at the Horizons Unlimited annual meet taking place near Ripley, Derbyshire. A chance to meet many fellow travellers (& pick their brains!) before we finalise all the arrangements for the off.
We will also be at the Uttoxeter show with our own humble stand, so pop across & say hello....
See you there...........
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Hi all,
Not been updating for a while, so much been going on. A very busy time during a poor summer.
Quite a few changes, so for those who'd like to catch up, check our new proper website (still being costructed but most stuff is on it....)
Off in a few weeks.....16th October is looking good (my birthday!)
Have to get going soon as I have to be out of my house by 20th September.. :(
& will have to rough it somewhere till the leaving date...
If those of you who suggested that they might be able to help finacially in a small way, to help me complete this adventure, are still willing, then now is the time to jump on board as finances are now the most important obstacle, but I'm getting there fast... :)
Every little will help.........
Cheers all, John R Goode...
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D'oh! www.aroundtheworldin80months.co.uk