Top 5 Reasons to ride a Small Motorcycle on a Long Adventure trip
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- A huge misconception is that on a long motorcycle trip you need a big adventure bike, like a BMW g1200 or a KTM 1290, that you need a huge engine, a huge petrol tank and the bigger the luggage capacity, the better.
This is far from the truth.
I’m going to run you guys through the five benefits of trading your fat powerful bike in for a small one on your next long adventure.
1 - PRICE - The first consideration would be the price of buying a motorcycle. Obviously to travel the world you need a motorcycle so you’d be weighing up the options. For a bigger adventure bike such as a BMW 1200GS or similar you would be spending well in excess of $20,000 and that’s just for the bike. Factor in the costs of the riding gear, modifications on the bike and luggage, you’ll be paying close to $25k.
Then because you’ll have a premium bike, the costs of tires, maintenance and insurance will be much more than a smaller bike. Up to 30 to 40% more.
You might try and justify the cost of the bigger bike by saying, well I’ll be able to cruise easier on the highways and have more fun with the top speed. But realistically you won’t be planning a motorcycle adventure that consists of mostly highways and luxury hotels. It’s the riding that we do on the road less travelled that the pleasure comes from.
Plus unless you want to break the speed limit you won’t be going faster than 110km/h anyway. A 250cc motorcycle can easily keep up this speed.
2 - WEIGHT - The biggest benefit of riding a small motorcycle on a long adventure trip is that you’ll have a lighter bike. Weight really matters. When you’re getting pumped on some sketchy terrain that consists of mud, sand, gravel and even snow, the weight really matters. Because it’s inevitable that you’ll get stuck or drop your bike and will have to pick it up.
Plus a lighter bike is much more maneouvrable, manageable and will cause you less fatigue when riding off road.
3 - CONSTANT SPEED - The next consideration is the speed that you’d travel on a long ride. When you’re travelling thousands of kilometres across multiple days or weeks, it does not matter how fast your bike can go. The faster you ride, the more you increase the risks of crashing and also getting fatigued as well as not enjoying your trip.
When my brother and I rode 2000kms across Nepal, I was rushing him and trying to cover distance quicker. This resulted in us not only feeling stressed with the hectic traffic conditions but also my brother being involved in a crash.
The pleasure of long trips comes from riding slowly and taking in your surrounding environment and scenery. Or in the other case, tearing up some dirt trails and on a bike bike this is much harder.
I’ve seen heaps of people riding bigger bikes and being afraid when they take it off road, they’ll duck walk and keep putting their feet down.
4 - Luggage - On a motorcycle trip with a big bike you’ll be tempted to pack a lot of unnecessary luggage. You’ll take all sorts of food, luxury camping items, clothes, laptop and cameras. The more weight you pack on the harder the bike becomes to handle and also contributing to rider fatigue.
On a small bike you’ll only pack the necessities, keeping it lightweight and easy to handle.
5. The last point, having a small bike increases the safety aspect of your ride. With a lightweight bike its much easier to ride through traffic, make maneouvres, easier to handle it on and off road. Way easier to pick it up if you drop it. Easier to traverse across tricky terrain, rivers and ride up hills.
On my trips to the Himalayas I used a lightweight royal enfield Himalayan, 400cc adventure bike which only weighs about 180 kilograms. I dropped it a lot of times and it wasn’t hard to pick up. Also the lightweight maneouvrability ensured that I was able to correct mistakes that could have been fatal, like when the bike slipped infront of a truck or when it kept slipping on a snow covered mountain.
Also with a smaller, cheaper bike you don’t attract attention that you have money and then are less likely to get robbed. I remember riding through a poor area in India and every time I would stop, my bike would be surrounded by people asking questions about it. And they definitely did not have good intentions. - Zábava
I got alot of inspiration to make this video all thanks to Pavlin from Motorcycle Adventures on youtube. Please go check out his awesome channel, probably the best motorcycle adventure channel here on youtube! czcams.com/users/motorcycleadventures
Good stuff.
No way 'Itchy Boots' beats everyone hands down , she is going to places that hardly any 'male' adventure rider has even dreamed of ...
Try xpulse 200 !! best adventure bike you will find... Lighter than Himalayan .. More off road capable... Less cruise speed compared to Himalayan but more milage...
I turn 80 this year and will sell my Vulcan 900 and buy a 250 cc dual purpose and get back to riding fun!
Hell yeah that's awesome
You must be kidding, 80 seriously...?
When I'll be 80 I'll sell my vulcan if I'll have one, to buy my final 250 cc ride bicasket......
P.s : Means seriously..are you 80 that's really amazing..that you still have spirit of biking in you...
🙌🙌⬆️⬆️⬆️ Legend spotted ⬆️⬆️⬆️🙌🙌
😀
I worked in the oilfield with a guy in his late 70’s that drove several liter super bikes. Rock on.
I will buy your Vulcan. I am after one. Seriously.
most people who drop over 10 grand on a bike are too afraid to go on a trip with it in fear they'll scuff up their precious investment. the best adventure bike is one you can afford to lose, if you ask me..
That’s one reason why I love small dualsports, when they fall and scratches start to show Up I don’t get upset, they are just battle scars showing that you’re using that bike as intended to.
Exactly, we must always take on account the risk of loosing that bike and if that happens wouldn't be the end of the world.
Amen!
I like inexpensive so when I dump it , I cry less.
Haha yep well said 😂
Yeah. Easier to only wipe a few tears each time. I’d probably have a mid-life crisis every time I would drop some 1290
@@ZSmith-yy4lv ,,,to be closely followed by a hernia picking it up.
@@ZSmith-yy4lv Every time I see a KTM video I want to go straight out & buy one.
Then I remember I'm no Chris Birch...
Right! The key word is "when", not "if".
Itchy boots is living proof. She has covered half of the world with Royal enfield Himalayan.
On a Royal Enfield? But... but why?
@@jcorkable cause she is a legend 😊
Yes she has.....she’s done an awesome job of showing the world how one lady can tour the world on two wheels and take us with her every time. Look up itchy boots on you tube...you will not be disappointed at all!
She got a different bike - Honda CB500X. Much better bike, it's about the same size but has a bit more power and Honda's reliability.
@@stevelarson4487 after completing tour on RE
Before my mom passed last year she said to me, “never stop exploring”......I believe this is what she meant!
I have been riding for 50 years and I totally agree with you
mucho GRACIOUS , much valuable info and true. Your video footage so realistic , i feel as tho I've taken the ride just by viewing your link.. .
60 years. And yes.
I have never ridden a motorcycle and i totally agree with u
@Daniel Smith I guess you have the experience to back that up. Or not.
The other side of an argument is faulty when based on presumption.
"It's the riding that we do on the road less traveled that the pleasure comes from"...that pretty much sums up my personal philosophy of the ultimate riding experience, thank you for the great quote!
No worries thanks for watching and enjoying the video 😁👍
Finally someone not advocating bigger, heavier bikes that like you said, are more unyielding, harder to pick up and you can't manoeuvre them as easily. 👍
You might enjoy this feature length Film on what it is like to ride a motorcycle around Australia. czcams.com/video/ep0gmY1d85s/video.html
It's 2021. In 2023 BMW will introduce the 2027 R2900GSA Turbo. 990 lbm but, hey, 400 hp. And autopilot, so it can go ride off by itself and you can just sit at home watching its videos.
L.O.L.
I already ordered one...
The multistrada already has radar
😂😂
Where did you get this information from
Totally Agree, I ride a Honda CRF 250 Rally here in the Philippines and it’s been up nearly everyone of the mountains that this beautiful country has to offer ✌🏾
hey man just curios, are the seats comfortable?
@@MarvilatAggies Hey Bro I’ve rode to Manila from here in Dumaguete and had no problem with the seat ✌🏾
@@MarvilatAggies more comfy if replaced with Seat Concept brand.
@@adityanugraha1640 thanks mate!
Itchy boots is dominating Africa on a CRF250 Rally. I might pick up the 300 Rally. Honda’s are indestructible
I recently sold my 1200GS and bought a KTM390 ADV. I started on a KZ400 40 years ago. I've come full circle with no regrets.
I'm about there. Love my GS, but that bike is HUGE!
I prefer the GS 750 than 1200...too heavy 😬
@@jairalmeidajunior1262 Yep. Too heavy for anything but firm surfaces.
Tempted to get a KZ400 - how good are they for long rides? how's the gearing for highway?
@Old fisheyed Fool I owned 390 4 months ago amazing 🤩
I agree with this. My first “cross country” trip was from southern Luzon to northern Luzon in the philippines. About 2400km round trip on nothing but provincial roads and some provincial highways. No expressways. I did it all on a 125cc Honda Wave and a backpack with the basics. The best time of my life. I plan to do it again as soon as this COVID crap goes away. This time on something slightly bigger. A 150cc Yamaha or Suzuki.
Now how awesome is that.. on a 125cc and a backpack. That's some good adventuring. I love it!
@@Wanderer1 Yeah, my only regret is not documenting at least some of it with videos and pictures. That was back when not a lot of people had smart phones. I didn’t even have a GPS device. I did it all by maps and asking for directions. I didn’t even have a digital camera. I was living in the moment. Next time I will have a few gadgets with me to take along for the ride.
@Paul Buskie haha yeah, well it wasn't always comfortable. plenty of pit stops to give my backside a rest. This was about 12 years ago when I was 25 or so. I'm 6'2 and I think i was 260lbs around that time. Im down to about 210lbs now. It took me about a week to complete the whole trip. I stayed in those "short time" hotels when i could because you can just drive your bike into the little garage and not have it sitting out in the open. Plus they are super cheap. i think the most expensive one was P400 for the night. I drive a 150cc Suzuki GR150 here in China. It's a lot less buzzy than the Wave. I'd like to find one in the Philippines or something similar and do an island hopping trip via ferry service. maybe luzon-leyte-cebu-dumaguete then same way back. Right now just biding my time and saving up for when that kind of travel becomes possible.
Honda wave is good...many of these are used in Argentina...they last a long time
Just bought my 175 Rusi for a road trip on Luzon and Mindoro in January.
so right...what I am telling others, there are two kinds of riders...ones who enjoy the speed and the ones who enjoy the ride. Bike trips are not for the people who enjoy the speed...there are special places for the people who enjoy the speed.
I believe you’re right. I initially bought an Africa Twin, which is a great bike, but I felt it was too big for what I wanted to do. Now I have a Himalayan and I’m much happier. I have a lot more confidence and comfort riding off road and in adverse conditions.
In India when people ask you about your bike it doesn't always means that they have a bad intention... most of the people are just interested by the bike and they just want to know more about it... people even ask me questions about my bicycle and they sometimes take pictures with it
99.9 of the people in the planet are good people
I support you
Nah they wanted to rob him.
@@KC08RAS are you one of them or what??
@@abhinaykarteek
One of who
I'm giving my 5 reasons without watching the video -
. They're smaller/lighter so less fatigue on long rides
. Very frugal, great fuel mileage. You save tons of money
. They're cheap and less exotic so less chance of theft or vandalism
. They're low maintenance and have lesser chance of breaking down
. Even if you do break something parts are easily available for mass produced smaller bikes
Haha and you're spot on. Maybe even better said than the video lol
Pavlin, motorcycle adventures.
You forgot one... they're just more fun!
I'm with you on those, except for some parts of the world a cheaper bike means it's more appealing to thieves, just cause it's easier and faster to sell.
Oh in Philippines, the common and cheaper your bike is, the more chances it gets stolen.
Why?
- parts will get sold faster, everyone has it.
- very light to carry
- easier and common wiring mechanisms to tamper
At 58 im not in a race anymore, when i do go riding i want to enjoy the world around me. A couple hundred miles a day is plenty. Change the compass heading and take a different route home. I want reliability, economy. Kawasaki x300, so far a perfect bike for my needs.
I need a large motorcycle. Any less than one hundred horse power and it won't even be able to pull away, due to the sheer size and weight of my HUGE EGO.
Or are you built huge ?
Adventure riding , you travel at 70-100 kmph only. Faster you risk injuiry and the ride will be in jeopardy. You also miss the scenery....
Any modern small 150cc Japanese bike can do it. Malaysian riders have reached the top Himalayan highway on 7 Honda C100 !
If you can reached there, on a small bike, you can go anywhere ! They did it to reached London with 6 riders with one fatality to the lawless Indian roads
@@rohzpopper4922 I think you need to go back and read my comment again.
Personally I need it to carry my massive GS buying wallet and huge, cast tungsten testicles!
@@johnhill8529 LOL
@@johnhill8529 I hope they are Touratech Testicles
Bro I live in India, I really think they were just amazed to see the bike.We don't get to see costly bikes that often.
Yeah it's sad that we have to treat everyone interested in places like that with suspicion but as you know some ppl have bad intentions and even if you meet mostly cool ppl all it takes is for you to let your guard down around the wrong person once...
I completely agree with you.
I'm driving Honda CRF250 Rally and I'm very happy. Easy to handle, easy to lift up, very low fuel consumption...
Small is beautiful
How about the seat comfort on your bike after an hour riding ?
@@dogansakarya5834 One hour sitting is no problem. Longer is not so comfortable. But whole day offroad driving with changing between seating and stand up is very comfortable.
dogan sakarya I have a Corbin on mine. Super comfy for those times when you get to sit.
It was a big shock a few years ago to come to the same conclusion. I'd spent almost 40 yrs lusting after, owning & riding large displacement bikes & then dropped to the mid range stuff....& now, I might even dip under 500cc. I've gone full circle 😌
If you are around 80-100 kg, you can ride modern miles or small bikes around the world.
It's not about speed but endurance. 80-100 kmph, any modern Japanese bike can do it with 100 mpg advantage ! You carry minimal things only.
They are so good that they sell millions in SE Asia.
@Mustafa Hussein example a cbr250 will top out around 140km/hr and a rebel 500 will get up to 150, better for the highway. the biggest difference you'll really feel besides that is the 500 will weigh 200lb more.
i sold my 500 and bought a yamaha RS100, top speed 110km and weighs 190lb, has a huge amount of power for its size. I will always think the smaller bike makes more sense, better price and looks cool, forces you to be a better rider and play it safe on busy roads. I wish north america got the small diplacement motorcycles available in asia and india
@Mustafa Hussein search for "around the world on a honda grom" someone took it.. around the world
@Mustafa Hussein 500cc is better when you travelling mainly on bigger roads. It's safer to overtake and the revs are not so high = relaxed cruising. But if you have to ask i'd go for a small bike anyway to get some experience. And try a bigger bike later.
@@noongl8719 Just bc you can doesn't mean you should lol
Thanks for a great video, and some very good insights! I'm 61 years old and have been riding bikes since I was 16. I've owned and ridden many bikes and currently have a BMW GS1150 Adventure, and a BMW Dakar 650. I find it more and more demanding riding my big bike, and migrate more often towards the lighter 650. Even this one is getting to feel a little too tall for me (old age is a bugger)! I'm now actually looking to go even smaller, so I'm 100% aligned to your sentiments. I enjoy riding, not speed! A smaller bike that handles easier is the way to go for me. Like other people have commented, I've gone full circle. Greeting from south Africa!
I have driven regular motorcycles for 26 years. Now that I am 75, I just bought a Burgman 400 because its the perfect bike for me. I like the step through to mount the bike, and the belt drive auto transmission makes life very simple. 400 cc is plenty of power.
A fellow South African ... Hoezit ... !!! I am plannining to buy my first adventure bike, @ 46, by the end of this year. At the moment the BMW F800 GSA is on the top of my list. Hopefuly we migt meet up in the bundu's one day ... Keep well.
@@jacopieterse138 lekka my maat! The 800 GSA is a great choice! Wishing you well with this and hoping you find a great bike! Cheers!
Here in India I've literally seen people go on a 12 hours ride or 300 km trips on a splendor bike which is a 110 to a 120 cc motorcycle.
I've also done a 3 hours trip on one with a pillion. It damn fun honestly 🤣
Ed March on his channel c90adventures is living proof, he's had some amazing tours on mostly clapped out C90's.
Less can be more, that goes also for bikes in general. After owning several K100RS and K75S, a 1400 Intruder and other big, heavy bikes I now ride a SH150i daily and an old CB500S on weekends. Bigger bikes are okay but I won't get a bike that's more than 200 kg. The old CB has 57 hp, weighs 180 kg and goes 170 km/h, I don't need more than that. I owned more than 30 bikes.
I'd get the new CRF300L for an adventure trip, it's light, cheap, reliable and fast enough.
I got to where you are after only 3 bikes :D I currently own a Yamaha TDM900A which I will keep for longer onroad trips with my girlfriend, but I am now buying the CRF300L for my 1 person commuter/adventure bike. I don't think I will ever need bigger power than my TDM900 has.
I appreciate the wise tips from someone who has actually done adventure riding 👍🏻
EXCELLENT POINTS coming from someone with experience. It's so refreshing to hear from someone who's common sense is larger than his ego! Thank you sir!
Very good advice! A light bike with decent suspension is definitely my preferred choice.
You are absolutely right brother...👍👍👍
IMB
Much the same applies to smaller adventures. I bought a G310GS for my 60th birthday. I hope to go on week long motorcycle camping vacations, but most of my adventures will be overnight trips, and my small bike is also much more useful for trips around town.
More power to the 1200GS folks if that's their thing. I don't get it, but that's OK. What I don't get that's not OK are the big ADV guys who complain in the online comments about smaller adventure bikes. I've wanted a 300cc adventure bike since 1975, manufacturers are finally making them, and these guys are trashing them and telling manufacturers not to build them. I can only assume these guys are trying to feel better about spending $20,000 on a big heavy bike, loading it with a ton of stuff, and then punishing themselves by fighting with it on a long trip.
Manufacturers - Larger fuel tanks! Putting an 11 liter fuel tank on an adventure bike is inexcusably dumb. It should have twice that fuel capacity.
This is excellent and I agree - mostly. Here in North America we have high-speed highways that demand high horsepower. Often I simply have to get where I'm going. I'd love to go smaller and cheaper, but the need to do many highway miles keeps me on a bigger bike. All the best.
Excellent video and advice.. Commonsense rocks! even though I never thought of an REH as being lightweight.
Thankyou... so motivation for me... i will start my short travel in my country Indonesia with small bike 110cc Honda scooter matic
One more time thankyou
Lots of wisdom....thank you, stay safe.
How true this is.
I've had far more fun off the beaten path a bit both here in Alaska and the lower 48 on my adv Honda than I've ever had on my HD road glide.
The solitude, lack of traffic, ability to reduce the level of stress and not have to worry about your safety as much is priceless.
It's especially rewarding to experience this all when given a lighter machine to manage your expended energy level, at least for me, is lower than with a huge bike and therefore I'm able to remain alert and avoid fatigue for longer periods.
A very well done video.
Please keep up the great work with them and above all,
Please stay safe.
Thank you!!
😎👍
Good advice. Will take note of these pointers if one day I plan a road trip on a bike. Thanks
It's well worth playing this video at 1.25 speed to make his voice sound like it hasn't been slowed down ✔️
Benefit from big bike:
Moar powah and thrills.
Disadvantages:
Every else
Excellent advice! Thanks for presenting your arguments so succinctly and convincingly.
Really sensible point of view. Waiting for my REH. Meanwhile the Interceptor is great riding too, differently😁. Wish you many more. Ride safe.
I travel in a 125cc...i have two 125 and every weekend i do 400kms...sometimes plus.
I enjoy every single km!
Next time, buy a 250cc (125+125=250), you will have more fun ;))
@@remypericard6508 then buy 500cc (250+250) to have even more fun. Also for extreme fun buy a 1000cc (500+500). That's how it got out of hand. 125 is plenty, i have a 125 honda monkey, 600cc honda hornet, and looking to buy a honda 250L rally soon. Plenty of fun with all of them, in their own elements.
@@siimtuulik6344 Yes, but with a 1000cc you don't have enough torque, I think you should consider a 1800 GW or a K1600 ;)) Seriously : the real dificult pb is 250L or 250Rally ? both are good bike with the same engine ; they have their cons & pros. how did you do to select the Rally againt the L ? The other question is if you have to keep only one ? the cb500x Adv ?
@@remypericard6508 I rode an electric trial motorbike for a long while and after that i really just wish to explore with my bikes now, as unhindered as i can, i suppose. Also doesn't help that i have done parkour for 14 years now, so i might be somewhat biased towards "climbing" with my bikes.
For me weight is really important. 70-160kg range really. Also need something comfortable and speedy enaugh for traveling.
I like the rally because it has most what i look for. The metal protection i will make for myself, and need to buy a lower seat but other than that it's all i need.
Also looked at Yamaha xt250 and TW200 and Tricker R1 XG250. But they don't sell them here, eu regulations, and no way to try them out.
I would keep the monkey 125, too much fun and does all i need.
Cb500x just too heavy for my type of riding, grest for light sand and gravel roads etc.
@@siimtuulik6344 Here in France, it is quite difficult & expensive to get the driving licence, so when you've got it, you want to have a "real" bike. So, now, you cannot buy new 250 cc anymore. Honda had tried many time without success, and there is no used bike as well. When I was young, a 500 cc or a 750 cc was a big bike. Now 500 cc is a little bike
Excellent video! all those Aggressive riders need to take note. I would like to add you feel the terrain much better on a smaller lighter bike
Very good points made in this video. I ride an 03 Honda XR250R. Super fun, low maintenance and all the power you really need.
Thank you. My last bike was 31 Years ago. Suzuki TRS 150. Now it is tiime to come back for ride.. get my license, purchase a helmet, jacket, gloves..and a 500cc ..yesterday i tested ride KTM duke 390 and bmw gs310..still testing..
And for all those reasons that’s why I bought a RE Himalayan.
I couldn't agree more (17.000km from The Netherlands to Nepal with an old 750 Africa Twin)
Have you made a blog about your journey?
That's not a small bike! Quite de opposite.
Great advice 👍🏾really appreciate that👍🏾no1ever talks about having a smaller bike. Its always the Fastest and Biggest Bikes. No one ever talks cost, weight, theft, or being tried on a trip like this so Thankyou 👊🏽
You wrote down the entire script in the description, respect dude.
I can easily find a word that you didn't pronounce properly or my speaker is having problems with.
Subtitles are better, but this is good and easier
Great advise wish I had seen this last year👍
Great video....well narrated and your topics are on point. I will like to add that fuel consumption is much more economical on smaller displacement engines.
Thanks Ian 😁👍 welcome to the channel
Bring it on..!!! you nailed it dude...this fact will eventually dawn on the industry...then we will see a better selection of good bikes between 250 and 500 cc...brilliant video..l am trying to purchase a new himalayan in 2021...looking to do as much of Europe as l can ...maybe south America someday
Itchy boots proved your point. Thanks for the video. Ordered my new royal Enfield today. Big bikes are a pain in the arse. If you know your trade it’s in the skill not the tools.
Heck! Most of riders here in the Philippines only use 110-150cc Scooter for long rides in provinces (but not rough terrain ones) yet still they only pack cloths, them selves, money, self courage and trust in their bike! BTW Nice video sir! =D
I have just sold my 2018 R1200GS rallye and have ordered a new 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan (hopefully delivered mid april to dealer). For the exact reasons mentioned in this vid..I live in the UK and the Himalayan will see Europe and the Mediterranean at a more fun leisurely pace using 'B' roads only for once :D
If we get freedom back and we are allowed to freely travel....
Munta! Sounds like a plan … but I bet in less than 2 years you’ll Bon that piece of shit and buy another big bike !
Good luck either way !
Just ride what you like. I've ridden 650's most of my life. They've been good to me. Rode a BMW Dakar 650 to the tip of Baja and back, mostly on dirt. I'm currently riding a GS 800 on everything from slab on Hwy 50 across Nevada to ATV routes in the Utah desert. It's got its limitations but it's a blast. I'm currently considering something smaller because that looks fun too. Just ride. That's all.
Nice done and true facts. But in India people are fascinated with bikes and specially in rural area. When the bike is loaded with all luggage and carriers, they wish to know everything about it. I ride a superbike and royal enfield too and I have only caught eyes with a sense of curiosity in them and a lot of questions. Next time dont be afraid. No one will rob you👍
In India, when people ask about the bike, they are curious and interested in the bike. They don't want to loot you 90% of times.
So true! We rode through Pakistan, India & Nepal on a 800 GS & 1090R few years ago. Almost everytime we stopped a crowd gathered around us. No one looted us😉, but tons of pics where taken & questions where asked. Although, I damit, this was nerve wrecking sometimes when you arrived at a guesthouse after 8-10 hrs and just wanted a shower and food.
True that
Can they ask how much I paid for it? What should I say?
@@kiradotee difficult situation, as most (western/first world) adventure bikes cost much more than the average Indian earns in a few years. We decided to answer (truthfully) as follows:' I had to work xx month for this bike'. So you neither have to lie nor to talk about 10'000+ €/$.
90%, so if you have 20 people standing around your bike 2 of them will rob you? :D
Thank you for this great information! Deep down I knew this but it’s easy to be swayed with the bigger better expensive shiny monster bikes syndrome. I’m back to the sensible decision which is really more fun anyway. Cheers
You have some excellent points and the one i love most is your final one. Spend less on the bike and have more left for the adventure. Absolutely brother. I have the same ethos with my campervan - its cheap but its been everywhere and we love it. I just need to get rid of my GSA 1200 now ahem...
Hi. I agree with you. I owned R1150GS and I can tell that weight matters in offroad.
Completely agree. Really great advise. I started out on a world overland touring trip and the BMW R1200R stayed at home in Australia. It's too flash, too valuable and way too big. In Indonesia we rode across using a hired battered scooter. Perfect for Java. We fitted right in. Vietnam again hired small road bikes scooter and then dirt bikes for the caste country in the north fabulous. Europe more hire bikes. North America bought an an Indian. But different riding. Small is beautiful and a lot better riding between rice fields across bouncy suspension bridges or rocky trails. Hiring means you can love it and leave it. And beauracratic processes are much reduced.
You jam packed this vlog with solid GOOD advise ... Well Done Sir!!
I'm a very healthy active 74 year old.... been riding since I was 10...ride and love my Africa twin..best handling bike for older guy for adventure riding and some light off road stuff
I just wanted to deliver a message it's about the journey while the bike is a tool . I prefer to not to worry and enjoy the ride .
For most people doing this the bike is more than a tool. That explains the bigger bikes.
@@Lecruque aaaah. Well there's something about being able to hide behind fairings ....and also to enjoy the unobstructed views without it
c90adventures beat the hell out of his bike and did all kind of mods and fix so he can get to south america. I don't thing any part is original any more except the frame.
Sorry for this but, its think*
C100 is much more better.
The new Rs150i are more awesome twin cam engine have succeed to reach London from Malaysia by a couple of newlyweds in snowy conditions !!! 7 C100 Malaysian riders did reached the highest road in the world on the way to London too. All are old guys !!
Bro, this is such an eye opener! I just solidified my intention to buy the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX.. Thank you!
Yah.. I believe u are right.. enjoying ur road trip & safety is what matters most
This is excellent advice ! Trinidad & Tobago.
So true. I have been riding over 40 years. I don't have a big bike anymore..... More fun with less! It's all about the journey not what your doing it on.
I agree with that, and it’s not the first time I’ve seen that advice. It also applies to small cars. Honda Jazz for the win!
Great video. Thank you for sharing the expirience
Don’t have any problems whit big bikes. Pack them well and enjoy your ride🤘🏼.
Better train your self that is my advice.
Drive safe🤘🏼
And stick to the roads. The narrow, rocky mountain trails I ride would rip the undersides out of most porky "adventure" bikes.
I drive my WR250 quite slowly on road. That changes when I hit dirt, that sucker can fly. I leave my big bike colleagues - literally in the dust.
thank you so much . i needed this kind of advices in deed
Good day to you!
I am a senior rider on HONDA Cross Cub from Japan.
I am enjoying camping ,touring and upload video.
Your video is so comparison video!
Awesome!
Have a nice day my friend!
Makes sense, riding a motorcycle amongst the local inhabitants that cost equal to 20 years of there hard labor can only instigate resentment, ride a top heavy bike overloaded in rough terrain alone is asking for trouble, find a 650cc used painted with a spray can, that what I did love it, build your own panniers out of plywood, look like a hobo. People will have compassion and invite you to eat with them.
Is a true
Hahaha, you make laugh about people see you as a hobo and invite you eat! That's not only clever, but is true that a low profile bike will not tempting anyone to rob you maybe they give you some money to go on your journey,
Go smaller. That's a mid range.
Japanese bikes are very reliable and cheap
The best bike hat i've had was old Transalp 400 (yes, not the 600 version)
I m planning to go from Japan to Europe by bike and I m just checking for new bike to go. Your video give me a good idea what I need to do. Thanks
the best resumed arguments I have seen! can I push the like button 30 times??? you said it all (almost: you only missed the spot of the high torque at the lowest rev.... )
I road a r1100gs all up the east coast of australia. Up through the centre to Darwin. It was fantastic until I dropped it, man it was hard to pick up empty so a nightmare when loaded. Then I need a new back tyre. They had to take one of a display bike in the BMW shop. And that was in Darwin, the capital of the NT. So yes buy small cheap if it's reliable and common so you can get spares easy. Loved the bmw but never again. Great vid cheers
Damn bro now that sounds like a punish. This is why my next bike will be a Yamaha WR250R, really great lightweight and indestructible machine.
South East Asian loves small bikes and mopes. They are very reliable. The non modern ones can ride underwater during floods with snookler aid !!! If you don't ride hard, no valve adjustment needed after 8 years of use !!! Mine is 5 years without valve adjustment as the power is still there !
I ride modern mopes fast 100kmph average speed doing 600-800 km for weekend fun trip. My other quarter litre is half the range with 4-5 times maintenance cost ! I got two modern mopes , a smoky 125 two stroke dirt bike and a chainless mid size chopper.
@@rohzpopper4922 great post! so interesting, too. you are living a dream most americans can't even dream about lol ADV bikes here, lol Well, at least some try, some of the time.
Correct on absolutely EVERY point. I would add that smaller bikes are also cheaper on insurance and easier to transport to repairs if they fail. Great video, excellent logic.
Many years ago I owned a Seca 550. Beautiful, fun mid-size bike. Of the 10 motorcycles I have owned it was the smallest and by far, the most fun to ride. I still miss it. What the Seca 550 lacked in power (it could out-launch a twin-cam CB750)
it more than made up for in versatility and sheer riding pleasure.
I regret parting company with it.
There is a stereotype about men buying large, powerful cars in order to compensate for feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Unfortunately, there is some truth to this stereotype. I could cite examples. Another downside to large bikes is that RARELY do you ever get to feel/hear engine really working hard without risking a speeding ticket. Compounded by the fact that modern 500s and 600s have the power of 750s and 900s from 25 years ago.
Ride safely. Have fun. Cheers.
@Daniel Smith there is truth in what you're saying but you're missing one of my points. A Decked Out Touring bike is one heck of a lot more work to get into the back of a pickup truck than a 550 Seca. As for repairs on the road , absolutely one should never travel without emergency money. A lesson I learned the hard way many years ago. But whatever you ride, the more capable you are repairing the bike on the road the better off you are which is why you need to know your motorcycle really well. And absolutely keep some spare parts on hand
I'm surprised that less than 1k disliked this smart video. Thank-you man for opening the eyes of those just starting and may got the wrong idea.
Thank-you
A maxim of sailing is ‘use the boat you have’, because so many people get caught up in having a bigger better boat before they do the adventures.
Same goes for lots of adventure activities - use what you have, or what you can afford. My current ride is a DRZ250, and yes it can be loaded onto the sailboat.
great advise, especially for new riders. Also for vertically challenged riders ,. I am 5ft 6 in, and having your feet plated when you need it is a great conferdence boost. Having ridden oversea and all of NZ and riding pretty much everyday for the past 55 years I have met most challenges. At 71 I really am not 21 anymore and plan to ride many more years. We , my partner and I,.and she is a great passenger rode UK Scotland,Wales,Isle of Man and Ireland in 2019 and and on a 650 Vstrom we bought in Folkstone UK and bought it home to NZ..Its more than enough and would plan a couple of 250 Vstroms next trip should covid be under control befor I am pushing up daisey,s
Never mind daisies, do whatever you want. As the famous cartoon Snoopy says:
-Someday, we will all die, Snoopy.
+True, but on all the other days, we will not.”
Its not what you ride, it's the destination...& Getting there in one piece.👍
It's not the destination it's the ride.
I rented a Lifan 200 for 2 weeks, and had an absolute blast on the backroads of Belize, including a crash on a rain slick mountain road. Everything you say is 100% accurate. I would have been screwed, blued, and tattooed on my own v-strom 650.
You speak from my soul. A small motorcycle has a magic few appreciate
I’ll rock my Grom, thank you very much.
I'm guessing the number of people that actually do big 'adventure' trips is tiny. Most might go for a couple of weeks and do a few thousand km loop in places where off-road is rare/it's not really off-road/illegal. And when they get home, and do the other 95% of their riding during the rest of the year, they want a comfy Range Rover of a bike.
And then, when you do the once in a life-time circumnavigation, you get something cheap, cheerful and disposable. If it makes it back in one piece, you hang it on the wall and get back on your 1190 (and 500 EXC when you fancy being naughty in the local woods).
spot on. The people doing around the world trips are a miniscule minority. Going on trips that may occasionally have gravel roads or dirt roads is what the big bikes are for. It can handle both, and it has comfort...which is something this video ignored. A Yamaha TT200 is not as comfortable as a Tenere.
@@jtfike I think this video was focused on those few handful of people who travel the world on a motorbike.
I ride CRF1000
I like effective fuel range with bigger motorcycle. Sometimes there are places where fuel isnt to be found and you need to cross big distance. With good discipline, keeping higher gear and maintaining low speed, you can cross 500-600km on a big motorcycle with added external fuel tank. Also this is really important during onroad sections. Fuel is a real limiter in some places.
Also all big tour enduros are all at least capable road machines. Some are not just capable, but outright excelent. You get to enjoy that windy road if you like that kind of thing. Smaller are better offroad but strictly worse on road, no denying that.
Downside of bigger bike is - more training offroad required. You can do everything you can do on a lighter bike, and all of that is harder. If you like hard - thats what you can enjoy. There are lots of challenges there, but lots of possibilties also. Its a special art to handle those beasts offroad.
Also - if you carry passanger with you, more powerfull bike will more comfortable for both of you. Though naturally, not all destinations allows a passanger.
Regarding chosing type and class of motorcycle, everything is always tradeoff, always. There are no better bikes, only those that suit you for what you chose to be doing.
exactly.
Again, referencing "Itchy Boots" she has now started posting up a new series of videos and is riding a 250cc Honda. It was probably one of the cheapest machines on offer from the dealership she used.
The primary reason to buy a big capacity and powerful motorcycle is not to start an adventure but seems like a macho man.
Awesome video. In my personal experience, I agree with your points 100%
Right on great advice. Thanks 🇨🇦👍
I love the message and the idea of owning a small motorcycle to do really cool exploring trips on, but I think the reason big (900cc +) advs are popular is they can be ridden on the commute as well as a trail.
I live in the Midwestern USA and the nearest 'trail' is nearly 100 miles away or more. I currently ride a 1985 xt350 and I love it but I definitely would get more use out of something a bit bigger and a bit smoother and a bit heavier. Traffic here is 60-80mph (100-130kph) and it's a lot of stress on my little bike, plus its getting pushed all over.
If I ride a bigger bike more of the time than I do the little bike, isn't that more riding?
As per usual, it depends a lot on the usage, terrain, money, experience... but the argument still stands.
First of all, if you don't do trails or any dirt... why even grab an adventure bike then? There are more confortable bikes for long cruises. Even if you do some commuting and no trails, there are better solutions than a big adventure bike too.
In the case that you want to comute at those speeds and do trails, why not grab something like a NC 750X, Teneré 700, Tenéré 660, a Versys 650 or even a CB500X? Sure, it depends on the commuting distance but those bikes are normally lighter than something like a 1250 GS. The ténerés will even be great for trails (as long as they aren't just rough, which in that case it's better to grab a dirt bike). The rest are more road oriented but they can somewhat do some trails.
I would only grab a big adventure bike though if I'm tall, want to do long cruises at 120 kph and some light trails. In that case, yeah, they're great.
@@TheXtremeSS my thought exactly
It depends where you find YOUR adventure .. German Autobahn @ 100 120miles hour .. take the bmw gs 1250 .. Paris - Dakar sahara dessert .. take a "light" and powerfull Bike ( 1994 xtz850 😃 ) ... trip "around the world" take your time an RE Himalyan will do... or look at.. C90adventures Ed March Amazing guy lol 👍
You are sent percent right brother thanks from India, your valuable video has perfect point to enjoy the trip with small motorcycle is perfectly correct thanks for the video brother. I agree with you every point you said in the video
Well said - This kind of wisdom only comes with the hard yards of time and experience in the saddle
Right on mate...Been riding since '69 (6 yrs old) and owned 6 Enfields, rode every single state of India, and Nepal, and Bhutan over many years; 130,000 adv klms on 350's and a 500...the only way to go on the sub-continent