What would one ride half way around the world?

[tedrbr]

As the "where" was not specified, I'll consider the extreme for "half-way around the world".

A Russian Ural with a Hack (with 2-wheeled drive).

The sidecar gives plenty of storage for gear, tools, and spare parts.  As a hack, you can travel along less improved roads better
than some strictly 2-wheeled bikes (think, greasy mud-slick 3rd world goat paths). Place for a spare tire and wheel which adds an additional layer of self-sufficiency to having a flat tire repair kit.  Historically, this bike has been used around the world with great success with well over 3 million bikes produced.

I saw Urals in many configurations while I was in Iraq.  I've seen pictures of Urals outfitted with simple pontoons (read logs and bamboo bundles) to navigate rivers and marshes.  

Simple design whose roots go back to 1940's BMWs.  And if the old stories are true, the manual recommends you take the bike to the nearest dealer, "or your local blacksmith", for major repairs or service.

These bikes have been to the end of the world and back.

[bluesurf]

I have a KLR 650 as well, but they're not very reliable. Mine has been sitting in the garage since 2003...good thing I have a BMW to get me around.  

maybe if you rode the KLR more often?   Seriously, plenty of individuals have ridden them around the world, and several militaries support them....unfortunately, it sounds like an issue with your particular bike.  Also, I'd love to see a current source for the "more bmw's have been rtw than all other makes combined."

+1 on the KLR.  The bike will get you there in all but the very worst (avoidable) situations, is easily fixable and known throughout the world, and also is hoistable by one person.  There's more, but those are the very basics imho.  I'm actually having a difficult time considering whether to sell a DR-Z or a KLR, but that's a separate thread.

Personally, I wouldn't have the F650GS for serious travel...I know that a few people have used them, including Glenn Hegstad, but the whole FI and "cam must be in particular location range in order to start" thing concerns me.  I rode OBDR with someone on one and the bike was fine, when it started (it didn't a few times.)  OTOH there's probably a BMW FI course around somewhere.

The Ural w/hack sounds better every winter.  I called the local dealer last week while we were all snowed out, but they haven't called back yet...probably still out playing.

[ss2]

I can't believe you guys are fighting about which bike is better.  The previous listed all can go around the f'n world.  What more do you want?  Jesus.  Get out and ride.  If you are going to give me that wussy cold/snow/ice/rain excuse, then you have no business talking about a bike that can go around the world.

Spec sheets suck.

[R.Markus]

I can't believe you guys are fighting about which bike is better.  The previous listed all can go around the f'n world.  What more do you want?  Jesus.  Get out and ride.  If you are going to give me that wussy cold/snow/ice/rain excuse, then you have no business talking about a bike that can go around the world.

Spec sheets suck.

Spec this.  

...besides, arguing is what ST.N does best.

[Orson]

 wussy cold/snow/ice/rain excuse, then you have no business talking about a bike that can go around the world.

That's the worst case of hyphen abuse I've ever seen  

[DredheadV2.0]

That's the worst case of hyphen abuse I've ever seen  

Um...  those aren't hyphens.  These-are-hyphens.  HTH  

back on subject...

Having ridden none of these bikes, and being the sort of person that avoids anything but tarmac whenever possible, I give my very educated opinion and say get the Ural with 2WD.

[SWriverstone]

...yet more BMWs have been RTW than other makes combined.

Is this true? Not arguing with you, because I don't know—just wondered if anyone reputable and unbiased has done a comprehensive survey? Because a LOT of KLRs have either been RTW or to Tierra del Fuego and back or across Siberia, etc...so I suggest the BMW RTW-domination thing is a myth promoted by BMW owners (and perpetuated by high-profile adventures like Long Way Round that use BMWs because they can)...unless I see some concrete proof otherwise.

The bottom line is that there are a heck of a lot of both bikes (BMWs and KLRs) that have been ridden reliably through hell and back by satisfied owners—as well as some of both bikes that have pissed off their owners royally!

I'd say that hands-down, no other bike has the adventure-riding pedigree of either the BMWs or the KLR.

Scott

[Orson]

I'd say that hands-down, no other bike has the adventure-riding pedigree of either the BMWs or the KLR.

pleeese gawd don't saddle me with something as pretentious soundin' as a "adventure-riding pedigree"...that sounds like one a them fancy scarves those Nancy boys wear on high street  

I woulda thunked the RC45 woulda been round the world more.

[Snowbird]

I guess really it boils down to what one can afford and whats serviceable near and far.

I'd say it boils down more to How ar you going to support yourself away from a job and How are you going to assure availability to health care?

If you can't answer those questions, speculating on which bike to take is fun, but futile.

[Global Rider]

Just wondered if anyone reputable and unbiased has done a comprehensive survey? Because a LOT of KLRs have either been RTW or to Tierra del Fuego and back or across Siberia, etc...so I suggest the BMW RTW-domination thing is a myth promoted by BMW owners (and perpetuated by high-profile adventures like Long Way Round that use BMWs because they can)...unless I see some concrete proof otherwise.

I really don't care...just based on going to countless RTW touring reports over the years. Also based on the books I've read. So either the other brands aren't taking RTW trips or they're not writing books? Hell, you can go RTW on a Harley Davidson if you don't mind fixing it every other page. Just read "Riding The Edge". A rider rode from Toronto to Alaska and back on a 50 cc moped.

Yeah, I often wondered why Ewan and Charley, being British, didn't choose the Triumph Tiger as their RTW machine. Thats downright un-British of them.

I own both, so how can I be biased with respect to one over the other?

[photomd]

I'd say that hands-down, no other bike has the adventure-riding pedigree of either the BMWs or the KLR.

Scott

So now BMW's are OK?  

As I linked to before, just about any bike can do it with enough fortitude on the part of the rider.

Kneebone et al crossed Siberia, Russia and Europe on Nighthawks.

Ted Simon did it on a Triumph Tiger 500.

Cycle World did an article on someone who rode an MV Augusta Brutale across Africa.

Shoot, these fella's raced Dakar on a HD Vrod powered side car.

I think "adventure touring" is over marketed sometimes. The point is to get out and ride. Did I ride my VFR 5 miles up a dirt road in the mountains of NC? Yes. It was wet, it was muddy and I took my time. No big deal. Do I ride my street bikes on gravel roads and logging roads? Yes, if I need to. Just do it and have fun.  

And I stick to what I said before, KLR's suck...at least as long as you tell me BMW riders need to get over it they do.  

[forester]

My DL650 is set up for RTW right now and would do a splendid job if the rough places were (as much as possible) avoided.

By "rough", I mean places that are not suitable for travel with any vehicle that has rubber tires on it.

A lot of you people are placing emphasis on the machines ability toward getting through stuff, etc. - but that's not the right 'tude for an endurance trip.  Not saying it's unimportant to have a capable machine, but I think reliability should be the foremost consideration for something like this.

I spend a lot of time running vehicles through old unmaintained, remote and crappy roads (most of you people would not call these roads   ) in the daily course of doing business.  I can't tell you how many times I've been stuck for hours WAY away from anyone and wished I hadn't been!    

SS2 doesn't have a clue about running on snow, that much I know for sure.  Markus (and others) think it's macho or fun or whatever to run through water crossings - up to a certain extent I think its foolish.

It's one thing if you're close to civilization and don't have to walk miles (or in the case of RTW...days) to get help, but I think if you really are planning such a trip carefully, you will come to the logical conclusion that the #1 best way to avoid costly and timely pitfalls during such a trip is to carefully plan around them.  Remember the 6 Ps...

Proper
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance

That means taking alternate routes, running on the highest margins of the soupy roads, the parts of the roads that are lacking standing sand, corrugations, etc.

Believe me, there will be plenty of challenges out there waiting for you on such a trip without having to create your own!

Any bike can run a RTW trip, but some bikes are better than others.  I think the DL650 and KLR650 are obvious candidates, as well as the BMWs that were already mentioned.  As previously stated, bike choice hinges a LOT on what "type" of RTW trip you want to take.  



 

[SWriverstone]

So now BMW's are OK?  

Sure.   I never said they weren't—in fact, I'd love to have one someday! I just said I believe it's a myth that they are the "kings" of world adventure travel.

I think "adventure touring" is over marketed sometimes. The point is to get out and ride. Did I ride my VFR 5 miles up a dirt road in the mountains of NC? Yes. It was wet, it was muddy and I took my time. No big deal. Do I ride my street bikes on gravel roads and logging roads? Yes, if I need to. Just do it and have fun.  

Maybe, but "adventure touring" is no more over-marketed than "sport touring," and they do (in my opinion) mean different things: one is pavement-only, the other is pavement and dirt. And I agree the point is to get out and ride. (But then why does this forum even exist? Shouldn't we all just shutup and go ride?  )

And I stick to what I said before, KLR's suck...at least as long as you tell me BMW riders need to get over it they do.  

Okay, fair enough. BMW riders, you no longer officially have to get over it.  

Scott

[SWriverstone]

  Well said Forester! Now let's all shutup and go ride.  

Scott

[black hills]

I would go with a KTM adventure. the size would depend on where most of the riding was going to be? My expereinces with KTM dirtbikes is that they are bulletproof. my 2000 300exc should have died many times (like when all I ran 15 miles of an enduro with no oil in the trans!) but it keeps on going. I think a 950 adventure will be my next bike, although it may be a while?

[Aero]

I would go with a KTM adventure. the size would depend on where most of the riding was going to be? My expereinces with KTM dirtbikes is that they are bulletproof. my 2000 300exc should have died many times (like when all I ran 15 miles of an enduro with no oil in the trans!) but it keeps on going. I think a 950 adventure will be my next bike, although it may be a while?

I don't think I could ride more than 100 miles on that plank that KTM use for a seat, much less undertake a RTW trip!  Also isn't the range a bit limited, how much does the tank hold?

[Global Rider]

I think "adventure touring" is over marketed sometimes.

And ever since that classification of motorcycles has come out, anyone on one, even when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or old Route 66 is now on an Adventure.  

I'd hardly classified my Trans Labrador Highway Tour an "adventure", as remote and sparsely settled as it is. Its a regular tour in my books.

[Global Rider]

And I agree the point is to get out and ride. But then why does this forum even exist?

Cause its cold outside...like -10°F cold. Hey wait a minute, I used to ride to and from work all winter long at those temps.

[oldmanweirdon]

And ever since that classification of motorcycles has come out, anyone on one, even when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or old Route 66 is now on an Adventure.  

I'd hardly classified my Trans Labrador Highway Tour an "adventure", as remote and sparsely settled as it is. Its a regular tour in my books.

i rode my nighthawk to chile's (awesome blossom) the other night in Atlanta, and between the one way streets and unpaved sections of road and racing a monster i consider it an adventure.  

[bluesurf]

I really don't care...just based on going to countless RTW touring reports over the years. Also based on the books I've read. So either the other brands aren't taking RTW trips or they're not writing books?

Thanks for the link....good facts!