Touring on a Budget

[Fowlersrs]

Ok guys im really starting to get the itch of getting a touring bike and doing some proper travelling across europe... however I dont have 12 grand to spend on a nice shiney BMW GS or Triumph Explorer unfortunately,

so to kick things off, could someone suggest a few road touring bikes that would be suitable to someone who is relatively new to this, doesnt have alot of NCB (insurance wise so no big thousand litre bikes) and doesnt have very good mechanical knowledge, although im prepared to learn a bit about a particular bike before I go, this has gotta be essential right?!

Im starting with the bike as its the most obvious bit of kit and the most important, I currently ride a Z750, I dont think this is gonna be suitable as im likely to get bashed from pillar to post with wind.. what are your thoughts travellers

[pepperami]

What would you be happy with?
Think of the bikes you would be prepared to tour on, and not the bikes you cant afford to tour on.

Most mainstream bikes are capable of long distances these days so it`s a case of what your budget stretches to.

Z 750 whats wrong with that? are you going to spend the whole tour going at light-speed?
No, then buffeting should`nt be to much of a problem.

Will it be just you on the bike or will it be two up?

Me, I`m happy to tour on a 250 on my own

My tourer
https://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/pepperami_photos/IMG_0331.jpg
____________________
I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[G]

Your bike sounds fine - wind will be an issue for sustained speed, but bet you can get some sort of screen that will sort most of it.

Other than that, and modern bike designed for road use with an appropriate screen should be fine if you are ok with the riding position.

I'd choose a z750 over the big GS or silly triumph I reckon.

[Fowlersrs]

Yeah I guess your right, u dont have to have the latest adventure bike to go touring on, what I want is something comfy above all else, if it wasnt for the vibrations at high speed through the pegs on my Z750 I would consider taking it, honestly, my feet start to go numb if I sit on the motorway at 80 because of the vibrations.

Im thinking at maybe looking at the baby R1200GS, the 600 version? I believe its the F650 GS

[_matt]

I prefer heavier bikes for distance, anything under 250lbs feels too light.
Did some of France last year on a 125 though, that was fun (spent more time fixing the bike than riding it). Touring on a small bike is a whole adventure in itself!

However: I've never ridden a "touring" bike, all my touring has been done on cruisers and i can safely say that laid back riding position and super heavy frame makes for some enjoyable long distance riding, unless you're in a hurry, then it doesn't

[G]

[neatbik]

You can tour on anything. I was chatting to a lad the other day who is setting off for a 12 month + tour on a Honda CB250.

You want something reliable (obviously) but also fairly easy to fix. Something with a bit of comfort - but then having said that Nick Sanders has done many huge trips on R1's.

The F650gs you mention would be an ok choice but they are quite slow. 80mph cruising is about your lot, and they aren't especially quick to get there. But they are comfy and very good on fuel.

Try some longish day/weekend trips on your current bike, you may be surprised how capable it is.

[G]

[map]

[G]

[neatbik]

Mine was really smooth at 80mph, the vibrations only really became noticeable at 90mph+.

If your just doing road mileage though there are better bikes out there.

[chris-red]

Have your considered a...

https://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/524935_10150946939478476_400516083_n.jpg
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[sidewinder]

You need 900 diversion cheap to buy very reliable and shaft drive.Built for the job

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201222474146174/sort/default/usedbikes/cc-from/900cc/cc-to/900cc/page/1/postcode/sy161nq/radius/1500?logcode=p

[Fowlersrs]

[G]

[sidewinder]

Loose engine mounts maybe?

[Fowlersrs]

[sidewinder]

[Fowlersrs]

[G]

You can check wheel balance your self - get a rod held between two chairs or similar to spin the wheel on.

[sidewinder]

I have just had chat with the brother inlaw with the same bike.His does it as well but at high revs in 2nd/3rd gear at high speeds.He resolved the issue by purchasing some softer soled boots he got a pair of sidis which have nearly cured the problem.Hope this helps you a little. he did say something about getting the balancer shafts adjusted

[map]

[Fowlersrs]

considering a trade in for a Thundercat now guys, good or bad idea

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=248394

[Fowlersrs]

Scrap that, in one evening ive realised id be a fool to let the Z go and not pursue a way of making it touring friendly, it does everything else I need after all..

So im gonna try gel inserts for my boots, im gonna try one of these universal screens made by MRA for naked bikes..

gonna get myself a vango halo 200..

need recommendations on a sleeping bag that will do all extremes.. and soft throw over panniers with matching tank bag for sat nav..

Also what do you guys wear on tour, atm im wearing dainese leathers and I have a waterproof suit for down poors, I do however have textile waterproof suit so maybe I should bin the leathers and just take that.. so in short, leathers or textiles when touring??

[map]