Long distance bike trip planned, no experience

[Ambitiousdrea...]

Hey, apologies if this is in the wrong forum,

I have a life goal of driving a motorcycle from Alaska-San Diego, and i'd like to keep the option open to extending this trip down through Central America.

I'm looking to start putting this plan into place, my only problem is I have no motorcycle experience , I do have 2 years of moped experience, whilst i'm aware this likely pales in comparison to the task of riding a motorcycle, I feel it sets me at an advantage to a complete beginner.

In an ideal world, id love to do the trip on a Triumph Bonneville T100, for no other real reason as I love the look of it, it also doesnt appear to be 'too' powerful. I understand that there is a good chance these bikes are not set up for those kind of journeys, or I wont be able to pick one up in Alaska, so if someone could suggest a more suitable bike, or give the go ahead on the Bonneville, it would be appreciated.

Other questions are,

- Assuming I purchase the Bike in Alaska, does anyone have any experience of what paperwork, etc, id have to fill out as a UK citizen?

- Is it possible to drive over the border into Canada/back into USA without much hassle? Ive crossed the border previously in a rental car but it was several years ago and forget the experience.

- Is there any problems with buying/riding a motorcycle with just a UK driving licence?

Any help appreciated,

Thanks.

[ADSrox0r]

[Ste]

How old are you?

[Beehive Bedlam]

[Cali747]

Do you live in America or do you presently live in the UK and are planning to go out there specifically to do this trip?

[Ambitiousdrea...]

[ADSrox0r]

Right

https://www.thelostadventure.com/5-things-to-consider-when-renting-a-motorcycle-in-america

Point 5. " Lastly – you MUST be a licensed motorcyclist and provide documentation which proves this. Make sure to bring your license as most bike hire companies will not rent you a motorcycle without proof you’re licensed to ride in your home country. Also, most companies require that the rider is a minimum of 21 years of age."



This is to HIRE a motorcycle in the USA. Purchasing and riding a motorcycle is no different. You must have a full UK motorcycle license to ride in the US. Now that's not to say you couldn't walk into a second hand bike lot and ride off into the sunset, but WHEN the state trooper catches up with you for wobbling around on a 900cc motorcycle you have NO experience on.....you're in deep shit.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Alpineandy]

I'd suggest you get your full bike licence here and then ask on advrider.com
Plenty of those guys have done that journey.
However if you tell them you don't even have a licence yet then they're unlikely to waste their time telling you how to go about it.

And don't lie to them as a few of us go on there regularly so you'd be found out quickly, then they'll never tell you even when you do have your licence sorted...
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The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

[Beehive Bedlam]

OK. Your first step is CBT compulsory basic training should cost around 100 ponds.

Second step is a Theory.

Third step is a DAS course.

If you come back with a full license (not until or you will be considered a fantasist) we can discuss your 'life goal of driving a motorcycle from Alaska-San Diego'.

[stevew]

Suggest you register on HUBB's forum.
Lot more info there

www.horizonsunlimited.com

Also worth a read is "Old man on a bike" Simon Gandolfi just to show it can be done, and on a 125 !!

Dunno what sort of bike you will end up with but don't discount small bikes 125-250 as they are cheap and easy to get repaired anywhere.
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Maxsym 400i 2013, Sterling 125 2017, Honda Wave110i 2014,
Orpington
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity. Robert Anthony

[Azoth]

[arry]

[ADSrox0r]

I'm guessing a Vespa. Has a beard. Is heavily invested in the Apple 'ecosystem' and owns a growing collection of vinyl.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Ambitiousdrea...]

[Alpineandy]

[thx1138]

If you start throwing south American into the mix on the road trip, it's getting into Overland/Adventure riding territory.

I'd say read a few books, or articles in magazines, Overlander for example which you can buy at WH Smiths.

These authors and journos;

Lois Pryce
Paddy Tyson
Sam Manicom
Dan Walsh
Simon Gandolfi

all written about travelling on two wheels in North and or Cental America, don't have to have a big bike, I think Simon mostly used a 150cc, Lois a 225 Serow.

[stevew]

[Wonko The Sane]

[Rogerborg]

I would quite seriously consider a Harley for this trip.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[bamt]

^^^^ wot he sez.

You don't want to be in smallsville, backwater USA, when a funny foreign machine that the local mechanics have never seen before breaks down, then they have to order parts from the other side of the world.

Any garage in the US knows what a HD is, and where to get bits, or where the nearest bike shop is (which will definitely know HDs). Plus, if you are doing the US, then do it US style. Not the ideal bikes for long distance rough stuff, but probably what I'd choose for that journey.

Otherwise, I really wouldn't be hung up about a T100 being "too much bike". Yes, they are faster than most cars. But you'll have been riding something similar power-wise to get your full bike license so it really isn't an issue. By the time you've finished the trip you'll have plenty of miles under your belt.

Also, with only 7 months to go, you need to get a full license ASAP, then ideally get a proper bike in this country to get some experience on the road in familiar surroundings and without the stress of needing to be somewhere and carrying full luggage.

[Alpineandy]

[Alpineandy]

[Ste]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[waffles]

Get your full licence under your belt first before making any plans (foreign or domestic) as this will unlock so many more options for you.

You have a rough idea though so now you need to pencil in the bits in between. If you are anywhere near London they have the adventure travel show in January which might give you some ideas or options?
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125