New to the V-Strom. Need advice.

[Dave the Dude]

There are more and more V Strom riders in Asia now BTW

[Gassoon]

I agree with what diver said about keeping it simple for a rtw, but Hud955 talked about a 'big overland trip' which means different things to different folk: if it was Uk to Turkey the strom would be fine, but Uk to Namibia by way of desert and jungle might be trickier!
What you planning on Hud? Or just at that delicious stage of realising that the world is your lobster, lucky bugger?!

[Hud955]

Hi Gassoon

The original plan was to ride to Turkey to see a friend and then do a month's walking along one of the Turkish long distance footpaths with a pack and a tent.  When I realised I was going to get a bigger payout than I imagined, I started thinking about extending the journey to Iran, Pakistan, India and then, if possible to Malaysia, Indonesia and South-East Asia.  I've ridden in India before where the distinction between on and off road is not that clear. All this depends, though, on whether I can get visas for Iran and Pakistan.  If I can't, then the alternative would be to go east through the stans and into Mongolia and Siberia - where the DL would definitely be out of its depth.  I know a couple that have done some serious two-up off-roading on an Electraglyde in Africa and elsewhere (kidding you not), but I'm not made of that kind of stuff. I'm skinny and now over-60 so my days of slogging big bikes through heavy mud are long over.

Really appreciating all the advice, by the way.  Thanks a lot to everyone.

Cheers

Hud

[Petstep]

My Glee has OEM bars. Vibrates a bit  between 64-67 mph then goes smooth again.

[Jacko]

My Glee has OEM bars. Vibrates a bit  between 64-67 mph then goes smooth again.

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say 'wrong thread'.

[Brucey]

Yamaha XT660?

[Gassoon]

Hud said

The original plan was to ride to Turkey to see a friend and then do a month's walking along one of the Turkish long distance footpaths with a pack and a tent.

I just came back from Turkey (package hol) and did about 8 miles on a path called the Lycian Way along the Aegean, and even those few miles were tough in the hot season!

... the alternative would be to go east through the stans and into Mongolia and Siberia - where the DL would definitely be out of its depth.

Fwiw I agree...I suppose its visa research time, then!?

[Hud955]

Hi Gassoon

Yes, it's the Lycian Way I'm mainly looking at.  It goes past the home of a friend of mine who now lives out there permanently.

My first choice would be to go through Iran, but with the Americans now massing on its borders and winding up hostilities in the region, that is looking less likely.  It may have to be the Stans.  Always dreamed about travelling through the Pamirs.  

Currently trying to track down a XR650L.  Thanks for the tip.  I like everything I've read about it so far.

[Juvecu]

You're welcome

Just so you know, we like reading ride reports/blogs about trips, particularly if they have lots of photos *hint hint*

[Hud955]

Just so you know, we like reading ride reports/blogs about trips, particularly if they have lots of photos *hint hint*

I think I can manage that.  Be my pleasure.

[Jacko]

+1. We do.

[Petstep]

My Glee has OEM bars. Vibrates a bit  between 64-67 mph then goes smooth again.

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say 'wrong thread'.

I was about to say "Yes, I'm a pillock!" Then remembered I was responding to the vibrations issue in Hud's original question! And the next 5-6 posts.

Love the way these threads take on a life of their own!

[Jacko]

[Hud955]

Just to let everyone know, I eventually went out and bought myself a Suzuki DR650 from Bridge Moto in Reading.  They specialise in American and Japanese imports of Japanese bikes.  I don't know yet how it is going to perform long distance but right now I have to tell you, it's hysterical.  I'm loving every moment of it.  The next job is to get down and start making the mods and adjustments.  Thanks everyone for your help and advice.  I factored a lot of your comments into my calculations when deciding what to buy, and it looks like I've come up with the right bike.  Much appreciated.

[Ernie]

Have you looked at the New model Honda Africa Twin

[Hud955]

Have you looked at the New model Honda Africa Twin

Hi Ernie

I read a couple of the reports.  It looks interesting, but it's too big, too heavy and now, for me, too late.  I'm already committed, and it doesn't look as though it will hit the market any time soon..  It might be worth looking at in future though.  Looks like it has taken your eye.  Is that right?

[Hud955]

Until recently I'd planned to travel onward from Turkey by the southern route through Iran and Pakistan and eventually into India, rather than continuing east through Central Asia and Russia.  This started to look less possible a couple of weeks ago when the RAC announced that they were raising the price of a carnet by a factor of four or five by withdrawing the option of payment by 'bankers guarantee'.  This was in the interests of 'fairness' they said, and not a grubby attempt to increase their income.  As a carnet for Iran and India is already one of the most expensive, it didn't look good.    

The situation is, in fact, more complex still: just before I read this news in 'Adventure Bike Rider', the Iranian government announced that anyone travelling through their country on a British passport would in future be required to hire a minder at £1000 a week - subject to availability.  That's a fair bit of my travelling money. Iran is a country I particularly want to see, but I can't ignore the practicalities.  

So, I started this week by signing up for a Russian course, and met the tutor yesterday at the language centre.  She lived up to every known stereotype of Russian womanhood by terrifying the life out of me.  "In Russia", she exclaimed, "we expect beautiful, perfect grammar.  Whether you are poet or coming from pub, all words must be perfect. We have long winters.  Lots of time to make complicated grammar."  I was expecting a challenge, just not this one.