Loved this video... honest, straightforward, not looking to sell, be famous... as others have said “it’s my bike”, made me smile... very true sir. Loved the arrow on the windshield Stay well, safe travels Steve Mac.
+Andy Jannersbee MANY THANKS ANDY This the comment that started the T-Shirt idea. “IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” The illustrated quote T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
You stand out in sea sea of videos that are mostly a "look at me!" Gucci style of touring. You just get out there with what you got and enjoy it ...very encouraging, very motivational. =)
Hands down, the best cycling guide on the internet. Loved it. I too have succumbed to my inflatable sleeping pad, and ALWAYS think I'm carrying too much stuff.
Many thanks PapawTom. My new inflating sleeping pad is 190cm x 64cm (6’ 4” x 2’ 1”) no more rolling over and waking up on the cold ground! My current bike has a specific rack over the headlight to store the sleeping pad. th-cam.com/video/L8Gp84QvzTM/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. I'm getting back on a bike after 30 years without. I'm ex-army and experienced in the Australian bush. I am not stupid enough to think I don't need tips and yours was a great start, and at now 55 years old I am starting to need padding to sleep on as you stated. Once again a big thank you.
David, I'm glad to hear your returning to motorbikes, I'm sure you will have a great time. I purchased a thicker, wider and longer inflating sleeping mat, (and built a front rack on my dual sport bike to carry it) no stones in my back or cold feet or arms for me anymore :)
My mum and dad have been all around on their bikes in the 80s, France, Italy, Yugoslawia. My dad on his Z1300, my mum first on GS550 then on her Z900. They just said "Let's go!" and went, with a map, often lacking foreign language skills but they met many nice folks and could always communicate, with hands and feet if necessary as we say here in Germany. It's my goal as well, just get on the bike and have fun. No stress, no preplanned stops where you have to be at a certain time and last of all, lose the satnav folks! Take a map and speak to people if you need help! The best things about those trips are the folks you meet! Keep on keeping on Ian, thanks for the video!
King Samson What a fantastic comment 👍 I hope you have followed in your parents footsteps and are doing your own motorcycle road trips. I’m on a Scandinavian trip currently and avoiding getting out of my sleeping bag, your comment is the motivation I need 👍
@@IanT-J Been following you on Facebook, awesome trip! I'd love to go on trips ride now but my 78 Z1000 is apart right now and it will take me a while getting it back together. When it's done I will go, that's for sure!
Nice video. I have done a fair bit of traveling around the U.S, including AK, Canada, and Mexico. I tried a KLR650, but found it simply too uncomfortable. My bike of choice is the Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I have had 2 of them, both bought new. I put just over 100,000 miles on a 1993 model before a broken cam chain destroyed the engine. I replaced it with a 2002 model, and replaced the automatic tensioners with manual tensioners to solve the cam chain problem. I currently have 120,000+ miles on it. I use soft luggage. I've tried a few windscreens, but always wound up with severe helmet buffeting. I finally gave up on them. My full face helmet and jacket provide plenty of protection, and I have my GPS mounted on the handlebar. Most of my trips have been 2 weeks or less, I just take a lot of them. I never push it, that takes the fun out of it. I'm now 57, and enjoy taking my time, rather than riding a preplanned schedule. I just pick a destination or destinations and go.
So many of your comments ring true to me, especially “I enjoy taking my time, rather than riding a preplanned schedule” we seem to have a similar riding attitude JI was interested by “I've tried a few windscreens, but always wound up with severe helmet buffeting.” I’ve had this problem and ended up cutting down Perspex windscreens so the buffeting is supporting your chest and not fluttering in your face. Have fun Ian T-J
Loved the humility, the straightforwardness of your advice. clearly you have seen it all and then some, so each of your points of advice are extremely valuable. Thanks a lot.
Just ran across this video, loved it!! I had a KZ650 as my last streetbike back when it was new. Took about a 30 year break before getting back into street bikes earlier this year simply to do just what you're doing.... discovering the world around me. Love the concept of ride whatever bike you have and just do it!! Thanks so much for your vid!!
Many thanks for your comment, I'm glad you've returned to street bikes and "discovering the world around you" I'm still riding my KZ650, my last trip was from the UK to Finland, 9 countries in total. Please check out the video :) th-cam.com/video/1D73ZZJTtHQ/w-d-xo.html
+PRiSM Brand I hope you've bought a bike and now ride, if not you can wear the “IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” illustrated quote T-Shirt! www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
I' m glad that you still ride this old Kawasaki, I' m glad that it still makes you smile. I' m glad you didn' t replace it for a new fancy bike with electronically adjustable suspensions etc. Keep on riding.
+Nikos Politis YES I’m still riding the old Kawasaki and it still makes me “smile”. The illustrated “smile” T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
Just found this video under "recommended". What a great, honest video. Thanks for recommending other people that have done the same. It has given me a few more books to read and channels to watch! I'll be taking all your tips and advice when i tour Norway later this year. All the best.
Are you the Uneasy Rider who wrote this book? I remember enjoying reading the book many years ago. www.amazon.co.uk/Uneasy-Rider-Travels-Through-Mid-Life/dp/0091923263
Well done mate. A good, clear video that doesn't brand you a know-nothing show-off. Useful info too even for an old hand tourer like me. Only thing I'd add is that's it's well worth getting an inflatable seat pad. It's torture riding a long distance otherwise and ruins all the enjoyment. Also worth not overdoing the distance on any one day.... as long as you have the time! Good stuff and happy future travels.
This is the best and most beautiful video i have seen about motorcycle adventures. Especially the part about "this is my bike. it makes me smile". I´m constantly thinking about getting a replacement for my beat up Honda Seven Fifty... until I ride it. Great video! Keep it up!
Another brilliant vid Ian. Its 10:30 pm in South Texas at the moment and expecting a hard freeze, rare around these parts. Turned on TH-cam and this vid popped up to my pleasant surprise. Once again had a huge smile on my face watching your educational and entertaining vid! Well done....Ride safe!
Most would consider a street bike inappropriate for adventure riding. But after riding a KLR650 for a few years, I just couldn't handle the seat anymore. It was like a concrete block, and about 4" too high to get on and off of easily. I sold it and bought a brand new Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I put a backrest, luggage rack, bolt on saddlebags, and an engine guard on it to mount highway pegs to. All genuine Kawasaki parts. I put a T bag setup on the luggage rack, a Memphis Shades Shooter windshield, a dirt bike front fender tool pack, and used a Cortech 14 liter tank bag. I tied a huge duffel bag to the passenger part of the seat. I put over 100,000 miles on that bike, riding all over the U.S, Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. I still have the bike and it still runs good. My dream ride was to ride to Prudhoe Bay, AK, then ride to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, then back to Phoenix, AZ where I live. I never did it, and am now 58 years old and disabled, all my rides are short. I always started a ride with a tentative plan, but it usually changed a bit along the way. Unlike the "follow the preplanned route, get there, and get back home as quickly as possible" type, I like to take my time and enjoy things. You are always going to have problems, they are part of the deal. You have to start out with the right attitude, and not get all upset when the first problem happens. Nothing except a fatal crash is the end of the world. Even if the bike is totaled or stolen,, you can always get a ride to the nearest airport and manage to get back home. I've been lucky, I've always ridden back home. One thing I did notice is that it didn't look like your bike had a centerstand. I learned 40 years ago never to go very far on a bike with tube type tires and no centerstand. My KLR had an aftermarket centerstand. I highly recommend that whatever you use for an adventure bike have a centerstand. My Vulcan has shaft drive, tubeless tires, and a centerstand.
Thanks for your comment Gerald, I'm sorry to hear about your health and you not getting to fulfil your "Prudhoe Bay, AK, then ride to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina" - Thats a ride I also dream of :) Keep enjoying your "short rides"
+Otvarszelence Late 80's early 90's ! - Yes the Turkey trip was in 1990 well before the days of body armour and reflective yellow day glow jackets HAPPY DAYS :)
Sometimes there is too much emphasis on gear....expensive gear. Your take on trips is so much better and you achieve the same result - pure enjoyment, which is what its all about. Does the Mrs share your enthusiasm? Thanks for sharing - stay safe.
David Cooper Thank - No, Mrs T-J has no interest in either motorbikes or camping. This is a good thing as it gives me some time to myself, with my bike, on the road - Pure Bliss 👍
Enjoyed that video, especially the end. When I was 20, I did a trip through Europe on a Suzuki GT-380 (Belgium to Yugoslavia). All my stuff went in two or so stuff sacks, lashed on the bike with Bungey cords. Seemed to work. Best damn time in my life. Hope to get the feeling back in 2018 or 2019 when my youngest hits Uni. (I live in Canada, but a trip back to Europe will be like a life's review. Always loved the Kawi 650.
Looks like we have similar backgrounds and are at a similar current stage in our lives :) Your Belgium to Yugoslavia trip sounds great, I had a GT185 (Ram Air!) when I was living in Botswana. A return European trip in 2018-19 is a dream worth fulfilling, contact me if your planning on visiting the UK and we can perhaps meet up.
Looks like we have similar backgrounds and are at a similar current stage in our lives :) Your Belgium to Yugoslavia trip sounds great, I had a GT185 (Ram Air!) when I was living in Botswana. A return European trip in 2018-19 is a dream worth fulfilling, contact me if your planning on visiting the UK and we can perhaps meet up.
Sweet ! gotta love old Kawi's ! I bought a 1976 650 new with the mags and 3 disc's and parents co-signing in my junior year of high school..I loved that bike..
“1976 650 new with the mags and 3 disc's” I don’t think that set up arrived in the UK until much later, it sounds great.I have some other KZ 650 videos - check out my youtube channel.
Ian, I envy you so. And I'm impressed with how much kit you manage to carry on that bike. You definitely need to make the "smile" shirt if you haven't already.
Top tip - get yourself a Helinox chair, it packs away a LOT smaller than your stool and it's probably lighter too, it has a back on it so you can lean back and relax, it has "feet" so it wont bury itself in damp ground or puncture the floor of your tent. Expensive? Yes! But worth every penny at the end of a long day on the bike!
+Joscelyn Lovett I totally agree with your comment. I took a Helinox chair on my trip this summer and will definitely be using the Helinox chair next year for all the reasons your list. THANX My stool in this video simply fits round the top rack so well it made perfect sense to take it on that bike.
Mate, I loved it. Have done some touring and not enough. My partner and I have travelled on a mix of bikes from 1200 GSA to current 600 Jialing in China (where we live) and amazing when you get sorted how much better it is. We actually carry more than we need but know it is there to use if required. I love my tank bag also. Cannot go wrong. I have only attended 1 HUBB meeting but loved it and plan another in September this year when home in Oz. Once again, loved your honest approach, Thanks for sharing. Ken Holmes currently working in Kazakhstan soon back to China.
just stumbled across this. Great video.. I think its fair to say the long way round inspired us all, however we are not all given free GS bikes and great kit... which adds to the honesty of this..
Ten Ent Yes they are adorable 😎 I,ve visited the land rover factory in Solihull, Birmingham. Visited the Special Vehicle Operations department at the time of the Lara Croft film 😀
Great job! I'm three weeks on the road. One point I would add concerns overall weight. Consider carefully what you absolutely need and then leave half of that at home!
Well I nearly never comment on videos but here I go. Good on you for producing a really enjoyable down-to-earth video dry sense of humour from a humble guy fantastic. 👍
great vid m8,just finished a 2 mth tour of Vietnam on a dog of a bike with the missus,would highly recommend that if yer ever that way,made loads of videos of it :) all the best
Great honest review, lovely real backdrops. You just say it how it is! A great help to someone like me who knows nothing and makes me realise i dont need everything! Just my bike.. my Himalayan which makes ME smile! Cheers Ian T-J
I can feel that you're great guy with warm soul... Thanks for sharing great video with great words! Cheers from south Korea. (I'm also preparing my RTW trip. You just encouraged me.)
This june i'll be sending my lovely 650gs to Sanfrancisco! and starting from there. I will give you an email to give you further information about my travel(i won't write whole story but trying to share good pictures with my friends)
Good to hear from you JuicyFlow. I'm glad your RTW plans are falling into place :) A 650GS sounds like a very sensible bike choice. You can email me through my website www.talbot-jones.com.
Thank you for this advice; a down to earth video with some excellent tips. I will remind myself of them when I actually do get the chance to escape my responsibilities... Many thanks and stay safe!
I used to have a 1979 z 650 years ago grand old bike it was nice to see you travel far on yours . henry cole better watch out LOL great video thank you for sharing it with us .
great video! full of great advises and, no hidden marketing for adventure products! rare! great sense of humor. a normal rider like the rest of us! cheers m8!
I enjoyed your video, Mate, I ride a 2014 Kawasaki GTR1400 and it's a sweet machine. It a great long distance motor, too. Looking forward to more of your videos. Cheers, Mate.
Nice to know there are others who do this sort of stuff on (K)Z650s. My friend Jake and I have taken ours over plenty of places that most GS riders wouldn't dare. I won't say they are perfect, but there's plenty of torque and a comfortable posture. Good on the road, OK on the rough.
Yes - I agree with all you’ve said about the mighty Z650, where can we see images / footage of your Zed adventures? My Z650 is 40 years old this summer J
Ian T-J IIRC Jake's screen name on kz650.info is 'jake the red'. That was my bike and I helped him fix it up when I sold it to him. There are about 6 of these owned by me and close friends. Another friend just bought one which has been sleeved up to 710 CC with appropriate jetting and yoshimura exhaust that I am looking forward to trying out.
Ian T-J A couple of them. I only saw your channel for the first time yesterday. There is another guy who has done a lot of central american ADV stuff on a 70s suzuki GS 650. I found a lot of his observations helpful, but I can't think of his channel name.
Many thanks - If you include this video within your magazine I could perhaps write a short article to accompany the video? I’ve had a couple of motorcycle articles published previously; please see www.talbot-jones.com for examples of my written work. THANKS
+Ian T-J , Would you believe it! I am that Angle's son! :) :) :) The ER was my first bike at 16 years of age. 33 years ago now! I loved that bike. All my mates were riding AP-50s, and FS1-Es. I wanted a bit of off road capability in a 'ped; it was a choice between a: DT, TY, and the ER. I'll be 50 this year, so the 50 in TS50ER will have an extra special meaning for me. I enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting it. PS: The ER was blue
Edd March in 2020 is coolest moto travel video maker by far, i think i saw Sam manicom and Austin Vince also huge influencers in global moto travel scene., thank you mate.
@@IanT-J yea i am wishing to ride from erberge to liepaja on chinese 110cc 4stroke wonjan on 2021 summer, that would be longest ride for me, this summer i chickened out because of backpain and lack of equipment, but all good now i have more tyre levers, a tent, a sleeping mat, lights, spare inner tubes, and more miles on road. Where are you going to ride?
@@gatisadams Best of luck with your Liepaja to Liepaja trip 👍 I’m hoping for another Spanish trip to visit friends and an Iceland trip, fingers crossed 🤞
Brilliant! Wish i'd seen this before I started touring (few years ago now)! too many vids out there scare you into buying half the touratech catalogue. Happy touring!!
Good vid, thank you! Currently, wife and I and our little dog are where this vid ended, in Istanbul. We rent a 250 scooter and have a blast riding Istanbul. Looking to maybe buy a classic jawa. And I have a goldwing in storage back in the States, ha!, go figure.
+Fred Keller Istanbul - I hope you continue to have a great time. I remember in Turkey the driving was chaotic and the lorries poured black smoke from their exhausts, overtaking a lorry working hard going up hill was the equivalent to smoking 20 Turkish cigarettes.
Enjoyed the video, and the guy on the scooter looked like a fun guy to ride with, and do a little hunting too if needs be, well a man's must eat & have fun...lol I agree the bike offers possibilities in a unique way of life. Beats riding a horse with a mind of it's own, but that can be fun as well....? BTW I use to ride a 79 KZ650 a few, many years ago...Thumbs up mate. yl
Any biker watching this would of known exactly what you meant when you said, not the fastest, not the most comfortable, but this is my bike. Am restoring a XJ600 at the moment, and like you put my heart and soul into it... Great video fella very enjoyable to watch.. now to see if you video'd the restoration.
I did Lands End to John O Groats about 3 summers ago in July August and the weather was fantastic. Try to take the most number of days possible and avoid the main roads / motorways. Riding a 125 might be a blessing. Have Fun :)
Awesome! Hope you had a good time! :) Will do, first road trip, doing it solo so i rekon it'd take about 9 days in total. I am trying to find all the country roads! :) Thank you, will do. Can't wait!! :)
Best thing about riding solo is that you can stop when you want and do as much filming as you want with out annoying your traveling companions. I hope to hear how you got get on and see your trip video :)
Loved this video... honest, straightforward, not looking to sell, be famous... as others have said “it’s my bike”, made me smile... very true sir.
Loved the arrow on the windshield
Stay well, safe travels
Steve Mac.
Glasshousebc Thanks for your support Steve.
Enjoy riding your motorcycle in what ever way makes you smile 😀
Ian T-J
There is a simple honesty about this guy that is just awesome.
+Sam Lyles completely agree.
hey man. "but it's my bike, it makes me smile" I want that on a t shirt :) good words.
+Lord Janner What a great idea THANX :)
A quote T-Shirt with a picture of my bike on it.
Perhaps you will see this T-Shirt in my next video?
+Andy Jannersbee
MANY THANKS ANDY This the comment that started the T-Shirt idea.
“IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” The illustrated quote T-Shirt is now available
www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
Hey man no worries, it's you who said it lol Shirts are looking cool i have ordered one.
+Andy Jannersbee
Many thanks for your T-Shirt order :)
its my bike, it makes me smile!!! love it, says it all, great attitude!!! thank you
"It's my bike. It makes me smile." Ya brother!
+Kevin der Kinderen
“IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” The illustrated quote T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
You stand out in sea sea of videos that are mostly a "look at me!" Gucci style of touring.
You just get out there with what you got and enjoy it ...very encouraging, very motivational. =)
Thanks for your kind words Mickenoss. I hope you enjoy lots of motorcycle adventures in 2017 :-)
Ian T-J Dude your down to earth attitude is quite inspiring. As a LR Series enthusiast thanks for the pics at the end of the video... thumbs uppp
You changed my point of view, wherever i´ll go with my bike your teachings will be there
+Roger Benitez great comment
"It's my bike. It makes me smile!" - what an outstanding and deeply honest statement. Makes you very sympathetic.
Thanks Ian T-J
Hands down, the best cycling guide on the internet. Loved it. I too have succumbed to my inflatable sleeping pad, and ALWAYS think I'm carrying too much stuff.
Many thanks PapawTom. My new inflating sleeping pad is 190cm x 64cm (6’ 4” x 2’ 1”) no more rolling over and waking up on the cold ground! My current bike has a specific rack over the headlight to store the sleeping pad. th-cam.com/video/L8Gp84QvzTM/w-d-xo.html
Glad you got out and had fun on a classic bike that makes you smile and creates lifetime memories...priceless!
Many thanks for your supportive comment :)
Thank you. I'm getting back on a bike after 30 years without. I'm ex-army and experienced in the Australian bush. I am not stupid enough to think I don't need tips and yours was a great start, and at now 55 years old I am starting to need padding to sleep on as you stated. Once again a big thank you.
David, I'm glad to hear your returning to motorbikes, I'm sure you will have a great time.
I purchased a thicker, wider and longer inflating sleeping mat, (and built a front rack on my dual sport bike to carry it) no stones in my back or cold feet or arms for me anymore :)
My mum and dad have been all around on their bikes in the 80s, France, Italy, Yugoslawia. My dad on his Z1300, my mum first on GS550 then on her Z900. They just said "Let's go!" and went, with a map, often lacking foreign language skills but they met many nice folks and could always communicate, with hands and feet if necessary as we say here in Germany. It's my goal as well, just get on the bike and have fun. No stress, no preplanned stops where you have to be at a certain time and last of all, lose the satnav folks! Take a map and speak to people if you need help! The best things about those trips are the folks you meet! Keep on keeping on Ian, thanks for the video!
King Samson What a fantastic comment 👍
I hope you have followed in your parents footsteps and are doing your own motorcycle road trips.
I’m on a Scandinavian trip currently and avoiding getting out of my sleeping bag, your comment is the motivation I need 👍
@@IanT-J Been following you on Facebook, awesome trip! I'd love to go on trips ride now but my 78 Z1000 is apart right now and it will take me a while getting it back together. When it's done I will go, that's for sure!
Wonderful, honest, humble and really sensible and refreshing talk on Adventure Motorcycling. Thanks and hope you're still riding!
Many thanks - Just taken the old Z650, 3000 + miles through 9 countries from the UK to Finland, so I'm still riding :)
Nice video. I have done a fair bit of traveling around the U.S, including AK, Canada, and Mexico. I tried a KLR650, but found it simply too uncomfortable. My bike of choice is the Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I have had 2 of them, both bought new. I put just over 100,000 miles on a 1993 model before a broken cam chain destroyed the engine. I replaced it with a 2002 model, and replaced the automatic tensioners with manual tensioners to solve the cam chain problem. I currently have 120,000+ miles on it. I use soft luggage. I've tried a few windscreens, but always wound up with severe helmet buffeting. I finally gave up on them. My full face helmet and jacket provide plenty of protection, and I have my GPS mounted on the handlebar. Most of my trips have been 2 weeks or less, I just take a lot of them. I never push it, that takes the fun out of it. I'm now 57, and enjoy taking my time, rather than riding a preplanned schedule. I just pick a destination or destinations and go.
So many of your comments ring true to me, especially “I enjoy taking my time, rather than riding a preplanned schedule” we seem to have a similar riding attitude JI was interested by “I've tried a few windscreens, but always wound up with severe helmet buffeting.” I’ve had this problem and ended up cutting down Perspex windscreens so the buffeting is supporting your chest and not fluttering in your face. Have fun Ian T-J
hey vulcan1753
looks like you have been around
subbed your channel
please check out mine and subscribe
Loved the humility, the straightforwardness of your advice. clearly you have seen it all and then some, so each of your points of advice are extremely valuable. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for finding the time to leave a comment Peter, enjoy riding your bike and having some adventures.
Just ran across this video, loved it!! I had a KZ650 as my last streetbike back when it was new. Took about a 30 year break before getting back into street bikes earlier this year simply to do just what you're doing.... discovering the world around me. Love the concept of ride whatever bike you have and just do it!! Thanks so much for your vid!!
Many thanks for your comment, I'm glad you've returned to street bikes and "discovering the world around you"
I'm still riding my KZ650, my last trip was from the UK to Finland, 9 countries in total. Please check out the video :)
th-cam.com/video/1D73ZZJTtHQ/w-d-xo.html
I don't even ride and I was transfixed. "It's my bike...it makes me smile." This was interesting, simple, informative - thank you!
+PRiSM Brand
I hope you've bought a bike and now ride, if not you can wear the “IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” illustrated quote T-Shirt! www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
As a long time motorcyclist, you said it all....it really doesn't matter what you ride, it's just getting out there and actually doing it.
What great find...refreshing simplicity and no bad language! I hope that esteemed trusted Kawasaki takes you on many more happy travels, best wishes.
Why thanks you Max I hope you also have "many happy travels".
Please check out my other videos and share with your biker friends :)
Sometimes, TH-cam knows me so well, I'm glad it brought me here. Excellent video :)
I extremely pleased TH-cam is recommending you appropriate content, but delighted you enjoyed the video 😎
I' m glad that you still ride this old Kawasaki, I' m glad that it still makes you smile. I' m glad you didn' t replace it for a new fancy bike with electronically adjustable suspensions etc. Keep on riding.
+Nikos Politis
YES I’m still riding the old Kawasaki and it still makes me “smile”. The illustrated “smile” T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
Just found this video under "recommended". What a great, honest video. Thanks for recommending other people that have done the same. It has given me a few more books to read and channels to watch! I'll be taking all your tips and advice when i tour Norway later this year. All the best.
Are you the Uneasy Rider who wrote this book?
I remember enjoying reading the book many years ago. www.amazon.co.uk/Uneasy-Rider-Travels-Through-Mid-Life/dp/0091923263
Sorry mate, that's Mike Carter. I loved that book too! something about being 40 odd and traveling on a motorbike resonated with me!
Well done mate. A good, clear video that doesn't brand you a know-nothing show-off. Useful info too even for an old hand tourer like me.
Only thing I'd add is that's it's well worth getting an inflatable seat pad. It's torture riding a long distance otherwise and ruins all the enjoyment. Also worth not overdoing the distance on any one day.... as long as you have the time!
Good stuff and happy future travels.
This is the best and most beautiful video i have seen about motorcycle adventures. Especially the part about "this is my bike. it makes me smile". I´m constantly thinking about getting a replacement for my beat up Honda Seven Fifty... until I ride it. Great video! Keep it up!
Great to hear about your old Honda.
Don't let the advertising men get to you.
If the Honda "makes you smile" then keep using it :)
Another brilliant vid Ian. Its 10:30 pm in South Texas at the moment and expecting a hard freeze, rare around these parts. Turned on TH-cam and this vid popped up to my pleasant surprise. Once again had a huge smile on my face watching your educational and entertaining vid! Well done....Ride safe!
Thanks my friend,
please keep in touch and tell me about your Round The World plans 😁
Most would consider a street bike inappropriate for adventure riding. But after riding a KLR650 for a few years, I just couldn't handle the seat anymore. It was like a concrete block, and about 4" too high to get on and off of easily. I sold it and bought a brand new Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I put a backrest, luggage rack, bolt on saddlebags, and an engine guard on it to mount highway pegs to. All genuine Kawasaki parts. I put a T bag setup on the luggage rack, a Memphis Shades Shooter windshield, a dirt bike front fender tool pack, and used a Cortech 14 liter tank bag. I tied a huge duffel bag to the passenger part of the seat.
I put over 100,000 miles on that bike, riding all over the U.S, Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. I still have the bike and it still runs good. My dream ride was to ride to Prudhoe Bay, AK, then ride to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, then back to Phoenix, AZ where I live. I never did it, and am now 58 years old and disabled, all my rides are short.
I always started a ride with a tentative plan, but it usually changed a bit along the way. Unlike the "follow the preplanned route, get there, and get back home as quickly as possible" type, I like to take my time and enjoy things. You are always going to have problems, they are part of the deal. You have to start out with the right attitude, and not get all upset when the first problem happens. Nothing except a fatal crash is the end of the world. Even if the bike is totaled or stolen,, you can always get a ride to the nearest airport and manage to get back home. I've been lucky, I've always ridden back home.
One thing I did notice is that it didn't look like your bike had a centerstand. I learned 40 years ago never to go very far on a bike with tube type tires and no centerstand. My KLR had an aftermarket centerstand. I highly recommend that whatever you use for an adventure bike have a centerstand. My Vulcan has shaft drive, tubeless tires, and a centerstand.
Thanks for your comment Gerald, I'm sorry to hear about your health and you not getting to fulfil your "Prudhoe Bay, AK, then ride to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina" - Thats a ride I also dream of :)
Keep enjoying your "short rides"
I owned a Kawasaki Z650 30 years ago, had a ton of fun with it. Great info, cheers from Australia mate.
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Ian T-J no worries mate. Since then I bought myself a brand new Kawasaki klr 650 and traveled all over Australia on it.
It's my bike it makes me smile. this is my new catch phrase. Well done young man.!!!!!!
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
This video feels , sounds and looks like it was made in late 80`s or early 90`s. :) Love it
+Otvarszelence Late 80's early 90's ! - Yes the Turkey trip was in 1990 well before the days of body armour and reflective yellow day glow jackets HAPPY DAYS :)
Ian - this is such a bloody great video! I'm just starting out with adventure motorcycling and you've made me feel really at home! I'm truly grateful.
Hi Jim - Welcome to the club !
I hope you enjoy numerous adventures on your motorcycle :)
Really good video mate and a refreshing change to be honest.
Off on an adventure myself on my motorbike in Argentina next month. Can't wait!
Cheers.
hey buddy
subbed your channel
please check out mine and subscribe
Subbed! I did NW Argentina a few months ago. Spectacular!
Sometimes there is too much emphasis on gear....expensive gear. Your take on trips is so much better and you achieve the same result - pure enjoyment, which is what its all about. Does the Mrs share your enthusiasm? Thanks for sharing - stay safe.
David Cooper Thank - No, Mrs T-J has no interest in either motorbikes or camping.
This is a good thing as it gives me some time to myself, with my bike, on the road - Pure Bliss 👍
Enjoyed that video, especially the end. When I was 20, I did a trip through Europe on a Suzuki GT-380 (Belgium to Yugoslavia). All my stuff went in two or so stuff sacks, lashed on the bike with Bungey cords. Seemed to work. Best damn time in my life. Hope to get the feeling back in 2018 or 2019 when my youngest hits Uni. (I live in Canada, but a trip back to Europe will be like a life's review.
Always loved the Kawi 650.
Looks like we have similar backgrounds and are at a similar current stage in our lives :)
Your Belgium to Yugoslavia trip sounds great, I had a GT185 (Ram Air!) when I was living in Botswana.
A return European trip in 2018-19 is a dream worth fulfilling, contact me if your planning on visiting the UK and we can perhaps meet up.
Looks like we have similar backgrounds and are at a similar current stage in our lives :)
Your Belgium to Yugoslavia trip sounds great, I had a GT185 (Ram Air!) when I was living in Botswana.
A return European trip in 2018-19 is a dream worth fulfilling, contact me if your planning on visiting the UK and we can perhaps meet up.
i like your video! especially the insert about your England - Turkey trip back in the day. That look like a proper adventure ride!
It's my bike it, makes me smile. Great words :)
+ducatiphill
“IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” The illustrated quote T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
Awesome, well done my friend.
Wow… did not expect to see you here friend! Ride safe.
Sweet ! gotta love old Kawi's ! I bought a 1976 650 new with the mags and 3 disc's and parents co-signing in my junior year of high school..I loved that bike..
“1976 650 new with the mags and 3 disc's” I don’t think that set up arrived in the UK until much later, it sounds great.I have some other KZ 650 videos - check out my youtube channel.
Ian, I envy you so. And I'm impressed with how much kit you manage to carry on that bike. You definitely need to make the "smile" shirt if you haven't already.
+hamstersniffer
YES - the “smile” T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
Top tip - get yourself a Helinox chair, it packs away a LOT smaller than your stool and it's probably lighter too, it has a back on it so you can lean back and relax, it has "feet" so it wont bury itself in damp ground or puncture the floor of your tent. Expensive? Yes! But worth every penny at the end of a long day on the bike!
+Joscelyn Lovett I totally agree with your comment. I took a Helinox chair on my trip this summer and will definitely be using the Helinox chair next year for all the reasons your list. THANX My stool in this video simply fits round the top rack so well it made perfect sense to take it on that bike.
Mate, I loved it. Have done some touring and not enough. My partner and I have travelled on a mix of bikes from 1200 GSA to current 600 Jialing in China (where we live) and amazing when you get sorted how much better it is. We actually carry more than we need but know it is there to use if required. I love my tank bag also. Cannot go wrong. I have only attended 1 HUBB meeting but loved it and plan another in September this year when home in Oz. Once again, loved your honest approach, Thanks for sharing. Ken Holmes currently working in Kazakhstan soon back to China.
just stumbled across this. Great video.. I think its fair to say the long way round inspired us all, however we are not all given free GS bikes and great kit... which adds to the honesty of this..
The green Land Rover Series in the end is also adorable... I have had two of them. Both had great fun factor
Ten Ent Yes they are adorable 😎 I,ve visited the land rover factory in Solihull, Birmingham. Visited the Special Vehicle Operations department at the time of the Lara Croft film 😀
Ian T-J so you have seen the mecca of Land Rover’s 👍👍👍 Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and classic Land Rovers... Well done GB🤘🤘
Great job! I'm three weeks on the road. One point I would add concerns overall weight. Consider carefully what you absolutely need and then leave half of that at home!
Sound Advice :) Keep your bike and kit as light as possible, you can always buy things as you travel and find you need them.
Well I nearly never comment on videos but here I go. Good on you for producing a really enjoyable down-to-earth video dry sense of humour from a humble guy fantastic. 👍
Many many thanks for such a supportive comment, you sir are a gentleman :)
great vid m8,just finished a 2 mth tour of Vietnam on a dog of a bike with the missus,would highly recommend that if yer ever that way,made loads of videos of it :) all the best
"but it's my bike, it makes me smile" wise words!
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Great honest review, lovely real backdrops. You just say it how it is! A great help to someone like me who knows nothing and makes me realise i dont need everything! Just my bike.. my Himalayan which makes ME smile! Cheers Ian T-J
Thanks Dan 👍
Enjoy continuing to “Smile” while having adventures on you Himalayan 🍻
Started my touring life on a xt550 in '86. Wish I still had the bike. Great times!! Refreashing video. Thanks!
1986 on an XT550
Yes "Great times!!"
I didn't have a care in the world in those days, just the open road to explore :)
Bravo man you have the spirit of the free man.Keep on riding
Thanks - Enjoy your motorcycling :)
Quotation: "It is the bike that makes me smile!" Thanks for sharing! Congratulations!
+Fco.Javier Garcia-Estevez
“IT’S MY BIKE, IT MAKES ME SMILE” The illustrated quote T-Shirt is now available www.talbot-jones.com/t-shirts.html
I can feel that you're great guy with warm soul... Thanks for sharing great video with great words! Cheers from south Korea. (I'm also preparing my RTW trip. You just encouraged me.)
+juicyflowkorea RTW Trip - WOW that sounds fantastic - Where can we follow your story? What bike are your riding? Where do you plan to visit?
This june i'll be sending my lovely 650gs to Sanfrancisco! and starting from there. I will give you an email to give you further information about my travel(i won't write whole story but trying to share good pictures with my friends)
Good to hear from you JuicyFlow. I'm glad your RTW plans are falling into place :) A 650GS sounds like a very sensible bike choice. You can email me through my website www.talbot-jones.com.
thank you again for your kind support!
Your one really cool guy. Best video on adventure riding on the web! Safe travels.
Nick Collins Thanks for your kind words Nick :)
+Nick Collins I agree. I'd love to ride with this guy off in the mountains on a camping trip :)
You are very humble and kind mate. It was nice to see your ride to Turkey as well. Cheers from Istanbul :)
What kind words.
One day I will return to Istanbul.
I remember 30 years ago seeing several 1960s american cars in daily use, what a great city :)
Thank you for this advice; a down to earth video with some excellent tips. I will remind myself of them when I actually do get the chance to escape my responsibilities... Many thanks and stay safe!
Thanks John - Good luck "escaping your responsibilities" remember even a single night away can be an adventure :)
a friend of mine, quit all, al all, bought a very old bike and from Alaska till Chile and where he felt right would stay,,, nice
I used to have a 1979 z 650 years ago grand old bike it was nice to see you travel far on yours . henry cole better watch out LOL great video thank you for sharing it with us .
What a good video! So refreshing to watch someone just say it like it is. Great job!
"but it's my bike, it makes me smile" you just got me there !
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos ☺
great video! full of great advises and, no hidden marketing for adventure products! rare! great sense of humor. a normal rider like the rest of us! cheers m8!
Well done. A good little video with no BS.Just get out there and do it.
I enjoyed your video, Mate, I ride a 2014 Kawasaki GTR1400 and it's a sweet machine.
It a great long distance motor, too. Looking forward to more of your videos. Cheers, Mate.
I'm glad I found this video! About to pack a tent and get the hell out of the city! Thank you. The Turkey adventure must have been incredible.
Really entertaining and packed with tons of useful tips, thank you.
And Thank you !
Honest and refreshing. Also thanks for the heads up about the HUBB 😎
Thanks Jim, Enjoy a visit to your local HUBB meet 👍
very nice thank you now when finish the A2 permit will buy a bike and start doing trips,, in fact want from here to Scotland love to do that -:)
Nice to know there are others who do this sort of stuff on (K)Z650s. My friend Jake and I have taken ours over plenty of places that most GS riders wouldn't dare. I won't say they are perfect, but there's plenty of torque and a comfortable posture. Good on the road, OK on the rough.
Yes - I agree with all you’ve said about the mighty Z650, where can we see images / footage of your Zed adventures? My Z650 is 40 years old this summer J
Ian T-J IIRC Jake's screen name on kz650.info is 'jake the red'. That was my bike and I helped him fix it up when I sold it to him. There are about 6 of these owned by me and close friends. Another friend just bought one which has been sleeved up to 710 CC with appropriate jetting and yoshimura exhaust that I am looking forward to trying out.
I'll check out the forum :) Have you seen my other KZ650 videos within my youtube channel ?
Ian T-J A couple of them. I only saw your channel for the first time yesterday. There is another guy who has done a lot of central american ADV stuff on a 70s suzuki GS 650. I found a lot of his observations helpful, but I can't think of his channel name.
A very cool 'sit down and chat' guide with some great tips - thanks Ian.
Motorcycle Explorer Magazine - I subscribed ages ago ! - Keep up the great work :)
Thanks Ian, we do what we can - this video will be in the next issue ;)
Many Many thanks for your support I've emailed your editor James through your website. Please read my email :)
Hi Ian, no email to the boss - editor@memrider.com is his direct email
Many thanks - If you include this video within your magazine I could perhaps write a short article to accompany the video? I’ve had a couple of motorcycle articles published previously; please see www.talbot-jones.com for examples of my written work. THANKS
I like your simple approach to riding. Stay safe. Thanks
And you stay safe my friend :)
Great video my man, extremely relaxing but at the same time full of nice tidbits! But mostly it made me want to go out and ride my bike :)
Pillows are so overlooked when camping. I love my pillows and sacrifice space for my pillows. Nothing like a good night's kip.
+TS50ER Yes 100%
I had an Suzuki ER50 over 30 years ago and sold it to a Hells Angle for his son to ride.
+Ian T-J , Would you believe it! I am that Angle's son! :) :) :)
The ER was my first bike at 16 years of age. 33 years ago now!
I loved that bike. All my mates were riding AP-50s, and FS1-Es.
I wanted a bit of off road capability in a 'ped; it was a choice between a: DT, TY, and the ER.
I'll be 50 this year, so the 50 in TS50ER will have an extra special meaning for me.
I enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting it.
PS: The ER was blue
Edd March in 2020 is coolest moto travel video maker by far, i think i saw Sam manicom and Austin Vince also huge influencers in global moto travel scene., thank you mate.
Correct on all points 👍
Hopefully 2021 will allow us to have some more "real" motorcycle adventure 😆
@@IanT-J yea i am wishing to ride from erberge to liepaja on chinese 110cc 4stroke wonjan on 2021 summer, that would be longest ride for me, this summer i chickened out because of backpain and lack of equipment, but all good now i have more tyre levers, a tent, a sleeping mat, lights, spare inner tubes, and more miles on road. Where are you going to ride?
@@gatisadams Best of luck with your Liepaja to Liepaja trip 👍
I’m hoping for another Spanish trip to visit friends and an Iceland trip, fingers crossed 🤞
That's it!!!!!!!!!! YOU just got to get out there and DO IT
100%
particularly liked the "knobbly tyre action" at the end!- we never met at the HUBB- my loss!...speak soon!
Good Cinema.....[and I like your bike , too]
Brilliant! Wish i'd seen this before I started touring (few years ago now)! too many vids out there scare you into buying half the touratech catalogue. Happy touring!!
Thanks Mark - Yes keep things simple and ensure the Touratech catalogue and the credit card don't become too friendly !
The AMMO cans that Nato tank rounds come in make pretty decent panniers for ~$20 USD
Well made and usefully informative. Yes Sam, unassuming and honest.
This video had so much heart! I love it. I might pick adventure riding up sometime in the near future. Thanks for the video:D
Absolutely enjoyed your video on preparing for a motorbike journey, If you find yourself in Ireland again give me a shout.
brilliant well done enjoyed........... thank you
THANX :)
Thank you for a very nice video, the people that disliked this don't know what a motrocycle is probably :)
“You can’t please all the people all the time” my friend - I’m glad you found it enjoyable enough to make a comment :)
Honest and simple man rite there seems like a nice guy
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Awesome! Greetings from Costa Rica!
Nice down to earth video.thanks for the tips and Happy Trails.
I loved the honesty and clarity. amateur yes but saying more than most of the pros.
+James Gale couldnt agree more..
Absolutely smashing. i truly enjoyed this video. very pure.
+Perry Farewell "Pure" Many thanks :)
Good vid, thank you! Currently, wife and I and our little dog are where this vid ended, in Istanbul. We rent a 250 scooter and have a blast riding Istanbul. Looking to maybe buy a classic jawa. And I have a goldwing in storage back in the States, ha!, go figure.
+Fred Keller Istanbul - I hope you continue to have a great time.
I remember in Turkey the driving was chaotic and the lorries poured black smoke from their exhausts, overtaking a lorry working hard going up hill was the equivalent to smoking 20 Turkish cigarettes.
Its lovely to see the core values being shown here and not the obnoxious showing off I see so much of these days. Well done
Enjoyed the video, and the guy on the scooter looked like a fun guy to ride with, and do a little hunting too if needs be, well a man's must eat & have fun...lol I agree the bike offers possibilities in a unique way of life. Beats riding a horse with a mind of it's own, but that can be fun as well....? BTW I use to ride a 79 KZ650 a few, many years ago...Thumbs up mate. yl
Just watched your video, I to enjoyed the simplicity of your trip. and frank simple down to earth advice. Hope to do similar myself one day.
thank you
Thanks Kevin, we have a UK singer from my childhood called "Kevin Rowland" :)
Yes - don't over plan your trip just do it ASAP !
ha ha....let me guess...dexi's midnight runners !!
Thats the one :)
Your name brings back great memories from the last year of my high school ! Thanks
Nice video. Simple and to the point. Happy touring.
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Any biker watching this would of known exactly what you meant when you said, not the fastest, not the most comfortable, but this is my bike. Am restoring a XJ600 at the moment, and like you put my heart and soul into it... Great video fella very enjoyable to watch.. now to see if you video'd the restoration.
"It's my bike; it makes me smile." That really says it all.
And now you can have this slogan on a T-shirt -
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/279355228/classic-motorcycle-t-shirt?ref=shop_home_active_1
Thank you for sharing yourself.
iran jokes
You're the real deal fella! thats true motorcycle touring.
T-J nice video informative keep up the good work post more videos good luck am planning to go on a long ride on my 150 cc DTS-I pulsar motorbike
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Good Job! Thanks for covering information that we can all use. I dig the bike too!
Useful thank you buddy. I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats in July/August on my YZF-R125.... so this is an interesting watch! :D
I did Lands End to John O Groats about 3 summers ago in July August and the weather was fantastic. Try to take the most number of days possible and avoid the main roads / motorways. Riding a 125 might be a blessing. Have Fun :)
Awesome! Hope you had a good time! :) Will do, first road trip, doing it solo so i rekon it'd take about 9 days in total. I am trying to find all the country roads! :) Thank you, will do. Can't wait!! :)
Best thing about riding solo is that you can stop when you want and do as much filming as you want with out annoying your traveling companions.
I hope to hear how you got get on and see your trip video :)
Great honest video, one more subscription from me.
"It's my bike. It makes me smile." wise words. That's how I feel. If it makes you smile then your bike it awesome. I hate the brand wars.
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Inspirational and awesome! Such a nice guy
Thanks Theodore - Please share my videos with your biker friends :)