I was touring a few years back..speeding ticket on an A road, the ticket had my registration on it and stated that it was a 500cc motorcycle (the police did'nt put the make of the bike) It stated I was doing 95mph in a 60mph zone. I was fully loaded with box and panniers with a tent and sleeping bag on the seat behind me. I elected to go to court to "show" my evidence. Court date set and of I went with a smile on my face. One of the police officers was in the court. After they heard the polices version of events stating that I was driving eratically and at dangerous speeds, the court was looking at me as some sort of biker hoodlum (I am over 60 years old), I told the court that I have the evidence to prove I was not speeding at the time of the alledged offence. I showed photos of my bike fully loaded and that I had body cam footage if the court wished to view it on a dongle. After they saw the photos and realised that the bike a Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet was not capable fully loaded and even able to achieve that speed, my ticket was crushed, even better was the fall out as the court ordered the two police officers to be investigated and I got fully compensated and also I filed for an action against the police which paid for me to enjoy a few more tours. SO the bike hating police officers got a smack on the wrists and charged with falsifying evidence to a court which led to a whole lot of worms being opened up. Sometimes they just earn the hate ! I love touring on my old RE and now planning to pop up to Scotland.
quite a few years ago before the euro this type of thing was happening to my mates nearly every year traveling through France,,Belgium ,,the lads were getting pulled over off coppers to pay on the spot fines for so called speeding or dangerous riding,,[they were not].. in which they protested,,always the same thing ,they were threatened with their bikes being confiscated unless they paid up..anyway what happened was something like you did but they contacted the british embassy to look into this obvious corrupt coppers scam..and he confirmed after a investigation that there was a disproportionate number of British bikers being fined ,,
The 1960s series Then Came Bronson kickstarted American MC touring, sort of like Route 66 on 2 wheels .. he rode a sportster. Life was cheap, gas was peanuts, people were free.. if you weren't nailed down to a career/wife/family/dog/mortgage/expectations etc etc. 😆
Many years ago I had dreams of being a motocross star. Instead I went into cross country "racing" and saved my sanity. Winning wasn't the point, making new friends and coming home in one piece was all that mattered.
In Australia this is much the same visiting rarely traveled spots slower had been far more enjoyable and safer to experience each area. Just dangerous doing 800k days at my age and it’s not a race!
I've toured and camped with a 125 and It carried my tent and sleeping bag ... Freedom of the road. Go anywhere even where bikes can't normally go. With a small bike you can get off turn off the engine and push it along a footpath to avoid detours. Try that on a gs1250 with full panniers fully loaded
I bought a BSA Bantam 125cc from 1952 (2 years older than I am) from my school teacher - pushed it home with a friend, set the points, etc. then pushed it around in the garden ansd BANG! BANG! BANG! Stripped it down and chromed and resprayed it, then rode it almost daily for 4 years to the Uni, trips home, 80km, including slipstreaming behind a bus to maintain the speed ! ! ! before setting off on a 500km trip with a friensd on a 650 Triumph to look for a job. The Bantam had a lot more bottom end with the silencer removed so as soon as we were on the hiway/motorway I removed it. Found a job and drove the bike daily for the next 2 years, in which I started hang gliding - so a car was essential.Then it was time to emigrate to greener pastures so I sold the Bantam to a friend. What a joy to possess and ride. KISS - Keep It Simple and Stupid.
A friend was into large capacity touring bikes. He had no end of falls and even got trapped under it in a forest for hours. He stubbornly stick with it...a macho thing. He broke his shoulder, wrist, elbow, leg, ankle during a series of accidents. Eventually he reached the point he couldn't get it on his trailer and struggled to even get on it when loaded. Insane.
hitting the ‘avoid motorways’ option on my phone maps has changed my view literarily and figuratively of our countryside. biking on B roads on my Triumph Bobber is a dream.
I took my Classic 350 to France last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found that 110-130 miles a day was optimum for me. I have booked another trip to Northern Spain next month. I don't have a rigid itinerary, just a rough idea of where I'm going. I just book my accomodation on a day to day basis. I'm on my own. I tend not to ride in groups as I find egos start to take over the ride. Cheers to smaller capacity bikes... !
As a young engineering apprentice my daily transport was a 50cc Zundapp moped travelling from Grappenhall in Cheshire to Broadheath south Manchester. I also went camping on it riding from Grappenhall to Torquay on my own with a large ex army rucksack on my back supported by the bikes small rear rack. Now at 86 years young I ride a V7 Guzzi.
I had a 150cc 1954 Zundapp Bella 154 scooter. It was my daily transport for years then I did some major tidying up work on it and my rode it from Hamilton, New Zealand, up to Whangarei with my (at the time) wife and our luggage on the back. Took us a leisurely couple of days to get up there and another 2 days to get back home after staying with my wife's family for a week. Got a lot of looks from people on the road (our top speed was 40mph).
In 2014 my mate and I were touring on our motorcycles in Tasmania (Australia). We met a young Frenchman on his 125 Honda (posty bike). He told us that he left France and via many countries finally arrived in Australia. His aim was to circumnavigate Australia. He had a fair amount of luggage roughly tied together with ropes. He told us that his Honda didn't miss a beat. He put the bike through its paces along all sorts of rough roads. This is another example of a small bike being a great tourer. By the way, his petrol costs were minimal.
I reckon I met the same bloke in Central Victoria. He had luggage tied to luggage, bit's of PVC for tool boxes and drink holders and every sought of small satchel that you could think of fastened to everything that you could possibly fasten anything to. The bike looked like a sherpa's mule. I remember taking a photo of the thing. I'll be buggered if I can find it, now, though.
Good points and well made, as always. I resigned from the 'fully farkled GS brigade' more than a decade ago. Last year I travelled 1350 miles through France, over the Pyrenees and back via Bilbao on a 1972 Moto Guzzi 500cc single with 25bhp and a top speed of about 60mph - and camped for half the trip. It was relaxed, fun and stress-free. Setting off again next month, possibly on a my newest bike - that is only 48 years old. Old bikes are fun too.
Years ago I acquired a Ducati Scrambler 250 very similar to the Falcone you own, but a little lighter and lower standover, so it carried it's weight well in rough trails, not the greatest suspension but at below 15 mph you're going to be riding over the bumps with both wheels planted, I prefer that.
I always had the more fun with bikes that I wasn’t too concerned about putting ‘in harms way’ than with those I had spent a lot of money on. You can go touring on just about anything.
"Because a small easy to handle motorcycle that's not particularly fast, frees you up to just enjoy yourself" -- that's so true. I currently have four bikes at my disposal: a Honda VTR1000 road rocket, a BMW R65 daily commuter, a KTM 300 hard enduro, and a Tomos APN 6 moped. The Tomos sat neglected in the shed for years as I didn't think much of it next to all the other options. This spring, however, something pulled me towards fixing up the little thing just enough so I can go for a quick spin around the block. Then as soon as I was on my way I had the biggest smile in a long while, enjoying myself immensely, riding back and forth through all the local trails we used to ride as kids, taking every turn there is, stopping without hesitation for anything that seemed interesting to observe. If I was on my KTM I'd just fly past all of it in a few minutes, whereas on a small incapable bike it felt like a true adventure.
In 1971 and in my senior year of college, I went to England with two fraternity brothers and purchased a new triumph 650 Bonneville. We traveled here for 70 days and had a forever memorable journey. The only downside was the lack of reliability of the brand new Bonneville, which was horrible. Luckily, I had some experience wrenching as a motorcycle mechanic and was able to keep the bike on the road and running. I currently own a 2018 T1 20 which is light years ahead of the technology and the reliability of the old Bonneville. This one doesn’t leak, lol
Back in the mid 70s I did a one week trip on my Honda XL125 trail bike from Essex down to Cornwall for the weekend at my parents, then up to climb Mount Snowdon in North Wales and then down to Eastbourne on the South Coast because I was seeing a girl there at the time. 1300mls in the week with my tent and stuff strapped on the back. So long as you stay away from motorways you can tour on anything. My longest days ride still remains from Dunvegan on the Isle of Sky to Essex, over 600mls on a CB200 with my girlfriend on the back! Now though when I tour on my old BMW R100RS, as you say, I will generally aim for 150-200mls a day sticking to pottering along back roads with plenty of stops for coffee & cake or sightseeing and simply enjoy the journey, not how far you’ve travelled 👍
I always thought the Honda XL 125 was the nicest looking bike. I actually had a CB125T that had 16.5 bhp. Currently riding an SH125i 2021 version, just turned 57,000 miles.
Great video Stuart........ Back in early 70's (Age 17) , on a 2 week break from work. I rode my bsa 250cc C15 and my mate was on his 200cc tiger cub, on a 700 mile tour, from Kent, through Devon, to Lands End in Cornwall, then back again. We both just had tiny ridge tents, basic gas stove kit and few tools to fix the bikes. Highlights of the trip.... Great slow ride touring, scenic views, visiting towns, villages and beaches like Newquay, where we hired plywood surf boards lol ! Plus a few memorable events on the way...... It was raining hard and we rode past a long queue of stationary cars, straight into a 2 foot deep, flooded dip in the road. Took 2 days to dry the tents and sleeping bags out! Another day....Set up camp at Newquay, had a few beers, could hear loud music (Like a music festival), about a mile inland. We had to paddle across a muddy river estuary, that flows out to the sea. The tide was out, so got to the other side ok. The music stopped before we reached the event, so turned back to find the sea tide had come in. It was dark and the estuary was flooded. We had to sleep on the bank over night with no tents, food or beer! Only had one breakdown, my bsa would not rev, just spluttered and cut out. Checked the obvious like is there petrol in the tank, spark at the plug, points gap, cleaned out carb, same problem. Then we started moving parts one at a time, from my mates bike, to mine... points, condenser, carb etc. Turned out to be the ignition coil breaking down under load. Went into into town on the back of my mates bike and purchased a new coil. Like you say .... Motorcycle touring, a lot different in recent years.
Back in the 1970's l toured all over the state of Florida on my Honda CM-185 Twin Star. On my learners permit I rode all over the state.l put 36,000+ miles on the bike in a 1 1/2 years l had the bike. After the Air Force l toured from coast to coast on my CX 500. I toured all over Europe ona1955 RE 350 G . Then l rode her all through the Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa. Never tour on a bike too big to pick up by yourself.
I’m a day tourist who rides a 411 Himalayan. I chose this bike not for off road but simply as it’s comfortable. I’ll cover maybe 125 miles per ride but stop at half a dozen points of interest on route. Great video pal.
Just got back from a nearly 2000 mile trip across the Pyrenees on my 1966 350cc Triumph, had an amazing time. Just go on Your bike whatever it is... love your channel.
I toured around Europe for 4 weeks in 1978 on a Yamaha RD200 with a friend on an MZ250. We went to France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco Cote D'Azure and Provence before losing each other on the way home going through Lyon. We took turns leading as we had one set of maps and shared a tent as we were camping and didn't have room for a tent each. So I was left with a bag of tent poles and no map to get back from Lyon. We had an approximate route but no schedule which meant a steady pace and stop when you like. I've done many group trips since then and understand what you mean about the haste to cover big miles, missing all the pleasure of the tour to get to the destination.
Thanks for the great video and reminder. I'm a 1200GS rider, which I fell into completely accidentally when I was looking to switch from a sport-bike to something more capable of handling the unpaved and fire roads I encountered in Colorado. I got tired of finding the end of the tarmac and having to turn round. I was looking for a smaller dual sport but happened upon a very inexpensive used 1200gs that I didn't even want to try at first... but once I rode it I was sold. I was completely oblivious to the Long-way-round effect at the time, though I quickly learned about all of that. I have to say I felt like a bystander - watching a strange thing happen that I wasn't a part of. I'm much more of a mellow tourer and the other folks I encountered on these bikes seemed to have that long-distance, high-speed legs in mind. I'm glad I enjoy solo rides, as I'm not the speed-demon iron-butt that seem to inhabit these bikes... I'm just some guy who wanted to see what was over there, beyond where my street-bike could go. Thanks again for sharing this. I hope many many people see it.
I am a cyclist and biker. I came to cycling late after getting too many injuries running. Best tour I ever did was the Pyrenees on my road bike. All the famous climbs, passes between Spain/Andora/ France (took a diversion on a whim to the Spanish Basque Country) On my own in a Landrover and small mountain tent. No camp sites booked . No itinerary. Woke up and decided over breakfast what to do. Stay another day or move on. Cycled 8 hours a day. At cycling speed, and height similar to a motorbike, you take in so much more of what’s around you and you have an amazing sense of achievement after climbing a couple of famous cols. I have now transferred this outlook to motorcycling. Nothing booked. No route planned. If you have a tent and a small gas stove you are good. I now live in central France. Motorway cruise to the mountains (Honda vfr 800 mk1 Crossrunner , smallest bike I have ever had) and just go where the wind takes me. Cycling has taught me a lot about how to slow down time….
In 1966,my buddy Mike and I did several tours two-up on my Honda S90. The longest one being from Nu Mine, PA to Bristol, PA, 331 miles, then to Washington, D.C., 174 miles, then back home to Nu Mine, 237 miles, and a total of 742 miles. We did the initial leg of the trip to Bristol in one day, riding for a total of 14 hours and 15 minutes. Part of the reason it took us so long was towards the end of the day our butts were so sore that we were stop and getting off of the bike every 15 minutes. We spent a week in Bristol visiting relatives, and another week in D.C. doing the same. One of my best tours ever, and we had some adventures along the way!
Stuart,what on earth were you thinking !!! That poor bike being shaken to bits !!! My teeth were chattering…you could have met a convoy of 4 wd vehicles coming the other way !!! Was it a bye way or rupp, 1 or 2 iffy moments in their as well,1000 miles taken off your tyres,fork seals crying in disbelief,rear shocks screaming in agony. Loved every inch of it,you could have stopped for a picnic as well,and to stall the bike was unforgivable 😜🤣🤣🤣🤣❤️
Humongous mileage rides are simply a form of sadomasochism on a motorcycle. 100 -200 miles a day is a nice distance if you take in the scenery and stop for food etc .
That's my sunday morning wake up ride, usually ends in a pleasant lunch somewhere! There again there's almost nothing beyond city limits where i live, and the nearest city from mine is 40 miles, an easy interstate trip I think nothing of. I used to ride 600 to 800 mile days on tours a couple times a year, mainly on BMW's from the 80's, and yeah, it could be rough, I spent hours sometimes riding in storms or 110+ degree weather, but as crazy as that was, I made it through. The solitude on these rides helped me mentally as well. But I also live in the western U.S where distances can be vast.
'High' milage trips are sometimes something that must be done. I've done a few on motorbike and in a car. From work to home then back to work for my holiday was never fun though.
@@Oldbmwr100rs In July of 1983 I rode a Moto Morini 350 Sport from Kingston, Washington to Pacific Grove, Ca;lif.. a total of 1014 miles in 18 hours and 10 minutes. Half of it in the rain. I have owned 15 BMWs... 1965 through 1990 models. My favorites.. 68 R69S and my 1971 R60/5. The worst was a new 1990 GS1000 wretched POS.
As a younger man, I once did a five week, five thousand mile tour around Europe (from U.K.). It was summer, before going to university, so I’d ended my rented room in a house & dumped my meagre possessions at the house of the parents of a mate. I felt very free for that tour. No pillion, toured with a pal, who had his girlfriend on the pillion. I carried more of the camping gear. It was very laid back and we kept plans loose. I rode a Suzuki GT380B which was then four years old. My pal was on a Honda 250 Superdream, which was a couple of years newer. I don’t recall anything bad happening or any fallings out. My most recent tour did involve trailering the bike oop north and a few days rideouts in Bomber County. I can’t ride the distance from Kent to N Lincs any more. Medical limitations. But I can enjoy 100 mile gentle day tours with friends from all over U.K.
Sitting in my home in bomber county now and booking ferry and hotels for my summer bike tour to Spain. Passed my bike test in 1975, only started foreign tours in the last 12 years. Your GT380 would have left my Yamaha 100 for dead!😉
One of my favourite stories was a couple riding from Britain to what was then Yugoslavia, on an elderly Velocette. Another was a chap going round the world on a 125 Vespa. Adventure is a state of mind, not engine displacement.
Very sound practical advice. When me and the wife were courting back in the day, I had a Honda CB 250 (1971)and we went everywhere on that bike. Lake district being a regular weekend runout. Never a problem . As you say, dont need speed machines when touring . Slow and steady gets you there in one piece. Still enjoy it today at 70.
I once had a friend who's father had a house in France, we went touring? Well it turned out to be all about" where he wanted to go" he was boss, "I don't want to go there" was a phrase we all heard on many occasions. His attitude was it was his holiday and we were with him!! He was and is as far as I know still the same. I'm not a friend of his any longer. He still has his sheep he goes to the same destination every year with? Personally the regimented travel to the same destination in a day 550 miles in 9 hours isn't fun, it's stressful. So I haven't been touring for years, however I have had some epic days out, I've done 523 miles on a stress free ride to Sheffield and back on a Suzuki Burgman 400, I've been for a ride to Bristol and back in a day on a Triumph T100 all from Brighton on the south coast, and I've delivered a valuable record box set to Kent. All those tours have been lovely tour days out at my pace and I've taken some lovely pictures on my journeys. Due to my wife not wanting to come out on the bike with me because she worries if anything happens to us our 10 year old daughter may not be looked after because she's type 1 diabetic, I only ever ride alone these days. I miss my wife being with me. Maybe one day I'll get an outfit so we can all go together? You can tour on anything, only limit is your imagination, I'm sure if people can do it on a bicycle you can do it on s 50cc. Great video Stuart, telling as always THE WAY IT IS.Thank you.
Nice ! A Burgman 400 is a great Tourer just keep her to 70 mph max. I toured my K6 girl from East Texas to San Diego & back - 1700m each way - just a rear tire replacement midway - great on board gear storage - + 50l dry bag + tent.
I've toured on all types of bikes from a Harley roadking to a yamaha fs1e, but my most enjoyable tour was taking my MZ251 to the Arctic circle in northern Norway from the South of England, a great trip with just enough adventure.
Austin Vince did it first in 1995/96 riding sensible Suzuki DR350's and with no back up vehicles and film crew in tow (Mondo Enduro) Back in the 1970's we all toured with what we had and had a great time
Here in Australia distances are somewhat greater than the UK, most of my Outback rides on my Husky 650, covering distance 300-600klm per day - alone - stopping to enjoy the vast spaces - currently a 400, again alone - Australia is a truly Awesome country - any motorcycle is perfect
The best part of The Long Way Round will always be when the camera man's GS breaks down beyond repair, and he is then forced to replace it with a small, cheap, light russian bike. And soon after is shown easily gliding over bits of sand as the two stars get bogged down in their BMW's.
April 23rd 2024 went to France covered 3,189.6 miles on a yamaha Tricity 300 ( restricted licence (79) tikes lol) Just started to ride again at 64 after a 41 year gap. Really enjoyed it all on me lonesome. Average 88 mpg
I love my Tricity 300 , I am keeping it till either it stops running or I do , at 68 I am not taking bets on who will last the longest 🤣 , I started out at (legally) age 15 on a on a Raleigh 50cc 2 stroke with pedals and it needed them on most hills lol , I went on mega rides on that thing and thought nothing of it , to me at the time it was freedom .
I was feeling quite chuffed with myself taking my first long trip from home in Scotland to the relations' in Yorkshire (260 miles in the day) on my recently purchased Meteor 350. Every other bike I saw was in the GS mode and I felt like some kind of small capacity rebel. Coming down the A68 through Northumberland, though, I encountered another bike heading north. It was a yellow Yamaha 90 step-through with custom panniers and top box clearly heading off on their hols. Aye, mate, I thought, hats off and you win that one.
This video struck a massive chord with me, and it’s right on the money ! I myself have found myself subject to someone else’s over zealous mile munching conquest, and you are so right about how it made me feel. These days I follow my own path, and I also enjoy touring on my Monkey Bike and Super Cub. I may not cover the same huge miles, but the enjoyment I get from loading up and touring on a tiny little bike, and spending next to nothing on fuel, is through the roof. 👍
Is was simply a show , them two jokers couldn’t go to the toilet by themselves never-mind ride across big continents under their own ability . The entourage they had was impressive .
When I tour in the UK on my '96 CBR 600, I generally stay in Travelodges on the cheapest deals I can get. All my "gear", (three T shirts, three pairs of socks and shreddies and a toothbrush), is stashed away in the seat cowls in Aldi bags. Nothing externally on the bike. No panniers, tank bag, tail pack or backpack.
I remember whilst touring in the Provence, we stopped for lunch somewhere and ended up there for 3 days. It was an idealic spot by a river with an outdoor restaurant. They even took their car out of the garage so I could park my motorcycle. That was over 35 years ago, and I have forgotten about many other holidays..
Good video! I have theory that a lot of older riders give up riding because their big tour bikes (Gold Wings, Electra Glides, etc.) are too physically taxing. If they would switch to lighter sub-500-pound motorcycle, they would continue enjoy touring and riding.
I only started motoring this year (@48 - and yeah, wish I started long ago!), and happily tour 100miles with wild camping a night on a 125. When I pass test, will prolly get a CB500f or x. I think that size will be perfect for what I need.
I’m 75 and have over 100,000 great miles on my BMW 1200GS. Camping, touring, exploring all solo however I did take my wife with me to the Arctic Ocean once. I just bought an Interceptor 650 that I turned into a capable scrambler/Adventurer, it’s the smallest bike I’d ever consider for touring. Keep up the good work.
I'll be 78 in July.. I am looking for another bike ( I have owned 50, most of them BMW and Moto Guzzi and Moto Morini) Likely will get another 71 R60/% my all time favorite for touring and general use.
Back in the early seventies my friend bought a Honda CB 360 and rode it across America, NY to California and back. Camping along the way. He was young, single and took his time to see everything he could. It took months and I don’t recall that he had any serious difficulties.
Uncle Stu is soooo right.... I've been riding motorcycles all my life. Mainly bikes with a lot of power. I have been riding the RE classic 500 for 5 years now. I actually have to conclude that I have only been riding a motorcycle for 5 years now because this classic with 27 hp brings the joy. What a awesome way to ride a motorcycle. The 500 Mule . You see much more and you experience much more. It was about driving fast, now with the RE it's about having fun. Dear people, try a Royal Enfield, and you will understand what I mean.
I agree with you 100% All my biker mates go for the next bigger faster thing.. But I went in the other direction and bought the RE C500 Desert Storm. It reminds me so much of the 250cc bike I learned on 40 years ago, and because its slower it gives me a reason to find back roads instead of riding along high speed motorways that have boring scenery...
My first tour was on my first bike in 1978; a Suzuki GT250B 2 Stroke. I ventured West to Pembrokeshire and with all the short trips around when I got there I must have done about 300+ miles. It was a great experience for me then. So, yes ! I agree with what you are saying here. Great video.
I just bought a ‘23 Bonnie T120 in chrome for work commuting and taking solo touring trips on. Your video is making me second guess my purchase haha but I love her and can’t wait to get traveling. My 600 mile service is scheduled for next week so I’ll be hitting the open road soon! Enjoying your videos. No issues with subscription here. Enjoy your weekend! 🍻
My second post on this....just on way home this morning and spotted an L plated 125....panniers...tank bag... the lot....heading east on the A30! Reminded me of my travels back in the 70s on my CZ 175 or my Suzuki TS 185!!...great days....
The thing that I always remembered for the Long Way Round was when the cameraman’s bike broke in I believe it was Mongolia. They bought him a small cc, I believe Russian bike and he loved it and found it so much easier than the GS over the rough terrain due to its light weight and low rise height. I am 46 and have a 2016 Classic 500 that I have had from new, I can’t see myself parting with it and I enjoy planning trips that avoid long hauls on motorways etc and see so much more.
Most years in the 90s, loaded up the bike (500s and 750s) with camping gear and set out for Europe. No gps or smartphone, just planning, a map on the tank bag and a Michelin guide. Never went wrong. Amazing experiences in France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland etc. Totally recommended
Indeed. Did my DAS in Nov 2022 at age 48, got a CB500F as my first "Big Bike" and in July 2022 went solo from London to Vienna and back with no issues at all, love it. This July I'm heading back to France for a week on YBR 250, can't wait to board the train at Folkestone and being dwarfed by the BMW 1200s etc...lol.
@@chrishart8548 It depends on how much motorway riding is done IME, for regular roads with some motorway a 250 scooter has all the comfort, economy, storage and ease of use needed. Economy matters, crossing france for pocket change is a reality.
@@G-ra-ha-m In some ways even a 250 is a large motorcycle. I've spent the majority of my life riding bikes around the 100cc size, and have has some amazing trips on them. The biggest bike I had was an American market Honda CL350 and it was kind of overweight and not great on fuel mileage. I could ride American freeways for hours on it but when you wanted to take a gravel road trail/track or logging road. it's weight was carried rather high and being over 370 pounds with 3 gallons of gas meant it was a handful. Transmission gearing counts too as it was geared more for road use. Motorcycles should have wider ratioed transmissions, and especially 250 scooters with their CVT transmission doesn't have what I consider a good trail running low speed gearing.
@@tauncfester3022 I think the most fun, as with boats, is the smaller bike that'll just get the job done! With the smallest, the ability to push it etc, has a huge benefit. Ed March did this well :)
@sirgalah561 yeah it's an English word, for me it means riding without rushing and to no particular place. Dictionary says: bimble INFORMAL•BRITISH verb walk or travel at a leisurely pace. "on Sunday we bimbled around Spitalfields and Brick Lane" noun a leisurely walk or journey. "we were enjoying a pleasant bimble over the rocks" Hope that helps.
@@TomManney I love it.. It describes every ride I do on my Royal Enfield... I did the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride last weekend and there were heaps of Royal Enfields as well as other bikes "bimbling" along... If it weren't for me stumbling across an Unky Stu video, I never would have bought my RE Classic 500.. Brilliant bike...
I'm an old fart/new rider. We did a 600 mile round trip with the one buddy I travel with. SoCal coast through back roads. I was on my BV 400 scoot. That thing has plenty of storage and comfort. In fact, I just bought a Triumph Speed 400 and intend to keep my BV for longer trips. My friend is on a 07 Triumph T100. Great video as usual!
I like how you explained your definition of what touring is all about. I agree with you that a tour can be as brief as a 50 miles, or more. Touring should never have to be a grueling, unpleasant riding experience. For example, I've sometimes ridden 200 miles in a day with multiple stops. To drink my coffee, grab a meal, maybe meet new people, and at the end of the day look back at how wonderful the ride was and the experiences had. It was fun watching you ride on those dirt roads at a relaxed comfortable speed to enjoy your beautiful outdoor surroundings.
Stuart, that was the BEST rant I have ever listened to! You affirmed everything I had been saying for years. I started off in 1980 with a Yamaha XT250 when I became of age to ride on the roads. I rode it everywhere including around the mountains of British Columbia, not always camping but usually on day trips from whatever place we started from. Goldbridge was my favourite spot to start from at my uncle's cabin. North Americans are such megalomaniacs. They all want 2.0 litre Harleys as some kind of status ego trip. I saw Ewen and Charlie's movies finding them disturbingly entertaining all the while wondering why they rode such monstrous machines that they could barely handle through the rough terrain. There was a scene where one of their cameramen acquired a small Russian bike and was doing just fine through Siberia. I got a good chuckle out of that. Previously to watching these movies I fell into owning a 1970 Triumph T100 500cc machine as a collector piece. I immediately fell in love with the lightweight, handling and (believe it or not) reliability of this little motorcycle. It's no good on the major highways but then who wants to ride there. The wind and big trucks blow you around and the scenery is boring. Motorcycling is for the winding back country roads and mountain paths. Life is too short to speed through it, take your time, enjoy it. Also, I love that RE classic 500 single in this video. I just missed buying one at the Vancouver bike show in 2019. But then I'd be riding my old T100s less!
I made my first solo camping trip in 1973. No one knew where I was. 1973 backpacking gear. Went from Charleston SC ( I was in the Navy stationed ther) to the NC Mountains. I rode a 1972 Yamaha 350cc two stroke. R5C model. Predecessor to the famous RD 350. Trip was a lot of fun until it started raining.
Excellent well done honest viewpoint. In my youth in the early seventies I toured on a few different 350 singles. I rode everywhere, street dirt highway etc. Then I went into the big bikes. Now at 68 I’ve returned to a big single which I tour on now. A 40 hp klr650. It does everything I ask of it and that is all I need. Reliability, easy to get parts and easy to maintain. I have no need for rider modes and all the other bells and whistles. Simple life, simple ride.
The best motorcycle trip that i’ve ever done was a 1200 miles round trip over a week riding a Bullet 500. Thanks for the wisdom shared here. Small to medium bikes are the best
My favourite adventure memory was a trip from Glasgow to the Swiss Alps via Dover (last year of the hover crafts I think), then Paris and various other towns eneoute, 2 up with girlfriend & camping gear on a 200cc Vespa. Flywheel side crankcase seal failed in South of France so had to rebuild engine in campsite. I avoided motorways where possible to experience the landscape. Was in my late 20s at the time, with boundless enthusiasm on my side. I'll never forget it.
G'day Stu, thoroughly enjoyed this video on touring as I did the previous touring video on the Classic 350. I bought a Himalayan 411 last year and have clocked 26,000 touring klms on it and it has been a pleasure punting through the countryside, across the high country in Victoria, around Tasmania, over to Adelaide, up to Belyando Crossing on to Bowen and back down to Horsham. Stopping for photos along the way, catching up with old friends and just cruising along. No pillion but the the load of gear carried makes it hard to get seated at times. Handles gravel roads with ease and just brings a smile to my face at the thought of our next adventure. There's a lot to be said for just trundling along. I have been down so many roads just to see where they will take me. As with my Continental GT, the Himalayan brings back the magic to motorcycling and based on your videos and the comments of others, so too would the Classic 350s.
I remember from the movie The long way around, that the camara guy, if forget his name, his bike broke down and he ended up on some small Russian bike. He commented that it was so much easier to ride and I recall his attitude improved as a result. Thank you for bringing a new perspective on touring. Cheers.
Your comment about a small capacity bike just as good for touring as a 1000cc+ bike is spot on. In the early 90's I was made redundant & for the first time ever no job meant no mortgage payments. So I became a motorcycle courier just to fill the gap until I found another "proper" job. 16 weeks & 34,000 miles later my 1984 Honda VT500E finally became a weekend toy again. It was an awesome bike & it never let me down. It was nothing flashy or exciting but it was an amazing workhorse! 😃
Stuart, you’ve nailed it. What you’ve described is absolutely right. I’m in Cambodia at the moment and I’m planning a tour on a Royal Enfield - they exist. The very conditions of the locality means you don’t eat up miles on a motorway and I plan a very leisurely trip around Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam. If I do 20 miles in a day or 200, then that’s touring.
Started “touring”, on a 1968 Honda 450, blue with the chrome side panels on the tank, after high school graduation, in 1971. A small leather valise, tied on the back for a change of clothing, and a sleeping bag, completed my kit. Great fun! Many bikes later, in 2013, I took my wife across Canada on our Harley Ultra Classic, when we turned 60. I completely agree with your assessment. The bike you have, deserves consideration, for a “tour”.
In the mid 70's, my girlfriend and I, set off from Yorkshire on my Honda 175, with limited funds and camping gear. Over a period of 3 weeks, we covered 3000 miles, getting as far as the Mediterranean on the Southern coast of France. It wasnt a big bike, or an "Adventure" bike, but we had the adventure of our lives up to that point. Im on a few bike forums and regularly see posts from idiots who think "Tours" can only be done on expensive, complicated and large capacity bikes. They really haven't got a clue as to what biking is all about.
I'm doing my first bigger trip in July from Hungary down to Croatia, back trough Bosnia (so I reckon it would count as a tour) on my Hunter. All I need is a dufflebag on the rack and on we go, don't care about anything else. I don't need an Africa Twin to do that. To be fair I did change the handlebar because the stock one was killing my back and neck, but now I can do a few hundred Ks in a couple of hours without a problem. I absolutely cannot wait for my first adventure.
Spot on! Touring is about immersing yourself in the area your visiting. Yes, you can do an iron but marathons for bragging rights or a sense of achievement but touring is for pleasure and to get to know an area. I have just done the NC500 with my wife and son, this past Easter, all on 125cc machines. We trailed them up to the West Coast because motorway is efficient drudgery using any form of transport. We did no more than a hundred miles a day and just stopped where we liked the look of things. We used hotels, b&b and pods because….Easter and Wife and it was easily the best holiday of my life so far. I have also toured in Wales from a rental house base and again, it’s left wonderful memories and a desire to repeat it. On a bike you’re more immersed in your surroundings even down to the smells and sounds. It’s the purest joy I know of. I now doubt I will even bother with my test because my Varadero 125 does it just fine.
I would agree that the "long way" series put a somewhat unrealistic expectation on what motorcycle touring might be, but I'll also say that it also opened up a lot of motorcycle riders to motorcycle touring in general. In the States, touring was largely old men jumping on their Harleys and Goldwings and cruising for a few days on perfect roads mostly toward destinations where the ladies are known to be less than modest... After the series gained popularity, it opened up touring and adventure touring to many different bikes along many different types of roads (much of what you commented on). I think it's different here in the States as well also because big BMW gs's aren't overly popular (I couldn't tell you the last time I've actually seen one). I've toured on an old Suzuki dr650, KTM Duke 790, and a Moto Guzzi v7. I might have never had the idea of jumping on a motorcycle with a sleeping bag and tent without the series. Pros and cons my friend...
That rocky track made my back ache just watching! I agree with what you were saying and I've watched lots of videos of people touring on 125 scooters, fully laden with camping gear, even 50cc mopeds!
I was down town during the last summer and noticed a roughly 2004 Honda CBF parked and heavily loaded including tail pack and tank bag plus paniers and even a spare tyre. I noticed it because it was the same colour as my 2004 CBF 250. While I was looking at it the owner showed up and we started chatting. Turns out he was from central coast NSW (We were in Beverley, 100km inland from Perth Western Australia). He had just been over the top of Australia on "The Big Lap" I was impressed that he had done that on a 250 so heavily laden, when I told him that he smiled and said "She is only a 125."
Saw a video on TH-cam a south African couple on Chinese 250cc cruisers, they traveled from Jo, burg to Alexandria in Egypt traveling through bush and deserts through mud tracks and over rocky paths with minimum wear and tear to their motorcycles, once they got to Alexandria put their bikes on a boat took them back home and used them as commuter bikes for about 5 years. A great video but it shows you don't need those big tourers to have an adventure.
I've been really impressed watching the Itchy Boots channel on her adventures in Africa, seeing all the locals riding in incredibly tough conditions, on small bore Chinese bikes that look like clones of Hondas from the 70s. Most of the local bikes have at least one passenger besides the rider, sometimes more. Truly impressive.
Back in the seventies and earlier eighties I toured Europe on a B40 and later on a Norton 850. The B40 has gone 😢 but the Norton is still in my possession and lives in it own heated and carpeted workshop with the last bike I bought, a Ducati 900.
Some good advise. I was lucky enough to travel with some more experienced riders when I first started taking longer trips. I was surprised at how frequently they stopped to take breaks, as I would have normally pushed on to get to the destination. We ended up seeing some great sites and arrived at our destination without much fatigue as a result of those breaks. It's funny, but I was working for a BMW dealer at the time that series came out, and it did help sell al lot of bikes. One of my favorite moments in the series was when the cameraman Claudio's bike broke down, and he had to switch to a locally procured 125cc(IIRC) bike. He was having fun on it while they were bogged down trying to get their big bikes through the mud.
Good article with sound advice. As an expat resident of north Thailand I see a lot of m/cycle visitors and residents hell bent on owning or riding a big machine and ending up with a lesser experience for it. As always, its horses for courses and choosing the right machine for the terrain gives the best experience.
Totally agree, as I am the owner of a 1250GS, and after two incidents involving a broken foot and a wrecked shoulder primarily due to the weight of the bike and because the bike is top heavy particularly when fully loaded. It is going to replaced by something smaller.
people picked up bikes after their programs aired, so much so that the gs became top seller for quite some while. I think the net gain for motorcycling was positive.
Just stumbled across this video. Very thought provoking. I have organised a few tours over the years with a group of friends. We often did big miles (we’re in Australia, so big distances between stops sometimes) but always tried to finish early enough for a good meal and a few drinks in a comfortable lodging). After a few trips, we did actually fall out. I’ve gone from touring on a Hayabusa to a BMW R1250RS, and did a solo trip over a few days - but I’m really warming to the idea of something like a Royal Enfield and shorter trips closer to home.
Another excellent video Stuart. We have recently got back from a weeks two-up touring in Kefalonia. We booked digs and hired a scooter in Argostoli. We toured the whole island from there, used a local ferry and rode on some quite small roads to remote places. I ride a GTS 300 and an R1200 in the UK and would definitely not have attempted some of the roads in Kefalonia on my R1200. I passed my motorbike test in 1973 to give you an idea of my age.
Some wise words there. I’ve no problem with any type of bike but as an ex instructor I frequently had pupils turning up for lessons on bikes that weren’t suitable for them as an individual. I taught in the Republic of Ireland and at the time there was no restrictions on cc for learners so many had bought into the “ sport bike “ or “ adventure bike “ hype and we’re trying to fit an image or portray an image, rather than enjoying motorcycling for what it is.
The book by Simon Gandolfi: Old Man on a Bike about his adventures on a Honda 125 exploring South America really aligned with my thoughts about riding. I enjoy being in the moment, enjoying exploring and seeing and feeling where I am, rather than trying to get to the next destination. Even a 125 will do 50mph
Great advice, thanks for posting! Just for fun on one of my trips I checked how far I was from home after 3 'days' of riding - 4h. :- ). Smiled all 600 miles...
Many years ago in Whitley Bay, I had the pleasure of meeting the motorcycle adventure, Austin Vince, he was giving a talk on his MC adventures. Namely, Mondo Enduro 1995-96 (2003 film) round the world ( longest route/shortest time ) on used Suzuki DR 350's with his friends. Also, in 2002 riding Terra Circa through the Zilov Gap and around the world again. According to Austin, when the film the Long Way Round was conceived he was approached for his advice on touring the world on a motorcycle, by those involved in making the film. His advice was to use a reliable, lightweight and durable motorcycle to cover poor terrain that could be repaired with basic tools, the Suzuki DR 350 or something similar. However, although he gave them his time and advice, the info on the type of MC was never taken. Needless to say, he never got a mention in the credits and in the film you'll see those heavy Beemers stuck in the mud and hauled across rivers by an army of helpers and TV crew. 😂
Thanks for so ably expressing what I've intuitively felt for so long. There are things I'd long forgotten like deciding on a base further afield such as a camp-site or B&B and exploring the locality from there. Also, thanks for the suggestion of trailering the bike to such a destination base, something I might seriously consider, given that I have debilitating osteoarthritis in both shoulders which makes long distance riding impossible. For my purposes, my little Hunter 350 fitted with chunky, scrambler style Metzler Karoo Streets is ideal. I'm still exploring all the hidden nooks and crannies of my own home turf on the wild peninsulas of West Cork, Ireland, but I may soon like to do similar short forays to acquaint myself with other parts of Ireland.
Brilliant video and totally agree. I toured Europe 3 times with a touring company on my early Fireblade with just a backpack. I enjoyed it but wanted to stay longer and explore rather than hop every 1 or 2 nights. So I decided to go on my own and did 3 more tours in one place staying at the same hotel for a while. I had so much more enjoyment exploring at my own leisure with no luggage and almost became a local and meeting people and other bikers. Then covid arrived and I haven't been since cause my missus is ill. I'm 71 and also have an 2012 R1. Love sportsbikes and still go on daily runouts. So don't be afraid to go on your own.
Brand new rider, young and waiting for my CB650R. This video gave me so much wisdom because I really believed I need a 1000cc + bike to enjoy tours and try to conquer whole continents with over ambition.
Great video Stuart. As an avid motorcycle tourer and older, experienced rider I whole heartedly agree with all the points you made here. Absolutely loved the views as well. Your point on not being too ambitious about the distances covered on a day were is something made very clear on a recent tour my wife and I did in the UK with a popular motorcycle touring company where it was akin to a whirlwind, huge miles per day at the expense of missing lots of places we are now planning on seeing when we return to do a tour in the same places but at a more leisurely pace. I'll be going back through your past vids and keeping an eye out for more content from you mate. Cheers from down under.
Hey Stuart, great edit and 100% agree with your thinking. Absolutely thoroughly enjoy riding a smaller bike for touring. I think as you get older logic and practicality overrides ego and wanting to fit in. Keep up the great work. Mike - Cape Town.
I have done several tours abroad on both 200 and 225cc two stroke lambrettas, the longest being a trip of 2500 mile round trip to southern Poland. Riding vintage machines is anything but relaxing but it is an adventure and an enjoyable challenge. Never fails to amuse me when the guys on the big bikes ask, me when we are strapping our machines down on the ferry, where have you been. Their face is always a picture when they realise we have gone as far if not further than them.
My youngest son and his (then) partner, both riding Royal Enfield Himalayans, rode 15,000 miles around Europe in 2022. That's thirty one countries, (European war-zones excluded, sadly) over a period of four and a bit months. Much of the journey was off-road, on the TET, and all on a very tight budget! But 24 bhp (each) was enough! The motorcycle tour is what you make of it. I have recently done a European journey on my Himmy, minimal planning, go with the flow (literally in my case, having four thunderstorms in four days!) and had to change plans. I was 'moto-camping' as it's called these days. Lots of fun! I think you are correct in saying, don't over-plan, the joy is in the journey not the destination or the 'achievement' of a long ride. Flexibility is key. I always carry a bivvi-bag as well as my tent, just in case. I always set my (phone) sat-nav to 'avoid motorways' and 'avoid tolls'. Apart from when I go towards Hull and have to cross the Bridge. (BTW, Is the kettle on?) Like most things in life, keep it simple. And affordable. I always ride alone. I'm just not into the peer pressure of riding with other people. Ride safe, love and peace.
My old man took a 10year old me on the back of a 250RS in 1994 from Weston Super Mare all the way through from Normandy to the southern tip of Portugal with nothing but a tent a couple of sleeping bags and a gas stove and all the way back again with no problems. Absolutely amazing stuff for a 10year old me, even more amazing now I'm older and realise the amount of patience and endurance the old man had to put up with me through it.
Well....this post is to fully support Stuart's view..with a very apt observation made by me earlier today. We live in Devon, just outside Exeter and having watched the video this morning, I found myself being able to witness real evidence. My wife and I took a trip down to Totnes, half an hour down the end of the M5 and A38. This was basically lunch time and the road was very busy with traffic making a trip for this holiday weekend. But more so was the traffic heading north...away from the region Friday is a holiday change over day and the road was busy with camper vans, caravans, cars with roof boxes etc...all people who had been on holiday this week. I spotted the first bike on the M5...the last as we exited the A38.... Only one bike was identifiable...a Bonny ...in the blue and orange....all the rest were adventure bikes.... There must have been about 30 ish altogether. Says it all really....
The smaller the bike, the less clutter you take, the less motorways, more small roads, more milage range, cheaper, easier and safer handling off road. Moto camping is just brilliant. Now you can buy physically big comfortable cruisers 125's 250's 350's very cheap.
Yep.. Smaller bikes have less space to carry things.. Most of my camping gear is compact for carrying on a bike. I use a jetboil for cooking.. I eat soups and simple stews when camping. Half a loaf of bread or a couple of buns will squish into a pannier or a pocket.. This video of Unky Stu's has given me the itch of getting out again. This time I think I'll give the RE C500 a go.. My last camping trip was March last year.. I crashed my F650GS offroad.. Wasnt fun.. Helicopter ride from the crash site to hospital... Anyhoo..
I remember years back, heading for the port and if a bot for Fishguard was in I went to the UK if a boat for France was in I would head to Europe. A MZ 250, Tent, sleeping bag, cook set, fishing rod and doss roll some cash and will to work if the cash ran out. This was not for all or myself now but still head off on the BSA Ireland and UK. Thank you for the video.
Your comments remind me of a book I read about a chap who regularly toured France on a Honda S90 - it is the journey that is the key rather than just the destination. I remember well a conversation with a younger relation who when crossing the USA on a 1000cc+ superbike encountered 'White-Line Fever' when he was gripped with the compulsion to just keep moving until he dropped - not in the least a relaxing phenomenon! My favourite bike was a Honda VT500 which had the benefit of a shaft drive, was economical yet had enough power to battle a headwind without having to tap-dance on the gears.
Thanks for setting things straight Stuart. To me riding a 600#+, 1000 cc+, $20,000+, motorcycle off road, NEVER made sense! It's marketing at its finest! You've inspired me to take on some off-road touring on my Classic 350! First outfit with crash bars and skid plate though.
Hi Stuart, myself and my mates ride every year to Middleton in Teesdale, this time to visit Beamish, last year Shildon railway museum. None of us use BMWs & never have. We have all toured over many years, including France, & we use what we have to hand. This year Tracer 700s & NC700s etc. I agree, any bike can do it & the shorter tours we love the best. My go to bike used to be an MZ250 & it toured just fine. Anyway I wish you safe riding & am looking forward to your next TH-cam video. Nev.
You have a new sub. This rolled up on my feed and I thought it sounded interesting and it was so spot on with my experience the last few years. The fellas I ride with are go,go,go guys and they have the scars to prove it. In 2021 I rolled off the side of a mountain doing the Silverton loop on Colorado BDR luckily no major harm came my way. In 2022 I followed them on the Wyoming BDR it a 4wd vehicle. Best decision I ever made. I took my time seeing the sights and enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. IN 2020 on of the riders broke his leg on the Colorado BDR, I was not on that ride due to a work issue. This year, 2 weeks ago I couldn't go due to my child having very serious health issues. A replacement rider that took my place broke both of his legs on the Arizona BDR. I am in my late 50's and nice groomed gravel roads are just the right adventure for me anymore.
Speaking of small bike touring, in 1981 I bought a lightly used Honda 250 in London and toured for three months and over 10,000 miles throughout the UK and Ireland, the Low Countries, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and France. Camped whenever the weather was good and stayed in budget accommodations when it wasn’t. The bike was fairly well loaded with myself and backpack, it could cruise at about 60 mph and max out at maybe 75. Had a few hairy times on the motorways and stayed on secondary roads as much as possible. Changed the oil a few times, new chain and new rear tire were “major” expenses. My favorite of numerous trips to Europe and one of the greatest experiences of my life!
I was touring a few years back..speeding ticket on an A road, the ticket had my registration on it and stated that it was a 500cc motorcycle (the police did'nt put the make of the bike) It stated I was doing 95mph in a 60mph zone. I was fully loaded with box and panniers with a tent and sleeping bag on the seat behind me. I elected to go to court to "show" my evidence. Court date set and of I went with a smile on my face. One of the police officers was in the court. After they heard the polices version of events stating that I was driving eratically and at dangerous speeds, the court was looking at me as some sort of biker hoodlum (I am over 60 years old), I told the court that I have the evidence to prove I was not speeding at the time of the alledged offence. I showed photos of my bike fully loaded and that I had body cam footage if the court wished to view it on a dongle. After they saw the photos and realised that the bike a Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet was not capable fully loaded and even able to achieve that speed, my ticket was crushed, even better was the fall out as the court ordered the two police officers to be investigated and I got fully compensated and also I filed for an action against the police which paid for me to enjoy a few more tours. SO the bike hating police officers got a smack on the wrists and charged with falsifying evidence to a court which led to a whole lot of worms being opened up. Sometimes they just earn the hate ! I love touring on my old RE and now planning to pop up to Scotland.
quite a few years ago before the euro this type of thing was happening to my mates nearly every year traveling through France,,Belgium ,,the lads were getting pulled over off coppers to pay on the spot fines for so called speeding or dangerous riding,,[they were not].. in which they protested,,always the same thing ,they were threatened with their bikes being confiscated unless they paid up..anyway what happened was something like you did but they contacted the british embassy to look into this obvious corrupt coppers scam..and he confirmed after a investigation that there was a disproportionate number of British bikers being fined ,,
Wow, that’s amazing !
Typical ! a couple of bored BIZZIES playing games ! well done for winning your case my good man👍
Well done you, enjoy Scotland, don’t forget your waterproofs😂
fantastic, WD
When you tour by car you're watching a movie, When you travel by motorcycle you're IN the movie. No matter what you ride !!.
Youve read Zen and the Art of Motorcycling..
The 1960s series Then Came Bronson kickstarted American MC touring, sort of like Route 66 on 2 wheels .. he rode a sportster. Life was cheap, gas was peanuts, people were free.. if you weren't nailed down to a career/wife/family/dog/mortgage/expectations etc etc. 😆
@@sirgalah561 Hello, No I dont know of that book, i learnt that saying back in the 90,s, being Irish we use a lot of sayings to describe things.
Ooh I like that metaphor
When touring on a high powered motorcycle, you're back to watching a movie, but it's all a blur..
Its not the destination its the journey. Going on a slower bike down the backroads and soaking it is where the fun and romance is.
In the boating world this is the sailboater's philosophy. And also perhaps the non-planing hull tug-style motorboater.
100%
Many years ago I had dreams of being a motocross star. Instead I went into cross country "racing" and saved my sanity. Winning wasn't the point, making new friends and coming home in one piece was all that mattered.
In Australia this is much the same visiting rarely traveled spots slower had been far more enjoyable and safer to experience each area. Just dangerous doing 800k days at my age and it’s not a race!
Spot on sir.
I've toured and camped with a 125 and It carried my tent and sleeping bag ... Freedom of the road. Go anywhere even where bikes can't normally go. With a small bike you can get off turn off the engine and push it along a footpath to avoid detours. Try that on a gs1250 with full panniers fully loaded
Did the same in the late 60’s early 70’s in Australia on a Honda 175, loaded and with a pillion
I bought a BSA Bantam 125cc from 1952 (2 years older than I am) from my school teacher - pushed it home with a friend, set the points, etc. then pushed it around in the garden ansd BANG! BANG! BANG! Stripped it down and chromed and resprayed it, then rode it almost daily for 4 years to the Uni, trips home, 80km, including slipstreaming behind a bus to maintain the speed ! ! ! before setting off on a 500km trip with a friensd on a 650 Triumph to look for a job. The Bantam had a lot more bottom end with the silencer removed so as soon as we were on the hiway/motorway I removed it. Found a job and drove the bike daily for the next 2 years, in which I started hang gliding - so a car was essential.Then it was time to emigrate to greener pastures so I sold the Bantam to a friend. What a joy to possess and ride. KISS - Keep It Simple and Stupid.
Push a GS, you can't!
A friend was into large capacity touring bikes. He had no end of falls and even got trapped under it in a forest for hours. He stubbornly stick with it...a macho thing.
He broke his shoulder, wrist, elbow, leg, ankle during a series of accidents.
Eventually he reached the point he couldn't get it on his trailer and struggled to even get on it when loaded.
Insane.
Toured on an XL185, in the late 70s happy days
After 50 years of motorcycling and still doing it at nearly 67 my big advice is keep it simple in all aspects, just that keep it simple 😊😊😊
yep keep it plain and simple it always works,
That raised my eyebrows...... It's been 40 years for me. It was a horrible realization of how old I must be now!!
My biker friend always says "Less is More" ..
Personally I like a 100hp but I'll ride a moped it sounds like it a contradiction. Even a pocket rocket. It's a buzz.
@@sirgalah561 o yes
hitting the ‘avoid motorways’ option on my phone maps has changed my view literarily and figuratively of our countryside. biking on B roads on my Triumph Bobber is a dream.
I took my Classic 350 to France last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found that 110-130 miles a day was optimum for me. I have booked another trip to Northern Spain next month. I don't have a rigid itinerary, just a rough idea of where I'm going. I just book my accomodation on a day to day basis. I'm on my own. I tend not to ride in groups as I find egos start to take over the ride. Cheers to smaller capacity bikes... !
Northern Spain is great. Check out Potes if you can.
We sometimes conduct our lives in a way to impress others, even if that conduct doesn’t impress us! Crazy. Your video is a reminder of that. 👍
As a young engineering apprentice my daily transport was a 50cc Zundapp moped travelling from Grappenhall in Cheshire to Broadheath south Manchester. I also went camping on it riding from Grappenhall to Torquay on my own with a large ex army rucksack on my back supported by the bikes small rear rack. Now at 86 years young I ride a V7 Guzzi.
I had a 150cc 1954 Zundapp Bella 154 scooter. It was my daily transport for years then I did some major tidying up work on it and my rode it from Hamilton, New Zealand, up to Whangarei with my (at the time) wife and our luggage on the back. Took us a leisurely couple of days to get up there and another 2 days to get back home after staying with my wife's family for a week. Got a lot of looks from people on the road (our top speed was 40mph).
In 2014 my mate and I were touring on our motorcycles in Tasmania (Australia). We met a young Frenchman on his 125 Honda (posty bike). He told us that he left France and via many countries finally arrived in Australia. His aim was to circumnavigate Australia. He had a fair amount of luggage roughly tied together with ropes. He told us that his Honda didn't miss a beat. He put the bike through its paces along all sorts of rough roads. This is another example of a small bike being a great tourer. By the way, his petrol costs were minimal.
I reckon I met the same bloke in Central Victoria. He had luggage tied to luggage, bit's of PVC for tool boxes and drink holders and every sought of small satchel that you could think of fastened to everything that you could possibly fasten anything to. The bike looked like a sherpa's mule. I remember taking a photo of the thing. I'll be buggered if I can find it, now, though.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 Same bike I reckon.
honda's never die lol, 'twas good choice !!
Yeah, that's the thing. Small bikes run on the smell of an oily rag.
Good points and well made, as always. I resigned from the 'fully farkled GS brigade' more than a decade ago. Last year I travelled 1350 miles through France, over the Pyrenees and back via Bilbao on a 1972 Moto Guzzi 500cc single with 25bhp and a top speed of about 60mph - and camped for half the trip. It was relaxed, fun and stress-free. Setting off again next month, possibly on a my newest bike - that is only 48 years old. Old bikes are fun too.
Years ago I acquired a Ducati Scrambler 250 very similar to the Falcone you own, but a little lighter and lower standover, so it carried it's weight well in rough trails, not the greatest suspension but at below 15 mph you're going to be riding over the bumps with both wheels planted, I prefer that.
you always feel like you've somehow beaten the system when you dont need an expensive modern vehicle either 😄
I always had the more fun with bikes that I wasn’t too concerned about putting ‘in harms way’ than with those I had spent a lot of money on. You can go touring on just about anything.
"Because a small easy to handle motorcycle that's not particularly fast, frees you up to just enjoy yourself" -- that's so true. I currently have four bikes at my disposal: a Honda VTR1000 road rocket, a BMW R65 daily commuter, a KTM 300 hard enduro, and a Tomos APN 6 moped. The Tomos sat neglected in the shed for years as I didn't think much of it next to all the other options. This spring, however, something pulled me towards fixing up the little thing just enough so I can go for a quick spin around the block. Then as soon as I was on my way I had the biggest smile in a long while, enjoying myself immensely, riding back and forth through all the local trails we used to ride as kids, taking every turn there is, stopping without hesitation for anything that seemed interesting to observe. If I was on my KTM I'd just fly past all of it in a few minutes, whereas on a small incapable bike it felt like a true adventure.
In 1971 and in my senior year of college, I went to England with two fraternity brothers and purchased a new triumph 650 Bonneville. We traveled here for 70 days and had a forever memorable journey. The only downside was the lack of reliability of the brand new Bonneville, which was horrible. Luckily, I had some experience wrenching as a motorcycle mechanic and was able to keep the bike on the road and running. I currently own a 2018 T1 20 which is light years ahead of the technology and the reliability of the old Bonneville. This one doesn’t leak, lol
Unreliable? Just needed sorting. Tut tut.
In those days you almost had to be a mechanic to ride long distance !
Watch out for the ungainly big wiring harness going around the headstock. USA dealer wants 1,000 dollars to put in new harness, parts and labor….
Back in the mid 70s I did a one week trip on my Honda XL125 trail bike from Essex down to Cornwall for the weekend at my parents, then up to climb Mount Snowdon in North Wales and then down to Eastbourne on the South Coast because I was seeing a girl there at the time. 1300mls in the week with my tent and stuff strapped on the back. So long as you stay away from motorways you can tour on anything. My longest days ride still remains from Dunvegan on the Isle of Sky to Essex, over 600mls on a CB200 with my girlfriend on the back! Now though when I tour on my old BMW R100RS, as you say, I will generally aim for 150-200mls a day sticking to pottering along back roads with plenty of stops for coffee & cake or sightseeing and simply enjoy the journey, not how far you’ve travelled 👍
600miles on 200 with Mrs on back that's Legendary Status.
That's fantastic mate. Love it. Reminds me of when i was a lad on my dt50 off into Wales forvthe weekend camping
@@ruahinesrider I definitely should have stayed with her!! 😆
I always thought the Honda XL 125 was the nicest looking bike.
I actually had a CB125T that had 16.5 bhp.
Currently riding an SH125i 2021 version, just turned 57,000 miles.
@@1960ARC you’re right it was actually a very good little bike. I have happy memories of riding it 👍
Great video Stuart........ Back in early 70's (Age 17) , on a 2 week break from work. I rode my bsa 250cc C15 and my mate was on his 200cc tiger cub, on a 700 mile tour, from Kent, through Devon, to Lands End in Cornwall, then back again. We both just had tiny ridge tents, basic gas stove kit and few tools to fix the bikes. Highlights of the trip.... Great slow ride touring, scenic views, visiting towns, villages and beaches like Newquay, where we hired plywood surf boards lol ! Plus a few memorable events on the way...... It was raining hard and we rode past a long queue of stationary cars, straight into a 2 foot deep, flooded dip in the road. Took 2 days to dry the tents and sleeping bags out! Another day....Set up camp at Newquay, had a few beers, could hear loud music (Like a music festival), about a mile inland. We had to paddle across a muddy river estuary, that flows out to the sea. The tide was out, so got to the other side ok. The music stopped before we reached the event, so turned back to find the sea tide had come in. It was dark and the estuary was flooded. We had to sleep on the bank over night with no tents, food or beer! Only had one breakdown, my bsa would not rev, just spluttered and cut out. Checked the obvious like is there petrol in the tank, spark at the plug, points gap, cleaned out carb, same problem. Then we started moving parts one at a time, from my mates bike, to mine... points, condenser, carb etc. Turned out to be the ignition coil breaking down under load. Went into into town on the back of my mates bike and purchased a new coil. Like you say .... Motorcycle touring, a lot different in recent years.
Back in the 1970's l toured all over the state of Florida on my Honda CM-185 Twin Star. On my learners permit I rode all over the state.l put 36,000+ miles on the bike in a 1 1/2 years l had the bike. After the Air Force l toured from coast to coast on my CX 500. I toured all over Europe ona1955 RE 350 G . Then l rode her all through the Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa. Never tour on a bike too big to pick up by yourself.
That last sentence is key.
I’m a day tourist who rides a 411 Himalayan. I chose this bike not for off road but simply as it’s comfortable. I’ll cover maybe 125 miles per ride but stop at half a dozen points of interest on route. Great video pal.
Just got back from a nearly 2000 mile trip across the Pyrenees on my 1966 350cc Triumph, had an amazing time. Just go on Your bike whatever it is... love your channel.
I toured around Europe for 4 weeks in 1978 on a Yamaha RD200 with a friend on an MZ250. We went to France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco Cote D'Azure and Provence before losing each other on the way home going through Lyon. We took turns leading as we had one set of maps and shared a tent as we were camping and didn't have room for a tent each. So I was left with a bag of tent poles and no map to get back from Lyon. We had an approximate route but no schedule which meant a steady pace and stop when you like. I've done many group trips since then and understand what you mean about the haste to cover big miles, missing all the pleasure of the tour to get to the destination.
Thanks for the great video and reminder. I'm a 1200GS rider, which I fell into completely accidentally when I was looking to switch from a sport-bike to something more capable of handling the unpaved and fire roads I encountered in Colorado. I got tired of finding the end of the tarmac and having to turn round. I was looking for a smaller dual sport but happened upon a very inexpensive used 1200gs that I didn't even want to try at first... but once I rode it I was sold. I was completely oblivious to the Long-way-round effect at the time, though I quickly learned about all of that. I have to say I felt like a bystander - watching a strange thing happen that I wasn't a part of. I'm much more of a mellow tourer and the other folks I encountered on these bikes seemed to have that long-distance, high-speed legs in mind. I'm glad I enjoy solo rides, as I'm not the speed-demon iron-butt that seem to inhabit these bikes... I'm just some guy who wanted to see what was over there, beyond where my street-bike could go. Thanks again for sharing this. I hope many many people see it.
I am a cyclist and biker. I came to cycling late after getting too many injuries running. Best tour I ever did was the Pyrenees on my road bike. All the famous climbs, passes between Spain/Andora/ France (took a diversion on a whim to the Spanish Basque Country) On my own in a Landrover and small mountain tent. No camp sites booked . No itinerary. Woke up and decided over breakfast what to do. Stay another day or move on. Cycled 8 hours a day. At cycling speed, and height similar to a motorbike, you take in so much more of what’s around you and you have an amazing sense of achievement after climbing a couple of famous cols. I have now transferred this outlook to motorcycling. Nothing booked. No route planned. If you have a tent and a small gas stove you are good. I now live in central France. Motorway cruise to the mountains (Honda vfr 800 mk1 Crossrunner , smallest bike I have ever had) and just go where the wind takes me. Cycling has taught me a lot about how to slow down time….
In 1966,my buddy Mike and I did several tours two-up on my Honda S90. The longest one being from Nu Mine, PA to Bristol, PA, 331 miles, then to Washington, D.C., 174 miles, then back home to Nu Mine, 237 miles, and a total of 742 miles. We did the initial leg of the trip to Bristol in one day, riding for a total of 14 hours and 15 minutes. Part of the reason it took us so long was towards the end of the day our butts were so sore that we were stop and getting off of the bike every 15 minutes. We spent a week in Bristol visiting relatives, and another week in D.C. doing the same. One of my best tours ever, and we had some adventures along the way!
Stuart,what on earth were you thinking !!! That poor bike being shaken to bits !!! My teeth were chattering…you could have met a convoy of 4 wd vehicles coming the other way !!! Was it a bye way or rupp, 1 or 2 iffy moments in their as well,1000 miles taken off your tyres,fork seals crying in disbelief,rear shocks screaming in agony.
Loved every inch of it,you could have stopped for a picnic as well,and to stall the bike was unforgivable 😜🤣🤣🤣🤣❤️
Humongous mileage rides are simply a form of sadomasochism on a motorcycle. 100 -200 miles a day is a nice distance if you take in the scenery and stop for food etc .
That's my sunday morning wake up ride, usually ends in a pleasant lunch somewhere! There again there's almost nothing beyond city limits where i live, and the nearest city from mine is 40 miles, an easy interstate trip I think nothing of. I used to ride 600 to 800 mile days on tours a couple times a year, mainly on BMW's from the 80's, and yeah, it could be rough, I spent hours sometimes riding in storms or 110+ degree weather, but as crazy as that was, I made it through. The solitude on these rides helped me mentally as well.
But I also live in the western U.S where distances can be vast.
'High' milage trips are sometimes something that must be done. I've done a few on motorbike and in a car. From work to home then back to work for my holiday was never fun though.
@@Oldbmwr100rs In July of 1983 I rode a Moto Morini 350 Sport from Kingston, Washington to Pacific Grove, Ca;lif.. a total of 1014 miles in 18 hours and 10 minutes. Half of it in the rain. I have owned 15 BMWs... 1965 through 1990 models. My favorites.. 68 R69S and my 1971 R60/5. The worst was a new 1990 GS1000 wretched POS.
doubling that is still a pleasant day. It all depends on the bike and the location and the companions.
As a younger man, I once did a five week, five thousand mile tour around Europe (from U.K.). It was summer, before going to university, so I’d ended my rented room in a house & dumped my meagre possessions at the house of the parents of a mate. I felt very free for that tour. No pillion, toured with a pal, who had his girlfriend on the pillion. I carried more of the camping gear. It was very laid back and we kept plans loose. I rode a Suzuki GT380B which was then four years old. My pal was on a Honda 250 Superdream, which was a couple of years newer. I don’t recall anything bad happening or any fallings out.
My most recent tour did involve trailering the bike oop north and a few days rideouts in Bomber County. I can’t ride the distance from Kent to N Lincs any more. Medical limitations. But I can enjoy 100 mile gentle day tours with friends from all over U.K.
Sitting in my home in bomber county now and booking ferry and hotels for my summer bike tour to Spain. Passed my bike test in 1975, only started foreign tours in the last 12 years. Your GT380 would have left my Yamaha 100 for dead!😉
One of my favourite stories was a couple riding from Britain to what was then Yugoslavia, on an elderly Velocette. Another was a chap going round the world on a 125 Vespa. Adventure is a state of mind, not engine displacement.
Very sound practical advice. When me and the wife were courting back in the day, I had a Honda CB 250 (1971)and we went everywhere on that bike. Lake district being a regular weekend runout. Never a problem . As you say, dont need speed machines when touring . Slow and steady gets you there in one piece. Still enjoy it today at 70.
I once had a friend who's father had a house in France, we went touring? Well it turned out to be all about" where he wanted to go" he was boss, "I don't want to go there" was a phrase we all heard on many occasions. His attitude was it was his holiday and we were with him!!
He was and is as far as I know still the same. I'm not a friend of his any longer. He still has his sheep he goes to the same destination every year with? Personally the regimented travel to the same destination in a day 550 miles in 9 hours isn't fun, it's stressful. So I haven't been touring for years, however I have had some epic days out, I've done 523 miles on a stress free ride to Sheffield and back on a Suzuki Burgman 400, I've been for a ride to Bristol and back in a day on a Triumph T100 all from Brighton on the south coast, and I've delivered a valuable record box set to Kent. All those tours have been lovely tour days out at my pace and I've taken some lovely pictures on my journeys. Due to my wife not wanting to come out on the bike with me because she worries if anything happens to us our 10 year old daughter may not be looked after because she's type 1 diabetic, I only ever ride alone these days. I miss my wife being with me. Maybe one day I'll get an outfit so we can all go together?
You can tour on anything, only limit is your imagination, I'm sure if people can do it on a bicycle you can do it on s 50cc.
Great video Stuart, telling as always THE WAY IT IS.Thank you.
Nice !
A Burgman 400 is a great Tourer just keep her to 70 mph max.
I toured my K6 girl from East Texas to San Diego & back - 1700m each way - just a rear tire replacement midway - great on board gear storage - + 50l dry bag + tent.
I've toured on all types of bikes from a Harley roadking to a yamaha fs1e, but my most enjoyable tour was taking my MZ251 to the Arctic circle in northern Norway from the South of England, a great trip with just enough adventure.
Austin Vince did it first in 1995/96 riding sensible Suzuki DR350's and with no back up vehicles and film crew in tow (Mondo Enduro)
Back in the 1970's we all toured with what we had and had a great time
Dam i rode a DR350 once off road. What an awesome bike. Also rode a DR400 off road and hated it. POS
There have been numerous trips well before that.....
Wicki lists them all
@@gerbs4009 I really should have said ‘filmed and presented on TV’ shouldn’t I
I remember watching that programme but not seen it repeated, heard it might be taken off air by Ewan & Charlie !!???
Here in Australia distances are somewhat greater than the UK, most of my Outback rides on my Husky 650, covering distance 300-600klm per day - alone - stopping to enjoy the vast spaces - currently a 400, again alone - Australia is a truly Awesome country - any motorcycle is perfect
The best part of The Long Way Round will always be when the camera man's GS breaks down beyond repair, and he is then forced to replace it with a small, cheap, light russian bike. And soon after is shown easily gliding over bits of sand as the two stars get bogged down in their BMW's.
Same in the long way up. Claudio had a Harley Sportster and it was obvious Charlie and Evan would have loved to swap bikes with him
April 23rd 2024 went to France covered 3,189.6 miles on a yamaha Tricity 300 ( restricted licence (79) tikes lol) Just started to ride again at 64 after a 41 year gap. Really enjoyed it all on me lonesome. Average 88 mpg
That's the touring secret: Scooters are best, simply more relaxing in all respects.
Outstanding! I love it...
I love my Tricity 300 , I am keeping it till either it stops running or I do , at 68 I am not taking bets on who will last the longest 🤣 , I started out at (legally) age 15 on a on a Raleigh 50cc 2 stroke with pedals and it needed them on most hills lol , I went on mega rides on that thing and thought nothing of it , to me at the time it was freedom .
I was feeling quite chuffed with myself taking my first long trip from home in Scotland to the relations' in Yorkshire (260 miles in the day) on my recently purchased Meteor 350. Every other bike I saw was in the GS mode and I felt like some kind of small capacity rebel. Coming down the A68 through Northumberland, though, I encountered another bike heading north. It was a yellow Yamaha 90 step-through with custom panniers and top box clearly heading off on their hols. Aye, mate, I thought, hats off and you win that one.
This video struck a massive chord with me, and it’s right on the money ! I myself have found myself subject to someone else’s over zealous mile munching conquest, and you are so right about how it made me feel. These days I follow my own path, and I also enjoy touring on my Monkey Bike and Super Cub. I may not cover the same huge miles, but the enjoyment I get from loading up and touring on a tiny little bike, and spending next to nothing on fuel, is through the roof. 👍
What Ewan and Charley did on the BMWs wasn't 'touring', it was an expedition. Thre is a big difference...
With a big auld back up truck in tow.....🤔
Is was simply a show , them two jokers couldn’t go to the toilet by themselves never-mind ride across big continents under their own ability . The entourage they had was impressive .
When I tour in the UK on my '96 CBR 600, I generally stay in Travelodges on the cheapest deals I can get. All my "gear", (three T shirts, three pairs of socks and shreddies and a toothbrush), is stashed away in the seat cowls in Aldi bags. Nothing externally on the bike. No panniers, tank bag, tail pack or backpack.
I remember whilst touring in the Provence, we stopped for lunch somewhere and ended up there for 3 days.
It was an idealic spot by a river with an outdoor restaurant. They even took their car out of the garage so I could park my motorcycle. That was over 35 years ago, and I have forgotten about many other holidays..
Good video! I have theory that a lot of older riders give up riding because their big tour bikes (Gold Wings, Electra Glides, etc.) are too physically taxing. If they would switch to lighter sub-500-pound motorcycle, they would continue enjoy touring and riding.
I only started motoring this year (@48 - and yeah, wish I started long ago!), and happily tour 100miles with wild camping a night on a 125.
When I pass test, will prolly get a CB500f or x. I think that size will be perfect for what I need.
I’m 75 and have over 100,000 great miles on my BMW 1200GS. Camping, touring, exploring all solo however I did take my wife with me to the Arctic Ocean once. I just bought an Interceptor 650 that I turned into a capable scrambler/Adventurer, it’s the smallest bike I’d ever consider for touring. Keep up the good work.
I'll be 78 in July.. I am looking for another bike ( I have owned 50, most of them BMW and Moto Guzzi and Moto Morini) Likely will get another 71 R60/% my all time favorite for touring and general use.
Back in the early seventies my friend bought a Honda CB 360 and rode it across America, NY to California and back. Camping along the way. He was young, single and took his time to see everything he could. It took months and I don’t recall that he had any serious difficulties.
Great time to be young and riding a motorcycle across the USA.
Uncle Stu is soooo right.... I've been riding motorcycles all my life. Mainly bikes with a lot of power. I have been riding the RE classic 500 for 5 years now. I actually have to conclude that I have only been riding a motorcycle for 5 years now because this classic with 27 hp brings the joy. What a awesome way to ride a motorcycle. The 500 Mule . You see much more and you experience much more. It was about driving fast, now with the RE it's about having fun. Dear people, try a Royal Enfield, and you will understand what I mean.
I agree with you 100%
All my biker mates go for the next bigger faster thing.. But I went in the other direction and bought the RE C500 Desert Storm. It reminds me so much of the 250cc bike I learned on 40 years ago, and because its slower it gives me a reason to find back roads instead of riding along high speed motorways that have boring scenery...
What I like about the RE bikes are that they have wide transmission ratios and a willing wide torque spread engine.
My first tour was on my first bike in 1978; a Suzuki GT250B 2 Stroke. I ventured West to Pembrokeshire and with all the short trips around when I got there I must have done about 300+ miles. It was a great experience for me then. So, yes ! I agree with what you are saying here. Great video.
I just bought a ‘23 Bonnie T120 in chrome for work commuting and taking solo touring trips on. Your video is making me second guess my purchase haha but I love her and can’t wait to get traveling. My 600 mile service is scheduled for next week so I’ll be hitting the open road soon! Enjoying your videos. No issues with subscription here. Enjoy your weekend! 🍻
My second post on this....just on way home this morning and spotted an L plated 125....panniers...tank bag... the lot....heading east on the A30!
Reminded me of my travels back in the 70s on my CZ 175 or my Suzuki TS 185!!...great days....
The thing that I always remembered for the Long Way Round was when the cameraman’s bike broke in I believe it was Mongolia. They bought him a small cc, I believe Russian bike and he loved it and found it so much easier than the GS over the rough terrain due to its light weight and low rise height. I am 46 and have a 2016 Classic 500 that I have had from new, I can’t see myself parting with it and I enjoy planning trips that avoid long hauls on motorways etc and see so much more.
Most years in the 90s, loaded up the bike (500s and 750s) with camping gear and set out for Europe.
No gps or smartphone, just planning, a map on the tank bag and a Michelin guide. Never went wrong.
Amazing experiences in France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland etc.
Totally recommended
Totally agree with all that. 250 to 500 will do anything you want it to.
It will but sometimes at a slower speed and always with more noise. Vs a bigger engine
Indeed. Did my DAS in Nov 2022 at age 48, got a CB500F as my first "Big Bike" and in July 2022 went solo from London to Vienna and back with no issues at all, love it. This July I'm heading back to France for a week on YBR 250, can't wait to board the train at Folkestone and being dwarfed by the BMW 1200s etc...lol.
@@chrishart8548 It depends on how much motorway riding is done IME, for regular roads with some motorway a 250 scooter has all the comfort, economy, storage and ease of use needed.
Economy matters, crossing france for pocket change is a reality.
@@G-ra-ha-m In some ways even a 250 is a large motorcycle. I've spent the majority of my life riding bikes around the 100cc size, and have has some amazing trips on them. The biggest bike I had was an American market Honda CL350 and it was kind of overweight and not great on fuel mileage. I could ride American freeways for hours on it but when you wanted to take a gravel road trail/track or logging road. it's weight was carried rather high and being over 370 pounds with 3 gallons of gas meant it was a handful. Transmission gearing counts too as it was geared more for road use. Motorcycles should have wider ratioed transmissions, and especially 250 scooters with their CVT transmission doesn't have what I consider a good trail running low speed gearing.
@@tauncfester3022 I think the most fun, as with boats, is the smaller bike that'll just get the job done! With the smallest, the ability to push it etc, has a huge benefit. Ed March did this well :)
Cracking video Stuart... and so true. Nothing beats a bimble on a sub 500 bike through the countryside.
Theres that word again..
"Bimble" is it an English word?
@sirgalah561 yeah it's an English word, for me it means riding without rushing and to no particular place. Dictionary says:
bimble
INFORMAL•BRITISH
verb
walk or travel at a leisurely pace.
"on Sunday we bimbled around Spitalfields and Brick Lane"
noun
a leisurely walk or journey.
"we were enjoying a pleasant bimble over the rocks"
Hope that helps.
@@TomManney
I love it..
It describes every ride I do on my Royal Enfield... I did the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride last weekend and there were heaps of Royal Enfields as well as other bikes "bimbling" along...
If it weren't for me stumbling across an Unky Stu video, I never would have bought my RE Classic 500.. Brilliant bike...
I'm an old fart/new rider. We did a 600 mile round trip with the one buddy I travel with. SoCal coast through back roads. I was on my BV 400 scoot. That thing has plenty of storage and comfort. In fact, I just bought a Triumph Speed 400 and intend to keep my BV for longer trips. My friend is on a 07 Triumph T100. Great video as usual!
I like how you explained your definition of what touring is all about. I agree with you that a tour can be as brief as a 50 miles, or more. Touring should never have to be a grueling, unpleasant riding experience.
For example, I've sometimes ridden 200 miles in a day with multiple stops. To drink my coffee, grab a meal, maybe meet new people, and at the end of the day look back at how wonderful the ride was and the experiences had.
It was fun watching you ride on those dirt roads at a relaxed comfortable speed to enjoy your beautiful outdoor surroundings.
Stuart, that was the BEST rant I have ever listened to! You affirmed everything I had been saying for years. I started off in 1980 with a Yamaha XT250 when I became of age to ride on the roads. I rode it everywhere including around the mountains of British Columbia, not always camping but usually on day trips from whatever place we started from. Goldbridge was my favourite spot to start from at my uncle's cabin. North Americans are such megalomaniacs. They all want 2.0 litre Harleys as some kind of status ego trip. I saw Ewen and Charlie's movies finding them disturbingly entertaining all the while wondering why they rode such monstrous machines that they could barely handle through the rough terrain. There was a scene where one of their cameramen acquired a small Russian bike and was doing just fine through Siberia. I got a good chuckle out of that. Previously to watching these movies I fell into owning a 1970 Triumph T100 500cc machine as a collector piece. I immediately fell in love with the lightweight, handling and (believe it or not) reliability of this little motorcycle. It's no good on the major highways but then who wants to ride there. The wind and big trucks blow you around and the scenery is boring. Motorcycling is for the winding back country roads and mountain paths. Life is too short to speed through it, take your time, enjoy it.
Also, I love that RE classic 500 single in this video. I just missed buying one at the Vancouver bike show in 2019. But then I'd be riding my old T100s less!
I made my first solo camping trip in 1973. No one knew where I was. 1973 backpacking gear. Went from Charleston SC ( I was in the Navy stationed ther) to the NC Mountains. I rode a 1972 Yamaha 350cc two stroke. R5C model. Predecessor to the famous RD 350. Trip was a lot of fun until it started raining.
Excellent well done honest viewpoint. In my youth in the early seventies I toured on a few different 350 singles. I rode everywhere, street dirt highway etc. Then I went into the big bikes. Now at 68 I’ve returned to a big single which I tour on now. A 40 hp klr650. It does everything I ask of it and that is all I need. Reliability, easy to get parts and easy to maintain. I have no need for rider modes and all the other bells and whistles. Simple life, simple ride.
The best motorcycle trip that i’ve ever done was a 1200 miles round trip over a week riding a Bullet 500. Thanks for the wisdom shared here. Small to medium bikes are the best
Best touring bike I ever owned was a 1982 Honda Silverwing. I'd love to see a modern updated version.
My favourite adventure memory was a trip from Glasgow to the Swiss Alps via Dover (last year of the hover crafts I think), then Paris and various other towns eneoute, 2 up with girlfriend & camping gear on a 200cc Vespa. Flywheel side crankcase seal failed in South of France so had to rebuild engine in campsite. I avoided motorways where possible to experience the landscape. Was in my late 20s at the time, with boundless enthusiasm on my side. I'll never forget it.
G'day Stu, thoroughly enjoyed this video on touring as I did the previous touring video on the Classic 350. I bought a Himalayan 411 last year and have clocked 26,000 touring klms on it and it has been a pleasure punting through the countryside, across the high country in Victoria, around Tasmania, over to Adelaide, up to Belyando Crossing on to Bowen and back down to Horsham. Stopping for photos along the way, catching up with old friends and just cruising along.
No pillion but the the load of gear carried makes it hard to get seated at times. Handles gravel roads with ease and just brings a smile to my face at the thought of our next adventure. There's a lot to be said for just trundling along. I have been down so many roads just to see where they will take me. As with my Continental GT, the Himalayan brings back the magic to motorcycling and based on your videos and the comments of others, so too would the Classic 350s.
I remember from the movie The long way around, that the camara guy, if forget his name, his bike broke down and he ended up on some small Russian bike. He commented that it was so much easier to ride and I recall his attitude improved as a result. Thank you for bringing a new perspective on touring. Cheers.
I hole heartedly agree, we have had the same experience . The most enjoyable time we have had was when using a smaller motorcycle 👍
Your comment about a small capacity bike just as good for touring as a 1000cc+ bike is spot on.
In the early 90's I was made redundant & for the first time ever no job meant no mortgage payments.
So I became a motorcycle courier just to fill the gap until I found another "proper" job.
16 weeks & 34,000 miles later my 1984 Honda VT500E finally became a weekend toy again.
It was an awesome bike & it never let me down.
It was nothing flashy or exciting but it was an amazing workhorse! 😃
Stuart, you’ve nailed it. What you’ve described is absolutely right. I’m in Cambodia at the moment and I’m planning a tour on a Royal Enfield - they exist. The very conditions of the locality means you don’t eat up miles on a motorway and I plan a very leisurely trip around Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam. If I do 20 miles in a day or 200, then that’s touring.
There's a guy and his friend on the hunter page currently touring to Greece and back on their hunters
I know those guys, they are having an epic time, totally jealous. fully loaded 350 Hunters.
@@chrisdagnall8666 it's fantastic isn't it, goes to show you don't need a GS to do those kinds of distances!
There were quite a few Brits at the RE rally in Greece last year, including an. 80 year old chap on. Himalayan.
@@alanbriggs7177 that might be where these guys are going, id love to do something like that.
I've been following their journey on a RE Facebook page. Looks amazing epic route.
Started “touring”, on a 1968 Honda 450, blue with the chrome side panels on the tank, after high school graduation, in 1971. A small leather valise, tied on the back for a change of clothing, and a sleeping bag, completed my kit. Great fun! Many bikes later, in 2013, I took my wife across Canada on our Harley Ultra Classic, when we turned 60. I completely agree with your assessment. The bike you have, deserves consideration, for a “tour”.
In the mid 70's, my girlfriend and I, set off from Yorkshire on my Honda 175, with limited funds and camping gear. Over a period of 3 weeks, we covered 3000 miles, getting as far as the Mediterranean on the Southern coast of France. It wasnt a big bike, or an "Adventure" bike, but we had the adventure of our lives up to that point. Im on a few bike forums and regularly see posts from idiots who think "Tours" can only be done on expensive, complicated and large capacity bikes. They really haven't got a clue as to what biking is all about.
I used to Tour and do weekend bike rallies with a Honda CD 175 :)
@@iandann6196 175 Honda's were amazing bikes!
I'm doing my first bigger trip in July from Hungary down to Croatia, back trough Bosnia (so I reckon it would count as a tour) on my Hunter.
All I need is a dufflebag on the rack and on we go, don't care about anything else. I don't need an Africa Twin to do that.
To be fair I did change the handlebar because the stock one was killing my back and neck, but now I can do a few hundred Ks in a couple of hours without a problem.
I absolutely cannot wait for my first adventure.
Spot on! Touring is about immersing yourself in the area your visiting. Yes, you can do an iron but marathons for bragging rights or a sense of achievement but touring is for pleasure and to get to know an area. I have just done the NC500 with my wife and son, this past Easter, all on 125cc machines. We trailed them up to the West Coast because motorway is efficient drudgery using any form of transport. We did no more than a hundred miles a day and just stopped where we liked the look of things.
We used hotels, b&b and pods because….Easter and Wife and it was easily the best holiday of my life so far. I have also toured in Wales from a rental house base and again, it’s left wonderful memories and a desire to repeat it. On a bike you’re more immersed in your surroundings even down to the smells and sounds. It’s the purest joy I know of. I now doubt I will even bother with my test because my Varadero 125 does it just fine.
I would agree that the "long way" series put a somewhat unrealistic expectation on what motorcycle touring might be, but I'll also say that it also opened up a lot of motorcycle riders to motorcycle touring in general. In the States, touring was largely old men jumping on their Harleys and Goldwings and cruising for a few days on perfect roads mostly toward destinations where the ladies are known to be less than modest... After the series gained popularity, it opened up touring and adventure touring to many different bikes along many different types of roads (much of what you commented on). I think it's different here in the States as well also because big BMW gs's aren't overly popular (I couldn't tell you the last time I've actually seen one). I've toured on an old Suzuki dr650, KTM Duke 790, and a Moto Guzzi v7. I might have never had the idea of jumping on a motorcycle with a sleeping bag and tent without the series. Pros and cons my friend...
That rocky track made my back ache just watching! I agree with what you were saying and I've watched lots of videos of people touring on 125 scooters, fully laden with camping gear, even 50cc mopeds!
I was down town during the last summer and noticed a roughly 2004 Honda CBF parked and heavily loaded including tail pack and tank bag plus paniers and even a spare tyre. I noticed it because it was the same colour as my 2004 CBF 250. While I was looking at it the owner showed up and we started chatting. Turns out he was from central coast NSW (We were in Beverley, 100km inland from Perth Western Australia).
He had just been over the top of Australia on "The Big Lap" I was impressed that he had done that on a 250 so heavily laden, when I told him that he smiled and said "She is only a 125."
Saw a video on TH-cam a south African couple on Chinese 250cc cruisers, they traveled from Jo, burg to Alexandria in Egypt traveling through bush and deserts through mud tracks and over rocky paths with minimum wear and tear to their motorcycles, once they got to Alexandria put their bikes on a boat took them back home and used them as commuter bikes for about 5 years. A great video but it shows you don't need those big tourers to have an adventure.
I've been really impressed watching the Itchy Boots channel on her adventures in Africa, seeing all the locals riding in incredibly tough conditions, on small bore Chinese bikes that look like clones of Hondas from the 70s. Most of the local bikes have at least one passenger besides the rider, sometimes more. Truly impressive.
@@jwaller1327 same in India the whole family plus their belongings on the back of a RE, on dirt roads in the middle of nowhere. Real work horses.
Back in the seventies and earlier eighties I toured Europe on a B40 and later on a Norton 850. The B40 has gone 😢 but the Norton is still in my possession and lives in it own heated and carpeted workshop with the last bike I bought, a Ducati 900.
Some good advise. I was lucky enough to travel with some more experienced riders when I first started taking longer trips. I was surprised at how frequently they stopped to take breaks, as I would have normally pushed on to get to the destination. We ended up seeing some great sites and arrived at our destination without much fatigue as a result of those breaks. It's funny, but I was working for a BMW dealer at the time that series came out, and it did help sell al lot of bikes. One of my favorite moments in the series was when the cameraman Claudio's bike broke down, and he had to switch to a locally procured 125cc(IIRC) bike. He was having fun on it while they were bogged down trying to get their big bikes through the mud.
Good article with sound advice. As an expat resident of north Thailand I see a lot of m/cycle visitors and residents hell bent on owning or riding a big machine and ending up with a lesser experience for it. As always, its horses for courses and choosing the right machine for the terrain gives the best experience.
Totally agree, as I am the owner of a 1250GS, and after two incidents involving a broken foot and a wrecked shoulder primarily due to the weight of the bike and because the bike is top heavy particularly when fully loaded. It is going to replaced by something smaller.
Think KLR. I have owned 3 BMW GS.. the best was my 1986 Paris Dakar, the worst was a 1990 GS Bumble B what a POS.
people picked up bikes after their programs aired, so much so that the gs became top seller for quite some while. I think the net gain for motorcycling was positive.
Just stumbled across this video. Very thought provoking. I have organised a few tours over the years with a group of friends. We often did big miles (we’re in Australia, so big distances between stops sometimes) but always tried to finish early enough for a good meal and a few drinks in a comfortable lodging). After a few trips, we did actually fall out. I’ve gone from touring on a Hayabusa to a BMW R1250RS, and did a solo trip over a few days - but I’m really warming to the idea of something like a Royal Enfield and shorter trips closer to home.
Another excellent video Stuart. We have recently got back from a weeks two-up touring in Kefalonia. We booked digs and hired a scooter in Argostoli. We toured the whole island from there, used a local ferry and rode on some quite small roads to remote places. I ride a GTS 300 and an R1200 in the UK and would definitely not have attempted some of the roads in Kefalonia on my R1200. I passed my motorbike test in 1973 to give you an idea of my age.
my favorite holiday destination Kefalonia...
Some wise words there. I’ve no problem with any type of bike but as an ex instructor I frequently had pupils turning up for lessons on bikes that weren’t suitable for them as an individual. I taught in the Republic of Ireland and at the time there was no restrictions on cc for learners so many had bought into the “ sport bike “ or “ adventure bike “ hype and we’re trying to fit an image or portray an image, rather than enjoying motorcycling for what it is.
The book by Simon Gandolfi: Old Man on a Bike about his adventures on a Honda 125 exploring South America really aligned with my thoughts about riding. I enjoy being in the moment, enjoying exploring and seeing and feeling where I am, rather than trying to get to the next destination. Even a 125 will do 50mph
Great book.
Simon has ridden in India and other countries on small bikes...allways worth a read.
Great advice, thanks for posting! Just for fun on one of my trips I checked how far I was from home after 3 'days' of riding - 4h. :- ). Smiled all 600 miles...
Many years ago in Whitley Bay, I had the pleasure of meeting the motorcycle adventure, Austin Vince, he was giving a talk on his MC adventures. Namely, Mondo Enduro 1995-96 (2003 film) round the world ( longest route/shortest time ) on used Suzuki DR 350's with his friends. Also, in 2002 riding Terra Circa through the Zilov Gap and around the world again. According to Austin, when the film the Long Way Round was conceived he was approached for his advice on touring the world on a motorcycle, by those involved in making the film. His advice was to use a reliable, lightweight and durable motorcycle to cover poor terrain that could be repaired with basic tools, the Suzuki DR 350 or something similar. However, although he gave them his time and advice, the info on the type of MC was never taken. Needless to say, he never got a mention in the credits and in the film you'll see those heavy Beemers stuck in the mud and hauled across rivers by an army of helpers and TV crew. 😂
Thanks for so ably expressing what I've intuitively felt for so long. There are things I'd long forgotten like deciding on a base further afield such as a camp-site or B&B and exploring the locality from there. Also, thanks for the suggestion of trailering the bike to such a destination base, something I might seriously consider, given that I have debilitating osteoarthritis in both shoulders which makes long distance riding impossible. For my purposes, my little Hunter 350 fitted with chunky, scrambler style Metzler Karoo Streets is ideal. I'm still exploring all the hidden nooks and crannies of my own home turf on the wild peninsulas of West Cork, Ireland, but I may soon like to do similar short forays to acquaint myself with other parts of Ireland.
Brilliant video and totally agree. I toured Europe 3 times with a touring company on my early Fireblade with just a backpack. I enjoyed it but wanted to stay longer and explore rather than hop every 1 or 2 nights. So I decided to go on my own and did 3 more tours in one place staying at the same hotel for a while. I had so much more enjoyment exploring at my own leisure with no luggage and almost became a local and meeting people and other bikers. Then covid arrived and I haven't been since cause my missus is ill. I'm 71 and also have an 2012 R1. Love sportsbikes and still go on daily runouts. So don't be afraid to go on your own.
Brand new rider, young and waiting for my CB650R. This video gave me so much wisdom because I really believed I need a 1000cc + bike to enjoy tours and try to conquer whole continents with over ambition.
Great video Stuart. As an avid motorcycle tourer and older, experienced rider I whole heartedly agree with all the points you made here. Absolutely loved the views as well.
Your point on not being too ambitious about the distances covered on a day were is something made very clear on a recent tour my wife and I did in the UK with a popular motorcycle touring company where it was akin to a whirlwind, huge miles per day at the expense of missing lots of places we are now planning on seeing when we return to do a tour in the same places but at a more leisurely pace.
I'll be going back through your past vids and keeping an eye out for more content from you mate.
Cheers from down under.
Hey Stuart, great edit and 100% agree with your thinking. Absolutely thoroughly enjoy riding a smaller bike for touring. I think as you get older logic and practicality overrides ego and wanting to fit in. Keep up the great work. Mike - Cape Town.
I have done several tours abroad on both 200 and 225cc two stroke lambrettas, the longest being a trip of 2500 mile round trip to southern Poland. Riding vintage machines is anything but relaxing but it is an adventure and an enjoyable challenge. Never fails to amuse me when the guys on the big bikes ask, me when we are strapping our machines down on the ferry, where have you been. Their face is always a picture when they realise we have gone as far if not further than them.
My youngest son and his (then) partner, both riding Royal Enfield Himalayans, rode 15,000 miles around Europe in 2022.
That's thirty one countries, (European war-zones excluded, sadly) over a period of four and a bit months.
Much of the journey was off-road, on the TET, and all on a very tight budget! But 24 bhp (each) was enough!
The motorcycle tour is what you make of it. I have recently done a European journey on my Himmy, minimal planning, go with the flow (literally in my case, having four thunderstorms in four days!) and had to change plans. I was 'moto-camping' as it's called these days. Lots of fun!
I think you are correct in saying, don't over-plan, the joy is in the journey not the destination or the 'achievement' of a long ride. Flexibility is key. I always carry a bivvi-bag as well as my tent, just in case.
I always set my (phone) sat-nav to 'avoid motorways' and 'avoid tolls'. Apart from when I go towards Hull and have to cross the Bridge. (BTW, Is the kettle on?)
Like most things in life, keep it simple. And affordable. I always ride alone. I'm just not into the peer pressure of riding with other people.
Ride safe, love and peace.
Thank you for mentioning checking subscription status for all channels Stuart I may well have benefitted as a direct result 👍🏻
My old man took a 10year old me on the back of a 250RS in 1994 from Weston Super Mare all the way through from Normandy to the southern tip of Portugal with nothing but a tent a couple of sleeping bags and a gas stove and all the way back again with no problems. Absolutely amazing stuff for a 10year old me, even more amazing now I'm older and realise the amount of patience and endurance the old man had to put up with me through it.
What an incredible experience and memory!
Well....this post is to fully support Stuart's view..with a very apt observation made by me earlier today.
We live in Devon, just outside Exeter and having watched the video this morning, I found myself being able to witness real evidence.
My wife and I took a trip down to Totnes, half an hour down the end
of the M5 and A38.
This was basically lunch time and the road was very busy with traffic making a trip for this holiday weekend. But more so was the traffic heading north...away from the region
Friday is a holiday change over day and the road was busy with camper vans, caravans, cars with roof boxes etc...all people who had been on holiday this week.
I spotted the first bike on the M5...the last as we exited the A38....
Only one bike was identifiable...a Bonny ...in the blue and orange....all the rest were adventure bikes....
There must have been about 30 ish altogether.
Says it all really....
The smaller the bike, the less clutter you take, the less motorways, more small roads, more milage range, cheaper, easier and safer handling off road. Moto camping is just brilliant. Now you can buy physically big comfortable cruisers 125's 250's 350's very cheap.
Yep.. Smaller bikes have less space to carry things.. Most of my camping gear is compact for carrying on a bike. I use a jetboil for cooking.. I eat soups and simple stews when camping. Half a loaf of bread or a couple of buns will squish into a pannier or a pocket..
This video of Unky Stu's has given me the itch of getting out again. This time I think I'll give the RE C500 a go.. My last camping trip was March last year.. I crashed my F650GS offroad.. Wasnt fun.. Helicopter ride from the crash site to hospital... Anyhoo..
I remember years back, heading for the port and if a bot for Fishguard was in I went to the UK if a boat for France was in I would head to Europe. A MZ 250, Tent, sleeping bag, cook set, fishing rod and doss roll some cash and will to work if the cash ran out. This was not for all or myself now but still head off on the BSA Ireland and UK. Thank you for the video.
Your comments remind me of a book I read about a chap who regularly toured France on a Honda S90 - it is the journey that is the key rather than just the destination.
I remember well a conversation with a younger relation who when crossing the USA on a 1000cc+ superbike encountered 'White-Line Fever' when he was gripped with the compulsion to just keep moving until he dropped - not in the least a relaxing phenomenon!
My favourite bike was a Honda VT500 which had the benefit of a shaft drive, was economical yet had enough power to battle a headwind without having to tap-dance on the gears.
Thanks for setting things straight Stuart. To me riding a 600#+, 1000 cc+, $20,000+, motorcycle off road, NEVER made sense! It's marketing at its finest! You've inspired me to take on some off-road touring on my Classic 350! First outfit with crash bars and skid plate though.
Hi Stuart, myself and my mates ride every year to Middleton in Teesdale, this time to visit Beamish, last year Shildon railway museum. None of us use BMWs & never have. We have all toured over many years, including France, & we use what we have to hand. This year Tracer 700s & NC700s etc. I agree, any bike can do it & the shorter tours we love the best. My go to bike used to be an MZ250 & it toured just fine. Anyway I wish you safe riding & am looking forward to your next TH-cam video. Nev.
You have a new sub. This rolled up on my feed and I thought it sounded interesting and it was so spot on with my experience the last few years. The fellas I ride with are go,go,go guys and they have the scars to prove it. In 2021 I rolled off the side of a mountain doing the Silverton loop on Colorado BDR luckily no major harm came my way. In 2022 I followed them on the Wyoming BDR it a 4wd vehicle. Best decision I ever made. I took my time seeing the sights and enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. IN 2020 on of the riders broke his leg on the Colorado BDR, I was not on that ride due to a work issue. This year, 2 weeks ago I couldn't go due to my child having very serious health issues. A replacement rider that took my place broke both of his legs on the Arizona BDR. I am in my late 50's and nice groomed gravel roads are just the right adventure for me anymore.
Speaking of small bike touring, in 1981 I bought a lightly used Honda 250 in London and toured for three months and over 10,000 miles throughout the UK and Ireland, the Low Countries, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and France. Camped whenever the weather was good and stayed in budget accommodations when it wasn’t. The bike was fairly well loaded with myself and backpack, it could cruise at about 60 mph and max out at maybe 75. Had a few hairy times on the motorways and stayed on secondary roads as much as possible. Changed the oil a few times, new chain and new rear tire were “major” expenses. My favorite of numerous trips to Europe and one of the greatest experiences of my life!