|
|
Post by bugsy on Nov 14, 2017 10:21:56 GMT
I see Rich has already booked his ferry to Spain - how organised is that? I am still planning a ride to Portugal from the NE of England, the long way down through France from Ouistreham and return via Zeebrugge to Hull. In fact, I don't even know the bike I will go on yet! Problem is luggage capacity for a 2 week camping trip.
As far as possible I will avoid motorways and use French N and D roads for comfort and enjoyment so my CB450DX will surely do nicely and with just 12k miles on it I assume it is hale and hearty. However, I have a rather weak rack but no panniers and as far as I know little hope of attaching hard cases, which is the sort I would prefer.
So, are there pannier frames available does any one know? I don't need period authenticity just capacity for two weeks stuff and tent etc for me. The alternative is to buy a different bike that has (or I know can take) panniers and a top box. Trouble is most such bikes are rather modern for my tastes with troublesome water pumps, FI etc. (not to mention hefty price tags) though I may have to accept such "drawbacks".
So, all advice considered and maybe we can have a lively debate!
|
|
|
|
Post by bluedreamer on Nov 14, 2017 16:21:58 GMT
We have had many years of fun touring on our Honda CB500s, using soft throwover panniers (can't beat the Oxford luggage!), a pillion seat bag, tank bag and a top box on the rack. We always take the kitchen sink with us, but we stay in hotels and B&Bs rather than camping because I like my creature comforts!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2017 17:08:09 GMT
My 125 on it's way to Spain , top box , throwover panniers , tank bag and a big bag bungeed across the back with tent, sleeping bag etc .   |
|
|
|
Post by Somersetdreamer on Nov 14, 2017 17:31:57 GMT
Sounds a great adventure brave camping & with all the extras you have to take that's a lot of gear, I struggled with a massive rucksack last year with just the stuff for one week ! I stayed with friends in France & next year we will be starting from Santander so will have to do a few B&Bs but I am planning on calling in again for a few nights. One day it would be great to organise a Superdream road trip in France, I for one would do it & the bikes would be fine I'm sure if we could get a few of us together it would be a great laugh ! Life is short so let's cram in some fun while we can |
|
|
|
Post by bugsy on Nov 14, 2017 18:09:46 GMT
Throwovers seem popular and are certainly more cost effective than Givi type luggage. I use a tank bag so I guess fabric tail pack etc may be the way to go. I will look at the Oxford stuff Bluedreamer. Interesting thought, travelling by 125 over larger distances. Only on Motorways does one really benefit from power in hand, it seems to me, though a 125 at 50mph on smaller roads is still working hard I would imagine. But any Superdream probably not. My personal "jury" is still out on what bike to use or buy, though my British iron I just can't trust over the 3,000 mile round trip - even after a 200 mile local day I often have something to tighten, lube or replace once back home. The 450 is just a hint cramped for me - seat top to foot pegs - on long days though otherwise I enjoy riding it still. Camping? I enjoy it and as my wife won't be coming with me this trip I can indulge myself |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2017 19:02:47 GMT
Yep 50mph is as much as you cam maintain a lot of the time and the Pyrenees hairpins got me down to first a couple of times , good fun though and still over 100mpg . I avoid the motorways/dual carriageways and enjoy the ride , though a sat nav is needed to maintain a decent average on the little roads . Think a 250 Superdream would be fine , I was intending to do a trip on mine but got scared !  |
|
|
|
Post by Somersetdreamer on Nov 14, 2017 20:22:38 GMT
Yep 50mph is as much as you cam maintain a lot of the time and the Pyrenees hairpins got me down to first a couple of times , good fun though and still over 100mpg . I avoid the motorways/dual carriageways and enjoy the ride , though a sat nav is needed to maintain a decent average on the little roads . Think a 250 Superdream would be fine , I was intending to do a trip on mine but got scared ! A well maintained Superdream would be fine on a trip like this & if a few joined in on a road trip we could each bring a few spares just in case & all should be good, I would be up for it. |
|
|
|
Post by kickstart on Nov 14, 2017 20:55:00 GMT
My 125 on it's way to Spain , top box , throwover panniers , tank bag and a big bag bungeed across the back with tent, sleeping bag etc. How do you rate the Lexmoto , they look value for money ? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2017 21:40:58 GMT
I was looking at taking a CDI , coil and a generator as they were my biggest concerns - would probably be ok but at nearly 40 years old might be past their best ! Sounds like I might have to buy another one then ...............;-) My Lexmoto Arrow was fine , did the 2500 miles to Spain and back with absolutely no problems - if you exclude adjusting the chain once and an oil change ! Once loaded up to that extent you could feel the frame flexing and I was a bit worried on the ride to Portsmouth but got used to it - just kept my hands on the bars ! Biggest problem with any of thse bikes is their build quality and lack of decent PDI , the actual components are in the main OK . I spent at least a day ,painting under the tank , replacing some fasteners , loosening chain , tightening bolts etc as soon as I got it - after that had no failures of any sort , including bulbs . My usual "just to prove it got there pic"  |
|
|
|
Post by Fordy on Nov 15, 2017 9:37:35 GMT
I think a Superdream trip to Europe would be fantastic, but I’m not sure I would have the confidence in a 37 yo bike to make it, maybe I’m underestimating the old girl, and would certainly need the service of a lifetime before setting off.
How many of you would consider this?
|
|
|
|
Post by Somersetdreamer on Nov 15, 2017 16:45:47 GMT
I think a Superdream trip to Europe would be fantastic, but I’m not sure I would have the confidence in a 37 yo bike to make it, maybe I’m underestimating the old girl, and would certainly need the service of a lifetime before setting off. How many of you would consider this? Andy you can do this ! I know the bikes are up to the task 1500 miles in all I think & as long as a good check over & service, & if a few going we could all take spares of the things likely to pack up, carb spares, cdi, coil etc, the only weak link is us old gits  i had a great time last year & that's why I've booked up for next year, the Superdream would be a slower trip but with the scenery that's a good thing, don't assume it's impossible as these bikes are reliable if maintained & breakdown cover is cheap in Europe (about £30) essential really. have a think it's a goer for me for sure |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2017 18:19:20 GMT
I'd be a "possible" not got a SD atm though but have a poorly CB350SG |
|
|
|
Post by BritPete on Nov 15, 2017 19:15:42 GMT
I think a Superdream trip to Europe would be fantastic, but I’m not sure I would have the confidence in a 37 yo bike to make it, maybe I’m underestimating the old girl, and would certainly need the service of a lifetime before setting off. How many of you would consider this? Would but not for 4 years till retired - with a 14 year old daughter should spent holiday time with the family Still not sure about riding on the wrong side of the road |
|
|
|
Post by Somersetdreamer on Nov 15, 2017 20:44:48 GMT
I think a Superdream trip to Europe would be fantastic, but I’m not sure I would have the confidence in a 37 yo bike to make it, maybe I’m underestimating the old girl, and would certainly need the service of a lifetime before setting off. How many of you would consider this? Would but not for 4 years till retired - with a 14 year old daughter should spent holiday time with the family Still not sure about riding on the wrong side of the road It's only wrong for the first couple of hours & then it becomes normal seems more strange coming back to uk & going on the left again, |
|
terryc
Forum Accommodation Specialist 
I'll put you up ,plenty of room in my box
Posts: 5,328 
mini-profile background: {"image":"","color":"29908d"}
|
Post by terryc on Nov 16, 2017 20:39:20 GMT
Not for me I don't even have a passport
|
|
