The start of Heatherp's adventure

[mostro900]

Hi Heather,
I was talking to Charley Boorman on Wednesday and he mentioned that they are doing a trip in Sth America next year sometime I think. Maybe send him a quick email asking.... 

[heatherp]

Funny .....  he only mentioned South Africa to me.   

The interview on Adam Hills' show actually explained a lot about Charley's personality.  I blame it on his upbringing.

[mostro900]

actually spoke to him at a book signing event he was doing - funny thing, there were only about 4 people there. Anyway, yeah he's doing Sth Africa later this year and then Sth America next year. Pity, you'll miss him I reckon! 

[heatherp]

Guess the attendance figures are a gauge of his popularity here in Oz.

Hope he doesn't ruin South America before I get there.  I am absolutely gutted that I will miss him.  

[G]

Hi Heather,

If you are around for a docv meeting it could be worth your while speaking with Ralphino.
He's been over there on a number of occasions and in conversation mentioned horizonsunlimited (as above) as a wonderful resource.

G

[heatherp]

Hi Heather,

If you are around for a docv meeting it could be worth your while speaking with Ralphino.
He's been over there on a number of occasions and in conversation mentioned horizonsunlimited (as above) as a wonderful resource.

G

Hi G
Nice to see you still hang around here. 

I will be at the May meeting.  The guy that runs the tours is scheduled to give a talk that night.  I will look out for Ralphino.

[heatherp]

Took a G650 and F650 for a 4 hour squirt up to Trentham for lunch.
Wouldn't bother with the G650.  Vibrates like crazy due to the single cylinder. Brakes were not very good. Lacking in power.
The F650 would do the job.  I can get it lowered easily, I would get used to the wacky indicator set up, I can raise the bars to make it easier when standing up, my butt would get used to the hard seat.  But how can I inject some soul into this bike??? Was very glad to get back on the Monster.  Next   
     

[vossy]

can I ask what the main differences between the two are?  single and twin ?

[mattyvas]

Very nice Heather!
Soul comes from the rider on board.

[heatherp]

can I ask what the main differences between the two are?  single and twin ?

G650 single, 650cc, 48hp, old school bike
F650, twin, 798cc, 71hp, new school bike.

They're like chalk and cheese to ride.  Very noticable difference in power delivery. The F650 is very smooth and would do the trip no problems, I just didn't enjoy riding it.  Could be due to the fact that it was a little tall for me (not noticable when riding of course). 


Matty, what I meant was that riding my Monster makes me smile.  Riding the BM's didn't raise a grin. It just didn't do it for me. 

My brother is a triumph fan and has suggested I look at the new Tiger 800.  Just happens to be a demo model in a bike ship less than an hour away. 

Stay tuned ...

[mattyvas]

Yeah I know what you meant, nothing puts a  on my face like my Monster.
I'll go have a look at the Triumph also, it has been suggested by another person I know.

[heatherp]

Yeah I know what you meant, nothing puts a  on my face like my Monster.
I'll go have a look at the Triumph also, it has been suggested by another person I know.

I'd be interested in your impressions of it.

[ungeheuer]

This bloke started out on his RTW ride on a BMW..... but pissed it off for a humble DR650  >>  http://shortwayround.co.uk/  <<  Single cylinder will do it fine and be easier to manage when you need to pick it up off the dirt.

[mattyvas]

Very true, the DRZ is a bullet proof easy to repair and easier to pick up machine than any adventure tourer.
I think there will be enough support on the ride Heather is doing both mechanical and help to get back on two wheels when she topples over.

For a solo ride and no help whatsoever the Suzuki would be the only bike to use, parts would be everywhere or you'd be able to Jimmy a fix for it to get you to the part you needed.

As to the BMW v Triumph that is the F800gs v Tiger 800xc. I haven't found a direct comparison as yet but many have written that they are similar but each do something's better than the other.
The BMW is tried and true, they have been doing adventure bikes for many years and have a good formula to getting the job done.
The Triumph is the new kid on the block and out to prove itself, it has been said that it is a better engine and perhaps got a better tune to the suspension.  However to the novice off road rider it could be too much bike and get a little out of control with more power.

Price wise they are similar but I think you get more standard kit on the BMW and the build quality is better than the Triumph. It was said that the switchgear is a little low quality and the dash is a bit plasticy in look and feel.

[girly]

Hi Heather

My hubby and I talked to Compass Expeditions at the WSBK at PI in 2010.  I can see why you are planning that trip - it is something I definitely want to do someday and they seemed quite well organised and friendly. 

The only thing that put me off was the BMWs they use.  I'm only 5'2" so the BMW meant that I would probably have to pillion on the back of hubby    Might have to think about somewhere like Vietnam first (where I would have my pick of bikes built for short-arses!)

Best of luck with the planning!