Discussion Touring long-distance

So, recently I had one of my crazy ideas get into my head. I've never been to Tasmania, and what better way to see it than on a motorbike? I could even go via the motogp. But what bike would be suitable? Now, I should add, Melbourne is about 2000km away from here. So we could be talking 5000km, or I could visit some family in WA, make it about 16,000km... Ok, I couldn't afford the fuel for the long trip, and there's work, but the question is still which bike? Maybe fly to Melbourne and hire a Ninja 250 or such rather than ride down from here? Be interested to hear your thoughts, especially those with back troubles, like me. Thanks.

 

As what Murdo has recommended to do , especially if you have serious back issues. It wouldn't be a pretty sight not being able to get off the bike at all or worse being stuck in a town because of back issues or not being able to walk properly.I'm aware of all of these issues as iv'e had them all happen to me.

 

I did the distinguished gentlemen's ride last month and it wasn't very long, maybe 60-100km, with a few stops. Well the wrists felt it a few ks in, but then there was an elbow and... I'm just getting old. It made me think I need a more neutral position, where I'm not leaning on the bars, like the DR350. I had crazy ideas of changing the wheels and forks to lower the bike for the road, and then realised I only needed to change the tyres. And the gearing, and put a windshield on, hand guards would good, too. But that seat is not suitable for extended use. I road the bike for about an hour or 90 mins each way on the highway to an event, when I got home my hearing was all funny from the noise: wind noise and aftermarket muffler. Maybe a better helmet might have helped, too. But touring on it might not be a good idea. Not that being a bad idea has stopped me from doing anything....

 

definitely fly to tasie if you have /back,old age probs , airfares are cheap and as already said you would save the cost of the ferry , fly hire might be a lot cheaper than riding there (not to menstion the cost of the pain killers) plus you will be a lot fitter to enjoy your self

 

I can ride my GSX650F all day and feel relatively nothing. An air hawk will help with the square bum, that's on the list for long rides otherwise I find it relatively comfortable stock.

 

Hire a z300...more upright seating position.

 

There's a Z300? I knew of the Z250, but I apparently haven't been paying enough attention to the ever-growing bike market. We are spoilt for choice.

 

Rode the DR350 today, with new 39-tooth rear, so it's not revving as high, but I see what you mean about lower the foot pegs. It would need a massive windshield, though. And a carry rack would be handy, whether I go touring or not. But there are so many things to do, I think this get pushed on to the tiles past the back burner.

 

Saw this and thought of this thread:

 

So this has come up again. I'm going to Victoria at the end of Feb and thought I could take some more time off (have a holiday!). Bike hire doesn't look so great, so I was thinking of buying a bike, ride it around Tas, and maybe home. But I'm a QLDer, so rego issues are an obstacle..

 

@Frankster

Or pm me, I might be able to help.

 

I think the only way to do it is buy in Hobart, get an unregistered vehicle permit and ride home, or buy a bike from someone who will trust me with their rego until I get home (I can write a note of agreement saying I have borrowed the bike and am responsible for any infringement or such). Or someone lend me their bike against a deposit equal to its purchase, but that confuses people more than the first 2 options.

 

No, a few things changed, including my job, and I haven't sold enough bikes... But I was thinking October-ish. Maybe I could plan it for the Christmas break. I do leave things to the last minute. Thanks for the reminder, @Murdo .

 

Honda deauville? plenty available, not expensive,shaft drive, twin cylinder for good fuel consumption, comfortable, built in panniers, not too powerful and you'll easily sell it afterwards

 

Ok, so I did a little looking at things, and came to the decision that I won't be going this Christmas/new year. Apart from the bank balance, I am on-call for one of my other jobs (yes, I have more than 2 jobs, I'm the cause of all that unemployment..) and have family visiting. But I might aim for early March, with a bit of planning with work. But still not sure about the mechanism (ride all the way, rent, buy there..)