What bike should I choose?
I thought long and hard on what bike I would need to do an around the world ride. There were many things to consider.
What type of riding would I do? Would I be on tar seal the majority of the time? What if I need to ride off road? What about the weight of the bike? What about the seat height? What about reliability? How comfortable does it need to be? What about the cost of the bike? Should it be new or second hand?
The conclusion...........there is no ideal bike. It is all about compromise.
I decided that most of the trip would be on tar seal or gravel roads, that it needs to be comfortable and smooth, a lowish seat height (to compliment my short but perfectly formed legs), good strong multi cylinder engine capable of clocking up 100,000km or more, a reasonable cost and it should be new so I know the history of the bike.
I dwindled the choice down to two bikes. The BMW F800GS and the Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
I test rode both models and read and watched many reviews. I finally went with the Triumph. It felt more capable on the road, a lower seat height and is soooooo smooth.
Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
I thought long and hard on what bike I would need to do an around the world ride. There were many things to consider.
What type of riding would I do? Would I be on tar seal the majority of the time? What if I need to ride off road? What about the weight of the bike? What about the seat height? What about reliability? How comfortable does it need to be? What about the cost of the bike? Should it be new or second hand?
The conclusion...........there is no ideal bike. It is all about compromise.
I decided that most of the trip would be on tar seal or gravel roads, that it needs to be comfortable and smooth, a lowish seat height (to compliment my short but perfectly formed legs), good strong multi cylinder engine capable of clocking up 100,000km or more, a reasonable cost and it should be new so I know the history of the bike.
I dwindled the choice down to two bikes. The BMW F800GS and the Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
I test rode both models and read and watched many reviews. I finally went with the Triumph. It felt more capable on the road, a lower seat height and is soooooo smooth.
Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
The new Tiger arrives caged.
No damage. Phew what a relief
The Tiger uncaged and ready for more accessories
Winston’s younger brother James,ready for the 2022 season
