Heading Out

[whereisbobl]

Been riding since 1983, close to a million miles. All kinds of bikes, adventure, touring, sport touring, but about two thirds of the miles were on Harleys. The last Harley I had was murdered by a Mule Deer in Colorado in 2009.

I currently (2017) have a Honda ST1300 and a Triumph Tiger 800 XC. The Honda has over 100k miles and the Triumph will be rolling over 100k in the spring. Oh, and a Buell S3t that I plan on selling one of these days.

Next year I retire, and am planning on riding. Until I get tired of riding. 3 months? 3 years? not sure. Probably start in Europe, as it will be spring there, then maybe towards Asia. Will be homeless for that time period. Looking for a bike for this ride. My bikes are getting a bit long in the tooth to start a trip like that.

I had thought the Tenere was the ideal bike, until I rode a 2013 model. It vibrated... a lot... and this is coming from years of riding Harleys. From what I see on this site, it looks like that is unusual. Might have been the clutch basket, TB Sync, or just old gas. So, will try again, but none at any dealers right now.

It is also a beautiful fall day here in Cow Hampshire, but I am stuck inside with a nasty cold. So if I post anything, please forgive me if I sound a bit grouchy..... And wordy.....

 

[Dogdaze]

Well don't give up, the later Gen 2 model is much much better, and cruise! You can always pick up a bike in Europe and start you journey there, heck, I may even be off loading my 2016 then.
Do try the later model, you'll like it. Same as you, I came from big V Twins, and the Gen 1 I bought rode like a bucket of nuts, then changed the clutch basket, better, but not enough for me, so bought a 2016 last year, but riding time has been low so just hit 2000 miles so far.... :-[

 

[whereisbobl]

You can always pick up a bike in Europe and start you journey there, heck, I may even be off loading my 2016 then.

I have been considering it, not sure what would be required to register it in such a way that I can continue on past Europe into Asia/Africa etc and back into the US. Although I suppose I can forget the US bit, and just sell it somewhere along the way. I suck at research, lose my patience too quickly.

 

[Dogdaze]

Best bet is to either buy it in the UK or western EU (apart from UK, all bikes will get a temp tag / registration plate for export) insurance will be relatively easy, and in the UK will allow 3 months declared foreign travel, but can extend with notice. When nearer the time, just ask for help and it will come.

 

[Nikolajsen]

I wish you a perfect trip, what ever bike you choose...but I think the S10 wil be perfect. Reliable, and the amount af gas is big enough to at least 400 km, and if you drive when this in mind, also more, and a really good riding comfort.
When I get to retire (still 12 years, according to Danish national pension), I also would love a trip like that...

 

[EricV]

Another option if you buy in the US is Canada Air. They have very good rates for transporting both you and your bike to the EU on the same plane.
https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/shared/documents/ACC381_Procedure_QA_Moto_ENG_062015.pdf

Clearly you've done plenty of riding, but have you spent time on the road for extended trips before? A month of travel in the US might give you perspective if you haven't done this before. Especially if you plan on tenting a lot. And allow for tweaks to gear a little easier and more cost effective before crossing the pond. UK prices on new bikes are typically higher than on the same bike in the US. Not to say deals can't be found.

 

[Checkswrecks]

A number of folks have now gone RTW on the Tenere. Graham Sanders, David Big, etc. After retiring from here in DC, Trevor/DCStrom has been on the road for 5 years. He's got over 130,000 miles on his Gen1 and may swap to a fresh T7 if it looks like it will be easier for getting from Europe across the 'Stans, India, Pakistan, etc. An interesting tidbit he mentioned once is that his cash burn rate is lower living on the road than if he were to keep a residence, which has helped the retirement account grow.

RTWPaul does great photography and just keeps going back out, for 6 years now.

I've ridden in 16 countries, which is nothing compared to these guys and others. After a career of travel, I can tell you that I do need a home base. I've known full-timers in RVs and on sailboats and some who just decided to leave for parts unknown. Typically after a few years, they almost all land somewhere and it's usually back near family.


My suggestion would be to buy a non-ES Gen2 bike so you can set it up, figure out carnets and such, and be ready. Trevor titled his in one of the western States (Idaho?) because he could use a PO box and renew online. Shipping's just an expense (Air Canada seems to be the "in" thing) and to Europe the breakeven to renting is at about 3 weeks, so you'd be in good shape for longer periods.

 

[abong]

::004::

 

[Thrasherg]

The only concern I would have with the S10 is the fuel requirements, if you are planning on visiting remote areas and countries (like Africa, etc) it can be very hard to get premium gas (91 octane) you might want to look at either taking octane booster with you, doing something to the engine to lower the octane requirements (the manual states 91 octane) or choosing a bike that will run on low octane fuel!! The S10 would be a great bike for the conditions and comfort, just concerned about your ability to find premium gas in some of the places you listed!! Europe should not be a problem, but outside of Europe might be another matter.

Enjoy the trip, it sounds like a once in a lifetime thing..

Gary

 

[mebgardner]

Have a look at this recommendation:

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/rtw-different-bikes/

 

[RCinNC]

There are an awful lot of guys out there riding bikes like Super Teneres and BMWs (89 Octane requirement) in countries where high octane gas is either rare or non-existent. Nick Sanders even addressed this issue here: http://supertenere1200.com/2011/09/15/nick-sanders-answers-your-questions/

He said that when the engine on his S10 was torn down following his Alaska-Tiera Del Fuego-Alaska trip, there was no evidence of wear in tear; in fact, it looked like the bike had never been ridden.

 

[TXTenere]

There are an awful lot of guys out there riding bikes like Super Teneres and BMWs (89 Octane requirement)

As of 2018 bikes, BMW now recommends 87 octane, FWIW.

 

[RCinNC]

I must have looked up the specs for an older model. Thanks.

 

[eemsreno]

My 2012 Tenere with over 167,000 miles has been running on 87 octane 10% corn almost all it's life.
I've even had to use 85 octane out west with no problem

 

[Paletes3]

My 2012 Tenere with over 167,000 miles (...)

When I read this kind of thing I feel so ::001::

 

[Ramseybella]

Seat windscreen and stamina.. I run my Tenere on 86 I notice some power loss but not much. I run High when I can as I live in high mountain areas.
Keep a bottle of Yamalube Engine Med RX keeps things clean. Camping on the road is fun just need the right tools a good water purification system is a must in certain places.
I have been using First Need purifiers for years filters a lot of water and it also suppose to filter out some chemicals as well. Best system I have tried without fail a little larger than the MSR and Sweet Water models.
Lots of info if you need to ask, think pack it like a backpacker.
Generation II Tenere is your best bet. Just do a tour in the states to get your feel and your personal preferences for sleeping comfort in order.
You don't honestly need the lightest tent just one that will outlast your tour, some guys like Hammocks and Bivy sacks.
I like One person for short stays and a good two person for long stays. I have always used older Sierra Designs Convertible tents, look out CD or Night Watch CD.
Never say never, it's only once.