I did with a Honda pcx 125cc Munich to Torino and back 1300km with a lot of mountain passes 2000+m In 5 days. I used to travel for months with bicycle now anything that can reach 30km/h + is paradise :D
My wife and I rode from Austria to Turkey (farest point in Turkey was Göreme) around 7000km together on one Vespa PX200 with tent and cooking stuff. 12hp were enough. I only had zwo flat tyres, which is no problem at a vespa, as you always have a third wheel with you and you can change the wheels within front and backwheel. The wheels are very easy to repair. But today, we have much more weight, unfortunately, so that my 50hp Transalp is just the right bike (200kg full tank) on such tracks.
I agree with you, Pavlin. I have a 2008 Honda Transalp 700 with 59 hp and i have been traveling in 10 countries. Although i always have with me my wife, our journey was absolute perfect, because the most important (for us) thing is to see all around, not to going from A to B at the top speed. Have wonderfull kilometers, my friend.
i am 69, height 158cm and 60kg, bcoz of my size eventhough i hv bigger cc bikes in my garage but my favourite is always my 150 klx. it gets me around whether on a weekend ride or on a 2 months tour around indonesia. its nice to ride at our own pace, stop when tired and eat when hungry. keep on riding pavlin...stay safe my friend
You are so right ! I've just sold my 1000cc vtwin ADV bike and bought a 660 tenere (had one a few years ago), I'm going light and slow. Great vids sir, keep them coming
Man, I did Istanbul on my '99 Hayabusa with luggages and passanger TWICE. Our weight is close to 500kg. No issues. Sure, it was in the autum because I don't like to travel in July and August because the scorching sun. But it can be done with a heavier bike. Ankara, the same. Gaziantep, Adana, Sanliurfa... Hope to return for a long tour in Turkey this autum... Last time we did 5000km in 21 days. On the other side, there's a guy that traveled the world with a Honda C90... What kind of motorcycle? The one you have. Stop worrying and just go and live your adventure.
My yamaha tracer 900gt broke down in Montenegro and nobody could help me because the motorcycle is too complicated to work on, I had to get to Croatia to find an official garage just for someone to want to look at it.. So what he says is 100% truth, find an easy to work on motorcycle that you yourself or an average mechanic can look at.. because when it breaks down, you will be in alot bigger problem if nobody can help.
Pavlin, excellent points on why a smaller, lighter motorcycle is a great choice far back country travel. I have a Suzuki DR650 which is just the right sized for me. As you said, lightweight, simple, 600-700cc is about right. Great video! Cheers!
Getting my motivation back for my RTW trip that I have been postponed until 2022.Thank you for this! Will extend my visit in Turkey, looks like som great roads over there
@@motorcycleadventures Love you reviews... BUT !... its a complaint Ive made with one other excellent reviewer of commendable experience as with yourself... you did a review of the 790ktm... it has side mount fuel tanks... for a very NOT OBVIOUS feature... IF youve EVER had to pickup a bmw1250 its immediately surprising how easy they are to pick up... & they ARE a heavy bike... WHY IS THAT.... WHY... dont you or anyone else... do pick up tests... like the 1250 the 790 with it side tanks DONT FALL FLAT ON THE GROUND ! !... PLEASE... for our lady friends & light build riders... do pick up test too... NOT JUST ON FLAT GROUND EITHER... on a decent slope... do the up hill pivot test too to right the bike... you are in my view still one of the best reviewers so big thanks for you "experienced" opinions... very appreciated... wish I wasnt stuck on an island in the Pacific ... cheers from NZ
It really depends as you say, how and where you are going to ride. For example I am going next week to northern regions of Pakistan and there is going to be gravel and worse for about 180 km one way and I am taking a 125 with a smaller front sprocket, because it is light and can be pulled or carried in places where it is impossible to ride. I don't think I will encounter any place there where I can go over even 40kmph. If I were going somewhere on road, I would never do that.
A lot of people in those regions ride a 125cc. I have done trail riding on a Yamaha YBR125 and its low weight more than makes up for its limited suspension. It's also got surprisingly good ground clearance. As long as your ride slowly and don't overpack, you'll be ok!
I had been travelling through Turkey in June, only a few weeks ahead of you. Almost the same roads. And yes, those roads are great for motorcycling. But I think, it's not important, what kind of bike you have. I was riding a KTM 1050 Adventure. My friend had a 390 KTM, quite a bit smaller. Both bikes were great for that trip. Looking at my "fat" one: I was never afraid, that I couldn't handle it. Sure, there where some situations on gravel-, or better let's say mud-roads, where I whished to have taken my 650 Sertao BMW. But maybe that were 10 km on a 12.000 km trip. So, what I want to say: Turkey is a country with excellent roads. Don't be afraid to go there with whatever bike you have. Just do it, enjoy the country, the roads and the stunning scenery
As a 650 single GS rider, i could not agree more. I ride solo and my bike would take me world wide, another point is fuel economy, small engines use much less. Touring is all about seeing places, how do you that riding at 160 kmph or more.
Very enlightening video! I'm currently riding a 125 cc doing small trips around my city. I mainly use the highways and most of the time I have no problem cruising on the slow lane enjoying the ride but on long ramps or when I have to overtake heavy vehicles I feel somewhat unsafe because of low acceleration. But I would have no problem riding on roads that you are on in this video. If have to know the limitations of your bike and yourself, I doubt you will have problems. Although the most important thing is to just get on the bike and start riding regardless of what you have.
Once again Pavlin's common sense approach is one I totally agree with. The journey is the reward and not the destination however spectacular that desitiation may be! Simplicity,functionality,reliability and please don't forget economy which is very important on a long trip,50bhp is definitely more enough,solo,to ride long distances comfortably and reliably these days. Of course the GS brigade will say otherwise but I beg to differ. It's all about the journey and the enjoyment of that time riding whilst stopping in the environmentmand amonst the people you encounter on those travels,a wise motorcycle traveller said many years ago that 50mph was fast enough to enjoy the journey and soak up the the places you travel in.I agree. Thanks again Pavlin for the common sense knowledge and experience of a seasoned traveller,stay safe and enjoy the ride my friend😉
As you said, Pavlin: It's all about your individual plans. There are people who fly like rockets through the worlds, while others take it easy. I prefer a comfortable and light bike. So I end up with a boring compromise - like my Transalp 600. But I'm quite happy with her. As your are on your Tenere 660. All the best for your adventures, Günter from Nürnberg/Germany
Riding fast on a trip is like sacrificing the present for the future as you must always be looking further down the road. Like you, Pavlin, i like to take in the scenery, not simply blast through it. I have a Honda TA and sometimes i wish i had a few more ponies, but mostly i'm just happy to have a competant, manageable, reliable bike that takes me everywhere i want to go, without the weight and expense of a big machine. Love the content. Keep it coming. 🙂👍
I think most engines with wet sump are straight forward for changing oil. 600 cc would rule out a lot of older bikes for me, but I don't know European market that well. A V62 would be for me, but not sure about $.
The question of "the" right engine size for a motorcycle trip is purely provocative and pointless. Any engine is right, you just have to decide to finally go.
One of the first videos you did you said 'Take the smallest bike you need' which I still think holds true. The only problem is doing big miles...really difficult to do on a 250.
We used to tour all over Europe on bikes like Honda Superdream 250 ‘s Kawasaki 250 Scorpions,Suzuki GS 250 ,Honda RSA 250 Yamaha xs 250 ‘s loaded up with camping gear .
I agree, Pav, a 600cc engine travelling long distance logging thousands of kilometers seems like a much stable and practical choice. We can reasonably outfit a 600cc bike with sufficing creature-comforts just as easily as a premium 1200cc bike. A bigger bike does tend to ware and tare (breakdown) more readily than a smaller bike. I believe everyone just be falling for the hype--wanting to possess a bigger and stronger bike with increased horsepower and torque when in reality they won't even use it; besides, they'd be putting themselves at high risk, especially in unfamiliar territories. For the sober-minded who don't fall for the hype, be practical: play it safe and return home alive. Yes, the number one goal is to keep everything simple. An overly complicated motorcycle with all the sophisticated electronics and expensive hardware will be a huge problem out in the middle of nowhere should one becomes stranded. I hardly think about these things until reminded. So it is good I watched this video. I often get excited about travelling on adventures in remote places, but seldom think about the "negative what ifs reality scenarios!" when I'm all alone in a foreign country without any connectivity, or they don't have the means to rush out and rescue me. Actually, I don't want to imagine that!
If you cannot go anywhere, or lift up your bike when fallen, it is too big, so 400 to 600 something should be optimal. I have a Funduro now but will "upgrade" to an XT soon (which I had earlier) as the suspension is way better in rougher terrain. We are two onboard.
I agree on most of your points, But ! 600 cc or 1200 cc it is the drivers decession with his right hand what he does with it. Second simplicity. Wel if you break down with a 600cc without tech or a 1200 with tech it all depends what the problem is. This is al very relative, you can have four punctures in one hour with a simple bike and have no more tools, or one technical problem with a new bike, the problem is the same. You are stuck ! Yes now you will say the puncture is more easy to fix so let’s make it an oil leak from the breaks…. Fact. Motorbike or car, in a remote area, if it is new, old, with or without technology it is what it is. Only humanity and help from other people will get you back on the road. And yes you should not seek the problem by doing extreme things with your bike in extreme situations. Be gentle with your bike. And all this I say while being on the road in the most remote areas in Ukraine, solo. and I often think… if I break down now +37 degrees and the last car I saw was 1 hour ago, who will help me……. Best tip, have plenty of water and something to eat with you so you can survive 24 hours at least.
To anyone with a big bike I remind you that Pavlin has said many times that " . . .the best adventure bike is the one you have in your garage. . ." He offers his opinion and comparison to inform others, not criticise one bike over another. We are all one community for anyone who wishes to embrace it . Stay shiny side up 🙂👍
For traveling does no matter of engine size. I like my 750cc bike, it is perfect for my kind of traveling. I do not like to drive though a country , but I like to travel in to the country. No Speedways - but smal second ways to enjoy the country. But not only the landscape, more important the people in the country. It does less matter witch bike you take for taveling - more important you show us the beautiful scenery during your traveling. Kind regards
Here we need something that can go 120kph for a couple hours, faster is illegal. So picking the lightest most simple bike that can do off road and (be made) comfortable for a days ride, leads me to a DR650. 👍Larger tank and wind screen with a good aftermarket seat.. You can go from there. Sky is the limit. Glad they are still sold here .. Every part on the bike can be modified easily to customize it to your requirements .
I do Thailand on huge R1200GSA LC, average 90 ~ 120 km/hr.. with group.. then I realise I missed a lot of interesting places along the way. I then do a trip on a 150 cc solo, ever since I don’t look back for big cc bikes for my trip. I am waiting for clearance to do Thailand/Indo China on my 100cc bike… I experience more on the small cc bike. The most now for me I will not go more than 400cc for adventure bike, the sweet spot for me is around 250 cc.
The bike you are riding is only around 20 kilograms lighter (wet weight 206 kg, according to specs) than many 900 or even 1000 cc bikes (like the BMW s1000xr, for example at 228kg wet). I do see the point of simplicity, sure, but I also want to have fun, lean in the corners and feel the power of a great engine when I travel. I ride motorcycles for twisty asphalt roads, that is my thing. A 50 hp engine and knobly tires is not at all fun for me. I always try to find twisty back roads with a good surface, but sure, on a shitty road, your bike is way better. That said I very much look forward to seeing the rest of your Turkish adventure and I enjoy your videos a lot. Ride safe.
@@motorcycleadventures Ok. I got a little carried away there. All I really wanted to point out was the fact that your bike, or really any 600cc bike isn't at all that much lighter.
Pavlin, just wondering... Your purchase of new (or "new used") motorcycle is near, and many of your subscribers are pointing at Tenere 700. You are apparently also keen on buying T7. But why not to buy another XT660Z? There are still fresh (in term of mileage ~20kkm for ~5kEUR, cause in term of age it is minimum 6 years already) Teneres on the market. Buy one, change the fork, XR covers, power commander, air filter and other stuff - and you'll have the best friend for another 200 thousand kilometers :) Good luck, stay safe :) Best regards from Poland :)
Hello Pavlin. Thanks for your reflections. I'm sure that if you wanted to make averages of 60 or more Km/H, you could easily do it. But at the end of the day your memories would probably be asphalt, gravel and white lines. In my opinion your motorbike engine is a mythical engine with reliability tests more than given, but if it had a few more HP like the 700cc it wouldn't do any harm. But as you say “it is what it is”. And I would add “keep it simple, stupid”. Anyway all drivers are different and for some the bigger it’s the better. As long as they know what they're doing, no problem. Have a good trip. drive safe. hug
Looks like I will have to take my old airhead there in Spring in a year or two then. I look forward to seeing the Palvin's Turkey series. He does like I do - thats why I am hooked. I'll order a pizza and binge watch it from start to finish.
If you’re having an adventure on a bike, then go slow enough to enjoy the view and meet the people. If you just want to get from A to B in the fastest time, then go for the biggest engine and heavier bike. Personally, I would rather enjoy the journey and take a smaller CC bike as long as it can keep up with the local traffic a d have enough to get you out of trouble, if need be.
Sounds like 300-500cc. Water cooled, single cylinder, fuel injection, decent oli change interval. 150-180kg bike would serve best for these types of trips.
I've done 10 day trip around Turkey on 500cc bike. More that enough, even 250 will be fine I remember asking some Turkish riders whats the speed limit on some roads because I was worried I'm gonna red fined. They just said "Well we ride at 160-170, but we don't even know the speed limits".
BEFORE watching the video - I'm going to say- # 2 - the one in your garage - cuz in reality you can do it on any bike # 1 - but in reality - if you were to plan for a long trip and save money as a grown-up does I would have to say a twin 800cc ish bike. That's the bike I would buy for a solo around the world trip.
Greetings! Got a brand new Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc/first bike since I last rode 10 years ago../. It's stable on the road, has good engine braking, surprised me with its offroad capabilities, it is like a tractor, I have had no issues so far with overheating in 34 degrees, but the only big con for me is the 24 hp and the top comfortable cruising speed of 90-95km/h... Not because I am in a hurry, but being also Bulgarian sometimes on first-class roads I feel like a fish out of water, only because of the speeding idiots with cars! Obviously, when I plan my trips I avoid highways and busy roads, but sometimes it is unavoidable... I am considering a small week-long trip from Sofia to Turkey, would you do it if you only had a Himalayan at your disposal? Also any road-course suggestion? Can we find your route charts somewhere? Stay safe!
Идеята за този мотор е добра, но качеството на изпълнение е ужасно! Имам видео на тази тема, потърси го в канала. Минах 15,000 км в Индия и Непал с този модел и не е проблем да се пътува с него. Линкове с траковете ще има по късно, когато кача подробните серии.
@@motorcycleadventures Мерси за отговора! От скоро открих каналата ти и още наваксвам с интерес когато имам време :) Гледах няколко твой видеа по темата. Моя модел е от края на 2019, европейската версия с инжекцион, ABS и доста подобрения в изпълнението и качеството от 2016 модела… Единствено което ме е притеснило за сега е липсата на мощност за реакция по добре асфалтираните ни и натоварени републикански пътища(гледам да ги избягвам) и колите които се лепят плътно зад мен, случвало се е и да преминават доста близо когато ме задминават, дори когато ги пускам, явно нашите шофьори са по-невъзпитани от индийските ни колеги, или пътищата са ни по-добри и може да си позволяват повече своеволия :) Няколко такива ситуации ме накараха да се замисля за по-дългото пътуване което обмислям към Турция и дали машината е подходяща, просто на мотор тези неща ти правят повече впечатление..
I must ask... When travelling, how do you keep your bike safe from getting stolen? Alarm? That would be a constant worry, especially so far away from home.
Last week I traveled in Dagestan Russia on old 2008 r1200gs. It was great until it started raining and I needed to ride through a bid puddle of mud in a mountains. And then another one and another one, and then I crashed.. At that moment I thought- it would be great to have a small ybr250 with offroad tires. But, Pavlin in wrong about overheating air-cooled bmw, it is very hard to do.. Temperature was about 35-37 degrees and temperature gauge was at 4 bars of 6- withing normal range, very robust engine design. And, very importai t, if you travel with a passenger and a luggage, small engine will die very fast, you need to spin it at high rpms
A rock smashed my oil-cooler after just a few days in Morocco so I bypassed the oil-cooler and completed my holiday. MY BMR R100GS/PD survived with no problem despite temperatures up to 45 Celsius in the shade - just use the gearbox and avoid unnecessary high revs. Air cooled simplicity is hard to beat🕊
The way you ride a 300cc is enough, you have 660cc bike only because you don't want to shift so much. This is the case for most people but then comes the EGO and 1200cc monsters...
Riding big bikes slow is really comfortable though. If you stay on roads a GS feels like a lazy sofa if you want it to feel that way. Very touristic way to travel
Depends on the rider strength. Can they pick up a heavier bike? Is the bike too light on the freeway? Everyone is different. There really is no right or wrong, just the right bike for you.
Nice video. What do you think about traveling on a Honda CRF 300 l rally, KTM 390 adventure, Honda CB 500x, Kawasaki KLX 300, alone, no grups, bit of highways?
Pavlin, what about something even smaller for Turkey? Sounds like it could be done even with something in the 300-500 cc range. Btw, I love those small roads that you are riding!
Hello Lyuben. I have a crf 250 rally and ridden on most of the roads Pavlin is currently riding or plan to ride. Being a lot lighter really works if you don't have a pillion. It's a breeze to ride light. I'm planning to ride a Yamaha Ys125 with the rest of the route this autumn. With its less weight, less consumption and bigger tank, riding slower will be a lot easier and fun, hopefully.
@@halukcakir6074 Thanks a lot, Haluk. I was just thinking that something like CRF 300 L Rally would be spot on for those roads (or maybe DRZ with a comfy seat). I really hope to visit Turkey for a two weeks ride this autumn but maybe in November (no idea if it is raining then but will be my only free time this year).
What happened to your Trk500?! Do you have any idea about now Benelli TRK800 (QJ Moto SRT 750)!? I'm planning buy it next month. I have a lot of concern for long trip to Tibet
It’s enough but people always want more and more that’s the way they’re. There is an Indian man that travelled the world on a 150cc bike and there is a man who traveled the world by using a unicycle and has a channel on UA-cam too
Hi Pavlin. I can't agree more with your vision on how to travel smart in remote areas and less developed countries where infrastructure and access to sofisticated mechanic resources and parts is way limited. It is funny you keep insisting a 660cc engine is small. Where I live, over 350 cc is considered already big enough. I have a KLR 650, and for most people my bike is huge. All is relative!
Dear Pavlin ... I am planning to buy a motorcycle of one of these two: the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Honda CB 500X. I am 175 cm tall and 48 years old ... all I need is a motorcycle speed of 80-100 km / h. Pavlin, which of these two bikes would you choose for your journeys if you had my height ??? I am asking for your suggestions. Regards, Michał.
Pavlin, thanks to you and many other world traveler’s I have seen on UA-cam and read books, and from my own experience, road conditions and traffic make all the difference. I think that if you live in what you might call the western world of good roads, freeways, motorways, fuel stations everywhere, traffic lights, you maybe think that the whole world is like this so the motorcycle you have is perfect for any trip. In reality when you arrive at some less wealth countries, and to be honest they are the countries we want to see because they are less travelled by the majority of tourist, the road system is nowhere near the same, so what works in the west does not mean it will be as good as the east. It makes me giggle when I see guys from the UK on big adventure bikes saying how good they are and there are no dirt roads, lots of motorways, but no dirt, gravel, sandy or clay based roads that change completely when they get wet. It pays to do research on the countries you want to visit to get an idea of the terrain you want to cover, if you want to tour Europe, sure take a bike that is good on motorways, if you want to see Eastern Europe maybe something smaller, Asia, Africa, South America, most likely something smaller again. It is all a compromise so mid capacity or mid weight is a good compromise. 👍👍👍👍👍
I remember when I first started riding a 250cc Honda was classed as a big bike and more that you will ever need .....but then the cooperate marketers hooked into the sleeples/peoples ego's to increase companies profits.. and it all change "TO BIGGER & FASTER IS BETTER" and the peoples ego's were duped into buying bigger and bigger cc bikes ... Bikes have now become a status symbol to state look how good I am I can afford a better bike than you , for some it's not a bike it is a penis extension lol.....My rant is over lol.. drive safe my friend
Hey Pavlin, Great video with wonderful scenery. I drive a Transalp 700, would you consider this a suitable bike for riding in Turkey? Keep up the good work and stay safe!!
A 125cc on the road is better than a 1200cc in the garage.
Happy travels, whatever you ride.
I did with a Honda pcx 125cc Munich to Torino and back 1300km with a lot of mountain passes 2000+m In 5 days.
I used to travel for months with bicycle now anything that can reach 30km/h + is paradise :D
@@vagabondlife9718 love it. Perfect. Happy travels
Totaly agree with u Pavlin, traveling is freedom ,but not in a fast pace , take care,stay safe
Thanks for spelling his name. I never could make it out when he says it.
Welcome to Turkey bro, wish you enjoyable ride. I am so sory about your accident in Istanbul. Ride safe bro.
My wife and I rode from Austria to Turkey (farest point in Turkey was Göreme) around 7000km together on one Vespa PX200 with tent and cooking stuff. 12hp were enough. I only had zwo flat tyres, which is no problem at a vespa, as you always have a third wheel with you and you can change the wheels within front and backwheel. The wheels are very easy to repair. But today, we have much more weight, unfortunately, so that my 50hp Transalp is just the right bike (200kg full tank) on such tracks.
I agree with you, Pavlin. I have a 2008 Honda Transalp 700 with 59 hp and i have been traveling in 10 countries. Although i always have with me my wife, our journey was absolute perfect, because the most important (for us) thing is to see all around, not to going from A to B at the top speed.
Have wonderfull kilometers, my friend.
Meanwhile, in my country, we upgrade from 70CC to 150CC for traveling around the country.
Love from Pakistan.
I am so impressed with your videos… You make world touring so easy… Thank you regards, Bob
Glad you like them!
Whether to agree or not....I always appreciate your opinion from knowledge and experience
i am 69, height 158cm and 60kg, bcoz of my size eventhough i hv bigger cc bikes in my garage but my favourite is always my 150 klx. it gets me around whether on a weekend ride or on a 2 months tour around indonesia. its nice to ride at our own pace, stop when tired and eat when hungry. keep on riding pavlin...stay safe my friend
You are so right ! I've just sold my 1000cc vtwin ADV bike and bought a 660 tenere (had one a few years ago), I'm going light and slow. Great vids sir, keep them coming
Man, I did Istanbul on my '99 Hayabusa with luggages and passanger TWICE. Our weight is close to 500kg.
No issues. Sure, it was in the autum because I don't like to travel in July and August because the scorching sun.
But it can be done with a heavier bike. Ankara, the same. Gaziantep, Adana, Sanliurfa...
Hope to return for a long tour in Turkey this autum... Last time we did 5000km in 21 days.
On the other side, there's a guy that traveled the world with a Honda C90...
What kind of motorcycle? The one you have.
Stop worrying and just go and live your adventure.
Pavlin didn't say it can't be done with an havy bike. He just said it's not the better choice. Ride safe with this beautifull Hayabusa 🤩
there is nothing like this. the right engine size is, what you currently have.
So true! 👍
My yamaha tracer 900gt broke down in Montenegro and nobody could help me because the motorcycle is too complicated to work on, I had to get to Croatia to find an official garage just for someone to want to look at it.. So what he says is 100% truth, find an easy to work on motorcycle that you yourself or an average mechanic can look at.. because when it breaks down, you will be in alot bigger problem if nobody can help.
Pavlin, excellent points on why a smaller, lighter motorcycle is a great choice far back country travel. I have a Suzuki DR650 which is just the right sized for me. As you said, lightweight, simple, 600-700cc is about right. Great video!
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing!
Even with a pillion and luggage, 750cc engine, 55hp is more than enough for me. I travelled all over the UK and France and I don't need more power.
Getting my motivation back for my RTW trip that I have been postponed until 2022.Thank you for this! Will extend my visit in Turkey, looks like som great roads over there
Glad to help!
250-650 cc is ok for Turkey if you are not an asphalt rider or a racer.
Great advice, I’ve toured around Europe on a 650 and always had plenty of power, no matter what road I was on. 👍
Thanks for taking the time!
@@motorcycleadventures Love you reviews... BUT !... its a complaint Ive made with one other excellent reviewer of commendable experience as with yourself... you did a review of the 790ktm... it has side mount fuel tanks... for a very NOT OBVIOUS feature... IF youve EVER had to pickup a bmw1250 its immediately surprising how easy they are to pick up... & they ARE a heavy bike... WHY IS THAT.... WHY... dont you or anyone else... do pick up tests... like the 1250 the 790 with it side tanks DONT FALL FLAT ON THE GROUND ! !... PLEASE... for our lady friends & light build riders... do pick up test too... NOT JUST ON FLAT GROUND EITHER... on a decent slope... do the up hill pivot test too to right the bike... you are in my view still one of the best reviewers so big thanks for you "experienced" opinions... very appreciated... wish I wasnt stuck on an island in the Pacific ... cheers from NZ
It really depends as you say, how and where you are going to ride. For example I am going next week to northern regions of Pakistan and there is going to be gravel and worse for about 180 km one way and I am taking a 125 with a smaller front sprocket, because it is light and can be pulled or carried in places where it is impossible to ride. I don't think I will encounter any place there where I can go over even 40kmph. If I were going somewhere on road, I would never do that.
A lot of people in those regions ride a 125cc. I have done trail riding on a Yamaha YBR125 and its low weight more than makes up for its limited suspension. It's also got surprisingly good ground clearance. As long as your ride slowly and don't overpack, you'll be ok!
Looking forward to the video and route trip links
I had been travelling through Turkey in June, only a few weeks ahead of you. Almost the same roads. And yes, those roads are great for motorcycling. But I think, it's not important, what kind of bike you have. I was riding a KTM 1050 Adventure. My friend had a 390 KTM, quite a bit smaller. Both bikes were great for that trip. Looking at my "fat" one: I was never afraid, that I couldn't handle it. Sure, there where some situations on gravel-, or better let's say mud-roads, where I whished to have taken my 650 Sertao BMW. But maybe that were 10 km on a 12.000 km trip. So, what I want to say: Turkey is a country with excellent roads. Don't be afraid to go there with whatever bike you have. Just do it, enjoy the country, the roads and the stunning scenery
Big bikes limits your trip!
As a 650 single GS rider, i could not agree more. I ride solo and my bike would take me world wide, another point is fuel economy, small engines use much less. Touring is all about seeing places, how do you that riding at 160 kmph or more.
i guess your car also has 1000cc, because less is better.
@@szeriman13 I guess your bike is 150 hp and not enough?
@@mikehurley5052 no. im just saying for example your gs and 850gs, almost the same consumption, bigger comfort.
@@szeriman13 True, smoother as well i guess.
Very enlightening video! I'm currently riding a 125 cc doing small trips around my city. I mainly use the highways and most of the time I have no problem cruising on the slow lane enjoying the ride but on long ramps or when I have to overtake heavy vehicles I feel somewhat unsafe because of low acceleration. But I would have no problem riding on roads that you are on in this video. If have to know the limitations of your bike and yourself, I doubt you will have problems. Although the most important thing is to just get on the bike and start riding regardless of what you have.
Thanks. I agree about engine size and will add my handling of the bike at the top of my list.
I agree with Pavel.
I traveled around Turkey for 30 days and 5.500 km's alone with 500 cc Benelli TRK502.
Excellent discussion on bike size and riding type. Also good information on riding Turkey. Should help encourage more people to get out and do it!
As you say ... the best adventure motorcycle is the one you have. Great video Pavlin for reminding everyone to keep it simple
Once again Pavlin's common sense approach is one I totally agree with.
The journey is the reward and not the destination however spectacular that desitiation may be!
Simplicity,functionality,reliability and please don't forget economy which is very important on a long trip,50bhp is definitely more enough,solo,to ride long distances comfortably and reliably these days.
Of course the GS brigade will say otherwise but I beg to differ.
It's all about the journey and the enjoyment of that time riding whilst stopping in the environmentmand amonst the people you encounter on those travels,a wise motorcycle traveller said many years ago that 50mph was fast enough to enjoy the journey and soak up the the places you travel in.I agree.
Thanks again Pavlin for the common sense knowledge and experience of a seasoned traveller,stay safe and enjoy the ride my friend😉
My pleasure!
As you said, Pavlin: It's all about your individual plans. There are people who fly like rockets through the worlds, while others take it easy.
I prefer a comfortable and light bike. So I end up with a boring compromise - like my Transalp 600. But I'm quite happy with her. As your are on your Tenere 660.
All the best for your adventures, Günter from Nürnberg/Germany
Riding fast on a trip is like sacrificing the present for the future as you must always be looking further down the road. Like you, Pavlin, i like to take in the scenery, not simply blast through it. I have a Honda TA and sometimes i wish i had a few more ponies, but mostly i'm just happy to have a competant, manageable, reliable bike that takes me everywhere i want to go, without the weight and expense of a big machine.
Love the content. Keep it coming. 🙂👍
I think most engines with wet sump are straight forward for changing oil. 600 cc would rule out a lot of older bikes for me, but I don't know European market that well. A V62 would be for me, but not sure about $.
The question of "the" right engine size for a motorcycle trip is purely provocative and pointless. Any engine is right, you just have to decide to finally go.
One of the first videos you did you said 'Take the smallest bike you need' which I still think holds true. The only problem is doing big miles...really difficult to do on a 250.
We used to tour all over Europe on bikes like Honda Superdream 250 ‘s Kawasaki 250 Scorpions,Suzuki GS 250 ,Honda RSA 250 Yamaha xs 250 ‘s loaded up with camping gear .
Good and clear comment, ride safely, the best week Pavlin.
I agree, Pav, a 600cc engine travelling long distance logging thousands of kilometers seems like a much stable and practical choice. We can reasonably outfit a 600cc bike with sufficing creature-comforts just as easily as a premium 1200cc bike. A bigger bike does tend to ware and tare (breakdown) more readily than a smaller bike.
I believe everyone just be falling for the hype--wanting to possess a bigger and stronger bike with increased horsepower and torque when in reality they won't even use it; besides, they'd be putting themselves at high risk, especially in unfamiliar territories. For the sober-minded who don't fall for the hype, be practical: play it safe and return home alive.
Yes, the number one goal is to keep everything simple. An overly complicated motorcycle with all the sophisticated electronics and expensive hardware will be a huge problem out in the middle of nowhere should one becomes stranded. I hardly think about these things until reminded. So it is good I watched this video. I often get excited about travelling on adventures in remote places, but seldom think about the "negative what ifs reality scenarios!" when I'm all alone in a foreign country without any connectivity, or they don't have the means to rush out and rescue me. Actually, I don't want to imagine that!
If you cannot go anywhere, or lift up your bike when fallen, it is too big, so 400 to 600 something should be optimal. I have a Funduro now but will "upgrade" to an XT soon (which I had earlier) as the suspension is way better in rougher terrain. We are two onboard.
I agree on most of your points, But ! 600 cc or 1200 cc it is the drivers decession with his right hand what he does with it. Second simplicity. Wel if you break down with a 600cc without tech or a 1200 with tech it all depends what the problem is. This is al very relative, you can have four punctures in one hour with a simple bike and have no more tools, or one technical problem with a new bike, the problem is the same. You are stuck ! Yes now you will say the puncture is more easy to fix so let’s make it an oil leak from the breaks….
Fact. Motorbike or car, in a remote area, if it is new, old, with or without technology it is what it is. Only humanity and help from other people will get you back on the road. And yes you should not seek the problem by doing extreme things with your bike in extreme situations. Be gentle with your bike. And all this I say while being on the road in the most remote areas in Ukraine, solo. and I often think… if I break down now +37 degrees and the last car I saw was 1 hour ago, who will help me……. Best tip, have plenty of water and something to eat with you so you can survive 24 hours at least.
To anyone with a big bike I remind you that Pavlin has said many times that " . . .the best adventure bike is the one you have in your garage. . ." He offers his opinion and comparison to inform others, not criticise one bike over another. We are all one community for anyone who wishes to embrace it . Stay shiny side up 🙂👍
Great advices Pavlin not just for a motorcycles it's also valid for a car's/trucks to.
Thank you
Be safe
For traveling does no matter of engine size. I like my 750cc bike, it is perfect for my kind of traveling. I do not like to drive though a country , but I like to travel in to the country. No Speedways - but smal second ways to enjoy the country. But not only the landscape, more important the people in the country. It does less matter witch bike you take for taveling - more important you show us the beautiful scenery during your traveling. Kind regards
Here we need something that can go 120kph for a couple hours, faster is illegal. So picking the lightest most simple bike that can do off road and (be made) comfortable for a days ride, leads me to a DR650. 👍Larger tank and wind screen with a good aftermarket seat.. You can go from there. Sky is the limit. Glad they are still sold here .. Every part on the bike can be modified easily to customize it to your requirements .
I am already in Turkey with my Yamaha Fazer Fz6.....passenger and luggage and is goodd until now 🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🌴🌴🌴😎😎😎🤳🤳🤳🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🤜🤛✌✌✌
I do Thailand on huge R1200GSA LC, average 90 ~ 120 km/hr.. with group.. then I realise I missed a lot of interesting places along the way. I then do a trip on a 150 cc solo, ever since I don’t look back for big cc bikes for my trip. I am waiting for clearance to do Thailand/Indo China on my 100cc bike… I experience more on the small cc bike. The most now for me I will not go more than 400cc for adventure bike, the sweet spot for me is around 250 cc.
The bike you are riding is only around 20 kilograms lighter (wet weight 206 kg, according to specs) than many 900 or even 1000 cc bikes (like the BMW s1000xr, for example at 228kg wet). I do see the point of simplicity, sure, but I also want to have fun, lean in the corners and feel the power of a great engine when I travel. I ride motorcycles for twisty asphalt roads, that is my thing. A 50 hp engine and knobly tires is not at all fun for me. I always try to find twisty back roads with a good surface, but sure, on a shitty road, your bike is way better. That said I very much look forward to seeing the rest of your Turkish adventure and I enjoy your videos a lot. Ride safe.
Ride whatever you like man!
@@motorcycleadventures Ok. I got a little carried away there. All I really wanted to point out was the fact that your bike, or really any 600cc bike isn't at all that much lighter.
Pavlin, just wondering... Your purchase of new (or "new used") motorcycle is near, and many of your subscribers are pointing at Tenere 700. You are apparently also keen on buying T7. But why not to buy another XT660Z? There are still fresh (in term of mileage ~20kkm for ~5kEUR, cause in term of age it is minimum 6 years already) Teneres on the market. Buy one, change the fork, XR covers, power commander, air filter and other stuff - and you'll have the best friend for another 200 thousand kilometers :) Good luck, stay safe :) Best regards from Poland :)
Pavlin... 125 would be enough for You ;)... Ok, maybe 300 cc to survive on highways
I was holding onto my sofa the whole time as he traveled down that bad winding mountain road, sometimes with one hand.
No need to!
Hello Pavlin. Thanks for your reflections. I'm sure that if you wanted to make averages of 60 or more Km/H, you could easily do it. But at the end of the day your memories would probably be asphalt, gravel and white lines. In my opinion your motorbike engine is a mythical engine with reliability tests more than given, but if it had a few more HP like the 700cc it wouldn't do any harm. But as you say “it is what it is”. And I would add “keep it simple, stupid”. Anyway all drivers are different and for some the bigger it’s the better. As long as they know what they're doing, no problem. Have a good trip. drive safe. hug
Looks like I will have to take my old airhead there in Spring in a year or two then. I look forward to seeing the Palvin's Turkey series. He does like I do - thats why I am hooked. I'll order a pizza and binge watch it from start to finish.
thank you.
If you’re having an adventure on a bike, then go slow enough to enjoy the view and meet the people. If you just want to get from A to B in the fastest time, then go for the biggest engine and heavier bike. Personally, I would rather enjoy the journey and take a smaller CC bike as long as it can keep up with the local traffic a d have enough to get you out of trouble, if need be.
I have a cb500x Honda and it is plenty big enough for anything I want to do.. it will run as fast as any speed limit in America..
Sounds like 300-500cc. Water cooled, single cylinder, fuel injection, decent oli change interval. 150-180kg bike would serve best for these types of trips.
Only problem is a vibrations from single piston engine
You wrote so many words to say "Zontes 310T" ;)
This is the way!
Thank you
I've done 10 day trip around Turkey on 500cc bike. More that enough, even 250 will be fine
I remember asking some Turkish riders whats the speed limit on some roads because I was worried I'm gonna red fined. They just said "Well we ride at 160-170, but we don't even know the speed limits".
Welcome back Palvin
BEFORE watching the video - I'm going to say-
# 2 - the one in your garage - cuz in reality you can do it on any bike
# 1 - but in reality - if you were to plan for a long trip and save money as a grown-up does I would have to say a twin 800cc ish bike. That's the bike I would buy for a solo around the world trip.
Greetings! Got a brand new Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc/first bike since I last rode 10 years ago../. It's stable on the road, has good engine braking, surprised me with its offroad capabilities, it is like a tractor, I have had no issues so far with overheating in 34 degrees, but the only big con for me is the 24 hp and the top comfortable cruising speed of 90-95km/h... Not because I am in a hurry, but being also Bulgarian sometimes on first-class roads I feel like a fish out of water, only because of the speeding idiots with cars! Obviously, when I plan my trips I avoid highways and busy roads, but sometimes it is unavoidable... I am considering a small week-long trip from Sofia to Turkey, would you do it if you only had a Himalayan at your disposal? Also any road-course suggestion? Can we find your route charts somewhere? Stay safe!
Идеята за този мотор е добра, но качеството на изпълнение е ужасно! Имам видео на тази тема, потърси го в канала. Минах 15,000 км в Индия и Непал с този модел и не е проблем да се пътува с него. Линкове с траковете ще има по късно, когато кача подробните серии.
@@motorcycleadventures Мерси за отговора! От скоро открих каналата ти и още наваксвам с интерес когато имам време :) Гледах няколко твой видеа по темата. Моя модел е от края на 2019, европейската версия с инжекцион, ABS и доста подобрения в изпълнението и качеството от 2016 модела… Единствено което ме е притеснило за сега е липсата на мощност за реакция по добре асфалтираните ни и натоварени републикански пътища(гледам да ги избягвам) и колите които се лепят плътно зад мен, случвало се е и да преминават доста близо когато ме задминават, дори когато ги пускам, явно нашите шофьори са по-невъзпитани от индийските ни колеги, или пътищата са ни по-добри и може да си позволяват повече своеволия :) Няколко такива ситуации ме накараха да се замисля за по-дългото пътуване което обмислям към Турция и дали машината е подходяща, просто на мотор тези неща ти правят повече впечатление..
I'm waiting for you in the Antalya 🙏🏻 I wanna meet u if all situations are avaible for that
I was there already
@@motorcycleadventures The God didn't wanna that... So maybe Karma can do this for us :D
Ride safe and enjoy your Trip ✌️
Nice road and view 🤩.
Yes, I see this all the time. 700 outperforms a 1200 everywhere except on the main motorways.
I must ask... When travelling, how do you keep your bike safe from getting stolen? Alarm? That would be a constant worry, especially so far away from home.
I have a full video on this topic. Watch it.
@@motorcycleadventures OK thanks. Will look it up. Safe travels.
Last week I traveled in Dagestan Russia on old 2008 r1200gs. It was great until it started raining and I needed to ride through a bid puddle of mud in a mountains. And then another one and another one, and then I crashed.. At that moment I thought- it would be great to have a small ybr250 with offroad tires. But, Pavlin in wrong about overheating air-cooled bmw, it is very hard to do.. Temperature was about 35-37 degrees and temperature gauge was at 4 bars of 6- withing normal range, very robust engine design. And, very importai t, if you travel with a passenger and a luggage, small engine will die very fast, you need to spin it at high rpms
A rock smashed my oil-cooler after just a few days in Morocco so I bypassed the oil-cooler and completed my holiday. MY BMR R100GS/PD survived with no problem despite temperatures up to 45 Celsius in the shade - just use the gearbox and avoid unnecessary high revs. Air cooled simplicity is hard to beat🕊
The way you ride a 300cc is enough, you have 660cc bike only because you don't want to shift so much. This is the case for most people but then comes the EGO and 1200cc monsters...
Riding big bikes slow is really comfortable though. If you stay on roads a GS feels like a lazy sofa if you want it to feel that way. Very touristic way to travel
Depends on the rider strength. Can they pick up a heavier bike? Is the bike too light on the freeway? Everyone is different. There really is no right or wrong, just the right bike for you.
Also i have to admit, in wind the heavy bike is better 😃
Nice video. What do you think about traveling on a Honda CRF 300 l rally, KTM 390 adventure, Honda CB 500x, Kawasaki KLX 300, alone, no grups, bit of highways?
Pavlin, what about something even smaller for Turkey? Sounds like it could be done even with something in the 300-500 cc range. Btw, I love those small roads that you are riding!
Yes, why not?
Hello Lyuben. I have a crf 250 rally and ridden on most of the roads Pavlin is currently riding or plan to ride. Being a lot lighter really works if you don't have a pillion. It's a breeze to ride light. I'm planning to ride a Yamaha Ys125 with the rest of the route this autumn. With its less weight, less consumption and bigger tank, riding slower will be a lot easier and fun, hopefully.
@@halukcakir6074 Thanks a lot, Haluk. I was just thinking that something like CRF 300 L Rally would be spot on for those roads (or maybe DRZ with a comfy seat). I really hope to visit Turkey for a two weeks ride this autumn but maybe in November (no idea if it is raining then but will be my only free time this year).
What microphone setup are you using? Tnx
310 BMW. We are having shkembe next week in Obzor.
What happened to your Trk500?! Do you have any idea about now Benelli TRK800 (QJ Moto SRT 750)!? I'm planning buy it next month. I have a lot of concern for long trip to Tibet
Pavllin how to change gear properly in uphill , downhill, sand.
It’s enough but people always want more and more that’s the way they’re. There is an Indian man that travelled the world on a 150cc bike and there is a man who traveled the world by using a unicycle and has a channel on UA-cam too
Hi Pavlin. I can't agree more with your vision on how to travel smart in remote areas and less developed countries where infrastructure and access to sofisticated mechanic resources and parts is way limited.
It is funny you keep insisting a 660cc engine is small. Where I live, over 350 cc is considered already big enough. I have a KLR 650, and for most people my bike is huge. All is relative!
Yes, 660 is small for Europe.
Dear Pavlin ... I am planning to buy a motorcycle of one of these two: the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Honda CB 500X. I am 175 cm tall and 48 years old ... all I need is a motorcycle speed of 80-100 km / h. Pavlin, which of these two bikes would you choose for your journeys if you had my height ??? I am asking for your suggestions. Regards, Michał.
Honda!
Himalayan
Hi Pavlin my xt brother my is 660 r ride safe !
Pavlin, thanks to you and many other world traveler’s I have seen on UA-cam and read books, and from my own experience, road conditions and traffic make all the difference.
I think that if you live in what you might call the western world of good roads, freeways, motorways, fuel stations everywhere, traffic lights, you maybe think that the whole world is like this so the motorcycle you have is perfect for any trip.
In reality when you arrive at some less wealth countries, and to be honest they are the countries we want to see because they are less travelled by the majority of tourist, the road system is nowhere near the same, so what works in the west does not mean it will be as good as the east.
It makes me giggle when I see guys from the UK on big adventure bikes saying how good they are and there are no dirt roads, lots of motorways, but no dirt, gravel, sandy or clay based roads that change completely when they get wet.
It pays to do research on the countries you want to visit to get an idea of the terrain you want to cover, if you want to tour Europe, sure take a bike that is good on motorways, if you want to see Eastern Europe maybe something smaller, Asia, Africa, South America, most likely something smaller again.
It is all a compromise so mid capacity or mid weight is a good compromise.
👍👍👍👍👍
Honda Rally would be ideal -reliable- fuel efficient-gets you anywhere
Are MZ 250s a common sight in Turkey?
No!
I reckon , single person 400cc to 600cc with comfort and off road ability. 2 people 600cc to 750cc, no comfort or off road!
hello i didnt see your videos latly what new tires you got?
Павка, кой е този як маршрут? Може ли линк, моля
Вече не помня точно къде беше.
The best motorcycle is which one you have with you 😉
What is the right life insurance to travel in this country with Muslim citizens ?
If someone really love traveling on motorcycle alone, Royal himalyan is enough 400cc. You don't need bmw gs 2000.
Спасибо Камрад. Очень трезвый подход.
I remember when I first started riding a 250cc Honda was classed as a big bike and more that you will ever need .....but then the cooperate marketers hooked into the sleeples/peoples ego's to increase companies profits.. and it all change "TO BIGGER & FASTER IS BETTER" and the peoples ego's were duped into buying bigger and bigger cc bikes ... Bikes have now become a status symbol to state look how good I am I can afford a better bike than you , for some it's not a bike it is a penis extension lol.....My rant is over lol.. drive safe my friend
Cc is not the whole story a 600cc yamaha is faster than a 1800cc cruiser but speed is not important for travelling and having fun
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Pavlin
50cc
Hey Pavlin,
Great video with wonderful scenery. I drive a Transalp 700, would you consider this a suitable bike for riding in Turkey?
Keep up the good work and stay safe!!