Timely comment, especially as I’ve been looking at my next bike! I have one which ticks all the boxes, so looking is pointless. You’ve saved me some money 😂
I have worn that Tee-Shirt myself many times. Indeed only this week I have been looking on Auto-Trader as I consider a new bike. Lord knows why as I have a barely run in Gen 3 Hayabusa in my garage...@@stoatsngroatsuk5012
I just passed my motorcycle test in UK 2 months ago. I've been dreaming of traveling to Scotland on a motorcycle. My motorcycle instructor gave me some advice for buying my first bike, he said: ''don't spend more then 2 grand''. With this is mind: I took a quick look the day after I passed my bike test. And there it was, my now BMW F650 Dakar, just 10k miles, interesting black and white paint/stickers. Almost immaculate, for a 23 year old bike. Juts two owners. It's needed an MOT. Passed, just two advisories. So far I've not spent anything on the bike. But I am planning for top boxes, panniers, maybe crash bars. I go to sleep at night imagining riding to loch lomond, loch ness, etc. There are good bargains to be had if you've got realistic goals.
...and when you get to Loch Lomond continue up the west coast to Ullapool. Then after you have treated yourself to a night in 'The Ceilidh Place' ride the next day 'over the top' hugging the coast until you reach Thurso/Wick. Scotland has so much to offer for a biker....Good luck in your newfound 'hobby'.....I have been riding since 1979 and in 2025 am planning to ride to Tromso.
I have no problem with the Chinese people or stuff, it's the war-like politics that I dislike. To send $$$ to them seems like loose lips sinking ships. Illogical, I know, but it rankles....
I do like that F800 . Adventure bikes seem to be the thing now , you get the best of both worlds . My brother in law has the w800 , he loves it . Old style modern parts .Bullet proof .
I have watched David Jay's channel. I was thinking about buying a CL500 back then. Best bike to ride around the world? I wouldn't go on a BMW, and I did 91,000 miles on an R1100GS. I remember a group of lads doing 40,000 miles around the world in the early/mid-'90s, all on Suzuki DR350s. That size makes sense to me if you're going off-road. If you aren't, I'd ride a Honda NC750X DCT. A Canadian bloke in Thailand had done, at the last count, a few months ago, a staggering 280,000 km with absolutely nothing going wrong. Nick
Sorry Freddie, but you are making light of serious speeders, not just a little bit over the limit or even 10-20kmh over the limit but double!!! Cars are only seized and or sold or crushed if drivers or riders are driving or riding at insane speeds. Riding at double the speed limit is highly irresponsible. So for instance on a UK motorway that is driving at 140mph or at double the speed limit on a main A road 120mph. Some one driving this fast on public roads is an idiot and deserves everything they get. Not only should their vehicle be seized and sold but they should have to pay a huge fine, disqualified and have to re-take an extended driving or bike test. A spell in jail would be a good thing as well. No sympathy as people like this can and do seriously injure and kill other road users caught up in their selfish madness.
Who says anything other than their bike has been faultlessly reliable when selling it? ‘For sale, an absolute nightmare. If it can go wrong it will, I’ve spent thousands, the bike has spent half it’s life broken’. Who’s buying that?
There is "made in China," an there is "made in China." Lots of companies like Apple use China for manufacturing. But Apple like others has a large crew of their own at the factory. They handle both security an quality control. Comparing Japan with China overlooks a huge cultural difference. China has a "quality fade" culture. They have a better word for it but I am drawing a blank. Cutting corners to raise profits is respected, even if bad things happen. No respect is lost for bad products. So they will push the limits of cost cutting. People in China dont trust China made things because of it either. Japan on the other hand has a culture that ties your value to the quality of your work, not profits. Doing a bad job is bad for your reputation.While people in Japan can cut corners to make more money, its not treated as a respectable practice like it in in china. China can built top quality stuff. Its not for lack of ability. They generally just dont want to. Its not their goal. Some companies do make good stuff but thats likely one change in management away from going back to cultural normal. So companies like Apple use their own people to insure quality stays the same.
You can get a motoguzzi v85tt with sub 10k miles for just over £6k. I just bought a 2023 model. Air cooled simplicity, 80hp, can carry up to 70 stone, extremely reliable, off road capable, handles like a dream on road, low seat, so comfy for pillion, italian styling, so much character from tranverse v twin, shaft drive, cruise control, power modes and able to set custom with abs and traction off, rarity factor, tubeless spoked wheels (better for puncture repairs), 23 litre tank for long range. Great luggage options. Monica would love it!
I would not call it a low seat though. I have R1250GS which definitely feels lower for me to sit on. Just had V85TT and yes I love it too. Would definitely consider the updated 2024 version as next bike. Only hate is the basic windshield which creates massive noise turbulence on my helmet which is inexcusable for me being exactly average size man, with 177cm height.
I tested a v85TT with just over 900 miles on the Odo for an afternoon in Northern California recently. Loved it, zero turbulence from the easily updated touring screen (I am 5 ft 9 / 175cm), ample power with character, seat height easy to manage and comfortable... colour me impressed. Shortlisted on my future bike options list.
Freddie I read the other day that John Bloor the owner of Triumph payed himself £13 million, perhaps he could plough some of the money into the spare parts department and look after the customers who've made him so successful.
Having met John bloor many years ago when triumph was just starting up again I think that after all these years he can pay himself a bonus. 13m isn't that much of a bonus when you see others like footballers get more than that. After all NO John Boor = No triumph motorcycles "
I read that Triumph had made 74 million and the owner had taken £13 million out of the business Well that's how you run a company I suppose and not suggesting he has done anything wrong, but I am sick to death of the brands making bikes in different country's and still asking ridiculous prices for there bikes
@alexmorgan3435 well its his money and he can take it if he wants But when you go into a dealership and they tell you there's no wriggle room on price it leaves a bad feeling in your guts to see 74 million profit
Freddie...once again..enjoyed that. From 1968 to 2023 I have ridden many bikes... . my needs changed over the years so did my 'perfect' bike. Happy now to potter about on my Bonnie 865.
I started riding in 76 and Japanese machines were then the dominant force. The Benellis in particular seem to be well made and very capable. I can see Chinese bikes possibly hiding behind western brand names taking off. Don’t forget many Japanese low capacity bikes are made in China
I test rode the Benelli TRK502X & loved it. The engines sound like mini BMW GS’s (360° crank). Lovely ride, big bike feel & plenty of space for panniers & top boxes etc. The only reason I didn’t buy one is because it wasn’t the right time to get out of my current bike at the time (2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000). Currently ride a 2021 BMW C400GT. I bought one as I had never owned a big scooter. Love it, but hardly used it, only 2,400 miles done in just over 2 years. Will be selling the scoot’ in March ‘24 & will look for my next steed from then 👌🏻👍🏻
‘Their DNA is reliability! ……. and I will wrap it up there!’ You are so right - nearly all motorbikes can be fun but they have to be working reliably, otherwise just buy a pretty artwork and polish it in a heated garage ( or the sitting room 😮🤦🏼♂️) ….. so the next bike will be a Honda? After all you meet the nicest people on a Honda.
Owned a CFMOTO 300SR for commuting into London 3/4 days a week (1h 15 min door to door into Sussex either way) and absolutely no issues. Yeah quality could be better here and there but no issues in terms of reliability.
For my needs my current bike is my blinged up Honda Monkey, out of 25 bikes i have owned, half at least have been mini 125s, nothing else has give me as much joy except a modded Yamaha tmax i had years ago, the quirky oddball bikes really tick all my boxes.
As an owner of a 2020 Vstrom 650xt i can endorse the sentiments of the Vstrom lobby in your survey. I've never owned a transalp. I had a string of Hondas in the 80s but when they tried to block grey imports from being serviced at their dealerships in the 2000s I vowed never to spend another penny on Hondas. The only thing I'd say is that I love VTwins so I'm biassed. My prevous 3 bikes were Triumph Daytona 955, Aprilia Falco SL1000 and Benellli Trek Amazonas. A VTwin sandwiched between two triples. All great bikes. The Aprilia is probably the best bike I've ever owned. I don't like triples because having tired Europe in summer, the engines run far too hot. I guess the middle cylinders don't get the chance to chill down easily. I rode the VStrom more in a few months than I did with the Benelli in a year. Those late Italian Benellis had crap components and were poorly assembled. I saw on the Benelli forum there were lots of people decrying the build quality of Chinese Benellis. There's have to be really badly built to be worse than mine. Soluble relays installed in such a way that they collect water are ludicrous. I'd be wary of the Benelli until it's been around long enough to prove it's longevity. Btw my strom was just under 6 grand with hardly any miles done in 18 months from new. An absolute bargain.
Totally agree on Japanese and its not just bikes almost every functional product i own is japenese bikes, cars, phones, hifi, tv, kitchen stuff - all are well made. Brits do make the best proper bitter though but that's about it.
My husband and myself have been riding Yamahas for over 20 years. I once fell for a Benelli. Had it for about one year. It began with the TFT display failing (speed, then fuel indicator). Was exchanged by the shop. After about half a year, the rear brake got stuck for no reason. On that point, I stopped touring on my own with this bike. The final straw of me not enjoying the Benelli anymore when I did mod my seat. What I looked at the seat shell, I was shocked. It was so thin that I had to reinforce it with resin at two point as after pulling out the clamps it teared. At that point, my husband fell in love with the then new Ténéré 700. The next summer, he did a test ride and was sold. I took the chance to happily trade in my faulty Benelli for a Tracer 700 (I did not feel comfortable on the tall ADV). Best decision motorcycle-wise I ever made. Three years trouble-free for both of us. Out daughter got herself a MT 125 (we are German). Conclusion: if you want something really reliable - maybe no Italian beauty. Looks great in the garage, but be prepared to have a trailer at the ready.
Hmmm I sold my 650 v Strom , for my $$ , I'll get around the world on my RE classic 350 😊, don't like going over 70mph anyway 😂. I also love my Dr 650 .
I think there is a big difference between a uk/USA designed product and manufactured in China (any Asia to that point) and something which is claimed to be a Chinese Manufacturer
I owned a BMW K100 in college and it was rock solid but sold it at graduation. Now 30 years later 57yo I purchased a used 2017 Africa Twin and love it more than the BMW.
100 kmh in a 50 kmh zone in the US will get you a $300 to $400 fine in most states. Fortunately our forefathers wrote a Constitution that limits government powers; including prohibiting the government taking your property without just and due compensation as well as a limit on penalties. Our Constitution bars unreasonable fines and penalties. Most times when the police impound a vehicle, the owner can retrieve the vehicle the next day for the cost of the towing bill and storage. Though some cities, like NYC and Philadelphia, do make the process more difficult and costly, there is no way they would get away with stealing someone's new BMW or any exotic car.
The African Twin is far to heavy for any serious off road, and if you like to take corners fairly briskly on road (I know that's not what its made for) you will keep loosing the front end.
Have you ever watched Toni Bou? Any bike is capable off road. It all depends on the rider and the skill! (Part 2) Toni Bou extreme maxi trail Honda Africa Twin CRF 1100L
I've had my Bonnie for 17 years now and it's been as faithful as an old labrador. Probably cleaned it twice in all of those years (It's a mode of transport in my mind not an object for shining). It lives outside under a motorcycle cover where the local cats use it as a tent and apart from the yearly M.O.T and a service that's all the nurture it gets. Wouldn't swap the old girl until she finally expires. I'm 81 by the way and have enjoyed many years of riding since 1960.
I live in Finland you only lose your license in Finland for speeding if you are repeat offender, and your speeding fines are connected to how much you earn. If your unemployed or on a low wage your fine will be small. So the Finnish guy who lost his license for 6 months isn't being completely honest with you.
@@tuesdayatdobbs repeated traffic infractions and traffic offences, causing a traffic hazard in a manner indicating gross negligence, operation of a vehicle without a licence, driving while intoxicated abroad, driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated, causing a serious traffic hazard, transport of dangerous substances offence. You really have to be a complete jack ass to get a driving ban, endangering lives, causing major road traffic accidents. But as you can see speeding isn't just speeding once, it's habitual. And I've known people who have had multiple speeding offences and been let off a ban because they needed to drive for work. You really need to be some kind of ass hat to get a ban for speeding. That he was fined €2000 means he's a rich ass hat.
Just saw an article about the danish law against reckless driving… Since the law was introduced 2.5 years ago more than 2,400 cars have been confiscated. The penalty for breaking the law is (without casualties): car confiscated right away regardless of who owns the car (borrowed, rented or whatever), at least 20 days imprisonment and at least 3 years without the right to have a drivers license (and a fine I imagine)
I have a 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200. I bought it new in March 2015. It now has 168,000 kms of basically trouble free kms. It is not a popular bike but has severed me well on several multiple month trips including a 6.5 moth 45,000 km trip from home in Mexico City to Alaska and back. It is so overlooked and underrated.
I have never owned a BMW bike and never will. Did you know that BMW cars are always at the bottom of the reliability tables in the UK and the USA. Terrible terrible reviews on their cars, this is why I will never buy any BMW product.
*In the US, depending on the state you're speeding in, you can pay fines between $200 and $6,000, have your license suspended between 30 days and 6 months, and spend up to 1 year in jail - if the copper cites you for "reckless" driving or "racing."* Generally, Johnny Law cannot seize your vehicle and sell it for speeding. It has to do with the "excessive fines" protection in the Constitution. Personally, I figure Europeans might be reacting harshly because they have smaller roads. But I wonder if it's more a result of Europe's aristocratic history of severely punishing the "commoners." IDK
Oh how i can tell you about the Honda 650 Transalp Freddie. In 2007 I bought a brand new one, spent a year riding it round Africa and back & still own it with 93,000 miles on the clock. In all those miles it only left me stranded once briefly with a broken clutch cable. It's an Uber reliable tank of a bike, but before you run out & buy one, I must also add that it rides like a tank. With a 19 liter fuel tank sitting as high on the bike as Honda could get it it's incredibly top heavy and it needs that big tank because it only gets 45 miles per gallon. ( The BMW F800 GS is a far superior design with a 16 litre tank under the seat and averages 62mpg). I do love my old Transalp for it's reliability but I am getting ready to retire it & the bike I'm replacing it with?. A 2013 BMW F800 GS with 9,300 miles on the clock. I don't expect the BMW to be as reliable, but riding them back to back it's like night & day. They weigh about the same, but the BMW feels & rides like a much lighter, more agile & engaging bike. I hope I don't regret it, but having ridden the BMW I'm ready to take my chances with it. 🤞
I bought a f800gs I was looking at the transalp but put off by so many things. The normal way up forks, the mild steel exhaust that would have needed replacing before long or just put up with watching it go rusty, when it went twin discs on the front they looked punny as were so small. I believe the xl700v was 217kg so heavier the the f800. No electric gizmos just ABS. Did it even have a fuel gauge ?
@@chrishart8548 yes mine has fuel gauge, but don't rely on it !. At half a tank it says it's 3/4 empty. I think most bikes do this though?. I just love it that it never really broke down on me. I got used to it,but it never grew on me.
B e careful of naming people in person on here when organised crime maybe involved? Just a thought can be given aka. That red kwacker 800 is truly beautiful
Hope you are feeling better Freddie. Another great video, still surprised at the low subs compared to your other channel, totally worthy of more, hope they rise to where they should be! Thanks for the bringing together of so many useful insights and stories.. awesome.. keep up the great production sir!
Why buy new, and why buy chinese? I have never paid more than 2000, and 1000 is the average. With mine and the wife's numbering eight ready to ride, with another five for long term renovation.
Hi all. Chinese products and quality. International companies often outsource parts to be made abroad. They do however insist on their own quality control. The reputation Chinese products have for being substandard appears to mainly relate to in-house products not outsourced items. It's up to the buyer to decide if they want to make these purchases.
The header on this and the comments left me thinking I had loaded the wrong video. What a waffle. I thought there was going to be a mention of a Honda ‘postie’ bike and maybe other gems of similar abilities and cheap cost. Instead it’s mostly a high price jerkfest.
Honda will bore you to sleep , get a 1200 gs , just pick a year thats in budget, not many other bikes have got such a rich history of taking people on amazing adventures around the world the way the iconic gs has , its one of the world's best selling bikes and for good reason
The two cheap and ultra reliable bikes,Suzuki 650 Vstrom and the Honda Transalp series,well I'm there with one of them I've just bought a 2020 DL650 Vstrom and though not the TA my NT700 Deauville which has the same engine plus shaft drrive,is as reliable as the sun rising tomorrow morning. After 30k miles of ultra reliability of my Honda CB500X,I'm looking forward to the same with the Suzuki😊
The guy who owns the factory that makes iphones is Taiwanese, hardly any parts are chinese, in fact more parts from India, the phones are only put together in China, and possibly the owner will move the factory to India from china, because he is also fed up of influence of the communist government staking claim on business and interfering with both the owners business and his personal life.
Hey Freddy, in some states of Australia if you're a repeat offender or get caught commiting a bad enough case of "hooning" (driving recklessly) they can straight up take your car and crush it, which for many people would hurt more than seeing your pride and joy simply auctioned off.
Shame no belt or shaft drive. I have to say had a 21 plate and sold it after 3 months due to quality of the bike. Very nasty swing arm in Particular. Despite acf50 was corrosion everywhere. My 21 yr old VFR - still immaculate when sold. Think Honda accountants have interfered
I used to own a W800 which I bought new. It was beautifully made and looked good but I found it just didn't produce enough power to make overtaking carefree, and its single disc front brake did not inspire stopping confidence, so it had to go.
The F800GS is a nice bike… if you’re 6’3”! The 890mm seat height is way too tall for most riders. Smart buyers plumped for F650GS - same engine with a lower state of tune, so smoother and better fuel economy, and a far better road bike without the tubed wheels. And it’s cheaper! As for reliability - all brands have issues. Yes, even Honda. The only real issues with the 650/800 were terrible paint application (take a look around the sump, if there’s actually any paint left!) and a hot start issue due to under seat tank venting. The enduro seat is well known as torture device but easily changed. If I were to pick a bulletproof cheapish new bike it would be the Honda NX500 (was CB500X)
Well said. I tried one in a dealers last week and in spite of being a touch short of six feet tall I found it impossibly high. However, my brother lent me his F800ST and that was a terrific machine.
I would have to agree with the man that said he would not touch a BMW with a barge poll over rated over priced brand. BMW as a brand are the most unreliable of all the major brands
Since when did xenophobia become part of the channel? I have lived in China for 20 years and consider China the most wonderful nation I have ever experienced. Warm and friendly to all nationalities. Compared to the UK there is virtually zero crime and they don't go indiscriminately bombing sovereign countries like USA and UK have in recent history. In regards to their bikes and R+D, they're doing exactly what the Japanese did in the 60's and 70's when they copied the entire British automotive industry causing it's collapse. Some of their bikes like CF moto are pretty good too and completely original in design.
I owned an NC750. It's news to me. Furthermore you see them for sale with way in excess of 100k miles on them. I think they are the number one most versatile bike BAR NONE.
I’ve heard there’s some sort of washer that can only be replaced from inside the engine maybe? These bikes look to be great value but is the 47hp? Is that right? Is it enough for motorway speeds without the engine screaming?
@jerhughes500 it's about 54hp. The newer models are 58, I think. The gears are very long, you can spend all day in second without having to change (if you like). Excellent on motorways, very efficient on fuel.
I was in Gran Canaria the other day in a shopping mall, there on display were four new Morini motorcycles, absolutely gorgeous and the build quality looked to be first class, I was shocked to read a small sticker that said 'Made in PRC'.
Hi Freddie. I've been following you for a while. Sorry for you bonnie. I'm a Triumph fan and I have a Bonneville Street Twin 2017. I think it's a very reliable bike. Just do the service in time, put gas and ride it. You know what it is! Hugs from Portugal.
Poor old karl, ktm, BMW etc etc built completely in China. Bmw car engines built in China etc etc ,I could go on. The 502x is a cracking bike ,I know from experience.
I have f650gs (800) 2012 this is my first bike and I love it. I traveled from Russia to Afghanistan and didn't have any troubles with the bike despite the roads were really bad and I had zero off-road experience. Bmw made a really reliable bike
I don't think a Honda Cub or Supercub can be beaten. There are videos all over UA-cam of people having taken these amazing little scooters around the globe, and no matter where they are, there's always a way to fix 'em, even with original Honda parts (said one guy out in the middle of Mongolia!). I don't buy the hype over BMWs for global touring, they only got hyped following Ewan MacGregor's tour with Charley Boorman.
i don't think all chinese bikes are crap anymore. There are some bikes that are showing the chinese can, when they want, build a quality machine (on a budget). I don't, however, have any problem with anyone choosing to avoid chinese bikes on principal. I won't go as far as to quote the iPhone argument, as a cell (mobile) phone is sort of essential nowadays, and it would be hard to find one without a Chinese link, but a motorcycle is a luxury option for most, and there are choices that can be made. If someone wants to avoid a chinese bike, it's much easier than avoiding a 'chinese' phone. i.e. it's ok to selectively boycott certain chinese products, doesn't necessarily make one a hypocrite. I'm sure everyone(!) knows that chinese have components in most electronic/automotive products these days. You do you, and i'll do me. (I prefer Japanese bikes, or european bikes, but that's just me).
Hi Freddie, Have you ever read ( or even heard of!) Jupiters Travels by Ted Simon? The only bike to ttravel the world is a Triumph. or may be a BMW, but thats a later book.....!
Thanks for the mention Freddie .... I wondered why I had gained a few subs in the past 24 hours ! Great content from you as usual ... your travel video's in particular are stunning . All the best to Monika and yourself , Dave.
Hi! Recently completed a west coast ride between 3 states - Karnataka, Goa & Maharashtra. A lot of trail riding along the western ghat forests and then along the coastline of the Arabian Sea. Was wonderful. On my return to Bangalore I realised my Tiger 800 numberplate hanger had cracked due to the load of the soft luggage system used on the rack. Since my motorcycle is a 2017 model, the parts are not available here in India. I immediately got onto World of Triumph website early Friday morning and ordered the part. Was stoked to get a mail from them this evening that the part has been shipped. - Percy
If you want to go around the Far East, apart from India, most people are on small Hondas. If you're not Ewan and Charley, with a camera crew and a truckload of mechanics, you need something light, simple and reliable. Power and weight are hard on the components, and those big aluminium boxes aren't particularly aerodynamic. Something easily fixable anywhere, great worldwide parts availability, been in production for over 30 years with sales numbers into 8 figures. Can you tell what it is yet? The Honda CG125. Aircooled, pushrods, up until recently a fully-enclosed chain, consumption around 95mpg. You're not going to be breaking any land speed records, but I've seen one of these do five countries in a day. Cheap as chips, and if you come home with an extra 30,000 miles on the thing, you'll still be able to get what you paid for it. If the journey is more important than the bike you use to do it, the CG125 is your only man.
Freddie, I received an email from the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride about next year’s date. I am happy having my wife and I join our local Triumph dealer’s “team”, but I was thinking that it might be fun to have YOU have an international team (is that possible?). Perhaps this is silly, but do you have any demographics about your US subscribers or just watchers (shame on them)? If you were to start a team, and I was able, I would join, and I think a lot of your watchers would. Just a thought after a long days work.
Freddie, please remind your listeners that service intervals are built for the benefit of Honda, and not the owner. Oil is cheap. I would change every year, or 3,000. . .if that makes you squeak, only change the filter every other change. Cheap insurance.
Hi fred have you seen one man and his bike on here 70 yr old on v strom 650 uk currently in Senegal😳😳😳. What a man what a bike, wild camping mostly unbelievable
Hi there, I've owned shed loads of bike and....it has to be a honda now, knocks the socks off anything else.. Honda trannie, the best, the very best, I've had 3 and if I could get longer legs ( 27 inch!) I'd have another. Stop mucking about and get yourself a nonda... Great chanel, love it, all the best, Mick.
I want a motorbike that is reliable, cheap to maintain and will put a smile on my face. I would love to buy British but they don't tick all the boxes. I have 2019 Moto Guzzi V7 and while I love it, it isn't reliable, it has electrical problams which is just so annoyong. My go to bike that ticks all the boxes will always be a Honda.
I have to agree with the comments regarding the growth & quality of the Chinese bikes now coming into the country. I almost bought a Benelli trk502 but instead bought a Honda CB500x because of the availability of parts and access to dealers throughout the U.K. and Europe. Regarding the quality though I use too sell Chinese 125s 10 years ago, and the quality was to say the least awful. 10 years on and certain brands are now just as good as the Japanese bikes. I can only see them improving year on year. But the parts availability might still be the biggest problem.
I think either a Honda Africa Twin or Yamaha Tenere. Basically old, relatively easy to fix, and easy to get parts for bikes are a good choice. Certainly not a new BMW or new anything TBH.
I ran a transalp 600 for 8 years and 25000 miles. It was still purring like a kitten when I sold it with over 50000 miles. I now ride a Honda deauville 650. It's a big improvement over the transalp being shaft drive and having tubeless tyres and improved brakes it does 65 mpg and is stone reliable. Best bike I ever owned enough power for to get my rocks off.
At the minute i own a 93 honda cbr1000f which i payed £650 in reasonable condition withh 77k and would trust it to ride anywhere modified bars for extra comfort total budget touring machine thats reliable i just cant justify spending thousands on a bike its just something else to worry about i think the uk in general are obsessed with having the latest bikes and cars ect and my wife would go mad if i spent £6k on a bike.
I was band for speeding, here in Latvia, for six months and fined €360. 105 km/h in a 50. I consider myself lucky, as they could have confiscated the bike. There are plans to tighten penalties further. Drink drivers have their cars confiscated and they're sent to Ukraine to help out.
I follow a couple of Adventure motorcyclists and Africa is full of these things. Usually barrelling along a dirt track 3 up. Bajaj Boxer stands for strength, endurance, ruggedness and durability. A motorcycle that can take on any road across the globe. A bike that has been the single largest selling bike across Africa and one of the most preferred bike in more than 30 countries. Known for its reliability, Boxer is extensively used as a moto-taxi by riders popularly known as Okadas or Boda Bodas in many African countries. Not just that, in places like Egypt & Iran, Bajaj Boxer is considered as a dependable motorcycle.
The Chinese are already making bikes for all the big manufactures , Cf Moto clx700 has a Kawasaki 650 engine, bored out to 700 cc, they are new with 4yrs warranty at £6300 but if you look for 2nd hand, they can be had for as little as £4000 with over 3 yrs warranty still left on them, this has to be a bargain and you have a choice of sport , adventure or heritage depending on what you want to use the bike for.
Hi Freddie, Interesting about Chinese bikes, I've got a cheap Chinese Ebike and it's just about still going after 3 years. You pay for what you get, as an example it has Shimano gears.....my arse are they, they've completely siezed up and won't change gear at all. The rear brake had to be changed after 6 months as that packed up, the frame under the seat cracked and broke, the crank got bent when the bike went over, i could go on and on. I'm sure China might make branded goods for other companies but when a chinese product is produced, the branded accessories are fake. Beware when buying Chinese. I can only guess that genuine branded goods made in China are of a higher standard than their own makes even if they contain branded accessories.
Many years ago I worked as a DAS instructor. Our workhorse instructor bikes were high mileage Transalps, a new V Strom 650, several high mile ST100's, a 1000 Varadero and a BMW 1200GS. We rode these bikes 6 days a week, 8 hours per day in all weathers. The big bikes were thirsty on fuel and tyres, more expensive to maintain and required a lot more concentration in any slippy, soft or awkward terrain. The V Strom and the Transalps were virtually faultless, supremely comfortable, effortless to ride and easy and cheap to maintain. The only thing I'd say against them was the lack of shaft drive. The V Strom was brand new and never gave any issues, the Transalps were all well North of 50,000 miles and the only issues were these. One had a rotted allow front engine mount bracket. It's an aluminium alloy plate that connects the front downtube to the engine and is hidden behind the bash plate. Over a long timescale it corrodes. Just unbolt what's left and replace it. The fuel taps can sometimes give grief but are easy to refurbish. And most serious we had one very high mileage Transalp where the gearbox output shaft had worn making the front sprocket wobble. That's a serious repair but I only saw it on one bike.
The best bike is the bike sitting in your garage as you read this comment....whatever bike it is.....
I like this
Timely comment, especially as I’ve been looking at my next bike! I have one which ticks all the boxes, so looking is pointless. You’ve saved me some money 😂
I have worn that Tee-Shirt myself many times. Indeed only this week I have been looking on Auto-Trader as I consider a new bike. Lord knows why as I have a barely run in Gen 3 Hayabusa in my garage...@@stoatsngroatsuk5012
Fantic Caballero 500
Bold of you to assume people have a garage in this economy lmao. But yes i agree ;) taking out my FZ6 again today.
I just passed my motorcycle test in UK 2 months ago. I've been dreaming of traveling to Scotland on a motorcycle. My motorcycle instructor gave me some advice for buying my first bike, he said: ''don't spend more then 2 grand''. With this is mind: I took a quick look the day after I passed my bike test. And there it was, my now BMW F650 Dakar, just 10k miles, interesting black and white paint/stickers. Almost immaculate, for a 23 year old bike. Juts two owners. It's needed an MOT. Passed, just two advisories. So far I've not spent anything on the bike. But I am planning for top boxes, panniers, maybe crash bars. I go to sleep at night imagining riding to loch lomond, loch ness, etc.
There are good bargains to be had if you've got realistic goals.
...and when you get to Loch Lomond continue up the west coast to Ullapool. Then after you have treated yourself to a night in 'The Ceilidh Place' ride the next day 'over the top' hugging the coast until you reach Thurso/Wick. Scotland has so much to offer for a biker....Good luck in your newfound 'hobby'.....I have been riding since 1979 and in 2025 am planning to ride to Tromso.
Great bike, wish I still had mine.
I brought a bandit 650 with 21k miles and now it's got 60k miles, it was only £1800 😂
I have no problem with the Chinese people or stuff, it's the war-like politics that I dislike. To send $$$ to them seems like loose lips sinking ships. Illogical, I know, but it rankles....
I do like that F800 . Adventure bikes seem to be the thing now , you get the best of both worlds .
My brother in law has the w800 , he loves it . Old style modern parts .Bullet proof .
I have watched David Jay's channel. I was thinking about buying a CL500 back then.
Best bike to ride around the world? I wouldn't go on a BMW, and I did 91,000 miles on an R1100GS. I remember a group of lads doing 40,000 miles around the world in the early/mid-'90s, all on Suzuki DR350s. That size makes sense to me if you're going off-road. If you aren't, I'd ride a Honda NC750X DCT. A Canadian bloke in Thailand had done, at the last count, a few months ago, a staggering 280,000 km with absolutely nothing going wrong. Nick
Buy a honda 90, you'll be able to keep it going no matter where you are in the world..... the Toyota Corolla of bikes 🤗
Sounds like you have been watching Ed March's C90 adventures.
@kbarnbrook4993 😁 no need to reinvent the wheel....
If you really meant “round the world” you should be looking sub 300cc. The availability of tyres alone would be a problem for bigger bikes.
Sorry Freddie, but you are making light of serious speeders, not just a little bit over the limit or even 10-20kmh over the limit but double!!! Cars are only seized and or sold or crushed if drivers or riders are driving or riding at insane speeds. Riding at double the speed limit is highly irresponsible. So for instance on a UK motorway that is driving at 140mph or at double the speed limit on a main A road 120mph. Some one driving this fast on public roads is an idiot and deserves everything they get. Not only should their vehicle be seized and sold but they should have to pay a huge fine, disqualified and have to re-take an extended driving or bike test. A spell in jail would be a good thing as well. No sympathy as people like this can and do seriously injure and kill other road users caught up in their selfish madness.
Who says anything other than their bike has been faultlessly reliable when selling it? ‘For sale, an absolute nightmare. If it can go wrong it will, I’ve spent thousands, the bike has spent half it’s life broken’. Who’s buying that?
Honda Deauville. Unburstable engines, shaft drive, built in panniers, comfortable.
There is "made in China," an there is "made in China." Lots of companies like Apple use China for manufacturing. But Apple like others has a large crew of their own at the factory. They handle both security an quality control.
Comparing Japan with China overlooks a huge cultural difference. China has a "quality fade" culture. They have a better word for it but I am drawing a blank. Cutting corners to raise profits is respected, even if bad things happen. No respect is lost for bad products. So they will push the limits of cost cutting. People in China dont trust China made things because of it either. Japan on the other hand has a culture that ties your value to the quality of your work, not profits. Doing a bad job is bad for your reputation.While people in Japan can cut corners to make more money, its not treated as a respectable practice like it in in china.
China can built top quality stuff. Its not for lack of ability. They generally just dont want to. Its not their goal. Some companies do make good stuff but thats likely one change in management away from going back to cultural normal. So companies like Apple use their own people to insure quality stays the same.
@rebelCowboy I agree 100%
Hear hear.
Vstrom all day long
You can get a motoguzzi v85tt with sub 10k miles for just over £6k. I just bought a 2023 model. Air cooled simplicity, 80hp, can carry up to 70 stone, extremely reliable, off road capable, handles like a dream on road, low seat, so comfy for pillion, italian styling, so much character from tranverse v twin, shaft drive, cruise control, power modes and able to set custom with abs and traction off, rarity factor, tubeless spoked wheels (better for puncture repairs), 23 litre tank for long range. Great luggage options. Monica would love it!
I would not call it a low seat though. I have R1250GS which definitely feels lower for me to sit on. Just had V85TT and yes I love it too. Would definitely consider the updated 2024 version as next bike. Only hate is the basic windshield which creates massive noise turbulence on my helmet which is inexcusable for me being exactly average size man, with 177cm height.
I tested a v85TT with just over 900 miles on the Odo for an afternoon in Northern California recently. Loved it, zero turbulence from the easily updated touring screen (I am 5 ft 9 / 175cm), ample power with character, seat height easy to manage and comfortable... colour me impressed. Shortlisted on my future bike options list.
Freddie I read the other day that John Bloor the owner of Triumph payed himself £13 million, perhaps he could plough some of the money into the spare parts department and look after the customers who've made him so successful.
Having met John bloor many years ago when triumph was just starting up again I think that after all these years he can pay himself a bonus.
13m isn't that much of a bonus when you see others like footballers get more than that.
After all NO John Boor = No triumph motorcycles "
@@rowlyhull-hk4qgwould that be a loss
I read that Triumph had made 74 million and the owner had taken £13 million out of the business
Well that's how you run a company I suppose and not suggesting he has done anything wrong, but I am sick to death of the brands making bikes in different country's and still asking ridiculous prices for there bikes
£13 million you say. Wow. No wonder bikes are so over priced these days.
@alexmorgan3435 well its his money and he can take it if he wants
But when you go into a dealership and they tell you there's no wriggle room on price it leaves a bad feeling in your guts to see 74 million profit
Freddie...once again..enjoyed that. From 1968 to 2023 I have ridden many bikes... . my needs changed over the years so did my 'perfect' bike. Happy now to potter about on my Bonnie 865.
I started riding in 76 and Japanese machines were then the dominant force. The Benellis in particular seem to be well made and very capable. I can see Chinese bikes possibly hiding behind western brand names taking off. Don’t forget many Japanese low capacity bikes are made in China
I test rode the Benelli TRK502X & loved it. The engines sound like mini BMW GS’s (360° crank). Lovely ride, big bike feel & plenty of space for panniers & top boxes etc. The only reason I didn’t buy one is because it wasn’t the right time to get out of my current bike at the time (2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000). Currently ride a 2021 BMW C400GT. I bought one as I had never owned a big scooter. Love it, but hardly used it, only 2,400 miles done in just over 2 years. Will be selling the scoot’ in March ‘24 & will look for my next steed from then 👌🏻👍🏻
Excellent episode. I do agree the Africa Twin looks to be an excellent bike. Really like the look of them and the colour options.
‘Their DNA is reliability! ……. and I will wrap it up there!’
You are so right - nearly all motorbikes can be fun but they have to be working reliably, otherwise just buy a pretty artwork and polish it in a heated garage ( or the sitting room 😮🤦🏼♂️) ….. so the next bike will be a Honda? After all you meet the nicest people on a Honda.
Freddie, I think you might find that the BMW f800 engine was made in China
I've had many bikes, mainly sportsbikes... seem to only use three now lately... Kawasaki Versys 650 GT... Honda ADV350... Royal Enfield Classic 350...
What help the Japanese bike's was smashing the island of man TT race.
First year they did terrible missed a year. The rest is history history.
Here in Germany, if you speed on the Autobahn there allways will be someone else who is faster, so dont worry.
😂
Owned a CFMOTO 300SR for commuting into London 3/4 days a week (1h 15 min door to door into Sussex either way) and absolutely no issues. Yeah quality could be better here and there but no issues in terms of reliability.
For my needs my current bike is my blinged up Honda Monkey, out of 25 bikes i have owned, half at least have been mini 125s, nothing else has give me as much joy except a modded Yamaha tmax i had years ago, the quirky oddball bikes really tick all my boxes.
As an owner of a 2020 Vstrom 650xt i can endorse the sentiments of the Vstrom lobby in your survey. I've never owned a transalp. I had a string of Hondas in the 80s but when they tried to block grey imports from being serviced at their dealerships in the 2000s I vowed never to spend another penny on Hondas. The only thing I'd say is that I love VTwins so I'm biassed. My prevous 3 bikes were Triumph Daytona 955, Aprilia Falco SL1000 and Benellli Trek Amazonas. A VTwin sandwiched between two triples. All great bikes. The Aprilia is probably the best bike I've ever owned. I don't like triples because having tired Europe in summer, the engines run far too hot. I guess the middle cylinders don't get the chance to chill down easily. I rode the VStrom more in a few months than I did with the Benelli in a year. Those late Italian Benellis had crap components and were poorly assembled. I saw on the Benelli forum there were lots of people decrying the build quality of Chinese Benellis. There's have to be really badly built to be worse than mine. Soluble relays installed in such a way that they collect water are ludicrous. I'd be wary of the Benelli until it's been around long enough to prove it's longevity. Btw my strom was just under 6 grand with hardly any miles done in 18 months from new. An absolute bargain.
Totally agree on Japanese and its not just bikes almost every functional product i own is japenese bikes, cars, phones, hifi, tv, kitchen stuff - all are well made. Brits do make the best proper bitter though but that's about it.
My husband and myself have been riding Yamahas for over 20 years. I once fell for a Benelli. Had it for about one year. It began with the TFT display failing (speed, then fuel indicator). Was exchanged by the shop. After about half a year, the rear brake got stuck for no reason. On that point, I stopped touring on my own with this bike. The final straw of me not enjoying the Benelli anymore when I did mod my seat. What I looked at the seat shell, I was shocked. It was so thin that I had to reinforce it with resin at two point as after pulling out the clamps it teared. At that point, my husband fell in love with the then new Ténéré 700. The next summer, he did a test ride and was sold. I took the chance to happily trade in my faulty Benelli for a Tracer 700 (I did not feel comfortable on the tall ADV). Best decision motorcycle-wise I ever made. Three years trouble-free for both of us. Out daughter got herself a MT 125 (we are German).
Conclusion: if you want something really reliable - maybe no Italian beauty. Looks great in the garage, but be prepared to have a trailer at the ready.
Hmmm I sold my 650 v Strom , for my $$ , I'll get around the world on my RE classic 350 😊, don't like going over 70mph anyway 😂. I also love my Dr 650 .
I think there is a big difference between a uk/USA designed product and manufactured in China (any Asia to that point) and something which is claimed to be a Chinese Manufacturer
I owned a BMW K100 in college and it was rock solid but sold it at graduation. Now 30 years later 57yo I purchased a used 2017 Africa Twin and love it more than the BMW.
100 kmh in a 50 kmh zone in the US will get you a $300 to $400 fine in most states. Fortunately our forefathers wrote a Constitution that limits government powers; including prohibiting the government taking your property without just and due compensation as well as a limit on penalties. Our Constitution bars unreasonable fines and penalties. Most times when the police impound a vehicle, the owner can retrieve the vehicle the next day for the cost of the towing bill and storage. Though some cities, like NYC and Philadelphia, do make the process more difficult and costly, there is no way they would get away with stealing someone's new BMW or any exotic car.
The African Twin is far to heavy for any serious off road, and if you like to take corners fairly briskly on road (I know that's not what its made for) you will keep loosing the front end.
Have you ever watched Toni Bou?
Any bike is capable off road.
It all depends on the rider and the skill!
(Part 2) Toni Bou extreme maxi trail Honda Africa Twin CRF 1100L
I've had my Bonnie for 17 years now and it's been as faithful as an old labrador.
Probably cleaned it twice in all of those years (It's a mode of transport in my mind not an object for shining).
It lives outside under a motorcycle cover where the local cats use it as a tent and apart from the yearly M.O.T and a service that's all the nurture it gets.
Wouldn't swap the old girl until she finally expires. I'm 81 by the way and have enjoyed many years of riding since 1960.
I live in Finland you only lose your license in Finland for speeding if you are repeat offender, and your speeding fines are connected to how much you earn. If your unemployed or on a low wage your fine will be small. So the Finnish guy who lost his license for 6 months isn't being completely honest with you.
Very interesting, thanks for the insight🙌🏻
@@tuesdayatdobbs repeated traffic infractions and traffic offences,
causing a traffic hazard in a manner indicating gross negligence,
operation of a vehicle without a licence,
driving while intoxicated abroad,
driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated,
causing a serious traffic hazard,
transport of dangerous substances offence.
You really have to be a complete jack ass to get a driving ban, endangering lives, causing major road traffic accidents. But as you can see speeding isn't just speeding once, it's habitual. And I've known people who have had multiple speeding offences and been let off a ban because they needed to drive for work. You really need to be some kind of ass hat to get a ban for speeding. That he was fined €2000 means he's a rich ass hat.
Just saw an article about the danish law against reckless driving…
Since the law was introduced 2.5 years ago more than 2,400 cars have been confiscated.
The penalty for breaking the law is (without casualties): car confiscated right away regardless of who owns the car (borrowed, rented or whatever), at least 20 days imprisonment and at least 3 years without the right to have a drivers license (and a fine I imagine)
I have a 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200. I bought it new in March 2015. It now has 168,000 kms of basically trouble free kms. It is not a popular bike but has severed me well on several multiple month trips including a 6.5 moth 45,000 km trip from home in Mexico City to Alaska and back. It is so overlooked and underrated.
I've been looking at one of these as my first big bike wasn't sure but your comments about reliability and longevity has pretty much sold it to me
I have never owned a BMW bike and never will. Did you know that BMW cars are always at the bottom of the reliability tables in the UK and the USA. Terrible terrible reviews on their cars, this is why I will never buy any BMW product.
*In the US, depending on the state you're speeding in, you can pay fines between $200 and $6,000, have your license suspended between 30 days and 6 months, and spend up to 1 year in jail - if the copper cites you for "reckless" driving or "racing."* Generally, Johnny Law cannot seize your vehicle and sell it for speeding. It has to do with the "excessive fines" protection in the Constitution.
Personally, I figure Europeans might be reacting harshly because they have smaller roads. But I wonder if it's more a result of Europe's aristocratic history of severely punishing the "commoners." IDK
Oh how i can tell you about the Honda 650 Transalp Freddie. In 2007 I bought a brand new one, spent a year riding it round Africa and back & still own it with 93,000 miles on the clock. In all those miles it only left me stranded once briefly with a broken clutch cable. It's an Uber reliable tank of a bike, but before you run out & buy one, I must also add that it rides like a tank. With a 19 liter fuel tank sitting as high on the bike as Honda could get it it's incredibly top heavy and it needs that big tank because it only gets 45 miles per gallon. ( The BMW F800 GS is a far superior design with a 16 litre tank under the seat and averages 62mpg). I do love my old Transalp for it's reliability but I am getting ready to retire it & the bike I'm replacing it with?. A 2013 BMW F800 GS with 9,300 miles on the clock. I don't expect the BMW to be as reliable, but riding them back to back it's like night & day. They weigh about the same, but the BMW feels & rides like a much lighter, more agile & engaging bike. I hope I don't regret it, but having ridden the BMW I'm ready to take my chances with it. 🤞
I bought a f800gs I was looking at the transalp but put off by so many things. The normal way up forks, the mild steel exhaust that would have needed replacing before long or just put up with watching it go rusty, when it went twin discs on the front they looked punny as were so small. I believe the xl700v was 217kg so heavier the the f800. No electric gizmos just ABS. Did it even have a fuel gauge ?
@@chrishart8548 yes mine has fuel gauge, but don't rely on it !. At half a tank it says it's 3/4 empty. I think most bikes do this though?. I just love it that it never really broke down on me. I got used to it,but it never grew on me.
replace it with the NEW transalp !
B e careful of naming people in person on here when organised crime maybe involved? Just a thought can be given aka.
That red kwacker 800 is truly beautiful
What a lovely Christmas Tree!!! 🎅🎁
Simple and elegant (Monika made sure I get it in the shot🎄)
Buying a "built in China" product and buying a "owned by the Chinese government" product are two different things.
I cannot believe the Zzr 1100 or 1200 is not on this list mind blowing I clocked 44000 miles and no problem travelling Europe
Hope you are feeling better Freddie. Another great video, still surprised at the low subs compared to your other channel, totally worthy of more, hope they rise to where they should be! Thanks for the bringing together of so many useful insights and stories.. awesome.. keep up the great production sir!
Didn’t even realise he had more than one channel
Around the world ? Honda CB500 (93-2002) or 2nd. hand RE Himalayan, it's a no-brainer.
2020 W800 Café, best bike I have ever had for experience on two wheels. Love this bike
Why buy new, and why buy chinese? I have never paid more than 2000, and 1000 is the average. With mine and the wife's numbering eight ready to ride, with another five for long term renovation.
Hi all. Chinese products and quality. International companies often outsource parts to be made abroad. They do however insist on their own quality control. The reputation Chinese products have for being substandard appears to mainly relate to in-house products not outsourced items. It's up to the buyer to decide if they want to make these purchases.
Re: the Suzuki in remote areas, carry a stator (OE). It's the only failure I've ever suffered. The new ones are better made.
Love Hondas, Harley brakes get custom calioers or get them rebuilt locally six months...
The header on this and the comments left me thinking I had loaded the wrong video.
What a waffle.
I thought there was going to be a mention of a Honda ‘postie’ bike and maybe other gems of similar abilities and cheap cost.
Instead it’s mostly a high price jerkfest.
Honda will bore you to sleep , get a 1200 gs , just pick a year thats in budget, not many other bikes have got such a rich history of taking people on amazing adventures around the world the way the iconic gs has , its one of the world's best selling bikes and for good reason
What about human rights law taking expensive vehicles for speeding?
The two cheap and ultra reliable bikes,Suzuki 650 Vstrom and the Honda Transalp series,well I'm there with one of them I've just bought a 2020 DL650 Vstrom and though not the TA my NT700 Deauville which has the same engine plus shaft drrive,is as reliable as the sun rising tomorrow morning.
After 30k miles of ultra reliability of my Honda CB500X,I'm looking forward to the same with the Suzuki😊
B b boriiiing!
@@allistairneil8968 One man's boring is another's enjoyment,it wouldn't do for us all to be the same now would it?
The guy who owns the factory that makes iphones is Taiwanese, hardly any parts are chinese, in fact more parts from India, the phones are only put together in China, and possibly the owner will move the factory to India from china, because he is also fed up of influence of the communist government staking claim on business and interfering with both the owners business and his personal life.
Ive owned a B M W K75c for 15 going on 16 years never had any probs with it except a starter relay being replaced .
Hey Freddy, in some states of Australia if you're a repeat offender or get caught commiting a bad enough case of "hooning" (driving recklessly) they can straight up take your car and crush it, which for many people would hurt more than seeing your pride and joy simply auctioned off.
Haha I didn’t think the word “hooning” was used anywhere else! There’s a huge world wide crackdown on big speeders that I was oblivious to😳
“Report Hooning”signs on roadsides 😂
Kjm in Wigan as a 1000 Africa twin same colour on a 2017 for £7299.
I ride the Honda NC750X (RC72). It is far away from being boring. For me it is the best bike to travel around the world.
Shame no belt or shaft drive. I have to say had a 21 plate and sold it after 3 months due to quality of the bike. Very nasty swing arm in Particular. Despite acf50 was corrosion everywhere. My 21 yr old VFR - still immaculate when sold. Think Honda accountants have interfered
I used to own a W800 which I bought new. It was beautifully made and looked good but I found it just didn't produce enough power to make overtaking carefree, and its single disc front brake did not inspire stopping confidence, so it had to go.
Unfortunately that’s my issue with the W800. I adore the aesthetics but it’s just a bit wanting on power…
Older v strom
The F800GS is a nice bike… if you’re 6’3”! The 890mm seat height is way too tall for most riders. Smart buyers plumped for F650GS - same engine with a lower state of tune, so smoother and better fuel economy, and a far better road bike without the tubed wheels. And it’s cheaper! As for reliability - all brands have issues. Yes, even Honda. The only real issues with the 650/800 were terrible paint application (take a look around the sump, if there’s actually any paint left!) and a hot start issue due to under seat tank venting. The enduro seat is well known as torture device but easily changed. If I were to pick a bulletproof cheapish new bike it would be the Honda NX500 (was CB500X)
Well said. I tried one in a dealers last week and in spite of being a touch short of six feet tall I found it impossibly high. However, my brother lent me his F800ST and that was a terrific machine.
Tdm 850, cheap to buy reliable and great bikes
Don't go to them places, they hate the brits, boycot go somewhere les over the top and be have😂😂
not excited to support any chinese made products for the time being. perhaps in the future, hope that days do come.
I would have to agree with the man that said he would not touch a BMW with a barge poll over rated over priced brand.
BMW as a brand are the most unreliable of all the major brands
Completely Bullshit
My brother is a recovery truck driver. He tells me the most common bike he recovers is the BMW GS. He is not a biker.
Sorry don't agree try owning a KTM
Since when did xenophobia become part of the channel? I have lived in China for 20 years and consider China the most wonderful nation I have ever experienced. Warm and friendly to all nationalities. Compared to the UK there is virtually zero crime and they don't go indiscriminately bombing sovereign countries like USA and UK have in recent history. In regards to their bikes and R+D, they're doing exactly what the Japanese did in the 60's and 70's when they copied the entire British automotive industry causing it's collapse. Some of their bikes like CF moto are pretty good too and completely original in design.
Tel that to the Chinese female tennis player that is being abused by the communist dictatorship government.... the government soon makes you disappear
The "weestrom" 650 has been on my Rader as my next bike, and likely will be when I finally settle down enough to actually but one 😅
I test rode one. I found it to be gutless.
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOneGutless or dependable? I test rode one and would think about if if I wanted that style of bike.
1:22 How the heck did he find out that the parts being sold were from his stolen bike?
Please clarify the "engine out" job on the NC750. I'm an owner and you've got me worried 😮
Same...why would you need to take the engine out? 🤔
I owned an NC750. It's news to me. Furthermore you see them for sale with way in excess of 100k miles on them. I think they are the number one most versatile bike BAR NONE.
I’ve heard there’s some sort of washer that can only be replaced from inside the engine maybe? These bikes look to be great value but is the 47hp? Is that right? Is it enough for motorway speeds without the engine screaming?
@jerhughes500 it's about 54hp. The newer models are 58, I think. The gears are very long, you can spend all day in second without having to change (if you like). Excellent on motorways, very efficient on fuel.
@@BettiRebel I think I'll need to test rode one, as I said, there's some great deals right now.
Yamaha Tenere should be mentioned here also
BUY a 790 KTM, made in CF Moto factory...........IN CHINA! And that is not the only example, Just saying, Cheers, DINO.
I was in Gran Canaria the other day in a shopping mall, there on display were four new Morini motorcycles, absolutely gorgeous and the build quality looked to be first class, I was shocked to read a small sticker that said 'Made in PRC'.
Hi Freddie.
I've been following you for a while.
Sorry for you bonnie.
I'm a Triumph fan and I have a Bonneville Street Twin 2017. I think it's a very reliable bike. Just do the service in time, put gas and ride it.
You know what it is!
Hugs from Portugal.
Poor old karl, ktm, BMW etc etc built completely in China. Bmw car engines built in China etc etc ,I could go on. The 502x is a cracking bike ,I know from experience.
I have f650gs (800) 2012 this is my first bike and I love it. I traveled from Russia to Afghanistan and didn't have any troubles with the bike despite the roads were really bad and I had zero off-road experience. Bmw made a really reliable bike
I don't think a Honda Cub or Supercub can be beaten. There are videos all over UA-cam of people having taken these amazing little scooters around the globe, and no matter where they are, there's always a way to fix 'em, even with original Honda parts (said one guy out in the middle of Mongolia!). I don't buy the hype over BMWs for global touring, they only got hyped following Ewan MacGregor's tour with Charley Boorman.
i don't think all chinese bikes are crap anymore. There are some bikes that are showing the chinese can, when they want, build a quality machine (on a budget). I don't, however, have any problem with anyone choosing to avoid chinese bikes on principal. I won't go as far as to quote the iPhone argument, as a cell (mobile) phone is sort of essential nowadays, and it would be hard to find one without a Chinese link, but a motorcycle is a luxury option for most, and there are choices that can be made. If someone wants to avoid a chinese bike, it's much easier than avoiding a 'chinese' phone. i.e. it's ok to selectively boycott certain chinese products, doesn't necessarily make one a hypocrite. I'm sure everyone(!) knows that chinese have components in most electronic/automotive products these days. You do you, and i'll do me. (I prefer Japanese bikes, or european bikes, but that's just me).
Hi Freddie, Have you ever read ( or even heard of!) Jupiters Travels by Ted Simon? The only bike to ttravel the world is a Triumph. or may be a BMW, but thats a later book.....!
Thanks for the mention Freddie .... I wondered why I had gained a few subs in the past 24 hours !
Great content from you as usual ... your travel video's in particular are stunning . All the best to Monika and yourself , Dave.
If you are off around the world ,its got to be a Honda C 90 , A Suzuki V Strom Yamaha Tenere or old classuc BMW boxer twin.pre 1990 .
Hi! Recently completed a west coast ride between 3 states - Karnataka, Goa & Maharashtra. A lot of trail riding along the western ghat forests and then along the coastline of the Arabian Sea. Was wonderful. On my return to Bangalore I realised my Tiger 800 numberplate hanger had cracked due to the load of the soft luggage system used on the rack. Since my motorcycle is a 2017 model, the parts are not available here in India. I immediately got onto World of Triumph website early Friday morning and ordered the part. Was stoked to get a mail from them this evening that the part has been shipped. - Percy
If you want to go around the Far East, apart from India, most people are on small Hondas. If you're not Ewan and Charley, with a camera crew and a truckload of mechanics, you need something light, simple and reliable. Power and weight are hard on the components, and those big aluminium boxes aren't particularly aerodynamic. Something easily fixable anywhere, great worldwide parts availability, been in production for over 30 years with sales numbers into 8 figures.
Can you tell what it is yet?
The Honda CG125. Aircooled, pushrods, up until recently a fully-enclosed chain, consumption around 95mpg. You're not going to be breaking any land speed records, but I've seen one of these do five countries in a day. Cheap as chips, and if you come home with an extra 30,000 miles on the thing, you'll still be able to get what you paid for it. If the journey is more important than the bike you use to do it, the CG125 is your only man.
Freddie, I received an email from the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride about next year’s date. I am happy having my wife and I join our local Triumph dealer’s “team”, but I was thinking that it might be fun to have YOU have an international team (is that possible?). Perhaps this is silly, but do you have any demographics about your US subscribers or just watchers (shame on them)? If you were to start a team, and I was able, I would join, and I think a lot of your watchers would. Just a thought after a long days work.
Freddie, please remind your listeners that service intervals are built for the benefit of Honda, and not the owner. Oil is cheap. I would change every year, or 3,000. . .if that makes you squeak, only change the filter every other change. Cheap insurance.
Hi fred have you seen one man and his bike on here 70 yr old on v strom 650 uk currently in Senegal😳😳😳. What a man what a bike, wild camping mostly unbelievable
Hi there, I've owned shed loads of bike and....it has to be a honda now, knocks the socks off anything else..
Honda trannie, the best, the very best, I've had 3 and if I could get longer legs ( 27 inch!) I'd have another.
Stop mucking about and get yourself a nonda...
Great chanel, love it, all the best, Mick.
I want a motorbike that is reliable, cheap to maintain and will put a smile on my face. I would love to buy British but they don't tick all the boxes. I have 2019 Moto Guzzi V7 and while I love it, it isn't reliable, it has electrical problams which is just so annoyong. My go to bike that ticks all the boxes will always be a Honda.
I have to agree with the comments regarding the growth & quality of the Chinese bikes now coming into the country. I almost bought a Benelli trk502 but instead bought a Honda CB500x because of the availability of parts and access to dealers throughout the U.K. and Europe.
Regarding the quality though I use too sell Chinese 125s 10 years ago, and the quality was to say the least awful. 10 years on and certain brands are now just as good as the Japanese bikes. I can only see them improving year on year. But the parts availability might still be the biggest problem.
I think either a Honda Africa Twin or Yamaha Tenere. Basically old, relatively easy to fix, and easy to get parts for bikes are a good choice. Certainly not a new BMW or new anything TBH.
I ran a transalp 600 for 8 years and 25000 miles. It was still purring like a kitten when I sold it with over 50000 miles. I now ride a Honda deauville 650. It's a big improvement over the transalp being shaft drive and having tubeless tyres and improved brakes it does 65 mpg and is stone reliable. Best bike I ever owned enough power for to get my rocks off.
At the minute i own a 93 honda cbr1000f which i payed £650 in reasonable condition withh 77k and would trust it to ride anywhere modified bars for extra comfort total budget touring machine thats reliable i just cant justify spending thousands on a bike its just something else to worry about i think the uk in general are obsessed with having the latest bikes and cars ect and my wife would go mad if i spent £6k on a bike.
I have owned a ton of bikes over the years but the one I enjoyed most was a simple f650 Funduro. What a bloody brilliant thing.
I was band for speeding, here in Latvia, for six months and fined €360. 105 km/h in a 50. I consider myself lucky, as they could have confiscated the bike. There are plans to tighten penalties further. Drink drivers have their cars confiscated and they're sent to Ukraine to help out.
I follow a couple of Adventure motorcyclists and Africa is full of these things. Usually barrelling along a dirt track 3 up.
Bajaj Boxer stands for strength, endurance, ruggedness and durability. A motorcycle that can take on any road across the globe. A bike that has been the single largest selling bike across Africa and one of the most preferred bike in more than 30 countries. Known for its reliability, Boxer is extensively used as a moto-taxi by riders popularly known as Okadas or Boda Bodas in many African countries. Not just that, in places like Egypt & Iran, Bajaj Boxer is considered as a dependable motorcycle.
The Chinese are already making bikes for all the big manufactures , Cf Moto clx700 has a Kawasaki 650 engine, bored out to 700 cc, they are new with 4yrs warranty at £6300 but if you look for 2nd hand, they can be had for as little as £4000 with over 3 yrs warranty still left on them, this has to be a bargain and you have a choice of sport , adventure or heritage depending on what you want to use the bike for.
Hi Freddie, Interesting about Chinese bikes, I've got a cheap Chinese Ebike and it's just about still going after 3 years. You pay for what you get, as an example it has Shimano gears.....my arse are they, they've completely siezed up and won't change gear at all. The rear brake had to be changed after 6 months as that packed up, the frame under the seat cracked and broke, the crank got bent when the bike went over, i could go on and on. I'm sure China might make branded goods for other companies but when a chinese product is produced, the branded accessories are fake. Beware when buying Chinese. I can only guess that genuine branded goods made in China are of a higher standard than their own makes even if they contain branded accessories.
Many years ago I worked as a DAS instructor. Our workhorse instructor bikes were high mileage Transalps, a new V Strom 650, several high mile ST100's, a 1000 Varadero and a BMW 1200GS. We rode these bikes 6 days a week, 8 hours per day in all weathers. The big bikes were thirsty on fuel and tyres, more expensive to maintain and required a lot more concentration in any slippy, soft or awkward terrain. The V Strom and the Transalps were virtually faultless, supremely comfortable, effortless to ride and easy and cheap to maintain. The only thing I'd say against them was the lack of shaft drive. The V Strom was brand new and never gave any issues, the Transalps were all well North of 50,000 miles and the only issues were these. One had a rotted allow front engine mount bracket. It's an aluminium alloy plate that connects the front downtube to the engine and is hidden behind the bash plate. Over a long timescale it corrodes. Just unbolt what's left and replace it. The fuel taps can sometimes give grief but are easy to refurbish. And most serious we had one very high mileage Transalp where the gearbox output shaft had worn making the front sprocket wobble. That's a serious repair but I only saw it on one bike.