I need a long ride--out of Thailand

[Furioso]

3 hours ago, kickstart said:

Check, but I think you cannot ride in China without an escort, and I would say that would not be free.

How about Yamaha SR400, simple bike been around a long time, they are available new.

  

The SR400 is definitely a cool retro but also pricey approx 300,000 baht. A 400X is almost half the price! 

[Kinnock]

Honda CRF 300 Rally or Enfield Himalayan in my view. .... but currently difficult or even impossible to ride solo into Myanmar or China. 

 

Can't ride into Vietnam either.  So option for a long ride is to head South through Malaysia and to Singapore.

 

But with so many great places to ride in Thailand, better to tour in Thailand now until borders open.

 

[Korat Kiwi]

Yep I'd probably go the CRF300 route too.  The 250 is perhaps a little under powered and the 300 doesn't add much weight. 

 

You do want a lighter bike in the event you get stuck in mud or fall off during a river crossing etc. 

 

There was a doco a few years back about a Brit Lass that did a world tour on a CRF250.  Very good PR for Honda. 

 

I wish you the best on your expedition. 

[Furioso]

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Honda CRF 300 Rally or Enfield Himalayan in my view. .... but currently difficult or even impossible to ride solo into Myanmar or China. 

 

Can't ride into Vietnam either.  So option for a long ride is to head South through Malaysia and to Singapore.

 

But with so many great places to ride in Thailand, better to tour in Thailand now until borders open.

 

I have looked at the new Himalayan it's got 40hp although a bit heavy. I've seen reviews where the performance under 3000 is pretty damn sloppy. I need the low end torque I don't think the Himalayan will deliver. 

 

You're right about the borders..so for now I'm sticking to Thailand for this year.  I rode up to Bangkok and back on my ADV last weekend. 143km each way, no major problems although a lot easier getting out of Bangkok than getting in. 

[richard_smith237]

One point... Comfort...  you're going to be in the saddle a long time.

 

So... is something like the CRF and Suzi DR-650 going to be too uncomfortable for long rides ? 

(though you could modify the seat of course).

 

Whereas the Himalayan maybe more comfortable for longer rides.

 

With regards to 'low end torque'... where are you thinking you may need that ?

Carrying weight and getting up a river bank or something similar ?

Edited February 2 by richard_smith237