I am the original 'Uneasy Rider' .. not especially blessed with much natural motorcycling talent, nor am I a particularly courageous motorcycle rider.
Nevertheless I went 'Right Way Round' New Zealand (at least twice) followed by a wonderful ride around Australia.

Then it was up to southeast Asia, around Indo-China, across southern Central Asia to the Middle East, Asia Minor .. and finally into Europe.

Right Way Round - all the way home .. from New Zealand to England, 2-up on a Honda Transalp.

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PROGRESS SO FAR - Distance covered across Western Europe: 6,411 km [3,984 miles] - as at Thursday, October-22nd, 2015

The Bike

Honda XL650V Transalp - First registered in Auckland, New Zealand, on the 4th November 2005 

Purchased by me s/h on 8th December 2006 - with just 2,376 km (1,476 miles) recorded on the odometer

barely run-in!

Classification summary: A middleweight V-twin 'dual sport' adventure machine - i.e. road tourer & trail bike - renowned for its combination of (a) versatility and; (b) astonishing dependability and durability.

Specifications:-
Engine spec:                            6v V-twin, 5 gears
Engine size:                             647cc
Engine oil capacity:                  2.3 litres (2.0 Imp qt)
Cooling system:                       Liquid cooled
Coolant capacity:                     Approximately 2.0 litres
Dry Weight:                             192kg (423 lbs)
Curb weight:                            212kg (467 lbs)

Power:                                    55bhp
Torque:                                   41ftlb
Top speed:                              177 km/h (110mph)
¼-mile acceleration:                12 secs

Fuel capacity:                          19.6 litres (4.3 UK gallons)
Average fuel consumption:       16.2 km/l (46 mpg)
Tank range:                             320 km (199 miles)
 
Front tyre size:                        90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size:                         120/90 x 17
Front tyre pressure (cold)         29psi (2.00 bar), Rider and pillion
Rear tyre pressure (cold):         34psi (2.30 bar), Rider and pillion

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For full specifications: click here