What is Motorcycle Touring? & What do you need to know about it?

Im frequently lectured or asked questions about what constitutes a motorcycle tour and what kind of bike/equipment/ planning etc, is required. The truth is bike touring doesn't have to be a grand and expensive affair. I do however have a few tips that may make it more successful and enjoyable for you.
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PATREON / stuartfillingham
#motorcycletouring

[@TheBugsplat]

I have sold my Bonneville and am waiting on delivery of a 350 Meteor, I look at it as having more money for petrol (100ish MPG) and better comfort, Now I can do more "adventures" as I head towards 70, Most of my "touring" involves a toothbrush and change of underwear and B n B or bunkhouses,Don't really want to go overseas as the UK has so much I haven't seen yet.

[@STho205]

You are doing the wise thing by trading for a lighter bike. At 57 I moved down to a last year Honda CB250 barely used (similar HP and petrol mileage ar the new RE 350). A 300 lb bike was much easier to deal with in rough gravel roads and pushing about a campsite than the bigger Triumph as I aged, upper body strength goes a bit. Now at 60 having put 40k on the bike in three+ years, I have never regretted the decision. Just make sure you have a nice seat. A custom saddle makes all the difference for long trips on small basic bikes.

[@earlebacciochi9796]

THE VOICE OF COMMON SENSE 👍.Well said, tiredness and stress is no way to ride a motorcycle ❤

[@conduiredanslesud]

I'm a French viewer and I feel attacked :') You should seriously consider a road trip in France. We have some amazing landscapes and food. People are nice outside of Paris! I've personally been "touring" on my little orcal 125cc and I agree with your vision. I just took the A2 license exam though, and I'm looking at royal enfields (that's how I found your channel). Anyway, I love your videos, they're very relaxing to watch. Keep them coming!

[@TheXeroid]

Don't feel attacked, I suspect uncles Stu's tongue was firmly in his cheek when he made that statement. Tongue in cheek means not 100% the belief of the person making a statement. Yes you do have beautiful areas in France. I have explored many of them. Keep on touring on your Orcal.

[@stuartfillingham]

I love the French people really (not tongue in cheek)

[@markellott5620]

France is brilliant for motorcycle roads. I love the place. And always plan for a lengthy lunch stop.

[@wakajawaka44]

Mark Ellott I live in SW France and I ride a motorcycle here. The roads are fantastic for motorcycling and in my opinion are in far better condition than British roads! French bikers are very friendly but I guess they are the whole world over. Part of why we ride motorcycles.

[@markellott5620]

@@wakajawaka44 I lived near Lodeve for a couple of years.

[@mutley5272]

So true Stuart. ‘Ride for yourself and not others’ sticks in my mind. And motorcycles are about enjoying the journey, way too many people forget that and resort to sausage waving instead. Thanks for the video.

[@brianperry]

I frequently watch Jay Leno, he's right when he says 'sometimes you just want to go for a ride'. After watching Stu's video I rode one of my favourite roads, stopped off at the Spanish version of 'Biker Cafe' coffee and tapas...(very popular weekend watering hole)... Great!..

[@tpelle2]

I had the strangest thing happen to me while watching this video. I was listening to your narration of what, to you, constitutes motorcycle touring, but I was also enjoying the scenery and became absorbed in picking the line along that stony road on which you were riding. At one point another motorcyclist came along riding a red adventure bike, and as he approached he gave the "universal motorcycle wave", lifting his left hand off of the handlebar. I found myself lifting my left hand up from hovering near the keyboard and automatically returning his wave! I had to laugh out-loud at myself!

[@sirgalah561]

Its a universal thing then.. The wave.. In Australia we either wave or nod the helmet..

[@OldSkoolBiker62]

​@@sirgalah561 Same here in the UK.. I usually put my hand up if their is a pack of bikes.. easier than nodding your head up and down like a nutter.. (Crazy person). 😂 🏍....... 🤟😎

[@johnmacdonald1878]

I wave unless my clutch paw is busy then I nod. I ride on the right.

[@newlife155]

I have chuckled at the habit of the hand signals ,we're all together while on the road but when crossing on foot in a parking lot we are like feral dogs, not so friendly. Only me I guess.

[@jerhughes500]

I “signed up” to a road trip around a section of British Columbia. When I received an itinerary via email stating what I needed to bring, a list of personal details to be filled in, where we would be stopping to eat or even just for a coffee, I withdrew my name immediately. Freedom of the open road obviously wasn’t in this organisors thoughts. If you’re lucky enough to be able to travel with very like minded friends, that’s great. If not, just go it alone and enjoy the ride and complete freedom that that gives you. Great video again Stuart, the less bs the better. 👍

[@ccooper8785]

Absolutely correct! Freedom of choice is always important. Unfortunately for me the best place to stop is always 5, 10 or 20 miles ago... Indecision is terrible (or is it?)....

[@stevet599]

I'm in Northern British Columbia... if you're ever here, give me a shout and we can go for a putter around... Admittedly the days / mileage can be long if you're "travelling" but when "touring", I agree, it's more about stopping and smelling the roses whenever you want. I usually have rough route and direction in mind but I've never pre-booked campsites or motels as it creates too much pressure on where and when you go...

[@jerhughes500]

@@stevet599 I'm in Victoria, bikeless at the moment unfortunately, but hope to be back on two wheels soon. Where are you? I have family scattered over the Okanagan, Vernon, Revelstoke and Salmon Arm. Were you affected by the wildfires?

[@stevet599]

@@jerhughes500 I'm in Kitimat. Looks like you should know some of the best roads in BC. Never had a problem finding small motels in the towns you mentioned - but you've got family there anyway (good or bad?🤔) If you want to touch base you might find me on the Triumphforum (Steve T) SORRY, I know this isn't a "forum" as such 😉

[@sscbkr48]

Some are truly free spirits, others need definition to be free.. Words are bad because they rope you into a thought. Once roped you're no longer free. 😁

[@hugostare8695]

Great advice Stuart. My first holiday alone in 1977 age 17 on my 175 D7 BSA Bantam around the west country was one of the best times of my life. No tent, no sleeping bag, I just had a big polythene bag that a 3 ft mattress was delivered in. ( I worked in a furniture shop). Used to crawl in it at night and sleep with my helmet on when it was raining. 60 years old now and I`d do it again tommorrow if I didn`t have family commitments...

[@chynasparks1]

Hello from Texas USA. I came across your channel. I want to tell you how liberating this video is. I haven’t ridden in a very long time. So long that I feel I’m a beginner again. I’m researching for a purchase and I’ve been watching those videos you talk about. Most of this videos have you in the cockpit of the bike and that’s what you see. They go miles and miles. They don’t stop, or perhaps they don’t put those stops in their videos. Your interpretation of touring is exactly how it should be in my opinion. There’s a phenomenon of travel that the RVers have of doing tasks and leisure in the least amount of space as possible. This is the feeling I get from these groups that travel great distances in a day. I watch and I think to myself I just couldn’t do all that, it looks grueling. Thinking maybe motorcycling has passed me by. Anyone trying to get into motorcycling, or back into it after a very long absence should listen to this video. Thank you. Enjoy your travels.

[@chrisc5275]

The “regimental” regime that you described isn’t only unpleasant and not entertaining but also bloody dangerous. If you’re so fatigued that you can’t enjoy the destination then you’re probably too tired to be safe.

[@Barnie104]

I concur 100%

[@brianperry]

Absolutely, riding a motorcycle is far more fatiguing than driving a car.

[@jeffh8840]

It’s difficult to understand your negative comment. His thoughts come across the exact opposite to your interpretation.

[@chrisc5275]

@@jeffh8840 negative? Reread it. I agree with Stu all the way. In my experience if you’re being pushed to ride further than you want to you’re more likely to make errors in your riding and be a danger to yourself and others.

[@brianperry]

@@jeffh8840 Presumably this is aimed at Cris. Riding a motorcycle is undoubtable far more fatiguing, mainly because of the amount of awareness and concentration one needs at all times. You can get away with any number of silly minor mistakes in a car before it becomes and accident, a motorcycle doesn't lent itself very well to the above. Sure, one needs discipline when riding in a group, however being regimented mean you are complying not enjoying

[@andreVE4BK]

I’ll call a Bullseye on this one Uncle Stu!… I am actually planning a few touring trips on my Classic 500 in 2022. No extensive planning, “see what’s over that hill” type of touring. One trip in the U.K. and one on the continent… for starters. I plan to play it by ear and enjoy myself, probably on my own. 👍 Again, well done my friend.

[@jbreathe]

I buy 100% of your concept of touring. Ad horrible experience with buddies who travel just to ride rather than exploring. I hated it so much since then cheers to all solo riders.

[@timparry5028]

Hit the nail on the head Again Stuart. My wife and i toured europe for 3 weeks a number of years ago. No hotels booked and no itinery. Only a loose idea of the general route. Discovered so many amazing places that you would never have found otherwise. Stopped in places as long as we wanted and only rode the mileage that suited us. Fab holiday

[@SterlingNoren]

I really love this Stuart. I feel very similar about motorcycle touring and that's why I often ride solo these days. To me, most of the most memorable parts of a long trip are off of the motorcycle, when I am not riding and when I am in a group there is usually a lot of pressure to meet a certain objective in terms of mileage, etc. Riding solo without any fixed itinerary and being prepared to camp whenever and wherever I see fit is pure freedom.

[@n4zou]

Due to the passage of time I became an old man. I also retired so I had free time and reduced income. I wanted a light touring bike but manufacturers stopped building those in the early 1980's. I ended up building my own. I found a very low mileage Honda VLX 600 for not a lot of money. It's light and low so the seat allows me to swing my old leg over the seat easily. It's also one of the few motorcycles a 1970's era Windjammer fairing will fit on. After a visit to a motorcycle used parts lot I came away with an entire Craig Vetter Windjammer fairing, bag's, and trunk. I fabricated brackets to fit it to my bike and fitted it all on the bike. It turned out better than I expected! If moving I can stay dry when it's raining due to the wind tunnel tested design of the fairing, bag's, and trunk. Recently due to even more time passing I added a Velorex sidecar to it with great success. I have extended the time I can continue to ride motorcycles.

[@tombartram7384]

I seriously think that apostrophe s should be dropped from the English language as at LEAST half the population is clearly incapable of using it properly.

[@nealeburgess6756]

Glad you are still enjoying biking. I'm 66, about to retire, and hope to do some relaxed touring soon. And I agree. You don't need a new bike to go touring. My BMW K75 is 32 years old, and great for long distance touring. However, it is too heavy for me when heading off road. So I have bought a lightweight "project" that I hope will be good fun, and easier to handle (1969 Suzuki T200 Invader). I once had a Honda CX500 with a 1950s Watsonian single seat sidecar. It certainly got people's attention. However, sadly, I hated the cornering on a combination. I removed the sidecar, and had years of great riding on the solo bike.

[@direktorpresident]

@@tombartram7384 The trouble is that half of the population is of below average intelligence

[@stephenmundane]

Great video. Finding myself between jobs, I once rode my old bicycle the length of mainland UK over 3 months, visiting many interesting and beautiful places along the way and eating many a fine meal. I only went 20-30 miles a day, sometimes a lot less. The owner of one B&B I stayed in told me about another cyclist on an expensive carbon fibre road bike who'd arrived late in the day the week before, soaked to the skin. Upon arrival he immediately retired to his room and ate an evening meal of a pot noodle. He was doing a similar journey to mine, only in a week! Perhaps he only had a week off work, but I know who had the more enjoyable holiday. Not sure about the size of his man sausage as, thankfully, I didn't see him in his wet lycra.

[@gerrystockwell3]

At the age of 73 I have now decided to buy a Honda Forza 350 scooter with the view of loading the "Goose" and just leisurely tour, old school way.

[@mickaddey]

Brilliant, just brilliant Stuart ………. 10/10 . Couldn’t agree more , it’s supposed to be an experience, not an endurance.

[@adrianrouse5148]

Love taking trips on bikes. Age and comfort changing the trips I take. I no longer camp out with all the gear needed. So it's b&b and hotels. Booking all beforehand is to stressful so it's out of high periods. Using smaller bikes also helps with age. Agree with changing the itinerary. You go where you find fun . Nice scenery. Nice roads. Nice villages to explore. Stay a day or two if it's fun. Move on when your ready. Don't set destinations to far. Stop in time to get a evening meal and a walk before bed.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Human nature is so interesting. I actually agree with your sentiments 100%. However, I think people who have a bike classed as an “adventure” bike with all the bells and whistles (and weight) have probably fell into a marketing trap. But if they’re happy who is anyone to judge. We rush to fit into little tribes… example now is all the people on here wanting to fit into the tribe that matches into the ethos of your video. As seen by the rush of people all saying what small capacity bikes they ride on there gentle low mileage tours and aren’t we all clever because of it. Great video as always 👍👏

[@ashleyp3161]

Interesting comment. Birds of a feather flock together pat each other on the back and feel smug because their way is better than others. I think there are plenty of people who have fell into the modern retro marketing trap too. Does it matter ? Not sure. I suppose we are all just consumers and that includes KZbin videos. I suppose the trick is to consume what genuinely makes us happy and not what marketing tell us we need to be happy and what we can’t do without.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

@@ashleyp3161 Well said! Everyone enjoy what they enjoy.

[@garymasterson1174]

Stuart, as a sad middle-aged new rider who has done nothing more excessive than day trips, I have fallen into this trap! Thank you for the wisdom and for helping me find the pleasure in riding which I had inadvertently and unknowingly erased. ATVB.

[@phillipdavies6535]

You nailed it. I ride to enjoy the scenery, the pleasures of being set free like a bird. Stop and smell the country side, and apriciat the country side.

[@davideulivieri5138]

Well put. Most memorable tours of my 40+ years of motorcycling was across the USA and back on a Vespa 300 Gts and a tour of Costa Rica on a Stella 150 2 stroke. Minimal gear, maximum fun!

[@questionmarke]

Same. I've never owned a "proper" motorcycle, only a 150cc Bajaj Chetak (Vespa P series clone from India). But in my early 30s I rode that scooter 9,000 miles across the US and into Canada because 1) I didn't know any better and 2) that's all I had. And it amounts to one of the best memories of my life. For my next long ride I will choose something that can more readily keep up with traffic, but I have no regrets about my earlier travels and the bike I did them on.

[@ianberey3926]

So much truth here. In the past I’ve done some touring on a bicycle. It’s amazing what you consider to be essential kit, when you’re limited to 1 hp (human power).

[@donschneider3687]

Profound video Stuart . As a teenager, I rode my BSA Victor up and down the California coast for about a year doing weekend tours so to speak. My impetus for getting a motorcycle was an old American TV show called "then came Bronson" starring michael parks. ( Opening segment featured M. Parks pulling up alongside a businessman in a station wagon and the businessman asks Parks "where ya headed?" to which he answers "wherever I end up I guess!") That attitude always struck a chord with me, so I opted to buy my first motorcycle at 17 while stationed in Monterey California. I did a lot of solo touring as do you Stu, and I agree it beats riding with a group any day of the week!! If it were within my power, I'd grant you a PhD in motorcycling as you certainly deserve it!!! Keep those videos coming Stu, as I live vicariously through them for now. Perhaps a two wheeler is in my future, but for now I will continue to enjoy and look forward to your weekly promulgation of what riding is (or should be) about!!! Great job!

[@charlesharrison2248]

Bronson was a big influence for me as well,viewing from Ireland!,it was like a totally different world.i have maintained my motorcycles interest over the years on a selection of bikes,8 currently from 125 to 1800cc,enjoy them all,.

[@donschneider3687]

@@charlesharrison2248 Glad to hear I'm not the only fan of the show. Wish I had maintained my interest as did you Charles. Unfortunately, life happened and haven't had a bike since I sold my 1974 Norton Commando back in 1995. Ireland is on my bucket list to visit with the wife, hopefully in a year or two. Take care and ride safe Charles!! :)

[@davericketts9101]

Brilliant. I totally agree with every word in this video and it reflects exactly how I feel about motorcycle touring. I have just had a fabulous week on my bike, travelling from my home in Somerset to Scotland, without touching a motorway with overnight stops in country towns and seen some of the finest countryside the UK has to offer, including Yorkshire Stuart. No pressure, no stress, just me and the bike.

[@echochamber8350]

Couldn't agree more, Stuart 👍 For me, touring has always been about the journey - not about "hours in the saddle" or "miles covered", and definitely not about "the pics I shot" for Pete's sake! 😀

[@daveslastchance]

It's scary how you and I have reached the same conclusions about motorcycle riding. I rarely ride with others anymore because of the issues you highlight. And, it seems that many of my memories from trips that I have taken with others in my younger years center around the agony or danger we subjected ourselves to on those ill-planned trips. Men turn into hot dogs quickly when in a group. Now I ride alone.

[@derekwarner6898]

A slap with a cold wet fish for the dreamers and a dose of common sense for those thinking of extending their motorcycle experience, Stuart at his best yet again!!

[@swchall]

With you entirely Stuart - my wife and I recently left our larger bikes in the garage and went touring from the Wirral, up to the Highlands, on our Honda Monkey bikes. 1500 miles in total, it was absolutely brilliant. It has completely reshaped the way that we look at having fun, over pretty long distances, and tackling the infamous passes in the lake district and also bealach na ba - Which on the monkeys, were an absolute hoot

[@ossian1937]

If that was last week , I’m pretty sure I passed you round about Garve going in the opposite direction . I was heading back home to Plockton from Inverness. I remember thinking at the time how refreshing it was to see folk on wee bikes, just doing it for the cràic! I’ve got an old 77 BMW r100rs, but I’ve also had a lifelong affair with old manual shift, two stroke Vespas, so very much appreciate the ethos and fun to be had travelling around on small capacity bikes! 😎

[@davethebass3517]

I'm sure many of us on here know those who have been everywhere but seen nothing. Another great post :-)

[@donodell2231]

I just rode an Interceptor 650 from NYC to Lake George for Americade. I think you are spot on as the ride up was leisurely on smaller, less traveled roads while the return trip was on the interstate. The weather was favorable both days but the trip to Americade was much more enjoyable than the ride home. And yes I was on the smallest displacement bike and the Royal Enfield performed flawlessly. We camped for 3 nights and rode some while by Lake George (beautiful area) so I needed to pack accordingly. 2 40 ltr dry bags and a 20 ltr tank bag hauled my gear. Once again thanks for the videos as they have been helpful. Almost 4000 miles on the Interceptor 650 since May and I am actually quite happy with it. Thanks again, Donny O'Dell

[@CBR125ZoomZoom]

Well said. The message of motorcycle touring would be best said, (in my experience) to be one of living in the moment to get away from negativity of media, people, or whatever. Living in the moment is simply to become aware of one’s environment and things one would usually be too busy to notice or enjoy. Glad you mentioned 125cc for touring as I bought one last year. Camping in Alberta is literally for the rich now. $35 per night forces people to abandon paid campsites. But ebike camping towing a tent trailer makes it a necessity to recharge batteries. Hoping to do my first ebike/tent trailer trip this year as well as motorcycle hammock camping to test out my home made 30 pound tent trailer which has been used for two years of back yard camping. New tent for it this year. 😎👍

[@fonso1961]

Well said Stuart I totally agree the aim of motorcycle touring is to enjoy yourself and the environment. I have the large adventure bike and it can be very demanding for a 60 year old but the wife and I fully enjoy leisurely bimbleing around the beautiful countryside and staying in hotels, like you said its a holiday 👍

[@nickbrown3232]

Agreed. I love touring on the bike, nearly always here in UK. Never more than 100 mile days, with lots of stops to enjoy the day. I always detour motorways, and stay away from the popular routes. I once rode to the Octoberfest with some work mates, I was last rider. They abandoned me in pouring rain, in the dark, on a autobahn intersection when my bike stopped. The short ride out following day was just short of 500kms. The visit to festival following day is a total blur, not because I was drunk, but knackered. I now always ride by myself, or with my lad.

[@beardydog5587]

The beauty of night shifts. First to view!! Just to say I've thoroughly enjoyed your content over the past few months as I enter the world of the Bullet. Keep up the great work 👍👊

[@QuasiMotard]

Perfectly stated, sir... particularly regarding small-displacement motorcycles! Touring on smaller bikes allows (forces) you to slow down and enjoy the scenery instead of rushing through it to reach a particular destination. The process of getting to the destination becomes the adventure, so you're not so focused on the endpoints... enjoy the NOW and not focus on the end of the ride. I recently completed a 9600+ mile trip around the USA on my little Honda Super Cub C125 for the Scooter Cannonball Run. I knew in advance that the 10-day, 4500+ mile Cannonball ride would be a brutal flogging, and I wasn't disillusioned where that was concerned. The prescribed route for the Cannonball was fast and furious, so I didn't plan ANYTHING regarding the routes to/from the start and endpoint of the event. My routes to/from the event consisted of slower back roads and scenic byways, and I enjoyed lots of moto-camping throughout. It was a truly epic journey. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM

[@stephenheaton8205]

Well said that man! Im about to set off on my first tour up to Keswick in the Lake District , tent on board,at the grand old age of 60 on my shiny new ktm duke 390 despite all the advice that one needs a huge german tractor for the job. Looking forward to the probably very wet adventure. Keep up the excellent content see you out there one day possibly

[@darrellmeganfoxall8830]

Not a truer word spoken, another outstanding video.. Thank you so much.. 👍👍👍👍

[@Krishnakumar.C19]

Your video saved me from Monday blues. After watching your video, I believe I captured some of your thoughts on what I want, don't want during motorcycle touring. Lovely presentation. Your voice makes me to listen it again and again. Good selection of music as well. Learned a lot from you. Thank you bud. Lots of love and respect from Tamil Nadu ( India).

[@christianb.4726]

Me, 55 years young from Germany, back from a walk with my dog, hearing your experiences, can only whitness/confirm your sentences. Best wishes from the lower-rhine-area.

[@thundergar]

Excellent advice and really reassuring. Stuart confirms all my secret feelings about riding solo, massive touring bikes, and trying to tour on a rigid schedule. One of my most memorable rides was the Blue Ridge Parkway on a 'little' Enfield Himalayan. Maximum enjoyment out of every mile is the objective, not speed.

[@peterowen6055]

Bike time is my time. Ride on my own, stop when I want, just have a very loose idea of where I am going and when I’ll return. You meet interesting people this way and find the best places to stay at minimal cost. I think the new RE 350 classic due here shortly will be a cracking choice of bike for trips 😎 (the red chrome one looks fab).

[@TimothyMarkSmith]

Another master class from Uncle Stu, absolutely spot on. The reason I watch this channel is for the very bare bones approach to things and of course the Yorkshire humor.😉

[@HippieBiker1369]

So right you are, I ride to have solitude from daily anxiety, simple enjoyment, and seeing the countryside and new sights. Keep the videos coming Stuart. Too many are in a rush.

[@davidhandbury4286]

Lot of time for your videos and comments. Finding the right people in life to spend time with is what it’s about.

[@MarkN67]

I've just come across this video and within a few minutes found myself nodding like a dash board dog! My first bike trip was with a few mates in 1985 on my Honda CB250RS when we caught the Weymouth to Cherbourg Sealink ferry and spent the week in Normandy camping. Great times riding along the coast road, eating bread and cheese, drinking beer and generally having a laugh.

[@TheTXRanger]

Great video Uncle Stu! I am currently on a three day tour around Southern California, Death Valley and Lake Tahoe on my Interceptor. No grueling itinerary, no Hi-viz onesie, no aluminum panniers, and no support vehicles for the hair and make up crew! I’m just out enjoying riding my motorcycle across an amazing part of the United States. That, to me, is motorcycle touring!

[@richardcollins586]

I’ve just recently started watching Freddie Dobbs on KZbin. Young lad and his girlfriend and a Bonnerville and the simple joys of touring. He’s only under 20k subs, though he has enthusiasm and passion for what he’s trying to do.

[@yokosugaya949]

Started watching him myself. Love his enthusiasm

[@beardydog5587]

Its a great little series of videos!

[@Barnie104]

I love watching his videos to sent one to my mum of his trip to Isle of Wight where my Grandparents had a holiday home.

[@chrisbailey600]

Brilliant Stuart. Totally agree. Once again the voice of ‘simple’ common sense …. something which I feel sadly is missing in so much of the (motorcycling) world we live in. Safe riding and best wishes Chris

[@nickmcclellan8856]

Its so true, mile munchers pay attention. Its not the daily distance that counts and riding alone does attract people on campsites.

[@bobreader215]

Absolutely spot on. I am so tired of hearing how wonderful someone is because they can cover vast distances on their “holiday”.

[@iivaridark6850]

Yes. This is very good thinking! People do something in order to prove something, not only to enjoy things and their own experiences. They also try to push each others to a certain categories or in a frame, and those who do not accept it are bullied. Don't ask me how I know...

[@billverdon2085]

Absolutely agree with you, Stuart. I love motorcycle touring and usually alone often on old British machines from my youth (1950's). As you so rightly say it should be a stress free adventure and in my case I rarely plan anything, just see what happens! Love all your videos.

[@DaveBoatBuilder]

Also, a gentleman I worked with toured half the UK on a Vespa

[@AussieTKLOCKS]

As someone who is interested in motorcycle touring, I am thankful for this video. I often notice myself, as a still new motorcyclist, trying to go for a higher and higher "score" in regards to riding. Perhaps my focus is wrong. Maybe the achievement isn't in me making several hundred miles in a day, but rather the achievement lies in practicing an exhilarating hobby and having fun with friends. Thank you for the video Stu and thank you for your videos on Triumph Bonneville's specifically :) .

[@SoloBlack313]

i live in Detroit, Michigan, back in May I went to Chicago from Detroit on my 2001 Honda Shadow ACE750, that's a 350 mile. 4 hour one way trip. Some people could not believe I rode my Honda ACE750! So I had to remind them that not long ago the 750cc motorcycle was the big daddy of displacement, and that every things changes not you up 2500cc bike, but you can still take a trip on a smaller cc bike....wow I blow their minds with that statement...Lol. Love the video's, keep em coming, and I will keep watching!...stay well my friend!

[@peterflaherty3473]

Me thinks ones called Adventure Touring and tuthers called Touring which ever floats ya boat.

[@critterIMHO]

Great advice. This is why I ride alone on back roads at a relaxed pace, and stop wherever I feel like stopping. It makes me happy.

[@TheLifeBoothCourse]

“Gentleman’s sausage measuring holiday” 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve been riding for 3 years. Always wanted to surface travel to Istanbul (cross the bridge and Asia for the first time) from the UK and just got back from a 4500 mile round trip a few weeks ago. Had 3 weeks to do it and raised £3500 for a mental health charity. I had a major mental health issue a couple of years ago that had been 20 years in the making, and motorcycling was a huge part of my therapy. For me it was about soloing a trip like that to prove I could do it - to open doors in my life again. Whilst there were elements of mile munching, I did see some amazing places and meet incredible people - but I also missed so much too. BUT for me it was about the art of the possible, and now I’ve done it I can’t wait for slower travels to incredible places. I’m a filmmaker by profession and people kept asking me if I was going to do a documentary. I didn’t want to on this one because it would have taken so much more time and effort to do it, but also this one was for me - not to turn it into too much of an external thing. Was it a relaxing trip? Yes and no. I did it on my 2005 T100 - and having just watched your video on “why I’d never get a big touring bike” I couldn’t agree more - my bike never missed a beat and opened up so many conversations with people, which for me is what touring is all about 😊

[@nathanhenry4214]

I'm just happy to have found this channel. I have been watching for almost two years and have learned a lot about motorcycles and a few other things. I look forward to your next video.

[@hunyango2k]

Well said sir, this is the best take i’ve ever heard and the most sensible one on how you should do touring.

[@robertlindstrom540]

Made the mistake once, a long time back to go on a tour with friends of friends. We started out as a group of four and came back two and two, at different times and having done different routes. Never again, this taught me the same lesson that you point out in your video. The organiser soon showed himself to be on some kind of a superman jaunt so I dropped out after the first day mainly not to have to resort to violence. One of the other guys had come to the same conclusion so he and I jumped off and made our own trip. And had a great time after the split. Good advice once again, mr F.

[@greggbrassett6989]

I think you’d enjoy riding with me and my children. We use our sidecar outfit when it’s all of us, and we share your take on motorcycle touring. We’re into taking in the scenery and enjoying the places we travel through and to. And I can’t speak for my children, but I even slow down so my journey isn’t over too soon, because I love the riding part. We’ve never been ones for sticking to, or even making itineraries. I enjoyed long way round, but it was its own thing, not what the rest of us do, or can do, or would do. I would feel defeated if I needed a garage on my tour, let alone a support crew in a 4x4 with the majority of my gear in it. Great video as usual.

[@tonygreenbank8611]

Stuart, I couldn't agree more with you on this. now in my 70s I've done many Europe trips with mates. But the one trip that stands out was when in my late 20s, I'd been doing a lot of hangliding so I didn't have a bike. I'd sold out of a company and had a few quid and needed a few months out. I decided to set of on a bike trip where I wanted to go, when I wanted, A car dealer mate had a CG125 Honda he'd taken in part ex, so I bought it and off I went. On my own I toured every country in Europe as and when I wanted. After a couple of months I met up with my Girlfriend in the south of France and came back through the alps 2 up. When we go back the bike had done 7k miles and not missed a beat. I even sold it at a good profit.

[@SportsterXL1200S]

Great advice! Totally agree with it. Especially on carefully choosing with who you take a journey. I rather remember the amazing scenery and people I met along the way, then the moments of frustration with fellow riders (those memories will indeed stick). One tip from my side: Try to plan as little as possible. If you only plan one or two must-see things for a one or two week trip, you will have all the freedom to let the scenery, weather and mood guide you. I best remember those trips where I left from the Netherlands to go to Norway, while ending up in the Swiss and Italian Alps -- just because weather conditions shifted. :)

[@hartley383]

Good video Stuart. Its horses for courses, some like to ride with a rough destiantion and sort out digs on the hoof. For others that adds stress and the security of knowing where youre staying that night helps them enjoy the trip. Im on a few bike related forums and social media groups and a question, or rather the answers to the question that never fail to surprise me is when someone new to touring asks. "How many miles a day should i do?" The person asking the question is asking as theyve little experience so can be forgiven for asking that. What shocks me is how many supposedly experienced people come back with definitive number. I can only assume they ride the same road on every journey they do. Ive ridden a 500-600 mile day and covered it with ease, ive also ridden a 150 mile day and been absolutly shattered. My response is, work out roughly how many hours you wish to do in the saddle, actual riding time, ignore mileage. Its obvious. 4 hrs on a K1600 on a French motorway (not you of couse) will cover a lot more miles than 4 hrs riding a Himalayan in the Swiss Alps.

[@nbo9092]

Stuart, I am so happy to have found you on the you tube. I have already watched few of your videos and will watch them all. I think you are amazing and providing lots of sensible advise for other bikers. I love UK. and seeing your videos brings me back all of those wonderful memories of my rides in those country roads. Keep up with the hard work you are doing and thank you very much. Nasser

[@williamgregory6684]

A gentlemans sausage measuring competition. Uncle Stu, you have such a way with words! Outstanding!!!!

[@goan2]

Perfect! Love your efforts in putting the right thoughts in one's mind. Just like "Life" is to be lived as per one's personal choice so also is biking

[@stuartfillingham]

Absolutely!

[@279Auto]

I absolutely love this channel. Going to take a long time to see all the videos, but it is always something to look forward to. This one in particular was near and dear to my heart.

[@philliphinkle2812]

I’ve enjoyed watching your videos. I love the message in this one. I’ve ridden with some folks that feel like miles ridden is the goal over the ride and adventure itself. I enjoy seeing the sights and experiencing the locations. Keep up the great videos.

[@dudesayingthings]

I love that you've put video of your actual rides as the video for your talk. I love that type of video.

[@markymarknj]

Stuart, Here in the US, one of the motorcycling magazines had an article about a guy who toured across the US on a Honda Rebel 250! He stayed off the Interstates (freeways or motorways there), of course, but he made it work. He rode the old Rebel 250 from Georgia or Alabama to Las Vegas, Nevada. When he got to Vegas, he sold the bike. I'm contemplating tours on my RE Meteor 350, believe it or not. I LOVE THAT BIKE! I say that as someone who's owned like 10-12 bikes before the Meteor, including a Kawasaki ZRX1100. As powerful a machine as the ZRX was, I never felt like I could relax and enjoy the ride; I felt like I was riding a cranky, temperamental thoroughbred looking to toss me at the slightest provocation. On my Meteor, I can juse ENJOY THE RIDE! Isn't that what it's all about? I'll have to keep the Meteor off the Interstates, of course (unless it's for a short distance to bypass an unsafe neighborhood), but the Interstates, like your motorways, aren't very interesting. If I were to pick a perfect touring bike, it would be a Yamaha Seca 750 or a Honda Nighthawk 750 with a windshield. My luggage would consist of soft, removable throwover saddlebags and perhaps a backpack strapped to the pillion seat. A Nighthawk 750 is big enough and powerful enough to use any road, but it's light enough to be manageable in stop/go city traffic. As wonderful a bike as the Goldwing is, it's simply too big and heavy; you might as well take the car! I dated someone who'd ridden pillion on a Goldwing, and she said that it was like a two wheeled car. To me, that's the antithesis of what motorcycling is all about. Anyway, I'm totally on the same page as you when it comes to touring. You don't need a big, fancy bike; any bike accessible to you will do. The guy who wrote "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" rode across the US on a Honda CB77, which was a 305cc bike. Plus, he carried his son and a bunch of stuff! They didn't cross the US in record time-far from it; that said, they eventually got to where they were going. Frankly, I don't see the point of a big, heavy touring bike that needs an electric motor to reverse. GTFOOH! I just scratched my head when I read that about the Honda Goldwing years ago. I just subscribed to help you out. Keep the great content coming! Cheers... :)

[@abhijeets292]

I agree with your viewpoint Mr. Stuart, the essense of motorcycling & touring is that it brings joy to you, I own a humble 100cc motorcycle on which I've been riding for years and covered over 1.5 lakh kilometers creating lovely memories, and every time I ride it, I still feel the same joy that I felt when I first rode it! I also agree that going solo lets you to take the road less taken and bask in the best of the places you visit. As a gesture of goodwill for the effort you take to create these videos, I watch all the ads most of the time without skipping to support your motorcycling endeavors, I hope this helps you!🙂 With love from India!

[@KevinKeller-aka-Chef]

I’ve gone on 3 trips with friends over the past two years of a total of 10,000 miles. We’re all on different bikes (me a T-120, a friend on a GS 1200 and another on a rented Harley). We take our time, never do more than 250 miles a day, stop lots, enjoy the scenery, do wine tastings, camp some, airbnb some, hipcamp some, spend multiple nights in some places and enjoy seeing places we’ve never seen. The latest took us up the CA/OR coast, through Washington’s wine region, to Glacier National park and back. It was amazing. We’ve now hit all of the western states and now plan to see the middle and east of the country.

[@manuellopezfranco707]

I live in the center of Spain, in Segovia, a very old city. It means that I can go to all Spain with no more than 700 kms to do. In a big a wonderful country like Spain it's a pleasure to use the secundary roads and discover the big cultural treasures and the nice food everywhere with a nice weather and very nice people. Congratulatios for your channel and excuse my English, I think it´s a little rusted.

[@haroldwalters9626]

Truer words were never spoken! Solo traveler and love every minute of it. Group rides are work and frustration most of the time, not the kind of holiday I'm interested in.

[@martinmountford5024]

I realise you probably wont have time to read this but just rewatched this one and it is brilliant .I did virtually the same tour as your Yorkshire jaunt on a totally unsuitable bike if the GS brigade are to be believed. I was on Triumph Street Tripe complete with luggage and pillion.It was the last tour I did with my missus before she passed away,it was brilliant and a real motorcycle tour which me and Nel loved.Thanks Martin

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and me and our kid did ride to Mongolia and back in 2006, on BMW GS 1150 adventures and It was 15,000 miles in 8 weeks - no back up. Thoroughly enjoyed it but it was hard as we were doing 400 miles a day, every day rain or shine.

[@jonquirk]

As a backpacker I have tried the twenty litre challenge, carrying everything required for a hike with an overnight stop in a twenty litre pack. I am looking forward to trying something similar, maybe with a thirty litre limit, on my first bike, which I collect tomorrow.

[@Fred-zc8lt]

How did it go Jon Quirk?

[@ianpotter5840]

Thanks Stuart for your brave and honest video. You are so right, there’s no need to prove anything to anyone, just ride for yourself and have a great time. Thanks for putting your head above the parapet for our benefit🙂

[@mototakahe836]

Enjoyed and agreed with everything said in the video. I appreciated your tongue in cheek comment on our favourite enemies. In my real life I moved abroad , no hardships, full time holiday in retirement. Motorcycling great roads when I wish, generally in the sunshine, often with delightful French people who have been so welcoming during my 10 years in France.Following 2 routes 1200 GS and an Interceptor.I love them both.

[@michaelparker2933]

You absolutely have this right Stuart. Motorcycle touring should be what WE want it to be and not what someone else thinks it should be. I had an off week from chemotherapy last week and felt good enough to load up my bike and hit the road for 4 days. I covered 600 miles and that was ideal for me and just the right mix of riding and time spent at my destinations. My Speed Twin was excellent for the trip and the SW Motech luggage performed flawlessly. California's Central Coast is spectacular and because I was alone with no agenda, I was able to enjoy time in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Francisco. A perfect trip and exactly what I wanted and just what you described in this video. Nice work Stuart.

[@ironcast]

Stuart, in 1974 my friend and I did an around the US trip of 9300 miles. We basically had no itinerary. We spent about 38 days from the time we left until we returned home. My friend rode a 1973 Honda CB450 twin and I rode a 1973 Honda CB500 4 cylinder. Oh yes, we camped most of the time and probably stayed in motels or with friends on about 8 of those days. I left home with $500 in traveler's checks and $60 in cash. I returned home with $60 cash.

[@psy-boparadox3416]

Stuart, I'm glad you don't watch much KZbin , that's a part reason why your videos stand out from the noise. I LOVE everything about your videos. Presentation is authentic and unmatched. I especially love your accent 😋

[@stuartfillingham]

I appreciate that!

[@gretchensghost]

Nail hit firmly on head. Although I have to admit the last time I hit Le Continent I was a head down arse up chap. The sheer size of the place just excited me. I revelled in 400 mile days. That's 400 miles in a straight line!! No doubling back. Jaysus!! Coming from Ireland, where 250 miles is long enough to hit a shore line, I found it brilliant to just keep going and going and going. Saying that, I also spent 15 days on the west and south coasts of Ireland just meandering in and out of side roads and borreens. Your set up with the Bullet does appeal and I have an itch to buy myself one when funds and matrimonial harmony allows. The Wild Atlantic Way and an Enfield to slow tour? Sounds perfect.

[@johnhill8529]

I tour with a very good friend. We set off at the same time every day and then ride our own rides. We have similar and different interests so will stop at different and sometimes the same places. The only thing we plan together is where our night stop will be and sometimes something we want to see together. Once we stop for the night we catch up on our days and what we’ve seen. We’ve done this for 25 years, all around the UK and Europe. It works for us, occasionally others come with us and we all ride our own rides each day. It takes all the push and stress out of it and in the evening our wine consumption is accompanied by the recounting of each other’s day. And you’re right about MotoGeo, I tour on the same Scrambler he does, his films show his interest in people and their locations almost as well as Attenborough showing the lives of a group of animals. This is one of your best and most practical videos so far. Bloody well done!

[@yokosugaya949]

This is the best way to travel. Ride your own ride, then meet up in the evening for a few beers

[@hoojamaflicks]

I agree. I do tours mostly in France and Spain, and some of my guidelines are: usually max 3 hours actual riding a day - lots of stops and long lunches and taking in places, rarely more than 3 days in a row riding without a day off, plenty of late rising, usually at hotel for the night by 5 ish so I can enjoy the destination for the evening and relax. if it's a multi week trip, a good 3-4 days break in the middle. having done trips with other riders, mostly now go solo, because finding someone who wants to do the same pace etc as you is difficult. works for me. end up getting back more refreshed than when I left.

[@alessandromarsella4009]

Thank you. Finally I have heard words of wisdom. I have been saying the same things, more or less, for years, and I am really pleased to have watched and taken in all that you have said. It is true, I have been riding for 50+ years and have tried to join in with other motorcyclists, the results are that I ride alone. Again thank you. Ride safe.

[@darrinslack1269]

I`ve got the ability to read up on touring done in the 1940`s 50`s 60`s around the world ,and not on super huge adventure bikes but on various small capacity lambretta`s ,what I`ve understood from reading the books and articles is exactly what you`ve pointed out

[@Katy_Jones]

I can confidently state we've seen more of the country touring on a 1968 Lambretta than someone on a big bruiser blasting from A to B. Ok, partly because we have spent a lot of time sat by the side of the road or trying to bodge something outside a tiny garage in the middle of nowhere but it all counts.

[@darrinslack1269]

the one you should read up on is the world tour on a model D lambretta or stan mott`s world tour on a go kart ,old motorcycle magazines back in the 50`s would have articles monthly on touring giving maps and places to visit ,another good point to make is a lot of the motorcycle companies had organised tours all over europe

[@Katy_Jones]

@@darrinslack1269 I've got a lot of copies of Scooter and three wheeler magazine, lots of great stuff in them. There's also "I see by my outfit" by Peter Beagle and "Two up" by Micheal Marriot and more recent is "Vroom with view" and "Vroom by the sea" by peter Moore. All good reads.

[@antgee9215]

Well said Stu, an old mate of mine used to tour 2 up on his old Norton Dominator with a few bags strapped on and a washing up bowl on his rack with all his stuff in with an elasticated cover over it, this what you're supposed to have has all got too much.

[@_JimS]

Stuart: ....."because it's full of French people" Me: blowing my morning coffee over my keyboard and monitor....... Dammit Uncle Stu! LOL!

[@petechacorta1588]

I really loved that part xD

[@samarthgajakosh]

Having a 125cc commuter as a means of touring in India is looked down upon, which I never really understood by the way. I can cruise at 75 Kmph comfortably on the highway which is enough for me to relax and enjoy the passing by world as a student once in a while. You are good at what you are doing on this channel Stuart, I really am starting to appreciate motorcycling since I discovered you. Cheers!

[@snowgoose9322]

Stu, The Bullet is almost all loaded up for a 2-3 day excursion to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Funny how it was easy to resist the urge for a pre-dawn departure to avoid urban commuter traffic, rather have another cup of coffee and watch this video. This will be the first 'excursion' on the Bullet, having finally added the last little bits to hold the overnight kit. All told, it may rack up a whopping 3-400 miles. And yes, I have routinely gone 300 miles before breakfast on many occasions during a dozen cross-country rides. (Thankfully, the gentleman's sausage recovers from the flattening, with no long term shrinkage, which I can ill-afford.) I am looking forward to a few days at 45 MPH with lots of stops. I also anticipate delays due to folks asking about the bike, as well. I typically travel solo, as well. On the BMW I go too far and too long for most and with the Bullet I'll probably go too slow and stop too often. It works just fine.

[@chipsteiner9128]

What a hilarious video and also spot on the money! I've commented on one of your other videos about touring Europe some 50 odd years ago on a 500cc BSA Royal Star. Unknowingly, I followed pretty much all your advice although I took it a step or two further. I had no time schedule and no itinerary at all. All I wanted to do was ride around Europe. I bought the bike in London, dithered around the countryside getting the hang of the bike (and riding on the left!), then crossed the channel and wandered around until I ran out of money. Sometimes I camped, sometimes stayed in tiny hotels in tiny towns. Met beautiful people everywhere but always traveled alone. My only bad experience was attempting a German Autobahn--scary as hell and not a place for that modestly powered BSA. But I never got to the Scandinavian countries. Maybe someday...

[@vikassharma-hq3pm]

Very beautifully explained what motorcycling touring is Do rides to make u happy relaxed no to achieve a goal or get over tired . Rode alone or someone whom u r close Very beautifully explained.

[@willelm88]

This is treat advice, Uncle Stu! every biker my age should watch it and take it to heart. Keep on bimbllng!

[@MrJpb2000]

Another great video Stuart and couldn’t agree more with everything said 👊

[@alank808]

AMen! you are spot on. I been riding 62 yrs. From Cushman scooters thru Harley, BMW to lg. Sport touring bikes. The costly lessons we learn as we age thru riding.

[@etiennelouw9244]

I live in Cape Town, South Africa and I am doing motorcycle touring. I started by visiting all the smaller towns and villages close to me, I totally enjoyed this and slowly going further and further, but always getting home the same day. Soon I will have to sleep over as the distance gets longer. Sometimes I hear about interesting places so I go there too. I ride a Honda NC750XD.

[@alexsmall6850]

I've just bought a 25 year old Kawaski ZZR600 as a hack bike for work. After recently changing careers later in life, I now work for the NHS and due to parking issues where I live, a bike makes sense again. Intially got a 98 Triumph Sprint 900 EX off a friend for next to nothing to recommisson, but it turns out it has a couple of stuck exhaust valves... So that has been put on the back burner for a little while. Hence the ZZR. . So... I got the ZZR, (location down here in Cornwall is almost as important as price,) the ZZR covered both well being less than 10 miles away. I'm getting used to the tiny riding position, but it has brought back riding pleasure. Yes, it will travel at warp speed, but it goes slowly really well, sits at 70 easily, and is fun in the corners on the way to work. 10 years ago, I used to visit friends up the line on my 88 Yamaha FZ600, perhaps up to 300 miles a day. Trying to avoid Motorways when possible. It was fast, but not that fast. Later this year in either August or September, I'm going to visit friends and family in the Northeast on the ZZR. No pressure, no stricted deadlines, just me and the bike. Simple touring at price of less than £1000 for bike with 11 months MOT. Great content, thank you.