Author Topic: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike  (Read 2795 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« on: May 16, 2019, 09:49:51 am »
 In 1982 I visited South Africa and came across a little town called Belfast in Mpumalanga (Along the N4, about 200km west of Pretoria). On the same trip I also found a town/suburb called Drysdale - my surname (About 60km south of Pretoria); it now seems to have disappeared!



Being young, adventurous, and probably a ltttle(?) foolish, I immediately thought, "Now, that'd be fun, Belfast to Belfast on a bike!" The idea of riding a motorbike from Belfast to Belfast, the destination being Belfast, N Ireland, the town of my birth, was born. It took a while to realise this dream, but I recently started on the adventure.

I will be riding a CB750 K2, which I have owned since 1978, and which I have just rebuilt/restored with the help of many of you on this forum.

On the request, nay, at the demand of many friends and acquaintences, I started a blog. This didn't work at first, so I had to set up a website. I will try to update this topic each time I update the blog, but for anyone wanting to follow the story, the link is below:



https://belfast2belfastbybike.com/

Up to now I have completed the little loop at the bottom, which was done as a sort of trial run. I am now completing some mods to the bike and, all being well, will be back on the road next week.

Sean

CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline spotty

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,851
  • cb750....for when a Vmax is just too much bike
    • spottys world of vmaxes and great danes
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2019, 06:31:33 pm »
is that the drysdale near geelong in victoria australia

good luck and looking forward to following the journey, ride safe and carry a BIG lock for the bike
i blame Terry

Offline MoMo

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,275
  • Ride like you're invisible
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2019, 08:31:14 pm »
Good luck with the travel, admire your sense of adventure....Larry

Offline andy750

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,840
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2019, 03:13:40 am »
Excellent trip! Good luck!

cheers
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

  • This MuthaF'er is getting to be a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,790
  • Bought her new 4/75
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2019, 09:34:08 am »
Are you doing a round trip? Shipping the bike etc?

Very cool. Good luck and be safe.
« Last Edit: May 17, 2019, 09:36:01 am by Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er »
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline ttr400

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 566
    • ttr400 Projects and Billet parts.
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #5 on: July 17, 2019, 12:01:21 am »
Hi Sean,

Fantastic, hope you have a great trip. pity you could not call by me in JHB. could have given you tips for trans Africa travel.

Kevin
CB400F- 492 Yoshi Racer.
Cb400F- 466 Yoshi Cafe.
CR750 D Mann Replica.
VFR750R- RC30 - 1988.
www.ttr400.com

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2023, 12:42:54 pm »
Hey all,

Although the thread didn't go far, I did complete the trip. It took me a year all but a few days, of which about 7½ - 8 months were on the road. I fell over on a step in Khartoum and broke a bone in my foot which took about 2½ months to heal, and then there were the inevitable visa delays and breakdowns that slowed things up.

Well after a bit of a rest which included leaving Zimbabwe and resettling in France, I'm ready for Stage 2. I have found 16 places named Belfast in N America and Canada, and the plan is to ride to and through them all this summer starting on Prince Edward Island and finishing in Washington State.

I be happy to hear any tips and suggestions of things to see and places to go as I go, and if anyone is available for a coffee, beer or whatever, I'm yer man!  :)

But for now I need some advice regarding insurance for the bike. Obviously it'll be foreign registered and, like it's owner, being elderly, this is proving to be a problem. So if anyone has any info or advice on how I can go about this, and the levels of cover I need, please share.

Stay well
Sean
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline BenelliSEI

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,303
  • 1969 cb750
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2023, 01:07:15 pm »
Several years ago, I sold a 1981 CBX to a fellow from Australia. When he visited me in Ontario, Canada, he went on line and arranged insurance with a company in Las Vegas, Nevada! Completed on line, printed the “pink slip” in a few minutes. He spent six months riding in Canada and the USA then shipped the bike home.

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,008
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2023, 01:30:05 pm »
subscribed  8)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

  • This MuthaF'er is getting to be a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,790
  • Bought her new 4/75
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #9 on: April 05, 2023, 01:57:07 pm »
In the US you "should" only "legally need" liability coverage which protects the other guy and not you or your bike. Minimum requirement.

I use Geico for my liability. I would never be able to collect much on a standard policy for a 45 year old machine. Just keeping it legal to get my license plates. I am covered by other medical health insurance.
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 33,694
  • Central Texas
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #10 on: April 05, 2023, 02:47:41 pm »
Hey Sean...that sounds like a great trip!   Since you are bringing your own bike, you’ll need international motorcycle insurance that covers you & your bike.  Check out this website...

https://motorcycleridecoverage.com/motorcycle-insurance-for-visitors-in-the-usa/

'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2023, 04:08:58 am »
Thanks guys, I'll check those out.

Be assured, I'll be back with more questions.
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 33,694
  • Central Texas
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #12 on: April 06, 2023, 08:32:32 am »

I use Geico for my liability. I would never be able to collect much on a standard policy for a 45 year old machine.

Hey Jerry...for my vintage Corvette, I have "agreed value" rather than a standard policy. And the agreed value is twice the amount of actual value, so no worries if it is stolen or totaled. And only $400/year...cheap for a car but not necessarily a bike.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline andy750

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,840
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #13 on: April 07, 2023, 03:55:31 am »
Hey Sean,

Good to hear from you again - I followed your Africa trip on your website and loved every minute if it . You will be passing through Belfast, ME which is a few hours from me. I can give you a good route down through Maine and over the Green Mountains of Vermont if you like. If you want to visit Boston I have a garage, lots of CB750 parts and a place for you to stay. I sent you a PM with my email address.

Looking forward to your trip reports!
cheers
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #14 on: April 07, 2023, 04:20:41 am »
Hey Andy,

Likewise, how're you keeping.

Boston sounds good and it's on the way - or can be as there's no fixed plan!  :D

Things may be a little delayed as I thought I was eligible for a visa waiver, but because I passed through Sudan, I'm not and have to apply for a visa. This requires an interview and it seems there is a 73 day wait for an appointment!!

I did consider "making a mistake" but decided the riskof being turned away or imprisoned was not worth it. Hopefully it'll come through in time for this year; if not then it'll have to be next.

Will keep you posted.
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #15 on: April 07, 2023, 04:23:09 am »
Hey Sean...that sounds like a great trip!   Since you are bringing your own bike, you’ll need international motorcycle insurance that covers you & your bike.  Check out this website...

https://motorcycleridecoverage.com/motorcycle-insurance-for-visitors-in-the-usa/

Steve,
That site was very helpful; especially the page on insuring a classic bike. At least I now understand all the options and add-ons. I sent it on to the Horizons-Unlimited website, because there are always questions on there about travelling in the USA.
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline newday777

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,047
  • Avatar is my 76 K6 in Colorado w/Cody on back 1980
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2023, 05:00:31 am »
Howdy Sean
I'll be following this thread now and I'm in southern NH, just west of Manchester.
Maybe we can get the New England peeps to meet up with you in southern Maine for a ride along. Mike Reike, Allan F, Frankenstuff, Anders(and maybe others??) are all within @50 miles of each other. I'd love to ride my 750 across the country again like in the 70s, but my old broken back says no deal to that ideal.....
I have a shop full of tools and a lift if needed and a few spares too and a place to stay. Lots of great riding in all of Maine, NH and Vermont while you are in the area.
Keep us posted here.
« Last Edit: April 07, 2023, 08:26:02 am by newday777 »
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #17 on: April 07, 2023, 06:40:19 am »
Sound like a plan  ;D
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 33,694
  • Central Texas
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #18 on: April 07, 2023, 06:43:17 am »
Hey Sean...that sounds like a great trip!   Since you are bringing your own bike, you’ll need international motorcycle insurance that covers you & your bike.  Check out this website...

https://motorcycleridecoverage.com/motorcycle-insurance-for-visitors-in-the-usa/

Steve,
That site was very helpful; especially the page on insuring a classic bike. At least I now understand all the options and add-ons.

Glad I was able to help....
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #19 on: May 07, 2023, 01:34:28 am »
 :( An update; the trip has had to be postponed until next year!

When applying for a US vias travel waiver, you have to answer questions about previous travel to "unfriendly" countries. Sudan is one of those, and I passed through Sudan on my last trip.

So this meant I had to apply for a real visa - I did think about it, but the possibility of being held at the airport, or thrown in jail, while my bike was sitting in customs at another part of the airport, and then being sent back without it, made me think twice.

Thing is to get a visa, you have to be interviewed in person. This is not only a pain to organise and pay for, but there is also a considerable waiting time. Long and short, of a very tortuous process, is that my interview is in October 2023 in Dublin - Brussels was Feb 24! So, sadly won't see you this year guys.

Maybe the next time I'll do the sensible thing and plan ahead ..... probably not though  ;D

Stay well all.
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline newday777

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,047
  • Avatar is my 76 K6 in Colorado w/Cody on back 1980
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #20 on: May 07, 2023, 04:19:26 am »
Well that's too bad Sean.  😢
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline rluser

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 40
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #21 on: May 07, 2023, 11:12:15 am »
I see you are planning to travel through central Ohio, so I suggest a stop at the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington.  That is on the southeast side of Columbus and about 50 miles northeast of Belfast, Ohio.

Offline newday777

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,047
  • Avatar is my 76 K6 in Colorado w/Cody on back 1980
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #22 on: May 07, 2023, 12:01:27 pm »
I see you are planning to travel through central Ohio, so I suggest a stop at the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington.  That is on the southeast side of Columbus and about 50 miles northeast of Belfast, Ohio.
I guess you didn't read all the replies?
He just posted this morning he's having to put off the trip for this year (2 replies above)
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline The Lone Builder

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • "Still running against the wind"
    • Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #23 on: May 07, 2023, 12:32:04 pm »
I see you are planning to travel through central Ohio, so I suggest a stop at the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington.  That is on the southeast side of Columbus and about 50 miles northeast of Belfast, Ohio.

I'm sure it'll still be there in '24.

I'll put it on the list. The list? That sounds like forward planning  ;D
CB750 K2 - From Belfast-2-Belfast
CB750 K1 - The less, said the better!
CB450 K1 - Stalled.
CB400F Supersport - Not Rusty any more!

Follow my journey through Africa @ http://Belfast2BelfastByBike.com

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,008
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike
« Reply #24 on: May 07, 2023, 12:36:48 pm »
I see you are planning to travel through central Ohio, so I suggest a stop at the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington.  That is on the southeast side of Columbus and about 50 miles northeast of Belfast, Ohio.

I'm sure it'll still be there in '24.

I'll put it on the list. The list? That sounds like forward planning  ;D

I hope you enjoy the journey All the way  ;)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.