HP2's Do AFRICA

[majorbumsore]

Ok heres the question,
do any HP2e riders fancy doing morroco this autumn????

I have arranged to go a couple of times over the last few years but have been let down both times. Thing is with the range limmitations of the HP I'm reluctant to go on a GS based trip.
I think a few like minded riders on HP2's would be the best ticket.

I would be looking at october november and probably do plymouth santander. Then ride down through spain in two or three days depending on what people prefer, a week or so in moroc and the same sort of thing back.

I'm really open to suggestions and offers, but just thought i would start the ball roling and ask.....!
Alternatively spring would be an option, same sort of thing.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

HP2's do Africa!

Yes I would like to go to Morocco with my HP2 and I only have the standard fuel tank! It would need to be late October/early November for me or late May/early June due to work commitments etc(I usually go to Iceland in November and somewhere warmer would be nice for a change)

FP.

 

[majorbumsore]

Hello Farmer.
nice to get a response so quickly, Ive been wanting to do Norway as well for years but everytime i set off touring I seem to do the run south for the sun.
I've toured on GS's for the last 15 years or so and have done hundreds of thousands of miles, averaging about 25,000 a year, then got bored last march on a run back up from Gibraltar, got home and bought an HP2.
Its totally revived my excitement for motorcycle's
Anyway I digress.
I can go anytime in oct nov so will fit in with what ever dates are best. How long would you want to be away?
I have to admit I know very little about the routs and places to visit in Maroc but there is plenty time to plan.
Hows your knowledge of Maroc.

So anyone else fancie it???

 

[Spout]

I have to admit I know very little about the routes and places to visit in Maroc

Good place to start:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=212

This trip sounds like the type of thing I shoild be doing. I'll be watching this post

 

[sniffy]

Yes I would like to go to Morocco with my HP2 and I only have the standard fuel tank! It would need to be late October/early November for me or late May/early June due to work commitments etc(I usually go to Iceland in November and somewhere warmer would be nice for a change)

FP.

Redcap (ARD Panniers) and me have made a proto type underseat Tank and will fit it next week......... will post results when finished

 

[Farmer Palmer]

Hello Farmer.
nice to get a response so quickly, Ive been wanting to do Norway as well for years but everytime i set off touring I seem to do the run south for the sun.
I've toured on GS's for the last 15 years or so and have done hundreds of thousands of miles, averaging about 25,000 a year, then got bored last march on a run back up from Gibraltar, got home and bought an HP2.
Its totally revived my excitement for motorcycle's
Anyway I digress.
I can go anytime in oct nov so will fit in with what ever dates are best. How long would you want to be away?
I have to admit I know very little about the routs and places to visit in Maroc but there is plenty time to plan.
Hows your knowledge of Maroc.

So anyone else fancie it???

Hi Major,

My knowledge of Morocco is limited to o'grade French and what i've read and seen on here/National Geographic. One of my mates(Forry) went there a couple of years ago on a crazy mad dash type of thing and raved about the place. Some French friends also went there aswell as a crazy Swiss guy I know and a very well travelled German friend of mine. I also have a Morocco DVD from some Czech GS riders which is also good viewing!

I've fitted TT Zegas to my HP2 and they have three 2litre fuel cannisters fitted which improves the range greatly but they're a bit awkward to fill etc.

I also have the HP2 TT Zegatex luggage system which can carry two 5litre fuel cans which would be more suitable for a long haul but less secure and robust........!


As for timing I think I would be limited to just a week and half or so in October whereas two and a half/three weeks would be my limit in May/June which doesn't make much time at all for a trip to Morocco, three weeks would be ideal . It's about four hundred and fifty miles from here to the south coast and I'm not sure what the Spanish mileage would be depending on the route etc.

I'm definately interested in Morocco and I will look into the details a lot more.........!

FP.

 

[majorbumsore]

Afternoon 'FP'.
been away for weekend so just got your post.
I have also fitted TT Zega's on a slightly modified Holan rack, they seem to work well. I was thinking about the TT 2 litre cans but thought a standard 5lt can on a home made bracket would be the better option. not done it yet but will looking at the options.
would you preffer to wait till may next year so it gives more time to plan and more time away. I'm easy about dates but would obviously be better to get more time away when your doing a thousand mile or so to get there.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

HP2s do Africa.....!

Hi Majorbumsore,

Just back from an evening ride to Lindesfarne across the Northumbrian coastal sand dunes with Forry, beautifull evening but freezing cold on the run home up the A1!(I was on the F650GS though not the HP2)

That sounds like the makings of a plan! Next May would be ideal for me, from about the 25th which would allow a good two and a half weeks for the trip to Morocco and back.

I tried the 5 litre can and it seemed to fit very well on the TT rear rack but was right on the weight limit. That would give about 18 litres or a range of somewhere around 160 miles or more which is acceptable on a tour.

As for tyres I would be quite happy with the Karoos which seem to last a good 3000 miles on tarmac if i'm not too hard on the throttle. I still had a fair bit of tread left after last years trip around Norway and Sweden.

I usually carry my tent and a small Trangia stove when we tour but have mixed camping and Hytter huts in Scandanavia and Iceland but would be just as happy using hotels or guest houses.

I'd like to keep the weight down a bit which is what the HP2 is all about but it's difficult to do that on our 'arctic tours' as we've always carried extra clothing aswell as emergency food etc especially in Iceland away from the main road etc. I suppose in Spain and Morocco it would be more about keeping cool rather than warm and that would be new to me.....!

Let me know what you think as regards timing and feasability of an HP2 tour to Morocco. I know there are other ways of getting there but the idea of trailering the bikes would be a bit less appealling and even to get as far as Cape Trafalgar or Gibralter would be good and different for me.

And to think I nearly sold my HP2 a couple of months back for the 'coccoon' option of a new 1200GSA...........!

FP.

 

[beachman]

sounds great

sounds like a great trip to do on hp2's. I sold my hp2e a year ago or more. Dumb idea that was. Anyway im trying to finish up a project here with my biz and when thats done im buying a hp2 again and fitting it out properly, SO i will stay in touch. I contacted a good bloke on this site re his hp2, price was excelent but i couldnt get time to fly over and inspect.....However if everything comes together i will put my hand up for morrocco.

 

[majorbumsore]

nice one guys.
FP I also like the idea of may as I will also be able to give it more time. I think two to two and a half weeks will be perfect. I would love to do Iceland or scandanavia one year as well so keep that in mind for the future.

Beach man, It would be more than a pleasure to have you along. If you ever need someone to check a bike out give me a bell. I know its not the same as doing it yourself but would be a pleasure.

So looks like we might have a bit of a plan comming together.
I think a set of karoos would be the ticket for me, should last the trip millage ok.
sorry in delay in replying sometimes, I only get to computer every other night or so.
lets say may 25th as a provisional date, I know its a year away but it will be Christmas before you know it.
Am i the first to mention the C word this year?

 

[Farmer Palmer]

nice one guys.
FP I also like the idea of may as I will also be able to give it more time. I think two to two and a half weeks will be perfect. I would love to do Iceland or scandanavia one year as well so keep that in mind for the future.

Beach man, It would be more than a pleasure to have you along. If you ever need someone to check a bike out give me a bell. I know its not the same as doing it yourself but would be a pleasure.

So looks like we might have a bit of a plan comming together.
I think a set of karoos would be the ticket for me, should last the trip millage ok.
sorry in delay in replying sometimes, I only get to computer every other night or so.
lets say may 25th as a provisional date, I know its a year away but it will be Christmas before you know it.
Am i the first to mention the C word this year?

It's in my diary! I've even got permission from swmbo!

I know Njall Gunnlaugsson in Iceland he has the only HP2 there and he also runs www.bikingviking.is I went to see him last November, maybe he'd like to go to Morocco aswell.

FP.

 

[renato]

africa tank for HP2

hi guys , I was watching you planning the trip to Morocco for an HP2 .
great idea , great country .
i personly have been in Morocco several times 4-5 .
till Goulmine the is no problem of gasoline , you can easyly find it every 50-200 km .
but south then that it can be a bit of a problem .
if you think to make some good off road , then the range of our bike is definitivly insufficient .
I personally have mounted the underseat tank , and that gives you extra 7 L .
in total 20 L , but for african pists it is too littel.

with a few Hp2 friends we are talking about making 2 extra side tanks to be fitted instead of the grey plastics on the regular tank .
project is to have aprox 10 L each side .
material will be fiberglass/kevlar .

when we will finish the job , I will send some photos .

would eny one be interested in a tank like that ?

bye Renato

 

[oziexplorer]

hi guys , I was watching you planning the trip to Morocco for an HP2 .
great idea , great country .
i personly have been in Morocco several times 4-5 .
till Goulmine the is no problem of gasoline , you can easyly find it every 50-200 km .
but south then that it can be a bit of a problem .
if you think to make some good off road , then the range of our bike is definitivly insufficient .
I personally have mounted the underseat tank , and that gives you extra 7 L .
in total 20 L , but for african pists it is too littel.

with a few Hp2 friends we are talking about making 2 extra side tanks to be fitted instead of the grey plastics on the regular tank .
project is to have aprox 10 L each side .
material will be fiberglass/kevlar .

when we will finish the job , I will send some photos .

would eny one be interested in a tank like that ?

bye Renato

There's already one provided by Africa Queens (sold by Holan, I think)...each Side tank holds an additional 15L, giving the HP2 13L+15L=15L = 43L

These are how they come from the supplier:

 

[renato]

very nice , but it has 2 problems :
price , i heard aprox 1800 euro , complete with painting .

aviability , it seams that it is rather difficult to get .


rgs Renato

 

[sniffy]

very nice , but it has 2 problems :
price , i heard aprox 1800 euro , complete with painting .

aviability , it seams that it is rather difficult to get .


rgs Renato

I might have the solution to your problem, have a look at

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187594

 

[majorbumsore]

very nice , but it has 2 problems :
price , i heard aprox 1800 euro , complete with painting .

aviability , it seams that it is rather difficult to get .


rgs Renato

Thanks Ranato, I would be interested in what you produce, as you say the Africa queen and touratwat options are mega expensive jerry cans basicly.

I realise the off pist will be a problem with range but some will be do'able and its the lightweight i love about the HP2 having ridden gs1100's 1150's 1150gsa. 1200's and 1200gsa's. I have no problem strapping two 5lt cans to my Zega's as i have the Holan rack which suports the rear end. might not be pretty but 2x5lt cans = £6. and i can leave them when ive done with them.
anyway, keep the chat and ideas comming guy's, its all really welcome.

 

[beachman]

mbs

nice one guys.
FP I also like the idea of may as I will also be able to give it more time. I think two to two and a half weeks will be perfect. I would love to do Iceland or scandanavia one year as well so keep that in mind for the future.

Beach man, It would be more than a pleasure to have you along. If you ever need someone to check a bike out give me a bell. I know its not the same as doing it yourself but would be a pleasure.

So looks like we might have a bit of a plan comming together.
I think a set of karoos would be the ticket for me, should last the trip millage ok.
sorry in delay in replying sometimes, I only get to computer every other night or so.
lets say may 25th as a provisional date, I know its a year away but it will be Christmas before you know it.
Am i the first to mention the C word this year?

Thanks for the offer of looking over a bike for me, much appreciated. So whats the proposed date for departure? I have two months of renovation and one month of systems and hopefully i can leave.

 

[oziexplorer]

very nice , but it has 2 problems :
price , i heard aprox 1800 euro , complete with painting .

aviability , it seams that it is rather difficult to get .


rgs Renato

To be honest, I'm having some teething issues with these tanks. Living in Australia doesn't help, and I bought these from a guy in the USA who's dropped me like a hot potato with after-sales help.

I haven't had the time at the moment to get them back onto the bike.
given my time again I'd bite the bullet and get the HPN Tank, and run the underseat tank as an emergency backup; giving about 600km range (500km SAFE range).

IF I could get these tanks sorted, they'd be great.
Once you get used to them you don't notice them and I part-filled them to test how it would be riding with "only 30L" onboard. Having about 25KG difference in the CoG of the bike does need to be accommodated for when you're riding. On the dirt the biggest difference is steering and braking. Lofting the front end is almost impossible when they're full.

Hope this helps

 

[Muzz]

I am going in July for 10 days to Morocco on mine. Will let you know how it goes. I have an HPN tank on mine though......

 

[majorbumsore]

I am going in July for 10 days to Morocco on mine. Will let you know how it goes. I have an HPN tank on mine though......

Muzz, you are truly a jammy git.
If your bike explodes can I have first dibs on ya tank.....