RTW - Bike choice research

Sgt Pepper

Sgt Pepper

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Not quite a GS or not 2 GS, but a Which GS ?

I'm currently working up the courage for an RTW and as part of that preparation I'm looking at bike options to cajole myself into 'affording it'. I know riders use various BMW's for differing reasons and the two models that seem to come to the top of the pile again and again are the R80GS & the R100GS. It seems that the blend of low(er) weight, easy(ier) maintenance and presumably cheaper Carnets are the primary factors. I've done a bit of looking around and there are different models even within each engine capacity. I owned a R1100GS for two years and so am familiar with the brand but know little about these older models. Would one/some of you mind helping me to clarify the differing models and their respective advantages/disadvantages please, and any suggestions as to what is the best way to prepare for such a trip. e.g. Ohilns, tourance cases etc.

Thanks, Mike
 
On your own or two up?
Africa or not?
Why not a single?
Staying on mettled roads or intending to do some deserts?
Do you really need a trail bike?
Any bike can go round TW but how and which route.
 
O.k. first of all I have done some research and so have some idea of what is sensible/essential, so in taht respet at the moment I have enough information thanks.

Howver, I will starting probably 1 up and intend to visit africa and travel ocross non hiwayed roads. In fact I currently anticipating starting in Canada hopefull next May, working down through the middle to South an then catch a boat up to SouthAfrica, finally getting to Nepal and head Japan way until NZ an Austrailia. That's it crudely for the moment.

As I say, I m grateful for advice suggestions. Thanks, Mike
 
Not what you'd expect....

The required mode of vehicular transportation is called a :-



YAMAHA XT600


:beerjug:
 
Thanks Mick, until I got your repsonse I was begining to wonder if this was a GS web-site ! >8;O) I have had a bit of a look at their site already but had only found reference, when using a BMW, to using either an R100/80GS but nothing specific in terms of a PD/paralever etc. I'll have another look.


Mike

Rules are for the obeyance of fools and guidance of the wise. Douglas Bader.(Quote from 'Reach for the sky'.)
 
RTGLOBE said:
Thanks Mick, until I got your repsonse I was begining to wonder if this was a GS web-site ! >8;O) I have had a bit of a look at their site already but had only found reference, when using a BMW, to using either an R100/80GS but nothing specific in terms of a PD/paralever etc. I'll have another look.


Mike

Rules are for the obeyance of fools and guidance of the wise. Douglas Bader.(Quote from 'Reach for the sky'.)
Click to expand...

A bit OTT Mike, I love my GS and as I already own it if I had to do a RTW trip I would use it. However if I was bikeless and wanted to do the trip on my own I doubt it would be the bike of choice. Two up yes.

By the way www.gooseontheloose.com is a great site also...

Happy trip, I am kind of Jealous, but with a wife and two boys I am trying a different kind of trip...
 
R80GS in Africa

richie said:
If you are on your own and want to go to Africa, get a single
Click to expand...

I have to agree.
The biggest problem I had with the R80GS was getting bogged in black cotton soil (very special stuff!) and not having the strength to pull it out. At that time I was very fit and very strong but after a couple of times ones strength is sapped and the GS looks more like an anchor by the second. The friends on Honda PDs and a Yamaha Tenere found it much easier. They lost all sense of humour helping me through the mud.
Moto X boots were a necessity for me also otherwise I ended up with very soggy red shins, the guys on the singles could ride without them at times.

Bob
 
GSA

My wife and I are using th 1150 Adv for our round the world travel, I've had some conversations with other people who've used the same bike for the same thing, some just one-up.

Chris Scotts book is excellent, but he does not go as far as reviewing the GSA.

People I've spoken to recommend leaving most of the stock equipment on and putting better stuff on when they wear out, or ideally just before!!...i.e. replacing shocks for Ohlins etc.

I set myself up with a website...quite basic at the moment but several peole have already e-mailed me through it which has been really useful.

The biggest consideration was to choose between: easy to fix, or less likely to break.

Have a great time, let us know how you get on with planning.
 
Please don't take it to heart Richie, it was a bit tongue-in-cheek..... Thanks for website suggestion.

Gerard, thanks for your advice-I've had a quick look at your web-site.....very nice. I'll keep you posted of my plans. Meanwhile I wish you good luck with yours.

Mike
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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