![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Dec 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
|
|
Dakar Feedback
Dave
The bike was carrying a fair old weight:
Me about 85 KG with gear on
Misses about 70 KG with gear on
Elkamet fuel tanks taking total to 39 litres - were full on a number of stretches
Metal panniers about 13 Kg each when full (inc weight of pannier)
Tank bag with camera equipment about 4kg
Rear roll bag 10 kg
1.5 litre of oil 1 kg
I did have the seat scoped to reduce height of bike. Will make a few more adjustments to it for my next trip.The only time that we banged lids was when she nodded off on the boring sections. For us no problems.
Cheers
Julio
Last edited by Julio; 17 Dec 2007 at 01:22.
Reason: Remove piccy
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Dec 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Julio
Dave
The bike was carrying a fair old weight:
Me about 85 KG with gear on
Misses about 70 KG with gear on
Elkamet fuel tanks taking total to 39 litres - were full on a number of stretches
Metal panniers about 13 Kg each when full (inc weight of pannier)
Tank bag with camera equipment about 4kg
Rear roll bag 10 kg
1.5 litre of oil 1 kg
I did have the seat scoped to reduce height of bike. Will make a few more adjustments to it for my next trip.The only time that we banged lids was when she nodded off on the boring sections. For us no problems.
Cheers
Julio
|
Thanks Julio,
You "made" me read the bike instructions: i.e. I've dug out the handbook for the F650GS.
Your figures add up to 155 Kg of "live" load and 41 Kg of luggage = 196 Kg total, and that is ignoring the weight of the bigger fuel capacity.
The handbook has the following:
All up maximum weight allowed = 380 Kg
Bike weight with normal fuel tank full = 194 Kg
So, available for rider, pillion and luggage = 186 Kg (this split 124 Kg max on front wheel and 256 Kg for the back).
Therefore, you were at least 10 kg over weight, again ignoring the extra fuel you were carrying.
All that is without a calculator, but I reckon the figures are right!
Anyway, as I mentioned, I don't rely on figures alone:-
How did you find the bike to be handling with a full load and what suspension settings did you use in Africa?
Banging heads together: I guess I need to learn to take the pillion into account more often when riding two up on this bike. It doesn't happen when my wife is on the back of my bike but she won't ride hers with a pillion at all (which suits me because I do not make a good passenger).
Cheers,
__________________
Dave
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Dec 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
|
|
I took a pillion from Bolivia to Buenos Aires via Chile on an F650 Dakar - obviously, it can be done, but it does get kinda cramped, it struggles with over-taking at altitude, and, even with a svelte passenger, the rear shock bottoms way too easy on any dirt.
I know it wasn't one of your choices - but if I was gonna two-up across Latin America, I'd take an 1150GS - loads of room for precious cargo, plenty of grunt, and more robust than the surprisingly-delicate 1200 (cue flaming from outraged 1200GS riders...)
Suerte, Dan
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Dec 2007
|
![MikeS's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar035.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
I agree with Dan
When their bike gets buried up to its shaft in sand/gravel, how many new 1200GS riders would happily shove their bike over onto its side and spin it round on its cylinderhead to get it out??
Seriously though, everytime mine went down, the only damage was a slightly more bent engine bar. You'd need to upgrade the suspension for two up though, with all the gubbins I was carrying, my replacement 180 rated spring on my Ohlins just about covered it and that was only for me. My original 160 spring was useless and always bottoming out. Great bike, plenty of room, power etc and no reliability problems at all.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
19 Dec 2007
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 77
|
|
Quote:
Nice report and website Bill: how do you deal with the shortish seat length when riding two-up? What I mean is the thing about helmets banging together.
|
Thanks Dave; The seat length is definately a bit snug. There is room to adjust your position from time to time but not a lot.
As far as banging helmets, I suppose it does happen now and then but I never realy noticed. It helps that my wife is a very active participant. She pays attention and sticks to me like glue over the rough stuff or while cornering.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Dec 2007
|
![KevOK's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar070.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: earth
Posts: 156
|
|
hi bud
I've just ridden 25,000km from Australia to France right now on a 650gs and although i was only one up, i wished i had the 1200gs for most of the ride, except the off roading part, the comfort with 2 would be worse so i'd say go 1200 if you can
Ride on
Kev
__________________
Ride on
Kev
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|