Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: brighton
Posts: 11
650gs twin cast wheels!

Hi,

I have a 650gs twin which I plan to ride to russia on! Do I need to change to spoked wheels? Some people say they cast alloys will be fine!

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Nov 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 201
Quote:
Originally Posted by servdave View Post
I have a 650gs twin which I plan to ride to russia on! Do I need to change to spoked wheels? Some people say they cast alloys will be fine!
While others are certainly more knowledgable than I on this topic the general consensus on rims seems to be that it's dependent upon what you're riding over. If you're going over a lot of bumpy rocky crap (Mongolia), then spoked wheels are going to flex better and aren't going to crack like an alloy could.

On the other hand, it's a hell of a lot easier, and faster, to fix a puncture on a tubeless tire than a tubed one. Yes spoked tubeless are technically available but they're very difficult to adjust the spokes on (or something like that) and no-one wants to touch them it seems.

People have ridden alloy wheels around the world and will continue to do so. The V-Strom, for example is widely regarded as a really good bike for long distance touring, and it has tubeless wheels. Of course, it's also recommended for 90% road 10% off-road type driving.

So, are you sticking to pavement as much as possible, or are you more interested in finding interesting back roads?
__________________
-Dachary & Kay
http://www.CorporateRunaways.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Westminster, BC, Canada
Posts: 38
I recently purchased a F650GS twin for my wife and I'm also looking for a possible spoke wheel solution. Love to hear from anyone that has heard of a wheel set that will fit? All this being said I really think that unless you are hardcore off-roading the stock rims should be fine.
__________________
One Lucky Dude..


[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]


www.worldwideride.ca
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: brighton
Posts: 11
I plan to ride to magadan, taking mongolia on the way! Whilst I don't plan to be making my own MX course round the world, neither do I plan to shy away from off tarmac riding!

Some people say that as long as you adjust your speed with the mind set that cast alloys are harder to repair you should be fine?

Cheers,

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Westminster, BC, Canada
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by servdave View Post
I plan to ride to magadan, taking mongolia on the way! Whilst I don't plan to be making my own MX course round the world, neither do I plan to shy away from off tarmac riding!

Some people say that as long as you adjust your speed with the mind set that cast alloys are harder to repair you should be fine?

Cheers,

Dave
Thanks Dave,

I figure since my wife is very petit (115 lbs.), her load on the bike will be kept fairly lite and she rides conservatively the rims really shouldn't be an issue. would be nice to be able to more easily repair them though.
__________________
One Lucky Dude..


[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]


www.worldwideride.ca
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Nov 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Alloy Wheels

650gs twin cast wheels!-img_1112.jpgI am currently riding my twin thru Africa with the cast wheels, they have been fine mostly. I did hit a bad deep pothole coming in to Nairobi, I was doing about 70kmh at the time and hit full on as my wife did on her XT250 (yes looks like I follow her everywhere) after going about 300m the old bike got a bit loose and you guessed it flat tyre ! Rim had been knocked out off shape on one side, I simply put it on a truck to Jungle Junction thinking I would need a new wheel but Chis there just hammered (delicately) back in to shape and it was fine. Ridden to Uganda and back with no Problems.
I to was a little sceptical of the alloy wheels at the start of this trip, but mine have coped some serious knocks and apart from that once have come thru with flying colours. Also the benefits of running tubeless tyres is a plus in my opinion.
Happy Riding, Happy Holidays
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Looking for Cast (mag) rims '08 r1200 GS dynadog Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 24 Aug 2010 18:53
WeeStrom / Transalp700 / 650GS(twin)? pecha72 Which Bike? 29 29 Jun 2008 07:20
When spoked or cast wheels? STEVE B Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 5 14 Feb 2002 18:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:11.