Just a note,

BMW told me that from 81 on the pots had a Nicaseal coating that cant be honed, can be re-plated but cheaper to get new aftermarket jobies.

So the BMW Workshop S/A is correct.


Thanks all

The weak points of these bikes are well known but there are fixes for most. Some are:
weak(ish) rear sub frame
original rear shock fails
unreliable electrics -diode board and alternator rotor
rear drive shaft fails
under braked
gearbox bearings and circlip

Every thing else is nice to have. More important is what you are capable of doing to the bike when it needs it. You should be able to carry out at least a full service. If you're not mechanically minded then find someone to teach you. The great thing about this bike is that it is fairly simple, low tech engineering. With the original tool kit plus a few extras you can overhaul just about anything on it. As for spares, obviously carry some but make arrangements with someone to ship parts out if needed. See Munich Motorcycles who are based in Perth, Western Australia who do a very usefull spares catalogue (with prices and part numbers) you could carry with you and specialise in mail order. Just email them. Also not forgetting the UK based Motobins - BMW Motorcycle Spares - Motobins Ltd - Welcome with a similar catalogue. The USA I don't know.

It's not the best bike in the world (is there such a thing?) but it's very capable and still remains one of the most popular for long distance travellers. I know if I ever prang mine I'd just go out and buy another.

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Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers

Tim, Thanks for the reply. I'm more than capable of looking after the bike but lack the know how to tackle anything inside the motor or gear box.
It took me ages to pick a bike, first i thought of a F650 then a DRZ400 but like you say the thing is so simple and all those travelers like yourself can't be wrong. I was debating about getting the rear subframe beefed up but think you have swung me into having it done. Are you an Ozzy or passing through! I've just been accepted to emigrate to OZ, only been to Victoria but thinking of giving Perth a try. Only trouble is - my RTW trip could end in OZ.

Paul

Paul
Congratulations on coming to Oz. It's a great place. Send me a pm and we'll discuss it further. There's a mining boom on here.

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Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers