Rtw on an r 80 gs or g/s
Here are the attributes that the 1981 -1989 models have which still apply to RTW travel. Not in order of importance they are:
Twin engine and very smooth motor, lightweight in comparison to other bikes of comparable size (186 kgs wet), capable of 399 kgs weight in total ( better than many other more modern bikes), low compression motor, air-cooled (no water-cooling to worry about) and simple rear wheel removal.
Rear drum brakes are a concern to some but a disc brake assists at the front. Parts are available. The electrical output is low compared to more modern bikes such as the recent iterations of the Africa twins and can be a bit unreliable but the Bosch unit can be upgraded to improve reliability I think. The stock seat can be uncomfortable I gather but a different one can be ordered from various manufacturers. The question I'm asking : is it still a viable option compared to the DR 650, Africa Twin, KTM 950 Adventure, BMW 800's and 1200's and Suzuki DL 650's, for example.
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