|
9 Jul 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
|
|
Spoked wheels, ceramic clutches, aftermarket shocks - how important ?
Hi. I have a R1200GS with the standard cast wheels and am considering a trip that involves lots of travel on gravels roads. Not hard-core off-roading, but gravel mountain roads with a heavily-loaded bike. Are the spoked wheels worth having for this ?
Also, I notice Touratech do a ceramic clutch. Is this a wise fitment before embarking on such a trip or an over-the-top expense ?
Also aftermarket rear shocks. Again, is this going over the top paranoia of failure or a wise precaution.
I would like to be properly prepared but am sure buying one of everything in the Touratech catalogue is not mandatory either!
Any experiences appreciated,
Ian
|
9 Jul 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
First of all; Touratech makes a lot of nonsense aimed for gadget-freaks. But they also have some great stuff…
There will probably be different views on this one, and here is mine:
Spoked wheels are worth having if you go offroad. On the other side the standard spoked wheels for the 1200 GS is not very good.
You will probably not need the ceramic clutch. It comes to it’s right under extremely hard driving in soft sand but for most riders it’s not needed.
I would have changed the rear suspension (Øhlins).
IMHO suspension, rims, tyres (and some time tubes) are important factors when going offroad.
But it’s not enough to buy Øhlins (or whatever) they should be properly set up and overhauled every 30-50kkm, if possible.
|
9 Jul 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 103
|
|
If you intend on doing serious offroad (other than just off tarmac) then wire wheels are a must. The alloy castings do not take the shock of big impacts at all well, and it wouldnt be unheard of for a wheel to snap or shatter.
That said, the wire wheels do require a lot of maintenance to keep true and round, and can alter the handling on road (in that they will give more and so wont offer as precise handling).
To be fair, you'd need to be pushing rather hard to notice the flexion of wire wheels, but if you did, you'd probably be well on your way to coming off too.
As for ceramic clutches I've heard more complaints after they've been fitted than prior to fitment. To bed them in you need to rag your clutch hard, and to not do so means your clutch will slip prematurely (to avoid the whole reason why you wanted to fit it in the first place?).
I'd say wait until your shocks blow before replacing them. The stock stuff is ok.
__________________
Visit my space here
See my photos here
|
9 Jul 2007
|
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Petersburg, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6
|
|
Cast vs spoked rims?
Quote:
Originally Posted by flyerblade
Hi. I have a R1200GS with the standard cast wheels and am considering a trip that involves lots of travel on gravels roads. Not hard-core off-roading, but gravel mountain roads with a heavily-loaded bike. Are the spoked wheels worth having for this ?
Any experiences appreciated,
Ian
|
Spoked wheels are not just for off-roading. A spoked wheel will "give" and absorb shocks that might break or crack a cast wheel. Tarmac roads that are falling apart and have sharp edged potholes are killers of cast rims and tires. I would definitely change my wheels to spoked if I were embarking on any trip that involved long distances on poor roads.
My second priority would be a newer aftermarket shock, especially if you are going to be packing a lot of stuff. I have Ohlins and they were the single best $ I spent on the bike for all around handling.
Ceramic clutch? Maybe if you're going to be spending a lot of time in deep sand. Otherwise I would not do it. I just rode from England to China on a 2001 R1150GS. Prior to the trip I replaced the clutch at 104,000 miles (with another stock clutch from BMW) and it did just fine.
jeff munn
Petersburg, Virginia
|
10 Jul 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
|
|
Thanks for all the feedback, really appreciated
|
11 Jul 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
|
|
Fit spoke wheels and do not get the standard wheels from BMW, rather look at Africa Queens and HPN. You will get far more superior wheels for the same price.
It might be wise to consider more standard size rims for off road use like a 21" front and the rear in a 17" 2.5 or 3" wide.
Stay away from ceramic clutch, less contact area will make them slip easier than normal clutch, especially in thick sand and difficult riding conditions.
Serviceable shocks is a must, they will also improve bike handling and safety.
|
2 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
|
|
Thanks. I'm having trouble finding websites for the above companies, or any alternative spoked wheel companies. Any idea how much the wheels may cost ? I'm guessing 700-800 each.
|
2 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bühl, Germany
Posts: 88
|
|
AfricanQueens - Spezialteile für Enduros und Reiseenduros.
hpn
To be honest, my personal preference is still with cast wheels, including rough potholed roads and gravel tracks - I've found that the 1200GS cast wheels can cope with more than some people expect. Having buckled two spoked wheels on my 1150GS on similar terrain, I'm not such a fan anymore, plus for on road riding, the cast wheels win hands-down in my book.
|
3 Aug 2007
|
|
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
|
|
You are the first person I have ever heard who advocates cast wheels for off roading. My worry would be that cast wheels can develop hairline fractures you may not even see if you use them too roughly and this could lead to a sudden catastrophic failure when you least expect it . They are just not designed to be abused on rough terrain. Damaging a spoked wheel can of course happen but can be fixed - a broken cast alloy wheel is only fit for the garbage.
|
3 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bühl, Germany
Posts: 88
|
|
Maybe I wasn't clear enough. I wouldn't use cast wheels for true off-roading, but find them fine for gravel tracks and rough roads. I've had experience of buckling spoked wheels on terrain where the cast wheels have coped, but I do agree with you, if the cast wheels do break, you can throw them away, where as the spoked wheels may (but not always!) be repaired.
I guess as with many things in this life, it's often down to personal choice.
|
3 Aug 2007
|
|
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
|
|
...yeah and cast wheels look cool and are easier to clean too but I'm a spoked wheel man myself - 2 sets of wheels - one with road tyres and one with TKC80's for when it gets fun
|
3 Aug 2007
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
In the past several years I've only heard of one instance of BMW cast wheels failing and that was when Nadeem on GSClub UK accidentally rammed a pavement at high speed.
Coupled with my own experience of doing 50,000 miles on my 1200GS with cast wheels on 'potholed' roads and many hundreds of miles of tracks worse than flyerblade is considering, IMHO I would say don't bother spending the money on spokes.
The standard clutch takes an enormous amount of abuse and the guys at the World of BMW Offroad Course don't seem to have problems with bikes that are used week after week.
The standard rear shocks are fine for the stuff flyerblade is considering, but many people replace them for other reasons (better handling).
Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
3 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
|
|
Firstly, a big thanks to everyone for your input on this thread - really appreciated
Just to clarify, I'm not going to be going properly off-road as I may well be 2-up and loaded up, but at the same time I don't want to just stick to the main highways in S America. In summary: poor roads, gravel roads, dirt roads yes; off-road, prob not.
It's sounding more and more like my current stock GS + some Metal Mules is the way to go and save the cash for when on the trip
So much to plan and work out but maybe one day I can give some advice back in return on here.
|
25 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
|
|
Hi, I'm not a huge fan of alloy wheels, and would change it if it fits the budget. I rode a stock standard 1150GS from Cape Town to Dubai through some very rough terrain with my wife on the back. We went through serious mud and serious sand, dragging the clutch a few times that you could smell it. On almost 90,000km on the clock, I have no clutch problems. I think the ceremic clutch is a big waste of money. My front rim has a few dents (Spoke) and give a nasty vibration on high speed (160), which I rarly do anyway. It was mostly due to the bad state of Kenya and Etheopia's roads. On one ocation I got a sudden puncture and his a big rock with the flat front tyre (Did not fall). That made the biggest dent. At least it did not brake or buckle, but I think it might have been otherwise if it was an alloy?
But a lot of huys do these roads on Varaderos and V-storms, which doesn't have spokes, and they turn out fine, so I'm sure you'll be fine.
If you brake it, then replace it!
Enjoy!
JC
|
2 Sep 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 42
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by flyerblade
It's sounding more and more like my current stock GS + some Metal Mules is the way to go and save the cash for when on the trip
|
Exactly the right idea. Unless you're going super-duper budget travel, you'll have some reserve funds (line of credit, credit card, family loans) so that if you need a new shock, or decide you really want a new shock, you can get one.
There's time and hassle involved, but whatever. You can't "un-buy" a shock when you decide you want to stay in Buenos Aires for a month of lessons in Spanish, guitar, and tango...
See ya on the road.
Mitch
|
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™ 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!
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.
|
|
|