Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Spoked wheels, ceramic clutches, aftermarket shocks - how important ? Spoked wheels, ceramic clutches, aftermarket shocks - how important ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jul 2007
AliBaba's Avatar
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.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Nomadic1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 102
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 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 View Post
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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
Thanks for all the feedback, really appreciated
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 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.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 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.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 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.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Scary-drum brake & Spoked wheels luanaigh BMW Tech 6 8 Apr 2007 16:06
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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 08:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top