Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree32Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 1 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 9
Hi Helumi,

I just have a question about your sponsors. Is this possible to get any sponsor at the stating stage? How did you get them?

Thanks,
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 1 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 9
Hi,

Just wanted to know, is this possible to get sponsor at the starting point? I was thinking about photography equipment and how can I convince them.How can I deal with sponsors?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Gotta go with the flow here... the DL650 may not be everyone´s cup of tea, but for lower budget 2-up long distance, it is pretty tough to beat. The older version (2004-11) like ours below wasn´t bad, but newer (2012-15) has improved in several ways. It won´t be as comfy, or as powerful as a new big GS, but you can´t expect that at about half the price.

More or less no insurance company will be willing to cover your bike´s value, when you go to Asia, so that is something to consider. I think you need to be prepared to lose the bike completely, if something happens to it (stolen, sunk in a river, burnt, totalled in a crash, etc). Even if something doesn´t happen to it, it will gain age quite rapidly on a trip like this. Those are important reasons, why I would not go on a very expensive bike, if a cheaper bike could get the job done just fine.

But don´t just listen to others – test ride all the bikes you are thinking of, and see, which one YOU like best. That is ALSO a very important factor, and a very personal one.

Our 2007 bike in Iran – on the way to India, and Australia actually, it never missed a beat:
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 19 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Black Forest
Posts: 171
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djimny View Post

I suggest that you should buy a new V Strom 650 and put some Touratech on it and enjoy.

Djin

.... and don't forget the warranty on a new bike , wich can be very nice, too
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 19 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom-Traveller View Post
.... and don't forget the warranty on a new bike , wich can be very nice, too
Although some manufacturers such as BMW and Triumph will often not honour the warranty on a bike that has not been used as the manufacturer intended, as in overlanded. You will also have to get it to an authorised dealer to get warranty repairs done and ones outside of your home country might still want paying.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 20 Feb 2015
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Hi lmhobbs are you in India now?
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 20 Feb 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pejman View Post
Hello,

We are living in Australia and we want to ride back to to south Asia and silk road up to Turkey. As far as I know many people suggest that BMW GS1200 is one the good one for two up. But it is quite expensive for us at this stage and if I want to save money to get one it takes a long time.

I saw some GS1200 with 40,000 to 60,000 k on odometer. My question is, is this a good idea to get old one? or go for something cheaper but a bit newer?

If yes, How old and is this easy to fix that on road if anythings happened?

I'll appreciate all suggestions.

Cheers,
Pejman
How is your planning going Pejman? (What's That you say, Wife's booked a package tour? Sorry mate!)

Curious bunch of suggestions. I don't agree with ANY of them. The DL650 is a great bike ... but .... Where will you be starting your ride?

I imagine you will fly from Oz to somewhere in Asia? Yes?

The best thing would be to buy small bikes locally once in Asia. One for EACH OF YOU! Travel light and cheap. I'm sure these bikes will be cheaper and much easier to do boat and Ferry crossings than a GS or Vstrom. Yes?

Ride what MILLIONS of natives do. Also, you will save straight away by NOT paying HIGH Oz prices for your bike and NOT paying Shipping costs and Carnet for the "big" bike. Be smart.

Sell off your bikes at some point, (maybe Turkey?) ... once in EU ... then you can buy a BIG motorbike. But by then your wife, I'M sure will demand her VERY OWN BIKE? Can you handle that?
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 20 Feb 2015
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pejman View Post
But it is quite expensive for us at this stage and if I want to save money to get one it takes a long time.
I would get a more relyable japanese bike but not a newer one. Rather something like Honda Transalp or Yamaha Tenere. Or get two very small bikes who are common in Asia. Then you will not have any problems finding spare parts...
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 20 Feb 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,670
There is nothing cheap to replace on a 1200GS. Of any variety.

Funnily enough, the most expensive parts are the ones which are the weaknesses.

In a nut shell with nutshell prices.

Fuel pump 200 quid
Fuel pump controller 80 quid
Drive shaft 200 quid
RWD rebuild 800 quid
New RWD if too far gone 1500
Clutch replacement 600 quid
ABS pump 1500 quid

And don't forget that a BMW charge 100 quid an hour and most jobs require their specialist tools or diagnostic equipment so you might as well add anything from £200-£800 labour on top of those prices. But people pay it. Like they're buying a coffee. Would make my jaw drop.

So yes, a BMW is a nice bike while it is running well. But they don't run well for long and they are expensive to fix. That is where many people get tripped up.

Now there are MANY MANY BMW fans. They tend to have deep pockets and very short memories...

Ref: I'm an EX BMW main dealer technician.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 11 Mar 2015 at 00:57.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 10 Mar 2015
Luma46's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 6
I had a 2006 1200GS, sold it with 55k kms on the clock (stupid me). While I never had any problems with this bike and I never had any problems with my present 2009 1200RT, there is quite a few issues with these bikes, just read the respective forums. I have a second bike now, the 2014 Suzuki DL650ABS and I love it. Great for beat up secondary and hard packed roads, very comfortable, good handling, enough power. Highly recommend.
__________________
2009 BMW R1200RT
2014 Suzuki DL650
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 11 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 163
The inherit problem with motorcycles is "there is always one better,faster etc.
Get your bike after due consideration n go,might also be good to know the problems which come with the model,if none all the better.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 11 Mar 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
How is your planning going Pejman? (What's That you say, Wife's booked a package tour? Sorry mate!)

Curious bunch of suggestions. I don't agree with ANY of them. The DL650 is a great bike ... but .... Where will you be starting your ride?

I imagine you will fly from Oz to somewhere in Asia? Yes?

The best thing would be to buy small bikes locally once in Asia. One for EACH OF YOU! Travel light and cheap. I'm sure these bikes will be cheaper and much easier to do boat and Ferry crossings than a GS or Vstrom. Yes?

Ride what MILLIONS of natives do. Also, you will save straight away by NOT paying HIGH Oz prices for your bike and NOT paying Shipping costs and Carnet for the "big" bike. Be smart.

Sell off your bikes at some point, (maybe Turkey?) ... once in EU ... then you can buy a BIG motorbike. But by then your wife, I'M sure will demand her VERY OWN BIKE? Can you handle that?

:
Actually the plan was to get a bike here then shipped that to Singapore and start from there. My wife wouldn't ride so it's us and one bike!
Well after all these lovely feedbacks I'm serious about Vstrom. I'm Gonna go for test ride 650 and 1000 2014 and see how it goes
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 11 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
There is nothing cheap to replace on a 1200GS. Of any variety.

Funnily enough, the most expensive parts are the ones which are the weaknesses.

In a nut shell with nutshell prices.

Fuel pump 200 quid
Fuel pump controller 80 quid
Drive shaft 200 quid
RWD rebuild 800 quid
New RWD if too far gone 1500
Clutch replacement 600 quid
ABS pump 1500 quid

And don't forget that a BMW charge 100 quid an hour and most jobs require their specialist tools or diagnostic equipment so you might as well add anything from £200-£800 labour on top of those prices. But people pay it. Like they're buying a coffee. Would make my jaw drop.

So yes, a BMW is a nice bike while it is running well. But they don't run well for long and they are expensive to fix. That is where many people get tripped up.

Now there are MANY MANY BMW fans. They tend to have deep pockets and very short memories...

Ref: I'm an EX BMW main dealer technician.
Just reading over the list above reminded me of why many of the 1150 owners remove the ABS system altogether; that era of ABS was particularly troublesome.
Later versions of BMW ABS maybe less so? I guess that is what happens when a manufacturer is first into the market for bikes fitted with ABS; from 2016 it will be compulsory for all new bikes sold within the EU. Traction control may follow.

+ there are quite a few independent BMW service places in the UK nowadays. There must be one for nearly every county, in the same way that BMW allocate their main dealerships to each county "territory".
In some cases these independents have upped sticks from the main dealers (and in some cases after many years of working at the same location) and set up their own business, in some cases taking their customers with them.
Here is one case of a rebuild which gives a clear indication of the work involved.
http://adventurebikerider.com/forum/...e-rebuild.html

Setting up independent garage services in the UK was given massive encouragement a few years ago with the EU legislation concerning servicing of vehicles - fundamentally, this killed off the restrictive practices of the trade.
All reports I have seen and heard elsewhere are very complimentary about the independents. I suppose they have to try harder.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 12 Mar 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Dave,
The problem some indies have is that BMW won't sell them or allow use of the proprietary software or computers to download codes and such to diagnose faults.

In some cases clever aftermarket companies hacked systems and built gizmos allowing indies to diagnose BMW systems, download error codes, tune and whatnot.

But BMW Continually change bike computers and software, making it very tough for indies to compete without specialized "dealer only" analytic equipment.

I agree about early 1150's ... lots of problems. My BMW GS test bike lost it's clutch (NO abuse on my part) on a BMW sponsored press ride!) Some red faces on that one.

But BMW has had ABS since "about" 1995 or so? Maybe earlier? I tested one of the very first K100RS with ABS ... kinda sucked ... but it was cool because no one else had it then! BMW just aren't always great at problem solving.

We hear lots about failed BMW GS drive lines. (shaft or bearings or trans or whatever) This a long and tragic story that's gone on since the very first Oil Head motors!

In 2003 (or so) when Yamaha introduced the FJR1300, Yamaha simply used a shaft drive system they'd used on their cruiser models back in the 80's. With very little alteration, this ancient system was bolted straight onto the
FJR ... and very few drive lines have every failed ... and this a bike with about 30% more HP than the GS or any BM twin.

This bit of Yamaha history was told at the official USA FJR press introduction ... along with engineering drawings I did not fully understand!. But I trusted enough to run my FJR test bike up to about 145 mph on the empty Anza Borrego desert roads. No failures but plenty of dragging of hard parts through corners and cooked legs from the HOT engine.

But then you don't hear much about BMW RT's failing compared to GS's. I used to believe it was off road use ... but the fact is ...many many GS drive line failures happen even to those who NEVER go off road!

POINT IS ... BWM are just a bit slow at solving serious engineering problems.

Ever heard of Gold Wing, or any Japanese shaft drive cruiser losing it's final drive? I'm sure it's happened .. but I never heard of it .
Only guys drag racing V-Max bikes ever blew shafts. (150 HP)
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 12 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Slightly OT and sorry for the pedantry.


ABS is a 40 year old technology and can be diagnosed with a wiring diagram and multimeter. it has:


2 ABS sensors that make a steady AC voltage when the damage and run-out free polewheels are spun and have a given resistance.


A solenoid block cum pump which fires when connected to power and controls fluid flow without leaking. It fails to a standard brake system which can be used normally (although possibly illegally in the EU).


An ECU which has power.


A loom which connects the above together and to a warning display.


It is far far easier to diagnose problems with an OBD2 reader but far from impossible without.


What BMW introduced was a CAN network with multiple layers of additional functionality, lots of dis-information/bull**** such as "resets" (actually just clearing the error memory) and an incredibly badly trained dealer network which was allowed to cover its shortcomings with mystique and high prices. People were right to fear a 2-month long, thousand pound debacle but not the technology. Every truck and bus in Europe has ABS or EBS which by this September will include radar and lane cameras. They don't suffer the maintenance crises you hear of on BMW bikes. Hopefully mandatory ABS will bring the proper auto electricians in on the job and the problem will go away.


Don't let the weird kid who pee's in the paddling pool put you off beach parties.



Andy

Last edited by Threewheelbonnie; 12 Mar 2015 at 09:42.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
gs 1200 old models, maintenance, sponsor, two up


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
Bike & dog friendly Morocco-Mauritania-Senegal-Mali SauerkrautandTofuwurst Sleep and Eat, North Africa 0 27 Mar 2014 22:16

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

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 13:20.