I presently have a 99 BMW RT. I am starting to plan a RTW but have concerns about this model. A GS would seem to be a better choice. My question is: Would an older "Airhead" be the way to go, given a more simple design and repairable no matter where I find myself? My route will (hopefully) take me from the artic circle (Alaska) South to the tip of S. America, then to Cape Town, north through Africa and Europe to the Artic Circle once more.

Solo, two up?

Solo

try to get R80GS or if you wanna a new one F650GS will be fine for solo IMHO.

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ride safely
ozhan u.
'97 F650
www.ozhanu.com/gezi

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ozhan u.
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Why a BMW? I know the cult of BMW has a strong presence here but a Japanese bike is less expensive and ever bit as reliable if not more so. And the money you'll save might pay for your trip. I ride a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom with another guy who has one, in the past he only rode BMW's. He likes his V-Strom better. The DL650 is lighter and IMHO more reliable. Well I await the attack.

I've ridden many brands over the years, but always returned to BMW. Nothing against Japanese bikes.

I take it you mean an oilhead RT. Take a look at monsiuer McGonigals link on the Travellers tales links page on this site. He used an RT.

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Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality

Yeah, the everlasting discussion...

In the meantime I'm not so sure whether my choice to "renovate" my old R80GS was the best idea. I invested quite a lot to make a decent bike out of my R80: overhauled the gearbox, balanced my pistons & conrods, upgraded my suspension, had my seat rebuilt.

All in all it's a great bike now, but in the endeffect it cost me as much as a fairly new R1150GS.

I reckon the 1150 is a very robust and reliant bike. Comfortable and well suited for two up. Actually I'd prefer it to the 1200GS if it wasn't for the weight.

Here we come back to my R80GS. It is light and powerful enough for two up. But reliance??

Another suggestion would be the Africa Twin, which I prefer any day to the Suzuki DL650 or any single.

Hans

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I'm not familiar with the African Twin. I have been looking at the 90's 1000 Dakar. There seem to be quite a few in the States with low miles and moderate price. I will check out the fellow who used the oilhead RT for his journeys. I really start to wonder as I daydream of going up some slippery jungle track in the middle of nowhere on my fully laden RT. Dan

Africa Twin thread here:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50630

Basically the same engine as fitted to Transalps, Hawks, Bros & some cruisers - 52 degree watercooled twin with two spark plugs, two inlet valves & one exhaust valve per cylinder.

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Well, here's the switcheroo. I sold my RT. Looked long and hard at the Dakar, considered the price of about $10K, less equipment needed and went to my Kawasaki dealer. The KLR sure looks sweet at half the price and seems to be a better choice as an "all rounder".

Isn't it strange how the world changes when reality kicks in.

Have Fun
Rick

It is indeed similar to my own experience. Impressed by my mates F650s I looked for one of them but on inspection discovered the Japanese alternative was just as good and much cheaper.
Matt
XT600E

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

I used an 1100GS for my world ride and it was OK.
There were many times I wished I had a lighter, smaller machine and many times I was glad to be on the GS.

Overall, it depends on your abilities to handle a big bike on the slippery stuff. If you'll be alone like I was then picking up a fully laden GS isn't fun and sometimes couldn't be done alone.

I now ride a 650 V Strom and wouldn't hesitate to take it on another world tour.
You'd be surprised just how much pavement and easy dirt road riding you'll do and the V Strom is perfect for that.

I looked at KLR's and BMW 650's but they are both underpowered and being single cylinder vibrate so much more than the sweet v twin used in the V Strom that I knew I wouldn't be happy on the long stretches of highway one encounters on such a trip.

The price of the V Strom is very attractive, there are a enough goodies to be had to personalize the bike and make it a good allrounder for world trips.

If you want even lighter and are willing to give up power, comfort and to some degree quality then by all means get a KLR and do the needed upgrades to make it more reliable and durable.

[This message has been edited by jota (edited 06 November 2005).]

[This message has been edited by jota (edited 06 November 2005).]

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Safe Travels

Jay