OK - So my better half (wife) and I are planning a RTW trip. Same old question 'Which bike?'

We will be on the road about 4 years all together but don't have any fixed route so we could end up on any type of surface. As such we need a bike which can handle off road well, is solid, can handle two up with the gear (no strangers to living for weeks with only the aid of a pair of knickers and an elastic band so not a problem), light and will run on anything which will burn.

We have looked at the BMW1100GS but it is expencive which makes the Carnet even more expecive if a newish bike which I think we'll need. Its really heavey too. I'm no big guy (5ft 7ins tall). I'd be happier with a 650cc or there abouts. We need a bit of power but top end speed isn't important (we've got 4 years!)

So - 'Which bike and what modifications do you think may be needed for such a bike?'

No prizes for the best answer but loads of thanks. Safe travels

Chris & Liz

Its an interesting question...

I've got an 1100GS at home in Australia and have just finished a two week 7500Km trip through the centre of Australia. We stayed on the pavement, and I regard the 1100 as way too big and heavy for me (175cms, 65Kg) to take off-road. Great on road though.

I've done a lot of miles on a variety of BMW F650s in New Zealand, two-up. Most recent was in January on a new F650GS P/D 4000Kms. It handles two up with ease, is comfortable and a delight, but the Dakar was too tall for me, and I would not be happy off-road on it either. The regular GS is fine.

But...I own an older BMW R100R which lives in Canada. I've ridden it all over the US, Mexico (east side to Yucatan), and last year rode the Alaska highway to Fairbanks and Anchorage. Its 56000Kms have all been put up in touring the US and both the Rockies and Eastern Canada. The other two run rings around it and yet its almost certainly the bike that wins on a points basis.

It wins in all the areas that count, light weight, can carry load without problem, low height, very comfortable, easiest to handle in bad conditions (eg. muddy construction on Alcan). The low down torque makes it so easy to ride, and its gait is so relaxed, which may be more important than is sometimes realised on long tours.

Finding a good one may be a problem.

cheers
Peter

Peter makes interesting points. And I won't disagree!

I'd STILL despite all the controversy go for the R100GS. No, not the R80G/S, I'm tired of tube tires, and the longer wheelbase and better suspension and brakes of the R80/R100GS is a big bonus. Power of either is fine. You MAY want to lower it slightly, but it's height isn't bad. Don't get a PD version, it's all window dressing, and adds weight. Put a nice low Acerbis plastic tank on it, redo the seat, don't use a big tank bag, and it will be good lowdown weight that's easy to handle.

I'd suggest you plan on a complete rebuild, from the ground up, and you will then know everything you need to fix it when something goes wrong. The value for the carnet will be peanuts too.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks for the replies. I'll start looking. In the meantime I'm off to Morocco in 3 days time (which isn't RTW or off road) on a Bandit.

Happy travels

hi chris
i hope you did find a good motobike for you
i9,m, also confused and i.m thinking to get bmw 100 gs
did you got one yet ??
i hope you can tell me the prices for it and wich one is beter .i live in egypt and custom taxes for motorbikes is up to 200% errrrrrrr i hope you can give me idea about i the prices without vat and every thing koz i will take it out of england
wellcome in egypt any time .if you will pass by i have a place for you in alexandria and its free also you can use my garage and my tools all for free i love to help bikers
see you
omar egypt

Yep, the topic question is going to plague mankind, as I'm in the same boat (should that be bike).

Being 'vertically challenged' (176 cm), although the R11xxGS is my preferred bike for me and the 'Minister for War & Finance' (Ouch! that hurt), the Tiger feels 'just right' for me, so what do I do?

Decisions, decisions, with the aftermarket products really geared for the Panzer I have to go with it, at the expense of the Tiger.

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Macca & Lynda
Tiger955i

Omar

Thanks for the offer. I haven't got a bike yet - the trip is still a little time off yet but I still really can't deside on waht to go with.

If you have an idea of what bike you are looking for I'll check out the prices over here for you and get back to you.

Safe riding
Chris

We have been travelling 2 up on a Yamaha Super Tenere XTZ750 for the last 8 months around South America and have found it to be an ideal bike.
For more information go to:
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/peck
and for details on the modifications we have made, go to:
www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000194.html
Good luck with your choice,
Patrick and Belinda

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Patrick and Belinda Peck
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/peck

i'd suggest you consider a honda africa twin or (old style 600cc or new style 650cc) transalp. both are v-twins, reliable, water cooled, will run forever and can easily carry 2 bodies and luggage.
cheers
ChrisB

[This message has been edited by chris (edited 28 November 2002).]

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Hi all

Just a few comments, You will find an 650 underpowered two up with luggage. I have travelled two up on an f650 dakar and a r100 GS. I found the R100 most excellent two up as I didn't need to keep going through the gears all the time and there was plenty of torque there.

The 650 are great for short trips with two and great for solo trips.

With regards to reaching the floor, I've got a 27ins inside leg and have not found either bikes a problem.

I would also be tempted to have a look at an Africa twin as stated earlier as these are good two up.

The GS1100 or 1150 are also great two up bikes but they are taller and feel alot heaver off road. Although travelled with a German couple on one with road tyres on the Piste in Morocco and he had no problems with it.


Hope this is of some use.

Julio