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16 Aug 2021
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
I'd be interested in the train of thought that lead to the F700GS.
Personally I can't see much going for it and would not want the ESA, but I'm not going to ride it.
Suggesting the G650 (eats waterpumps, fries VR's, chain sized for a 125?) or Transalp (old tech, hard to buy in good condition) seems to risk missing what @loes is after?
I have just sold my CB500X. It would need a fair bit of suspension work to really go off road. It is a bit of a lump. It's well made and good value though and can do anything that's mostly legal on a UK highway. I have considered lowering it and it would be simple to do, especially combined with the work to upgrade the shock.
I'd go Enfield Himalayan (not what I'm swapping it for BTW), but low tech/high maintenance doesn't scare me and I don't have any need to break motorway speed limits.
Andy
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Contrary to my older posts on this forum about my dislike for the F650 and replacement G650, in comparison to the newer and more fragile adventure bikes, the G650 is actually a good bike. The Sertao being the the offroad focused model. The engines are actually really good. I've owned a few and worked on more than a few others. Engine failure is INCREDIBLY rare on these bikes. Being a Rotax and then excellent rotax copy.
The water pump failures aren't as common as forum gossip may leave you to believe. And not a complicated or difficult fix. It's not perfect, but no bike is.
I would definitely chose to ride an F650 RTW with 50,000 miles on it than a brand new Himalayan.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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17 Aug 2021
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
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My F650 waterpump failed in Morocco. I'll have another when the clown who decided to use a lipseal as a shaft bearing has walked 5 miles wearing MX boots in 35 degree heat and then has 75% of his bank balance removed
Andy
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17 Aug 2021
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
My F650 waterpump failed in Morocco. I'll have another when the clown who decided to use a lipseal as a shaft bearing has walked 5 miles wearing MX boots in 35 degree heat and then has 75% of his bank balance removed
Andy
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Well, you should have carried a spare if you knew it was a known issue
Even if those seals fail. You can just keep topping up your coolant bottle until you can get a fix. They only drip.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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17 Aug 2021
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Neiva Colombia
Posts: 235
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bmw
I have a 2016 f700gs I have done 56000 km and the only thing I replaced was the fuel pump and filter I bought the kit from amazon for 100 bucks and it came with a pump, filter, replacement hose, and main gasket
I took me about a hour and half to change, easy peasy the tank under the seat is awesome You don't have to drain the fuel
I think the f700 is underrated mine has cables to the Throttle plates 2017-2018 they made it throttle by wire, I have ABS , no electronic suspension or ride mode or traction control that needs a electronic brain to work, I use my own
Although heavy this bike can go places that will impress you with its ability as long as you are in shape and can pick it up
My Mitas 07s and a front sprocket change to a 16 tooth has trans formed this bike into a dual sport I go with a 47 rear if I visit the northern desert of La Guajira it is the most northern tip of South America in Colombia,Enduro land lots of Sand Good thing is the f700 used won't cost you a arm and a leg used and it is a hell of a lot easier to work on than the 750 which is a joke in my opinion
but she is pretty
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18 Aug 2021
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Well, you should have carried a spare if you knew it was a known issue
Even if those seals fail. You can just keep topping up your coolant bottle until you can get a fix. They only drip.
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The coolant bottle remained full. Full of chocolate coloured engine oil
The Rotax clowns hadn't bothered with the drilling between water and oil pumps to let the drip out. According to the Bavarians that's my fault because it was four years old and happened abroad while I was using it in a way it wasn't designed for (ie moving under its own power )
The heat warped the head and then off to the scrappers it went.
I suppose by now, what's the newest 2010?, all the dodgy ones must have cooked off, so probably safe if you clear out the drain and fit a seal kit.
Andy
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18 Aug 2021
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: San Jose CA
Posts: 70
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson
Great post, thanks! Always good to get the other viewpoint.
You both need to come to the California Traveller’s Meeting and do a presentation on your trip!
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We have talked about this - i.e., sharing our trip experience in some appropriate venue. We have really enjoyed those opportunities we have had to meet and talk with other people who are, were or hope to be over-landing (if that is a verb!). Our trip was "common" as such journey's go - many have done similar. But having done this as "homeless nomads" for over a year, as a couple, and a couple over 60 - that makes our experience less common, as you can relate! And every journey has it's unique story, regardless.
Re-establishing our lives back in the USA, in the midst of COVID, has kept us from actively pursuing it, but in principle we are interested. I will look into dates for upcoming HUBB meetings.
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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.
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