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.

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 :rofl:

Andy

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.

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

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 :innocent:)

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

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.