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16 Aug 2016
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New 1200 GSA from US to South America or beyond?
I'm considering to fly to the US pretty soon, buy a new or near to new 1200 gsa and go from there, now i was just wondering who's done similar trips on this bike, i just love the way it rides, and i would like to know from personal experience if this bike is up to it? and or go all the way around the globe for an extended period of time, and do some offroad with no horror story's
I know that sounds easy, but maybe i would like that for once in live....
second choice would be to me to totally rebuild one of my two xtz 750 super tenere's on which i've ridden far away trips, less easy, but they are just very valuable to me the way they sit in my storage unit now with many stories written all over them.
Or third choice would be to get an older Africa twin here in Europe and just ship it to the US or somewhere's else.
No i'm not considering klr 650 or f800 or new s10 or new at, its just personal preference.
Who has some personal experience with the LC doing what the Bavarians claim it to be? 
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17 Aug 2016
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such a long trip on big, heavy, expensive bike with not the best reliability records? good luck, you will need it.
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17 Aug 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tremens
such a long trip on big, heavy, expensive bike with not the best reliability records? good luck, you will need it.
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haha, that's a clear statement lol, is this from personal experience? 
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19 Aug 2016
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And I don't think the new 1200GS runs on regular fuel. or even worst, on shitty one. Definitely not the bike I would use, especially a new one off the dealer's showroom.
What about bringing your own "old" RD07 Africa Twin. They are bulletproof. Just prepare it for reliability (Mosfet regulator, new fuel pump contatcs, new sprocket and chain kit, handguards) w/ full crashbars and racks and Mitas E07 tires.
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19 Aug 2016
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Never met a GS1200 overlander that wasn't broken.
Met several who were...
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Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...
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19 Aug 2016
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Thanks guys,
Buddy of mine who rode for bmw is coming over for a visit next week, coming from the BAM, or road of bones, but he's riding an 1150,not sure why he didn't take a new one, but now i know probably, i've seen bwm's broken down as well, where i should be, and expecting to, or more or less counting on, but didn't, on 25 year old 3LD's.
But seen guys running forever without troubles on some, but this a few years back.
I guess it all makes sense in a way, expensive vehicles probably aren't ment to be reliable.
RD07 would probably work best, or heck maybe even a klr...
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21 Aug 2016
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I'm a BMW Technician...
I spend five days a week fixing them.
I wouldn't take one.
However, you should always ride the bike you love. No matter what people say.
If you have the financial luxury to buy a brand new one then why not. They're fast, comfortable and easy to ride.
Don't buy the GSA though. It's a f**king tank. So big, heavy and cumbersome. There is just no need for it. Most pointless bike on the planet.
Buy the standard GS which has all the fuel range you need and it's significantly lighter.
Also buy the simplest model you can. It's all the add-ones and the gimmicks that go wrong all the time.
Forget keyless ride, RDC pressure sensors, alarms, Electronic suspension etc etc.
The bonus you will get with a new GS is the Two year unlimited warranty and free roadside assistance. That will be great in places with fully stocked BMW dealers who can have most parts shipped in the next day..
"South America and beyond" is where you don't want to be on a rolling computer that needs a specialist diagnostic computer to fix it with special parts and tooling that is unavailable to anyone. When they go wrong, 90% of problems can only be fixed by a specialist..
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
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27 Aug 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
I'm a BMW Technician...
I spend five days a week fixing them.
I wouldn't take one.
However, you should always ride the bike you love. No matter what people say.
If you have the financial luxury to buy a brand new one then why not. They're fast, comfortable and easy to ride.
Don't buy the GSA though. It's a f**king tank. So big, heavy and cumbersome. There is just no need for it. Most pointless bike on the planet.
Buy the standard GS which has all the fuel range you need and it's significantly lighter.
Also buy the simplest model you can. It's all the add-ones and the gimmicks that go wrong all the time.
Forget keyless ride, RDC pressure sensors, alarms, Electronic suspension etc etc.
The bonus you will get with a new GS is the Two year unlimited warranty and free roadside assistance. That will be great in places with fully stocked BMW dealers who can have most parts shipped in the next day..
"South America and beyond" is where you don't want to be on a rolling computer that needs a specialist diagnostic computer to fix it with special parts and tooling that is unavailable to anyone. When they go wrong, 90% of problems can only be fixed by a specialist..
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Thanks very much for your comprehensive explanation Ted....actually i was thinking about getting a GSA, but then again, i have to sell some stuff, lots off stuff actually, no deep pockets here, so would the GS be a better bike? is it less complicated?
Or how about a HP2 enduro, the seem to be more affordable where i live, i like travel of the beaten path, the longer the better.
I already have the bike i love, but have to go through it completely to get it travel ready and not sure if i want to ship it again to North America, and there's no parts for it there.
Thanks for sharing your experience 
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28 Aug 2016
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Hi Hookeniggy
The 1150GS is bulletproof if previously well maintained. It is simple and has no electronic gizmos (just get one without the servo. The weak points are known and easily fixed. Final drive crown bearing, final drive pivot pins. But damn they are heavy, especially if you have a GSA. Remember how Ewan and Charley suffered with theirs. So much that Boorman had to fake shoulder muscle problems when they did the Summer Road to Madagan and then put the bikes on a truck. South America's wet jungle roads will be worst. In short, BMWs are reliable bikes if you know how to work on them. I sold my 2006 R1150GSA SE (the white one) with 240,000km and the buyer told me it sounded much better than his other 80,000km GSA.
As I said before, an old Africa Twin will do the job to go around the world. A KLR will also go a long way, but you won't attract as many chicks as with a shiny BMW...
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28 Aug 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Massive Lee
Hi Hookeniggy
The 1150GS is bulletproof if previously well maintained. It is simple and has no electronic gizmos (just get one without the servo. The weak points are known and easily fixed. Final drive crown bearing, final drive pivot pins. But damn they are heavy, especially if you have a GSA. Remember how Ewan and Charley suffered with theirs. So much that Boorman had to fake shoulder muscle problems when they did the Summer Road to Madagan and then put the bikes on a truck. South America's wet jungle roads will be worst. In short, BMWs are reliable bikes if you know how to work on them. I sold my 2006 R1150GSA SE (the white one) with 240,000km and the buyer told me it sounded much better than his other 80,000km GSA.
As I said before, an old Africa Twin will do the job to go around the world. A KLR will also go a long way, but you won't attract as many chicks as with a shiny BMW...
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.........haha, you might be right Massive Lee, just sat on a plane just a couple of weeks ago next to a bunch of Spanish beauties, they all agreed they just loved a GS....quite an eyeopener...
i don't have the RD07 anymore, just two very dirty super tenere's left, of which of one i completely wore out in the Maritimes. 
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29 Aug 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hookeniggy
Thanks very much for your comprehensive explanation Ted....actually i was thinking about getting a GSA, but then again, i have to sell some stuff, lots off stuff actually, no deep pockets here, so would the GS be a better bike? is it less complicated?
Or how about a HP2 enduro, the seem to be more affordable where i live, i like travel of the beaten path, the longer the better.
I already have the bike i love, but have to go through it completely to get it travel ready and not sure if i want to ship it again to North America, and there's no parts for it there.
Thanks for sharing your experience |
Its just a lot lighter and do everything a GSA will do. The final drive gearing is a little different though..
If you haven't got a blank cheque I'd be looking at something a lot cheaper and simple. Especially as you say you want to go off the beaten track in South America.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Massive Lee
Hi Hookeniggy
The 1150GS is bulletproof if previously well maintained. It is simple and has no electronic gizmos (just get one without the servo. The weak points are known and easily fixed. Final drive crown bearing, final drive pivot pins. But damn they are heavy, especially if you have a GSA. Remember how Ewan and Charley suffered with theirs. So much that Boorman had to fake shoulder muscle problems when they did the Summer Road to Madagan and then put the bikes on a truck. South America's wet jungle roads will be worst. In short, BMWs are reliable bikes if you know how to work on them. I sold my 2006 R1150GSA SE (the white one) with 240,000km and the buyer told me it sounded much better than his other 80,000km GSA.
As I said before, an old Africa Twin will do the job to go around the world. A KLR will also go a long way, but you won't attract as many chicks as with a shiny BMW...
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Don't forget that dreaded Hall Effect sensor. Carry a spare. And lower coils if you have a twin spark. I'd carry a spare bearing and seals for the rear too. There are people in South America who can fix them. Like Javier at Dakar Motos.
Proper heavy bike though isn't it. And the stock rear shock is junk...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hookeniggy
.........haha, you might be right Massive Lee, just sat on a plane just a couple of weeks ago next to a bunch of Spanish beauties, they all agreed they just loved a GS....quite an eyeopener...
i don't have the RD07 anymore, just two very dirty super tenere's left, of which of one i completely wore out in the Maritimes. |
"No money, No Honey" kind of girls ??? haha.
If a women is more into a Shiny bling than the character and charms of a weathered and well travelled trail bike, then she ain't no woman for me 
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Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
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30 Aug 2016
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ted what do you think about the sertao?water pump?any other problem?
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30 Aug 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aa1
ted what do you think about the sertao?water pump?any other problem?
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Well tested motor and its a good one. Water pump os no different as far as im aware but i haven't seen any bad ones brought into our place. Excellent economy and light weight machine.
However... Its built very cheaply. Wheels, suspension, bars, chain etc are all budget rubbish.
It could make a good foundation to improve on.
Why not look at an x-country or x-challenge if you like the BMWs. Same engine but better made.
Sent from my G7-L01 using Tapatalk
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31 Aug 2016
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thanks ted,i don't like the beemers at all,sevral years ago i had the dakar which was great bike ,next year i'm going to ride from usa-alaska to south america & i'll just wait for the new xtz 700 or buy a wee xt(i own now 2012 wee)which is a great all arounder bike. i was looking for efi thumpers but the options from ktm- husky- bmw or swn means less realibilty on the way.
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31 Aug 2016
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How about buying a bike in Texas and riding it down there ??
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Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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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.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
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"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
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"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
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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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
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