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24 Mar 2012
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My wife and I did a one year/30,000 mile trip from the UK to South Africa on our BMW R 100GS. This is one of the most comfortable bikes we've used, most modern bikes we've tried are more cramped and have high pillion footrests. The bike also carried 90kg of luggage no problem. Other important factors which are just as relevant these days are the very simple mechanics and readily available service parts even in Africa.
We still have the bike which we use for shorter trips around Europe but we're planning to get away for a longer trip soon.
Rider 1.85m/95kg, Pillion 1.75m/60kg
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24 Mar 2012
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon
My wife and I did a one year/30,000 mile trip from the UK to South Africa on our BMW R 100GS. This is one of the most comfortable bikes we've used, most modern bikes we've tried are more cramped and have high pillion footrests. The bike also carried 90kg of luggage no problem. Other important factors which are just as relevant these days are the very simple mechanics and readily available service parts even in Africa.
We still have the bike which we use for shorter trips around Europe but we're planning to get away for a longer trip soon.
Rider 1.85m/95kg, Pillion 1.75m/60kg
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That is a great choice, but I was concerned about what 6ft 7in equates to in the inside leg measurement.
Nor is it easy to find one in really good condition nowadays that does not cost silly money, here in the UK anyway. That goes for the Africa Twin also, more or less ever since a UK bike magazine here in the UK wrote a test report that compared the AT with a BMW 800GS and a Tri Tiger 800XC; the AT won that competition.
Sure, the backside to footpeg to handlebar positions are important, as are those dimensions that apply for the passenger.
Could the Kawasaki W800 bike be a good contender as a modern follow-on from the 100GS?? - it's a twin, simple design, big comfy saddle & reliable (based on the earlier W650).
Another "low-rider" type of bike would be the Triumph Bonneville.
You can see that I am still thinking street oriented bikes (but fitted with some dual tyres).
__________________
Dave
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27 Mar 2012
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Join Date: Jun 2011
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GRTS from Thailand, just passed the Cambodian boader... 22.000km on our Africa Twin, RD07, ^93. NO problems with spare parts, electronics, suspension etc... we travel 2up (450kg) on sand, street, stones, on and off road. no problem except we need to weld constantly our panier holders... but no problem, in SEA you find a welder every 50 meters (true! everywhere).
if you would need any new controlling unit, original spare parts etc... would be less fun (for us) and you need more time (perhaps). we met a lot of people on all kinds of bikes, even they did the RTW using a bicycle, skateboard or a scooter (300cc very funny to look at with the TT paniers attached) and said that this was the best solution for them, and it was...
for us the best choice was our AT, we had it already, we knew it, 100% relayable, strong enough (could be a bit more though ...). Everybody here loves it, "NO REALLY IT IS A HONDA???"
have a look at our blog, there are some pictures from our last 20.000km
anyway the most important thing is that you just do it, not the bike...
cheers Sascha and Kerstin
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27 Mar 2012
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Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
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Hi Jim,
Good selection of bikes there, Id certainly add in the Tiger 800, F800GS, Honda Varadero and as Walkabout mentions, a few road bikes would do the job too, having done lots of 2up riding on 650 singles Id say the frame will be too cramped for you guys 2up given your height and you will be pushing most 650's AUW with gear. As you are going to be riding around 75,000 kms you want something comfortable with some room.
Throw a leg over as many bikes as you can and see what fits and make sure your wife gets on the back too and is part of the decision making process - or you will get nagged for each one of those 75,00kms!
Each of these bikes has strengths and weaknesses, you will have to compromise in certain areas and at the end of the trip the bike will be worth very little - to everyone apart from you and your wife.
I am personally keen on theTiger 800 for 2up - and they are currently designing a 30L Safai tank for it, but see what fits you guys.
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27 Mar 2012
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i think thats a job for a V-Strom !!!!
Cheers
Paul
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4 Apr 2012
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Rhode Island
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bmw
I have an option to buy a 2006 BMW 1200GS with only 5500 miles for about $9500. It seems in great shape, and the price and miles seem good. Anything I should look at as I check out the bike?
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