Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
what we need to be aware of when buying new bike today? what we need to be aware of when buying new bike today?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Like Tree20Likes

Reply
Page 7 of 7 123456 7
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #91  
Old 15 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 853
I suspect the fundamental problem is the use of a shaft driver boxer engine. This is great for on-road touring and has been the company's trademark since the 1930s. But it's inherently heavy, in the drivetrain and in the impossibility of building a more compact engine. So they look for weight savings elsewhere, and that's where the problems start.
Reply With Quote
  #92  
Old 15 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by Des Senior View Post
I suspect the fundamental problem is the use of a shaft driver boxer engine. This is great for on-road touring and has been the company's trademark since the 1930s. But it's inherently heavy, in the drivetrain and in the impossibility of building a more compact engine. So they look for weight savings elsewhere, and that's where the problems start.
one of the weight saving ideas is single side swing arm - very stupid idea, against laws of physics. No wonder so many cases of broken literally in half GS bikes.
Reply With Quote
  #93  
Old 16 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 853
Actually the SSSA was shown by Honda (who hold the patents) in racing during the 80s to be slightly heavier than the twin sided version due to its need for increased torsional stiffness. The advantages are functional, ease of wheel changing in particular. Using it as a shaft drive housing also has an aesthetic value. A further disadvantages is that in order to make the complex shapes it needs to be cast, and cast aluminium isn't as strong as extruded section.
Reply With Quote
  #94  
Old 16 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by Des Senior View Post
Actually the SSSA was shown by Honda (who hold the patents) in racing during the 80s to be slightly heavier than the twin sided version due to its need for increased torsional stiffness. The advantages are functional, ease of wheel changing in particular. Using it as a shaft drive housing also has an aesthetic value. A further disadvantages is that in order to make the complex shapes it needs to be cast, and cast aluminium isn't as strong as extruded section.
you're right, but while in racing it makes some sense then for adventure bikes not really.
Such swing arm should be strong enough but bmw disagrees obviously.



Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 7 of 7 123456 7

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
BMW-F800GS -adventure Snakeboy BMW Tech 71 19 May 2015 19:29
Buying a Bike in east Asia the to travel back to Germany(Japan, Korea, Russia,China?) Andrethetraveller Northern and Central Asia 2 10 Jun 2014 06:16
My experience buying US California titled bike in South America vertical_c Trip Paperwork 0 22 Apr 2014 00:09
Buying US-registered bike in Uruguay, will have title, can I leave with it? SenorBoludo South America 8 16 Apr 2014 07:27
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top