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Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:05 am
by DanielMc
I'd also plump for the obvious choice of a paralever G/S.

Here's the UK outfit I'd give it to for preparation - http://www.overland-solutions.com - they're the people who prepared the bike for Cynthia Milton as mentioned by Chas earlier in the thread...

(link fixed-d)

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:29 pm
by Sibbo
That link doesn't work Daniel .

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:48 pm
by dwerbil
Sibbo wrote:That link doesn't work Daniel .
I fixed the link.

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:18 pm
by Ross
It would have to be an airhead. You want something that nay one can work on no matter where in the world you are. Suspension must be updated and improved on. Front and rear.

I would either use a highly modified R60 or again a highly modified R80.

If I was to use a Jap bike it would be a modified DRZ400 Suzuki. Simple single cylinder that would be easy to pick up in a fall.

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 12:35 am
by Zombie Master
Ross wrote:It would have to be an airhead. You want something that nay one can work on no matter where in the world you are. Suspension must be updated and improved on. Front and rear.

I would either use a highly modified R60 or again a highly modified R80.

If I was to use a Jap bike it would be a modified DRZ400 Suzuki. Simple single cylinder that would be easy to pick up in a fall.
Hey, he didn't ask about no Jap scrap! Play by the rulez :twisted:

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 4:19 am
by Ross
Zombie Master wrote:
Ross wrote:It would have to be an airhead. You want something that nay one can work on no matter where in the world you are. Suspension must be updated and improved on. Front and rear.

I would either use a highly modified R60 or again a highly modified R80.

If I was to use a Jap bike it would be a modified DRZ400 Suzuki. Simple single cylinder that would be easy to pick up in a fall.
Hey, he didn't ask about no Jap scrap! Play by the rulez :twisted:
Tsk Tsk Tsk ZM. I did at first. :?

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 6:12 am
by Roy Gavin
BMW did sell a simple and reliable carbed single - it was the Funduro, a quality bike made for them by Aprilla, and , all things being equel,this would be my choice.

Anyone considering one of the new twins, or even the injected GS single made by BMW, should go to the relevant model specific site/forum and read a few of the threads - they all have a sticky - My bike does not go and BMW DONT CARE!@!+#*

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:30 am
by dougie
Roy Gavin wrote:BMW did sell a simple and reliable carbed single - it was the Funduro, a quality bike made for them by Aprilla, and , all things being equel,this would be my choice.
I agree Roy because I had a '97 F650ST (same bike with an 18" front wheel). In 6 years I needed one waterpump seal and one oil pressure switch. The Rotax engine was wonderful.

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:28 am
by moosehead
And they were carburetted, I believe, versus later models (post 2000??) that were fuel injected...lot easier to maintain in the outback than FI.

I would not go with a paralever rear drive...the earlier dual shock models were pretty bullet proof from tranny back.

Re: Best BMW for around the world these days

Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:25 am
by Garnet
There is the modern budget world traveler, the KLR. Still has a carb, comes with a huge tank, suspension travel measured in feet, and half the price of an F800. Better yet all the "Farcles" cost half to two thirds what the same brand stuff costs for a BMW.

I know I'm not supposed to consider other marques, but the KLR has the same support on the internet and are all over the world exploring backroads.

I'm finished my coffee now, so it's off to the shop to work on my conversion.