Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: England
Posts: 52
No disrespect here.. but anyone who would rather write bumwuh..?? instead of BMW has to be suspect.. and the same for their 'advice'...

I too have ridden thousands of miles with my 1150 well loaded with camping gear, not much off road, much some pretty appalling/bumpy surfaces with out a single spoke breaking.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleepy View Post
No disrespect here.. but anyone who would rather write bumwuh..?? instead of BMW has to be suspect.. and the same for their 'advice'...
Who would take an advice seriously from a person who never owned one on longer terms and just knocking it anyways? There lies the truth.

IMHO, just another equivalent of some members here on HUBB, who never owned one but bash the crap out of them with examples taken from the "thin air" ("I've seen this and that on the road" etc pseudo-arguments) It's not just GS but about some other bikes too.

It's called a 'selective-seeing' of faults when you've never owned one and look for reasons to smear it.

Ride safe, Margus
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 114
Quote:
Originally Posted by Margus View Post
Who would take an advice seriously from a person who never owned one on longer terms and just knocking it anyways? There lies the truth.

IMHO, just another equivalent of some members here on HUBB, who never owned one but bash the crap out of them with examples taken from the "thin air" ("I've seen this and that on the road" etc pseudo-arguments) It's not just GS but about some other bikes too.

It's called a 'selective-seeing' of faults when you've never owned one and look for reasons to smear it.

Ride safe, Margus
This made me smile :-)


As Margus has said there is NOT ONE PROBLEM with the spoked Gs wheels,
me own R1100Gs moto 150,000 miles (about 240,000km's) and not
a problem with them. I use the moto everyday for work and play (off road).
Overland to India and South America and me wheels are still spot on
just a little dirty ;-)
Regards
joe
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: England
Posts: 52
This one never survived..
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 46
Thanks for the info guys

Thanks for all the info guys, I now have a better understanding off the best way to prep my bike and what to carry with me on route. Which was the original reason for the post.

I’m also now loaded with all this information (things I never knew I even wanted to know) about steel, alloys and spoke wheels on BMW’s. Remind me not to stand next to some of the “wheel guys” in a pub when you get into it.
Now I wil go and try to pursuade the Mrs to stop buying shoes and get her to save her money for a good set of spanners. What do ou mean alloy spanners are better than steel ones oh god here we go again !
Cheers guys
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 114
Quote:
Originally Posted by phtest View Post
Thanks for all the info guys, I now have a better understanding off the best way to prep my bike and what to carry with me on route. Which was the original reason for the post.

I’m also now loaded with all this information (things I never knew I even wanted to know) about steel, alloys and spoke wheels on BMW’s. Remind me not to stand next to some of the “wheel guys” in a pub when you get into it.
Now I wil go and try to pursuade the Mrs to stop buying shoes and get her to save her money for a good set of spanners. What do ou mean alloy spanners are better than steel ones oh god here we go again !
Cheers guys
Nice one :-)
You'll have a ball,
enjoy take loads of foto's and keep us posted...
regards
joe
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 26 May 2008
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleepy View Post
No disrespect here.. but anyone who would rather write bumwuh..?? instead of BMW has to be suspect.. and the same for their 'advice'...
No disrespect either Sleepy but my naming conventions have nothing to do with what I think about vehicles. I also call MGBs "MugBuhs" and Suzuki GSXes "Guhsuxes", it's just the strange way my mind works. Try playing around with my UID a little and you'll see where my mind is at.

Anyways phtest, good to hear you now have the info that you need.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Last edited by farqhuar; 26 May 2008 at 17:04.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 27 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: London
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar View Post
As you have probably surmised by now, I believe BuMWuhs to be HIGHLY overrated. In essence, you pay twice the price of the Jap equivalent, for what is really only half the bike (in other words you're paying four times what they are worth)

.
if your going to use a cost/price equation, don't forget the all important resale value after you've ridden it around the globe.

Japs value = peanuts ( so original cost is written off)

BMW value = still very valuable ( cost probably works out cheaper than buying the cheaper bike in the long run)
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Boston
Posts: 1
I'm raising the dead here, not to join in a my-dog-is-better-than-yours debate, but solely for googlelanders out there just using the Net as it was intended--for information.

Having said this, the spoke issue is unqualified nonsense. This is not an opinion. The ill-fated bikes mentioned in the anecdote were (as also noted by the poster) not GS bikes, and as such did not enjoy the benefits of BMW's unusual, outer-mounted spoke design. I've ridden my R11GS where they are not welcome--over crash-plate bashing, tire-thumping, twisty single track, up rock scrambles, on whoopdedoo's, and down 2500 miles of endless, endless washboard--the latter in a single trip. I have in fact posted pictures elsewhere from said trip of my shock, after the upper mounting eyelet had torn clean off. Sadly, the image didn't capture the nearby snickering of my spokes.

I'm still riding my '95 R1100GS with 100,000 miles on it, entirely original save for tires, pads, belts and one hall effect sensor. All spokes have come along for the ride.


As for opinions and selective sight, my two pence is this: save for the occasional Goldwing that has snuggled and cooed its way down plushy pavement, I've never come across a single Japanese bike that had more than 70K on it. Of course they exist, but it doesn't take Leonard Nemoy or National Geographic to find one.

My advice would have been: sure, take a spoke with you, but save room for a hall effect sensor and an alternator belt.


Hope this finds someone like myself, looking for information, and that the OP's ride is still going.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
1150gsa

I was in the same position few month ago before I picked my 1150GSA and spent hours online looking for answers, should I get a BMW /why /does they fail too much...blablabla I soon realized that the BMW are great and even if they break ( all bikes do )they are pretty good RTW bike easy to aminatin and most of the problem with them have been already observed by other travellers, the few electrical problem or fuel pumpor even spoke are not to be a big worry and the space required for spare parts is not that big.Thanks god for Fedex the important ( missing) part can come in few days . The biggest problem with BMW is that most of the people spend more time talking about thier failure (FD...)than riding them , I asked many RTW travellers if they wood take another BMW for a long and most of them answered yes ( they are not all masochist I hope)

PS: I did cross africa on a old R90 and didn't any real problem

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 26 Sep 2009
jc's Avatar
jc jc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
I'm on my 2nd 1150GS, and 4th BMW (other a F650 and F800S).
I've done 90,000kms on my first 1150GS, about 15,000kms was on gravel roads, never had anything that went wrong. Great bike.
Then I bought the 1150GS Adventure (new) and has since riden it for almost 180,000kms, most of it two -up with RTW lugguage etc.

The most anoying problem I encountered was that I had to replace the rear wheel bearing 5 times. So my advise to anyone out there is to carry a spare 6917 bearing, two or three extra shims of various thickness and a 7mm allenkey (to open the diff). Educate yourself on how to replace the bearing. Check the diff regularly and change the oil regularly, especially after some water and river crossings. See also my other post here on the modification that I've done to an Angular Contact bearing.

Regarding the spokes, my bike broke about three spokes on the rear wheel, not a big issue really. I always keep one spare with me.

I weigh about 120kg, wife is about 60kg and lugguage another 50kg. The standard rear shock is a bit soft for this weight, but you dont need to buy expensive aftermarket shocks. I stripped the coil spring from the strud and added a 20mm spacer to make the spring stiffer. It worked great, and never bottoms out and handles perfect, especially two-up etc. Cheap and easy.

My ABS/Servo system failed at about 85,000kms, so I just removed it and ever since used normal brakes. This is unfortunately not just a remove and go operation, and need some time and electric work to get around it, but only should cost you new brake hoses, nothing else. Somewhere I have the wiring diagram how I did mine, so will happely share it with you if you encounter this problem. The removal of the pump created a nice packing space under my fuel tank for those emergency brake downs like the bearing etc.

My RID panel also failed, but you dont need it and I've riden the last 10,000km without it and will do so untill I can find a secondhand one for a reasonable price.

I carried an altenator belt with me all the way, but never had a belt failure. Other than that the 1150GS is actually a very reliable bike and I'll ride mine for many more years to come.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 29 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 54
My servo didn't fail but I removed it anyway. Used std brakes. Saved 10kg off the bike weight.

Just use some brake line to bypass the servo and wire up some relays to make the brakes work. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 19 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 2
Spoked wheels a weak point?? NOT!

Put a bend in a cast wheel and try and whack it back into shape? You now have a two piece wheel!

Squillions of dirt bike racers and riders can't be wrong. If cast were better for dirt/rough stuffthen spoked wheels would have gone off the market yonks ago because the cast wheels are cheaper and a lot easier to make and set up.

My R1150GS has 145,000kms on it. I bought it off a friend, We are both giants, 6'3"/310lbs and have partners that are mature and are carrying a bit of spare beef. We don't travel light and the bike has blasted over Australia's rough roads and trails at warp speed for the past 10 years without a wheel problem. I checked them recently and they were ok. The spokes are all original. I will buy some spares if my mate can't find the spares he bought when the bike was new and he carried them on every trip for the first few years.

Now, If I could squeeze my ZRX1200R motor into the Beemer, I would be in hog heaven!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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
Any common problems/weakness with F650GSD T-Rex BMW Tech 13 11 Jan 2007 23:00
common question im sure! davidR SOUTH AMERICA 10 12 Oct 2006 05:32
Russia: Common penalties madmarco Northern and Central Asia 8 19 Jul 2005 13:05
Spare parts and potential problems for a R1150GS Jose Mª Garcia BMW Tech 0 28 Jun 2001 05:28
f650gs daker faults? tim shaw Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 22 Sep 2000 11:43

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

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 17:08.