HELP! Chain and Sprockets needed in Bamako

[Barney]

Help! After showing a few signs of middle age over the last couple of 1000kms the chain and rear sprocket on my F650 Dakar have decided to go into retirement just as I reached Bamako on the way back from Timbuktu.

i ve found a new chain, but does anyone know if its possible to buy genuine BMW sprockets in the city.

I realise its a very slim possiblty, so i m also working on getting everything sent by DHL from the UK

Thanks

[ChrisK]

Hi, I went all over Bamako a few weeks ago looking for a rear shock for my R80, I had a guide and he took me to dozens of places looking for BM parts, I eventually found what I needed but not once did I see any BM singles, only older air cooled twins, the only chance you might have is if the gendarmes use F650's I didnt see any but if they do you may be able to get one from them otherwise you'll have to ship one in. I stayed at the Laifiya auberge off rue de la Nation and they arranged a guy to show me round all the bike shops, it would have been impossible without his help, the folk there are really helpful. Left Bamako on 12/01/2006 Good luck

[Barney]

Thanks Chris. I've managed to sort everything. On a last attempt before pressing the DHL button, we found a bike shop near the old market, with a load of old Teneres parked outside. Wrote BMW F650 DAKAR (2002) on a piece paper with a sketch of what i needed, then they did all the running. We practically got held hostage there all afternoon. The one guy left entertained us with guided tours round the meat market, veg market, and tool stores, even fetched Fantas and bananas. Eventually, someone delivered an old F650 to the shop in the back of a taxi. There was enough life in the sprockets to get me home. Had to pay through the nose but it was still way cheaper and quicker than getting the bits from the UK. Thanks again, Mike

[This message has been edited by Barney (edited 02 February 2006).]