Setup for GSA 2-up down Ruta 40
 

Hi,
My wife and I are lanning to freight our 2004 GS1150 Adventure to Santiago in September. We plan to cross the Andes into Argentina, go up Ruta 40 to Salta, cross back to Chile, then go to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and head down Ruta 40 to Ushuaia before coming back up to Santiago. We have 5 months for the trip and we will be two up with camping gear. However, we are trying to minimise weight.
I have seen a report or two about the rear subframe breaking when loaded up (also saw it on the Long Way Round DVD) but am not sure how much of a problem or how often it happens.
Has anyone done a similar trip two up & had problems (or not had problems)?
If so, is there anything we can do to strengthen any weak point?
We are still setting the bike up at the moment & I am also thinking about a heavier rear spring however it seems the standard one might be OK. Any thoughts?
Whilst I don't want to spend more money then essential, I want to avoid problems on the way.
Cheers,
Cords

No need to change anything
 

Hi
We have been travelling on a GS Adv round the world for 14 months currently in Argentina. We have had no problems with the standard GS Adv two up, with lots of lugguage (maybe 60Kg at times). It´s crashes that break the frame, but minor ones at the speeds you can cope with two up are not a problem.
Make sure you have a good supply of TKC tires and you shouldn't have a problem! My only worry is the clutch burning out in the deep sand and mud, but so far it´s hanging in there. We've done 80K Km so far!

Hope you have great trip!

Mark

We've just done a couple of kms on rough mountain roads in South Africa & Lesotho with my mate riding a 1150 ADV, me I've fortunately kept my old R80GS. Although he's a very able driver he's often got probs when it comes to hairpin bends on very steep trails, the 1st gear being too fast. So he uses his clutch rather more than the bike likes it.

Maybe there is a possibility to reduce the 1st gear of which I don't know. The least you can do is to fit a ceramic clutch, which is what I fitted on mine. It's practically cannot be destroyed ;-)

hiya again,

we fitted Ohlins shocks front and rear, also with an uprated 150 spring on the rear...this proved to be too soft and eventually it was changed to a 170 spring. this improved things no end. all depends on how heavy you both are and what you are carrying.

Incidentally i came home heavier than when i left after 25 months on the road...must be a record !!