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keeping the r80gs basic, basic keeping the r80gs basic, basic
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
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Old 3 Mar 2013
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keeping the r80gs basic, basic
I have owned the bike from new and am planning a trans Russia trip in 2015. Having trawled various sites, including this one, it seems that the common cause for unreliabilty stems from an over dependence on so called adventure mods or upgrading standard parts with those favoured by rally inspired marketing. Call me naive but most of the people I know and the books I've read were people have made long and successful trips have done so on a bog standard machine without the fancy must have accessories. I don't want expensive forks, shocks etc that can't be repaired on the road. If its good enough for Ted Simon, Helge Pederson and the Mondo boys its good enough for me , I'd rather spend the extra cash on the trip. My bike and me , are and always will be, basic.
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Old 3 Mar 2013
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Here are Sam Manicom's, Tiffany Coates' and my 1991 R80GS which are pretty much the same as your GS Basic. All more or less standard apart from Sam's Acerbis tank, 630,000 miles and several around the world trips between them and all still in everyday use.
The only thing I would recommend is fitting the shorter rear shock from the R100R which I have done to both mine and Tiff's bikes, apart from a lower seat height we have both had in excess of 100,000 miles from a driveshaft, more than you get with the longer shock.
You are right, don't bother with the fancy upgrades, you don't need them and save your money for petrol, hotels and visas.



See what they have been up to here

http://www.sam-manicom.com/

http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk/
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Last edited by mark manley; 3 Mar 2013 at 21:30. Reason: more info
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Old 3 Mar 2013
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Spot on Mark. I also have a 43l tank, point taken re the shocker.
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Old 4 Mar 2013
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Hi, Mark gave me the link to your post. A while back I did an article on the subject of what you really need. Not much. I picked out the key points from that - things that were good to have and things that didn't work/weren't needed. I made some class mistakes and set off with far too much kit.

I still ended the trip with... too much kit!

Anyway, here's the link to those notes on my website. Might be something of use in there for you. I think the keys are, travel as light as possible. If you aren't pretty sure you'll need it, don't take it. Make sure your bike is in as best condition possible. Take it easy and enjoy the ride : ) Oh, and keeping out of jail is a bonus

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Old 4 Mar 2013
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Sam, that's really useful thanks. I should have included you along with Messrs Simon, Pederson and Mondo. As it happens I am re reading your books at the moment and making notes as I go. All the best and thanks again. Mark.
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Old 4 Mar 2013
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Coo, dunno about including but I do hope there are bits in my books that help. Writing about the things that go wrong... Anyway, good luck with your prep. All the best, Sam
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Old 4 Mar 2013
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Originally Posted by simplemind View Post
Spot on Mark. I also have a 43l tank, point taken re the shocker.
The Basic has a pretty short WP-shock. I wouldn't used a shorter one. The first shaft on my Basic lasted 148kkm.


Like you I've had a Basic since it was new, I also have a low-mileage Kalahari .The bike is great stock but there are a few modifications I think is essential, but it depends on your trip. Bigger tank, handguards, sumpguard, crashguard and small windscreen and maybe a voltmeter comes to mind. Most of these parts are fitted on the Kalahari. Heated grips might also be nice, BMW has a great (and expensive) setup.
IMHO the WP-shock performs well but it might be smart with an overhaul before a long trip.

I think Sam's list of spare parts and tools is a bit long, but each to his own.

When it comes to modifications I've done quite a few through the years. Some good and some bad. I like to modify stuff and when my Basic started to wear out after 180kkm I made some major upgrades.

Starting to get tired:
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Old 4 Mar 2013
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Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post

I think Sam's list of spare parts and tools is a bit long, but each to his own.


Hi AliBaba, Couldn't agree more - hence my comment 'I still ended the trip with... too much kit!' Far too much.

My bike now has 265,000 miles on her and I've only just had the gear box rebuilt - using parts that I carried for the whole trip! Even a clutch! Salesmen saw me coming!!!!

Now I'd cut right back to the essential spares like cables, filtres and electronics - black box etc. DHL and others can get parts to you pretty much anywhere and I often wonder how much damage I actually did to my bike just from carrying too much! I know what a complete chore it was trying to pick the thing up, when I'd dropped it... again!

I thought a key thing you mentioned was 'but it depends on your trip'. The beauty of bike travel eh. It's like the question, 'What's the best bike to take?'

Hmm better get on with some work. Catch you later. Sam
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