Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Posts: 321
Talking How good/bad is the R100GS in the sand and tracks?

Hello

I’m thinking in acquire a R100GS and I want the bike to travel ... including desert crossings.

How good/bad is the R100GS in the sand and tracks?

I’m far from being a tall guy so I will have some difficult with the height of the bike.

Thanks for you comments


Bernardo Feio

One more question: what other old/cheap/not tall bike to autonomy desert travel?
__________________
bernardo feio (Portugal)
2.5 Land Rover Lightweight / BMW R80 G/S PD / Toyota HZJ 78
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jan 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I would say the R80/R100 is an ideal bike for desert crossings. It has a low center of gravity and it carries the weight of petrol, water and luggage pretty good. It’s also a reliable bike.
The only bad thing is that Michelin Desert doesn’t fit.

Some desert-pictures here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/bmw-tech/steering-dampers-40308

Guess you mean deep tracks? I’m not a fan of deep tracks and try to stay out of them but from time to time that’s not an option (Lake Chad comes to my mind). I would say that the bike is not worse then any other bike in tracks, as long as you don’t compare it with a lightweight one-cylinder without luggage.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,
Michelin Desert tyre could be fitted, I remember that either a few mm must be cut of from the knobs on the side or a 5mm washer fitted to offset the wheel.

But the GS is a havy bike and heavy on petrol too. Expect arround 8l/100km, on soft sand and in dunes over 10L/100km. So with petrol, water, gear you end up with a ~300kg bike when you need a long range. The low centre of gravity helps. I observed that only experienced and physical fit drivers can handle this safe offroad. If gear, water and fuel are to be transported by car then it is ok for an average driver.

Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Posts: 321
Thanks for the comments

I’m not a usual bike driver but instead a land rover lightweight driver. I’ve travelled with it several times to Africa (Marrocos, Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau) and everyone says that it’s a slow and not very fit to desert. Aldo my experience says that, if not very loaded, it’s an excellent desert vehicle I know I’m a bit masoquist! J

Concerning bikes. What other not-very-expensive/old/not-tall bike do you recommend?

I’m 1m63cm tall so height is a very important matter…


bernardo feio
__________________
bernardo feio (Portugal)
2.5 Land Rover Lightweight / BMW R80 G/S PD / Toyota HZJ 78
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,

>What other not-very-expensive/old/not-tall bike do you recommend?
Suzuki DR350
Yamaha XT600 and similar
Honda Dominator!
__________________
Yves

Last edited by Yves; 25 Jan 2009 at 14:57.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Posts: 321
the XT 600 / tenere 600 are a bit tall no?....
__________________
bernardo feio (Portugal)
2.5 Land Rover Lightweight / BMW R80 G/S PD / Toyota HZJ 78
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Jan 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yves View Post
MichelinDesert tyre could be fitted, I remember that either a few mm must be cut of from the knobs on the side or a 5mm washer fitted to offset the wheel.
Yes they can be fitted but if you use the spacer you will expose the brake to sand and dependent off shock and subframe you have to modify the mudguard.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yves View Post
But the GS is a havy bike and heavy on petrol too. Expect arround 8l/100km, on soft sand and in dunes over 10L/100km. So with petrol, water, gear you end up with a ~300kg bike when you need a long range. The low centre of gravity helps. I observed that only experienced and physical fit drivers can handle this safe offroad. If gear, water and fuel are to be transported by car then it is ok for an average driver.

Yves
Dependent on model the weight is from 195 kg.

Petrol-consumption depends on a lot of factors; the most important are maintenance and your right hand. When I used a 33L tank I knew that I could go at least 500 kms in any terrain (not 160 km/h +). Now I use 43L and the limit is moved to 650kms. If you are careful you can get a lot more.

Personally I feel that the R80/100GS carries big weights (maybe 40-50 litres of fuel and 20 litres of water + luggage) far better then any single I have tried.
I would rather go 650 kms unsupported in the desert with my R100 then with my KTM.
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
dr or klr for strelezeki tracks? stormsearcher Australia / New Zealand 2 16 Mar 2008 14:44
fuel range on RIM sand tracks 8340SU North Africa 5 5 Nov 2007 11:46
Anyone with GPS tracks from S America ? flyerblade Route Planning 0 13 Sep 2007 16:22
driving in sand, picking up dropped bike in sand? monkii North Africa 2 31 May 2007 04:57
Dessert Tracks rroberts Australia / New Zealand 7 1 Apr 2003 21:03

 
 

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 12:57.