Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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
  #1  
Old 8 Sep 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 93
Oil head or Air head

Hi,
I have an R1100GS and think that I may never part with it I am so taken by its ability. Nevertheless where ever I turn I find most of the talk is about using air head GS models for adventure touring.

Does the extra weight and the lack of a 21" front wheel make that much difference?
What can be done with an airhead that can't be done with an oilhead?

Thanks

Stephen

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Sep 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Go with what you have - and know and like.

The airhead is probably marginally better off-road - but that's arguable. It's certainly lighter and simpler, but they are also getting OLD. A major rebuild is a good idea, replacing all the old rubber bits etc.

They have their flaws, all of which are well-known. That's a plus - easy to sort and prepare for and fix.

But the R11xxGS is also pretty well-known and reliable, so personally I wouldn't worry about it. DO your research and make sure you have covered all their known flaws - e.g. needs Touratech hard parts, rear subframe cracking etc.

Then just go. And have fun!

One thing to remember - for a lot of people the difference in cost is VERY important. And it's not just the initial cost, but the on-going maintenance costs are higher on an oilhead - you can't even adjust your own carbs. And most importantly, the carnet is much more expensive - us North Americans have to put up a bank bond for as much as three times the current value of the bike for some countries. For some people that's their entire trip money if they had a new R11xxGS!

My personal recommendation for most people travelling solo - an F650 or KLR or similar - NOT a 1000cc plus bike, air or oil head - it's just NOT needed.

Two-up you're back in air/oilhead territory.

And of course when travelling with two bikes they should absolutely be identical.

As for your question "What can be done with an airhead that can't be done with an oilhead?" - that's a tricky one - STOCK STANDARD there is a huge difference in weight - and off-road in the horrible gnarly bits the airhead will win. BUT load them both up with touring gear, and neither of them can go anywhere near they did unloaded, so the differences become minor - if anything I think the oilhead is better - it seems to be much more forgiving and requires less effort to point it where you want to go. The extra weight is only a problem when you screw up beyond hope of recovery. Your ability will determine how often that happens ...

If your ability is even slightly in question - in other words you DIDN'T win the Dakar last year - take an off-road riding course, you'll be a better rider for it and glad you did.

So, fwiw - go ride it. If a guy can ride a Gold Wing around the world, and someone else can ride a Fireblade AND an R1 around, any GS will be brilliant!


------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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


 
 

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 11:14.