Then you can start with ABS problems. Ever heard of a problem with Suzuki ABS ?

Best of luck with your prep!

Thanks for the info Dodger! How long does a chain oiler last for?How often does it have to be replaced?

We went Helsinki-Sydney 2-up on Wee K7 ABS, and its now done about 58 thousand kms total. Never one single problem with ABS (or much else, for that matter!) during the trip or after.... and I read some forums, where people seem to have this and that with their ABS on another bikes.

I understand Suzuki uses the same ABS hydraulic unit that they´ve been using in their cars for ages. It really seems to be reliable.

For a "650-only", and for the price, the Wee is one hell of a touring machine. ABS is also good to have on a long trip, even if your very experienced, the ever-changing new environments can sometimes bring surprises.

Edit: we only needed one chain/sprocket set for our 34000km trip (changed before leaving). I´ve tried all sorts of chain oilers, but they always keep failing on me, wish I would find one that lasts, though!

Good stuff Patrick. You've really put my mind to peace :) I'll definitely check out yuo info on the VStrom. About the tyres. Should I carry a set of the off road tyres with me and replace them once I get to the more dusty roads or get them replaced with a mechanic somwhere along the line?

Most RTW riders carry a spare tire or two. The TKC 80's are expensive but are a good compromise tire ... decent off road, really help in mud and yet OK on pavement. Best of all they last pretty well.

Many ship tires up to Alaska and swap out there. For S. America I don't think this will work unless you have an "In" at an embassy. So carrying a tire is what most do. There are certain places where tires are available, and Guatemala is one. Brazil makes lots of Pirelli's but not all countries get them.

Current, local info is best regards tire availability. So do your homework when closer to departure but count on carrying at least ONE spare tire on board.


Cheers,

Patrick :mchappy:

Thanks a lot Mollydog. I think that we're going to carry a jerrycan or something with a gallon of petrol just in case.


That's great! I always thought that if you want to do some off-road'ing you really need something like Africa Twin, but we're not planning to go RTW OFF ROAd all the time so I hope that the wee or V will be tough enough on the sections where you're forced to. I'll definitely fit the bike with all the proctection needed so if we come off which I think will happen the bike will stay ridable. As for the clearance I thought that there had to be some sort of a kit to raise the bike a little at least. great INFO!

I was actually thinking of buying a Corbin Seat for the wee but replacing it with a V seat could be a better and more cost effective option. Definitely something to think about.

I was thinking about the Shaft Drive to make it more convenient at first but my main concern was the reliability. After reading your comment I'm a new born biker :thumbup1:. I just got quoted £13,500 for a new BMW R1200GS Adventure - looks very capable but I think that I'd rather spend £4,000 on a nice 07' Wee or V and do it up myself so it suits our RTW trip needs.

Thanks a lot again for help.

hope to see you somehwere outthere maybe :)

All the best!
Andy

Just one more thing :)

We're planniing to buy a bike soon.Can you recommend any other bike(s) that would be as capable as the wee or V for the RTW trip?

Cheers
Andy

It's just a conatiner that drips oil via a tube onto the chain .Some are vacuum operated [Scottoiler] some have a tap [homemade] and some you squeeze to oil the chain [loobman] .
You can use special Scott oil , chainsaw oil or gearoil .

So it can last forever [or not as in Pecha72's case !] .

I'm sorry Dodger my question wasn't clear. I meant to ask how much oil does it use e.g. per 1000km. How often should it be refilled. I understand that it all depends on the road conditions but just a rough figure. Let's say on a dry Tarmac - how much per 1000km?

Thanks for HELP!
Andy

Blimey ,I dunno about 50-100mls -probably.
Never really thought much about it .
With a modern chain it would not matter if it ran out of oil halfway .

For 2up I say go for the DL1000 the 650 will do it but 1000 adds a but more.
I can get 250+ miles on my loaded up DL650 210+ miles at 9,000 or so feet. can get much more if you go slow but who likes doing that.

The oilers come in different sizes so its hard to say they will go for days mine lasted some where around 3,000 miles on its first filling probly still has oil in it lost it in Norther California on 101 was going to use more zip ties but was looking for a nice place for it.

You can use spray lube as well last longer on the chain but more of a pain to use.

As far which bike any will do it. The old stand by BMW GS will work a r80gs seems to call me. KLR650, DR650, KLE, R1 (not recomended) but you get the idea. For the most part any thing that gets from here to there. good ground clerance is a plus as rocks and the like seem to love hit the bottom of the moto.

As tires go my rear gets 5,000 miles and my frunt 15,000 miles and there not a common size. I replace them befor I NEED to so I can get another 1,000 or so out of a rear and maby 3,000 out of a frunt.

As far as bike set up rear shock, windsheld bracket and seat are things to look at replaceing may want to stiffen up the frunt and use a brace on it as well. The tires need to be replaced there not so grate in sand or mud. May want a better chain I have no problim with mine at 20,000 miles but some say there junk. As long as we are at it LEDs in the stop light a cut off swich for a head light and some powerleets. do some tire chages your self not much fun but good thing to know how to do.

Remy,
Both bikes will do the job, certainly. maintain your battery and keep on eye on your tires and that is about all to think about.

Thanks. I'm seriously considering VStrom 650 or 1000. Dunno yet. Will test ride both and see which one suits my needs best. I'll fit a chain lubricator. I'll definitely look into replacing suspension and maybe raising it up a wee bit. I'm also thinking about welding up my own rack for the panniers and getting them custom made as well. I'm really excited! The trip is still so far away but I absolutely can't wait! It all comes down to money of course. I'm thinking of saving 50k dollars for a 2-3 years trip. You think this will be enough?

...by What Fits My Bike - Suzuki - DL650 V-Strom -[/url]

Brilliant! I'm really thankfull for your help guys. Will definitely check it out.