As a precautionary measure I had my GSA rear shock overhauled as posted earlier in this thread. I received my overhauled and upgraded shock back from T Tech Suspension which included an upgraded seal head, piston and all seals renewed. I was very impressed with the work and knowledge of Luke and from my experience I would highly recommend his services. I would have posted a few pictures but this will require hosting elsewhere and I gave up on Photobucket when they changed their policy… :offtopic:

Anyway, link below if interested.

T-TECH SUSPENSION – Motorcycle Shock Absorbent Repair

For those thinking a clutch change on an LC is an easy job, think again. I've done a few of them whilst in the dealers.

You have to remove the front cover. For that the front of the bike needs to be straight and compressed so it clears the wishbone. You need a special tool to get that cover off too. The clutch itself is only available as a "pack". And it costs about £600. It's not like a normal clutch pack on a normal bike and I have to SCRUTINISE my BMW manuals when I do them as there are so many different plates and alignments to adhere to.

So absolutely no point taking spares with you unless you're taking a BMW tech and a workbench too :)

A pity about Photobucket - especially as I have hundreds of pictures on their site that I don't seem to be able to get back. For posting here etc these days I've been putting my files on Postimage (https://postimages.org). Free and easy to use as long as you're not distracted by adverts for Russian brides. :rofl:

Luke has just overhauled and upgraded my front and rear shocks, as you say, good bloke, top service - all for less than the price of a basic Ohlins just for the rear.

Agree he is a honest and talented guy.

I don't want to scare you ...
But also take a look at your kardan and gearbox.


On a heavy loaded GS the whole drivechain is heavily used and sometimes on the limit,
especially with 2 persons or tons of luggage.

Check an change the fluids regularly on your trip.

Its seems not to be easy to find gearboxes and clutch in South America or Afrika for BMW.
Look at: https://www.awillandaway.de (Ecuador)

Heike and Toshi had to breakdowns with the GS 2. times on 1 trip.
The whole story this year 2022 on the German Summer HU.

I drive myself BMW and know the shit ... with spare parts for BMW :smartass:
outside Europe or North-America. A repair shop or just parts for a japanese bike, its sometimes easier to find.


In my opinion:

1200 GS is to heavy, to complicated, too much elektronic, changing the cluth on a trip horrible and so on.
Sorry! You have to take a workshop with you.
http://www.r1200c.de/wbb/index.php/T...i-ca-58-000km/

Take a simple bike you can fix yourself and you easy can get spare parts on your way. You don't need a bike that is running 200 km/h.

11,000 km already covered before December last year, 80% of which was on non-tarmac roads in Africa. Heading for Zambia in April 2022.

I agree BMW’s have way too many electronics. The electric steering lock failed on mine. Carrying an OBD reader and software helped me out and a F800GS rider with a problem with his ABS system.

I ride one-up with two soft panniers, you cannot beat the fuel range of a GSA. However I doubt however I would buy another BMW.

Please keep us updated on your travels - good luck
bier