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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 5 Jul 2006
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Preping an F650

I am currently in the process of planning a an overland trip from the UK to Oz leaving April/May 2007

Some months ago I purchased a 95 F650 on which to do the trip on. Aside from some general riding and commutting the bike so far has proven to be reliable.

I would been instrested in hearing if anyone who knows the bike's weak points and what I should be looking out for. Any information on what set up/mods I should be making would equally be helpful.

The bike itself is a 95 model with 40000 miles. I will be changing the usual things like bearing, brakes, sprockets, chain cables etc etc. Everyone I mention it to who knows about bikes insist they are bulletproof and will run 100000 before serious work is needed?

Any suggestions, information would be helpfull.

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 5 Jul 2006
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Just finished prepping mine - here is the link to all the details with photos. The bike has already done 75,000 kms through North, Central South America. These mods were done to prepare for the next 3 years through Africa - India -Russia - etc. www.renedian.com/Gear.html

Complete fuel log and maitenence records for the South America part of the trip can be found here www.renedian.com/FuelLog.doc

Cheers,
Rene
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  #3  
Old 5 Jul 2006
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Just an observation from browsing this site is that several people seem to have had problems with the stock rear shock usually failing in some country with no BMW motorbike dealers network. It may be an idea to look over the hub to see the examples. So a quality rebuildable shock would be the answer.

Cheers
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Old 6 Jul 2006
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This might help.

How I prepared my F650 :- http://www.smellybiker.com/preparation/

Things that broke :- http://www.smellybiker.com/maintenance/
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Old 6 Jul 2006
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Rene and Happy, I've enjoyed both your sites - easy to follow and offer good info.

I'd also like to add water pump problems to the F650 list. My girlfriend had her's go out at around 25k miles, an '05 model, and I've heard of others.

Best to y'all on future travels.
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  #6  
Old 6 Jul 2006
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Hey LR, Thanks. I travelled with HH for awhile in SA, some of my web skills must have rubbed off on him.

I agree with the water pump shaft kit. Amys took a dump in the middle of Peru, and we changed out the Happy Hackers in Buenos Aires, and it didn't look to happy.

I keep one in my "on the bike spares" list. Change it out before you go when you change the coolant. Should last at least as long as your trip...

Rene
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Old 6 Jul 2006
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Cheers Guys

Thanks for the advise. Much appreciated
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  #8  
Old 6 Jul 2006
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Tyres

Any advise on long distance tyres ?
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Old 25 Jul 2006
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Thanks

Cheers, Thanks for the suggestions. Very helpful to at least be able to tackle the weak points.
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