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R1200R or F650Dakar for Mongolia two-up R1200R or F650Dakar for Mongolia two-up
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Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
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 21 Apr 2015
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Originally Posted by fahrer1 View Post
Touring Ted:


I'll take the Dakar, it seems definitely more suitable than R1200R. I have enough time to do the necessary upgrades, and comfortwise we'll probably get used to less space in a few days.

By the way, I know that the last really well made BMWs were made in WESTERN Germany, before The Wall fell.

Still, I have faith in my Dakar and its Rotax-made engine. Water pump is practically the only regular weak point.

I replaced mine when I bought the bike, some 25000 kms ago, and it is still ok. Nevertheless I will replace it again before the trip and take another repair set with us, together with GS-911, fork seals, filters, spark plug and a handfull of screws, nuts, chain links and a duckt tape. That will have to be enough spare parts.

I hope.
The Dakar will make it. As long as you know ALL it's weaknesses and prepare in advance for them.
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Old 20 Apr 2015
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Have a look on my blog. I've summarized the most critical things. Bring spare subframe bolts. No need for gotten deals if your girls are in good shape. Just protect then with neoprene gaiters. Aussie made uni filters are awesome. Just make sure it's the Aussie one. There's an American one too which is not the same. With a fresh spark plug you won't need a spare but it won't hurt
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Old 20 Apr 2015
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Hi Boris!
Good choice I think.. Suspension travel will be more inportant than hp or Nm...
Just the comfort. But i met ppl who never camped, i would however take the lightest 2ppl tent just in case. Oh, and gear down the front sprocket, especially 2 up.
Enjoy the trip and hope to meet you again!
Cheers
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Old 20 Apr 2015
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Hi Antonio :-)

Nice to hear from you. I wanted to keep you as a hidden joker for final questions, but you saw this topic before I emailed you. We had nice time on the road together with you. It is a pity that we passed by you in Iran, but those days in Uzb were very nice. As you can see, it looks like we will be able to get enough weeks this summer for another Asian ride, and Iceland will have to wait. Again.

Best regards,

Boris
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Old 20 Apr 2015
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Any bike can make it. This monstrosity crossed Mongolia in 2012



His 2 mates had to do a lot of pushing along the south route, apparently.

Assuming you're a competent rider, for 2 up I would take the bigger bike. Riding a 650 single 2 up is possible, but it depends on your and your wife's dimensions and tolerance of discomfort. And again your riding ability and the weather.
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Old 20 Apr 2015
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Southern route will be fine on a road bike. Its now about 80% asphalt and rising ... 2000 km, most on asphalt .... you could knock that off in 3 days.

Will be nowhere near as interesting as riding cross country, but hey, thats not what the man asked. He didnt want an interesting route, he asked for the easiest.
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Old 21 Apr 2015
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Southern route will be fine on a road bike. Its now about 80% asphalt and rising ... 2000 km, most on asphalt .... you could knock that off in 3 days.

Will be nowhere near as interesting as riding cross country, but hey, thats not what the man asked. He didnt want an interesting route, he asked for the easiest.
Me and my wife, also plan drive through Mongolia 2up and southern road. Regarding more interesting road- I guess it will be a lot of impressions for us since we never been in Mongolia before.
For to make excellent adventure is not necessary bent rims or broken motorcycle frame in middle of nowhere, specially if you are responsible for your passenger and have time frame. ( But no one is secured from that)
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Old 21 Apr 2015
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Southern route will be fine on a road bike. Its now about 80% asphalt and rising ... 2000 km, most on asphalt .... you could knock that off in 3 days.
That's depressing. Good for the country though.
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Old 21 Apr 2015
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Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Southern route will be fine on a road bike. Its now about 80% asphalt and rising ... 2000 km, most on asphalt .... you could knock that off in 3 days.[...]
3 days? Walter, I think you underestimated it, or you are joking.
We are not all almost professional rally style riders as you are :-)

Asphalt is rising, yes, but it is still plenty of washboard parts and I think on a road bike...yes, maybe doable, but really not a good idea.

fahrer1: leave the big and heavy road bike home, search for travel reports on this site and on advrider, and enjoy Mongolia riding the 650.
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