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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
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 23 Jan 2011
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You don't live in Walkley do you? Have seen a 125 Varadero buzzing about along South Road......

Are you really set on a GS? Once you're out of Europe there are massive benefits in having a simple, light weight Jap single (spares available most places and can be fixed without resorting to a computer). Also flying solo it's good having a bike that you can lift off yourself if it ends up on top of you - I learnt that the hard way.

I'd love an F800 R for Europe/UK road use but wouldn't go into the beyond onanything I wasn't totally happy dismantling and reassembling. Plus the cost of a GS is a lot of petrol and
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  #2  
Old 23 Jan 2011
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Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
You don't live in Walkley do you? Have seen a 125 Varadero buzzing about along South Road......

Are you really set on a GS? Once you're out of Europe there are massive benefits in having a simple, light weight Jap single (spares available most places and can be fixed without resorting to a computer). Also flying solo it's good having a bike that you can lift off yourself if it ends up on top of you - I learnt that the hard way.

I'd love an F800 R for Europe/UK road use but wouldn't go into the beyond on anything I wasn't totally happy dismantling and reassembling. Plus the cost of a GS is a lot of petrol and
lol that's a Black one isnt it?? Nahh its not me but I know the rider on it,, he's had the bike about a month and dropped it 4 times,, and now he's bought a ZX6R (somehow) that he cant insure or ride yet (not even done theory test let alone MOD1 and MOD2), so that's going to rot....

Im more 'respectable' lol I have a Silver Varadero, usually with a Givi topbox and wearing all black Frank Thomas Gear, ill post up a pic shortly, its got some new 'street' styled graphics from my only off, thanks to the snow, but other then that all is good

and I hear what people are saying when it comes to choice of bike, my heart is set on the GS, I have 'some' technical knowledge and various sized hammers to sort out any problem, its all part of the journey, oh yeh ill end up b*tching and moaning about it but ill look back on it as the best time of my life
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Old 23 Jan 2011
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A factor lot's of people don't take into account is how much you 'like' a bike so good on you. As a Cagiva rider I can't really comment on reliability over 'soul'!

I would fully recommend going to Ripley if you can make it, good chance to see lots of bikes and get different perspectives on how to 'overland'.
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  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2011
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Ok I found afew pics on my Twitpic to moisten peoples appetites,, the last 3 are pretty 'graphic' but you will be happy to know im still alive, off was about 2 weeks ago

Fueled up ready for adventure first time out in nearly 2 w... on Twitpic

It was my ribs vs. A touring screen,,, who won?? on Twitpic
I like the new monster styling,,, very mean looking on Twitpic
The Honda Varadero, now with 'street' styled graphi... on Twitpic

Try to imagine, 10mph on a flat road (with snow) having survived steep hills up and down and horrid bends, pooting along when suddenly the bike slips out from under you,, somehow you are sky-rocketed forwards, hit the screen, keep going, break the screen, superman fly forwards, land on your left ankle and barrel roll onto your back 10 feet away....

That's pretty much what I remember and some lovely people helping me and the bike to my feet, thank god for RAC Break down, dont thank god for a 2 hour wait in the snow,, then thank god again for the thermal linings in my gear

Since the off im back to using the standard screen which for lack of better words "sucks" when it comes to wind protection

Ill have to have a look at Ripley and see if I can make it
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Old 23 Jan 2011
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Ah well, if you haven't binned a bike then you're not trying hard enough!
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  #6  
Old 23 Jan 2011
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Ah well, if you haven't binned a bike then you're not trying hard enough!
I couldn't agree more,,, 1st purchase on next bike,, engine bars!
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Old 23 Jan 2011
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Fantastic, congratulations on your decision to make the trip . Now the trick is to stay insane until departure .

IMO, the F800 is an excellent bike for the job. You have plenty of time to get to know your bike.

I'll be looking forward to your up dates .
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Old 23 Jan 2011
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Thank you Thomas and I agree staying insane is the hard part! I just need to get this test out of the way then I can refocus on buying and learning, also little trips like Ripley and JOG should be a good way to get used to riding for fun again
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