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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  • 2 Post By Grant Johnson
  • 2 Post By mark manley
  • 1 Post By Warin
  • 2 Post By Homers GSA

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  #1  
Old 20 May 2019
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Is my R1200GS too old for this ?

Hi everybody,
I'm currently planning a long journey from Belgium to Kirghistan on summer 2020. It means more or less 15 000 km with let's say 2 000 km on trails.
My R1200GS LC is 6 years old and counts 70 000 km. It will be 100 000 km at the end in Kirghistan. The bike is regularly maintained.

What do you think ? Should I put some new shock absorbers ? A new swing arm and cardan ? Or buy a new bike (hope not -I like this one) ?

Many thanks in advance for sharing your experience !

Gilles
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  #2  
Old 21 May 2019
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Shocks yes, for sure. Originals are due now, and with an extra load, they'll fail.
Final drive bearings yes.

Other than that I think a really good, thorough service and check should be fine.
Certainly no need to buy a new bike! It's just a teenager!

have a great trip!
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  #3  
Old 21 May 2019
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I am currently on tour in North America on a 1983 R80G/S which has done over 300,000 km making yours a relative youngster, as Grant says give it a service and take it.
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  #4  
Old 23 May 2019
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Many thanks guys ! I’ll do that. Great To have your advices and greenlight
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Old 23 May 2019
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How old is the battery? >4 years I'd replace it.

General service ... make it a major service - all fluids replaced .. including brake fluids. All filters replaced.
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  #6  
Old 6 Jul 2019
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I know this is an older thread however;


My 2008 GSA just clicked over 362'000 km's.

I wouldn't hesitate to head RTW on it - I have more confidence in it than my new right knee LOL
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  #7  
Old 6 Jul 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warin View Post
How old is the battery? >4 years I'd replace it.
The battery is new, you're right. Winters are cold in Belgium and I ride nearly all year long ;-) Many thanks for your suggestion.
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Old 6 Jul 2019
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Originally Posted by Homers GSA View Post
I know this is an older thread however;


My 2008 GSA just clicked over 362'000 km's.

I wouldn't hesitate to head RTW on it - I have more confidence in it than my new right knee LOL
Wow good to know. It gives me a lot of confidence, thank you.
LOL for the knee ;-)
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  #9  
Old 7 Jul 2019
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Originally Posted by gillesco View Post
Wow good to know. It gives me a lot of confidence, thank you.

LOL for the knee ;-)


Thanks!


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