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29 Nov 2009
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
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If you're looking at an extended journey in 3rd world countries, I would suggest something less high tech and unreliable as the BMW1200s.
If you do go for the big German marketing machine, you could always strenthen the subframe at a local fabricator.
Your BMW will probably have an electrical hissy fit or chew up its rear axel before your subframe snaps anyway 
You could alway reassess your packing list too... You have to think LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT and take less than half of what you think you need.
Less is definately more.
If you buy, check these recalls have been completed first (worrying amount)
BMW R1200 GS Problems | BMW R1200 GS Recalls & Defects
This review sums it up pretty well...
BMW R1200GS Motorcycle Review - Motorcycles. Review of 360922
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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3 Dec 2009
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by tedmagnum
If you're looking at an extended journey in 3rd world countries, I would suggest something less high tech and unreliable as the BMW1200s.
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Come on Ted, give the GS12 crowd a break, we all know it's the ultimate overlanding tool.
Regards, Mick
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3 Dec 2009
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I had seemingly endless issues with BMW's so only ever got as far as R1100's before I switched brands and won't really comment except to say their marketing department does a much better job than their engineers IMHO.
The load issue isn't one from the engineers, it's from BMW's lawyers. Read the sticker inside a BMW pannier, it says you can't sue them if it falls off with more than 10KG inside. They actually fall off through poor design, but the 10KG sticker is a great get out as no one will ever run that big a box at 10 KG. I've run Yamahas and Triumphs, totally ignored the weight limits, put sidecars on bikes that have doubled the weight (including a BMW) and to date had zero hassle.
I'd be anti-BMW as far as complexity goes, but the weight limit is about what you can ride and pick up, not what the handbook says.
I notice the airhead comes up time and time again. Go look at ones that are actually for sale. Like most twenty year old bikes they use poor electrical components and have years and years worth of previous owners bodges. Like all BMW's the prices are too high. For the early 1980's they were the superior machine, but today I'd say a Triumph Scrambler is better quality, better priced for the same performance and comes without twenty years of baggage.
Andy
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7 Dec 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley
Come on Ted, give the GS12 crowd a break, we all know it's the ultimate overlanding tool.
Regards, Mick
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HAHA god, I remember them Mick. They rised some eye brows. 
If I recall, their subframe DID break and so did their rear shock and drive shaft.
I found out when I was talking with a guy with a 1200 GS who was stuck in Ushuaia with another break down...
His starter motor jammed and the electrics went to Mars. He spent 90% of his total time in South America stuck in the South because BMW wouldnt entertain his warrenty outside of Germany.
He offerered to swap me his £10,000 BMW for my £1500 XT600E...... HAHHAAHAH ! No thanks, not with another 15,000 miles to go !
I joke not.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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7 Dec 2009
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
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The only down side to going on a New Tech bike is that when it break's you will find it harder to find someone to fix it.
I have tried a 2 up trip on a BMW and it was very good on tarmac...but a night mare when the going got muddy or soft sand...
They are far to heavy to pick up.
I did a 2 up trip on a XT660r and that was better than the bmw on everything but motorway, it also returned 76mpg fully loaded 2 up at 55..to 60 mph.
If you do want a Big trail bike for 2 up RTW try to find a good Africa twin...they are mile's better off road then the BMW.
Never ever over load your bike, you will see in this photo of my XR400R which in the owner's manual say's ..." to carry solo rider only " 
stay safe ,and have fun
Dazzer
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8 Dec 2009
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I have got The F650 twin (800) so has plenty power I put a corbin seat on which has dropped the other halfs moans by about 90%, we have rode 2up
on tarmac very soft sand (had shit loads of spills tho) and heaps of bad corrogated roads as well as mud. I found it to be pretty dam good in all areas and we had everything bar the kitchen sink on board and the weight was not a problem. So I would consider this bike, however my wife and I are only wee people me being 5'4 and her 5'2 and that was the real reason we bought the bike, as before that we had a V-Strom 650 we sold it as it was just a tad heavy (for us) but it is with out a doubt the best bike out there
bar none !! (my opinion) and I sought of regret selling it. But what ever you choose get a comfy seat for both some hi-way pegs good music and a way you go !!!! 
Cheers
Paul
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
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"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
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Lots more comments here!
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Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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Membership - help keep us going!
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