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31 Oct 2008
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Thanks a lot for the info, I actually read that thing about the DL1000. I'm quite a big lad but my wife is very wee so I think that it's not an issue. I think that in the more remote areas of the world the amount of ponnies is not that critical because you keep your speed down and we want to see as much as possible so no need for high speed traveling. As for the servicing of the chain I've got one more question. I used to clean and lubricate the chain every 500km so that would mean that I would have to do that almost every day RTW. Am I doing it too often? If not how am I suposed to do that? I'm not going to carry 20 bottles of lubricator and cleaner am I?
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31 Oct 2008
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Fit a chain oiler and you won't have to worry .
To clean the chain ,just turn up the drip rate and the muck will fly off as you ride .
Then turn back down for clean sections of tarmac .
X ring chains need very little maintenance compared to the old style unsealed chains .
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31 Oct 2008
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Thanks for the info Dodger! How long does a chain oiler last for?How often does it have to be replaced?
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11 Nov 2008
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Skillington link
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger
There's a blog by a fellow called Skillington [ if I recall his name correctly] who travelled with his wife from the UK to Australia on a DL1000 .
You should read that to gain some info .
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Try this for recent info, great people
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/skillington/
Hope this helps
Glen
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 Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC
Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!
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31 Oct 2008
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R.I.P.
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Then you can start with ABS problems. Ever heard of a problem with Suzuki ABS ?
Best of luck with your prep!
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 19:55.
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31 Oct 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Ever heard of a problem with Suzuki ABS ?
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We went Helsinki-Sydney 2-up on Wee K7 ABS, and its now done about 58 thousand kms total. Never one single problem with ABS (or much else, for that matter!) during the trip or after.... and I read some forums, where people seem to have this and that with their ABS on another bikes.
I understand Suzuki uses the same ABS hydraulic unit that they´ve been using in their cars for ages. It really seems to be reliable.
For a "650-only", and for the price, the Wee is one hell of a touring machine. ABS is also good to have on a long trip, even if your very experienced, the ever-changing new environments can sometimes bring surprises.
Edit: we only needed one chain/sprocket set for our 34000km trip (changed before leaving). I´ve tried all sorts of chain oilers, but they always keep failing on me, wish I would find one that lasts, though!
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31 Oct 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Most all has been covered, check out the links earlier in this thread and check out the big Vstrom sites like the Rapidforum site. Holds 22 liters IIRC.
Roughly about 200 miles on the V, maybe 260 miles on the Wee? if you're not at high altitude pulling steep climbs. Here Wee mileage can plummet.
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Thanks a lot Mollydog. I think that we're going to carry a jerrycan or something with a gallon of petrol just in case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
With TKC 80's mounted, the bike can even do some sand. Typical 3rd world rough roads are no problem even loaded two up. The Wee, being about 20 kgs. lighter, has the advantage off road. For me, my 1000 was no problem off road and a joy on road.
Clearance is the biggest problem. Bash plate recommended. A Wilburs shock with ride height adjustment, heavier springs up front. Crash bars are good to save rads in a crash. Bark busters too will save levers/bars.
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That's great! I always thought that if you want to do some off-road'ing you really need something like Africa Twin, but we're not planning to go RTW OFF ROAd all the time so I hope that the wee or V will be tough enough on the sections where you're forced to. I'll definitely fit the bike with all the proctection needed so if we come off which I think will happen the bike will stay ridable. As for the clearance I thought that there had to be some sort of a kit to raise the bike a little at least. great INFO!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Note: The DL1000 seat is much more comfortable than the DL650 seat. Swap to the 1000 seat. Also, note that the swingarm on the 650 is slightly different than the 1000. Not quite as robust.
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I was actually thinking of buying a Corbin Seat for the wee but replacing it with a V seat could be a better and more cost effective option. Definitely something to think about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Chain vs. Shaft
No contest these days. With BMW's ever increasing problems with their shaft drive bikes, it is now a sort of "no brainer" which is more reliable and predictable. Sure, a shaft is convenient but 1000's of miles of Bad roads tends to wear some of them out in short order. BMW put all this down to poor assembly and faulty parts from outside companies. They are working hard to correct the problems.
With a chain will you always have adequate warning as the chain/sprockets begin to wear out. (On a Wee or V Strom that would be at about 25,000 miles) One trick I like is to change only the countershaft sprocket at around 12K miles. This will extend chain life even further! So just carry a spare sprocket. A chain is also something that can be universally repaired by just about any 3rd world mechanic. They understand chains.
BMW are showing all sorts of failures on many relatively new bikes. Bearing and Seal failures, broken or worn shafts, worn splines, failed trans. Way too many cases throughout the whole drive line. Then you can start with ABS problems. Ever heard of a problem with Suzuki ABS ?
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I was thinking about the Shaft Drive to make it more convenient at first but my main concern was the reliability. After reading your comment I'm a new born biker . I just got quoted £13,500 for a new BMW R1200GS Adventure - looks very capable but I think that I'd rather spend £4,000 on a nice 07' Wee or V and do it up myself so it suits our RTW trip needs.
Thanks a lot again for help.
hope to see you somehwere outthere maybe 
All the best!
Andy
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31 Oct 2008
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Just one more thing
We're planniing to buy a bike soon.Can you recommend any other bike(s) that would be as capable as the wee or V for the RTW trip?
Cheers
Andy
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