From davet Wed Aug  3 20:23:20 1994
From: davet@void (Dave Thompson)
Date: Wed, 3 Aug 1994 20:23:20 -0500
X-Mailer: Mail User's Shell (7.2.5 10/14/92)
To: BMW-GS@mom.isc-br.com
Subject: Tour the world...
Status: OR

I'm doing a ~2 year round the world trip (Europe->Africa->Asia->Australia)
I'm trying to decide on a mount.  I'm new to the off road bike world.
In Thailand I rented a Honda XR250 Baja for a couple weeks.  This was an
excellent bike for the washed away roads.  The high ground clearance 
(11 inches?) made it great for crossing streams/flooded roads.  Some of the
dirt roads were eroded and rock covered which made the suspension worth 
every baht I paid to rent the bike.  However,  the seat was incredibly 
uncomfortable for touring, and it wasn't fast enough for the highways. Also,
without touring cases, I could only strap on a change of clothes above the 
tail light/tiny luggage rack. In Indonesia I rented something like a CB150
that was an all around bad choice for reasons I won't get into, but the only 
one that was available.

At the moment I am still deciding on which class of bike would be better 
suited.  Either a dirt bike or a dual purpose bike.  By dual purpose I mean
something like a BMW R100GS/PD, Honda Africa Twin or Honda Trans Alp.
I'm not comfortable with my knowledge on what's out there as far as dirt 
bikes.  I've been considering a Honda XR650L.

break down as I see it:
	BMW R100GS/PD:
		advantages:	o 10.5 gal fuel tank (~500 miles!)
				o reputation for long distance dependability
				o relatively more comfortable seat?
				o saddle bags and large luggage rack
				o I'm familiar with repair work on this engine

		disadvantage:	o only 7" ground clearance (but does have
					a hefty looking bash plate)
				o ~550lb (heavy for sheet metal bridges :-) )
				o not many parts dealers around the world
				o has oil radiator (it's so small that it's
						probably not a big deal)
		price: ~$8000.

	Honda XR650L:		
		advantages:	o light weight ~300lbs.
				o high ground clearance (11")
				o many parts dealers around the world
				o not liquid cooled (don't have to worry about
						radiator punctures)
		disadvantages:	o 2.5 gal fuel tank (~125 miles)
					(possibly 4.5 gal aftermarket))
				o extremely uncomfortable seat for touring
				o luggage system (unknown?)

		reliability/longevity??

		price ~$5000.

I have couple RxxxGS questions:
	Due to my experience with the frequency of water crossings while in 
	Thailand & Indonesia I have some concerns.
	I have a couple questions for experienced off roaders.
		o water/thermal contact... should I worry about damage due
			to the heads being submerged or partially tipped?
		o How much protection does the bash plate provide?  How well
			does the bash plate protect the oil pan and exhaust 
				system.
		o If there are no thermal clash concerns, I would imagine that
		  that an R bike could be subermerged up to the plugs 
		  and still be running?  not running maybe up to air filter...
		  what do you think?

	How do the GS shocks compare to like a typical dirt bike (XR) shocks?
	Are there other bikes that you would consider?
	Any misc suggestions?


Thanks for any info you can provide.


Dave Thompson
'82 R65LS
'82 GS650GZ

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