Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

I'm saddened to hear that you are still in Hospital. The grape line rumor is that a 310 G S will be here in November, however the current 310 certainly does look good. One of the Thursday evening riders has one, it goes like the clappers, 150km no problem. I should imagine you would cruise at 110 to 120. Commuting ideal. Wish you a quick recovery. 

Hi Charles, 

Just do it. Just do whatever it takes to get back on a bike and ride places you would love to go. And there's nothing wrong with the smaller beasts - other than schlep of getting to the places you want to ride. Consider even something like the Honda 250 enduro. It's available now and ridable. Our time on this planet is short - and sadly, the survival rates for pancreatic cancer even shorter.  

I've never regretted a moment on a motorbike saddle - particularly on gravel.   If commuting on tar is all you are up for - there's nothing wrong with the new 310. But don't wait for the GS version later. There is no later, only now.  

I believe I have come into possession of your old 230 CRF. I'm more than happy to lend it to you, the moment you feel able to swing a leg over. It is still a ball of fun - even on the tar - it is still licensed for road use.  If you want to take it further - borrow the trailer too and head for the hills.  Return it when you feel able to handle something bigger. 

I'm sad that it has happened to you sooner, but that is one of my biggest fears - the time when I am unable to pick up my GS and carry on riding. We will all face that moment in the future.

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice." Steve Jobs

Just. Ride. 

Sorry to hear of your health problems and am hopeful that the worst is behind you.  Kawasaki have a 300 twin Versys which may suite your needs perfectly.  Looking forward to seeing ou on the road.

best wishes, for ALL of us, for a speedy recovery, Charles.

I do think the 301GS will be an incredible little bike, and easily up to the commuting task you need, as well as being a lot lighter than Mr Badger...

I too feel my 1150 is 'heavy', not whilst RIDING it around, but whilst MANEUVERING it!

If you decide to look OUTSIDE the BMW stable, the little Kawasaki VERSYS 300 X (twin, nogal!) is getting very good reviews, is tubeless, and one has already done the Postal Route! The twin makes for a very refined commuter, in my opinion.

If purchasing a light-enough bike, say sub 150kg, then there are real and practical solutions for using them on a hitch-mount-carrier, to get them closer to - say Transkei, and THEN ride to your hearts content.

There are a good number of X Challenges on the market at the moment, these usually simply need a clip-on screen for daily commuting, but they are on the tall side, as compared to Mr Badger.

And the BMW 650 TWIN is a very underrated bike, in my opinion: under-stressed motor (an 800cc mill restricted to 650cc power...), is lower, so a better commuter, has TUBELESS TYRES (yes!!!, the 19" front wheel easier to commute than say a 21", and they often sell below their 'real' value (I can elaborate...)

Then the NC 700 and NC 750 are one of the best commuters out there, and people take them dual-sporting, tubeless tyres, under-stressed modern motor, frunk for storing stuff, etc. But may be on the heavy side? A customer took one 40km - each way - up a Namibian river bed, so they are capable!

Good luck, Chris

 Looking at the details of the Versys 300 I am liking it more and more.  I intend to sell Mr.Badger ASAP, and Brenda Buttercup in the next 3 months. Just don't have the energy to maintain those older bikes anymore.

Hi Charles

Sorry to hear about the sad news.

I know of a CRF250L, the roadworthy model that will be in the market later this week. Very capable as you might know, but not the kind of wind protection that you might get from the 300 Versus or 310GS

Will get you the details

Charles

Sorry to hear of your health problems and trusting that the worst is behind you. 

Since I moved to Robertson I find myself riding dirt roads practically with every ride, and while my 1200GS can cope with probably all of it sometimes I find myself concentrating so much on the route rather than taking in the splendid scenery and thus for a different reason I have been looking at the smaller bikes. I have a CRF 250L and now more recently bought a DR650SE. The CRF is a brilliant little bike and perfect for when I explore in and around Robertson, it encourages me to take paths that I would never consider on the GS and while the DR is somewhat bigger and a little heavier its equally as easy to ride but I use it more on longer journeys. Having said that I bolted on a 5L tank (from Flying Brick) to the CRF and can comfortably do 300 to 400 km trips (as long as I stay off the highway).

Having just been through another round of knee surgery Im on a scooter at the moment and the CRF will be used while until I get my strength back.

I looked at the Versys, while it ticks all the boxes its still a little heavy for a 300, and will also look at the BMW (when it eventually is released), but not sure it will be suitable, perhaps replace Cindy's F658.

Good luck for the future and I agree with Kevin, do whatever it takes.

Kind regards

Max

Hi Arno

No worries - I think the worst is over and now it is rest and recovery for the next few months.  Don't worry about getting the details for the Honda - I am not  interested in it.  I would rather get the Versys - the twin-cylinder aspect of it appeals to me.

Hi Max

Yes, it is heavy if you are comparing it to a 300 cc dirtbike.  But it is really a small-capacity adventure bike.  I like the idea of a smaller-capacity, well-performing engine, which is why I am attracted to it.  And I do want an adventure bike.

So, after reading various ride reviews on the Versys 300, KLR 650, BMW 800 and the BMW Sertao I have changed my mind.  I am going with the Sertao:

1. The Versys is a road-oriented bike that can do mild gravel roads.  It's exhaust headers run under the engine with no bashplate and will get crushed if you land on a big rock.  It is aimed at people who want to start riding a bit of gravel.
2. The 800 is heavier and bigger than the Sertao, though I do like the idea of a twin-cylinder.  Also, a lot more complex and difficult to maintain.
3. The Sertao apparently runs very smoothly, and is a simple and reliable off-roader that is also very good on tar.  Not to mention the very low fuel consumption.

I will probably borrow a small bike (like Kevin's very generous offer of the loan of his 230F) as a stepping stone (or maybe not - the Sertao is a puppy compared to Mr.Badger).

whew, your decision surprises me, quite a lot!

With a 21" front wheel, the Sertao is better on dirt, but then not as good a commuter.

And - whilst this is a BMW forum, there WERE a few issues with the BMW Sertao (in particular), our employee Oliver (sample of 1!) was never happy with his bike, and sold it...

More quality issues than actual running equipment issues...

No matter, but it is a taller bike, and carries it's weight well, but a little higher...

I still think the little Versys - with bashplate - is the better purchase for you, but your decision!

Best regards, Charles

Chris

If it were me, I'd keep an eye out for one of those new CRF250 Rally bikes. I've seen one on Gumtree already with R10k off the price of a new bike and roughly R15k worth of goodies fitted. I've sat on one and it seems like it would be quite a nimble, light and fun bike in comparison to the 650s. The only time I've ever been able to pick up my 650 on my own was when it wasn't lying down completely flat. But you aren't me and it's all up to personal preference in the end. Get whatever makes you happy!

Hi Charles, after reading all the posts here , i would tend to agree with you, the Sertao is a great choice, goes well & is pretty light on gas. My daughter bought one not long ago & we had the suspension lowered by 7 cm at Martin Petzold, this made it stand more upright on the sidestand  ( as the suspension was lowered) and also made it easier to raise from the sidestand. She loves the machine & easily keeps up with me on the 1200 when on longer tar road trips.

I think it would be a great choice & you will have a great deal of fun !! Enjoy your choice :)

And now I am thinking I will ride Brenda Buttercup until the 310 GS comes out next year.  Although the 310 GS has solid alloy wheels, i am light and I am light on the bike.  The bike is also lower and 22kg lighter (that's one of those 20l water containers full of water).  And I do like the idea of a smaller engine.

Suspension travel is 7inches, while the Sertao is 8 - not a big difference.  And the tyres are the same as the 1150GS, while the Sertao has narrower ones (same as the 650).

Also, the seat height of the 310 is an inch lower than the Sertao, and it carries its weight lower (bike height is 40cm! lower than the Sertao).

After some feedback from someone who has ridden a 310GS, it seems the bike will not be able to do Geoff's tours the way Mr.Badger can.  I will probably be riding Brenda Buttercup until I am strong/capable enough to ride a Sertao, or even just a straight 650GS.

Meanwhile, on the footup trials front, the minister of finance has given the go-ahead to upgrade to a brand new 2017 model.  Appropriate, since footup trials is the thing that gets me out of bed every day.

Some interesting reading here http://www.roamafrica.co.za/forum/index.php?topic=3685.msg46816;topicseen#new

Given where I am now Ito health, body weight and strength, the 310 is becoming more attractive again. A small bike might be just the business at Jurg se Kaya, or weaving in between cyclists, or even on the Wild Coast!

I like yor line of thought, Charles...

Cheers

Chris

Ok, to revisit this thread with an update:  I decided to just man-up and get strong enough to ride Mr.Badger again.  This I did in short order, and rode as a marshall in the GS Trophy event in Montagu in May.

Then, I saw an ad for a 2004 1150GS with 55000km at GS Traders, and bought it.  So this is my new bike, an 1150GS.  Mr.Badger is on the market.

Goeie nuus dat jy steeds die groter motorfiets kan ry!

Hoe lyk dit met 'n foto van Honey?