MOTORCYCLE
About my trusty companion, the BMW F650GS
That's a remarkable journey with Henry, your reliable and charming German partner, the BMW F650 GS, born in 2003.
We've been together since 2015. I had just returned from Kaliningrad with some savings and lazily browsed motorcycle ads when I saw HIM. He looked at me, showing off his white plastic barrels, tall and mature (after my previous 250cc bikes), whispering that he was my destiny and we should be together. Of course, I couldn't resist such a man. I had to pay a ransom of $3000 to take him home, but he's worth every penny. Now we've traveled 250,000 kilometers together (112,000 during our round-the-world trip and 220,000 since purchase), and we never part ways.
In preparation for the Grand Journey, the following activities were undertaken:
- Installation of engine and ambient temperature sensors, crucial for monitoring overheating issues in the US and observing extreme temperatures in the Australian desert.
- Oil delivery system upgraded with a flexible reinforced hose, simplifying access to the left engine cover, including pump maintenance without engine removal.
- Chain auto-lubricator installed, extending chain life to 35-40 thousand kilometers, though sadly it ceased functioning in the US.
- Thermoregulation system reworked to withstand high temperatures in Australia.
- Additional adjustable wind deflector added, providing great relief in cold and windy conditions.
- Original shock absorber replaced with a Taiwanese YSS and overall suspension system reinforced, essential given the heavy load carried. YSS's serviceability and disassemblability saved money and allowed repairs in Ecuador.
- Water canister installed (yes, the red one on the arch is for water).
- Water pump shaft strengthened through nitriding at a nuclear physics institute, increasing surface hardness to 70HRC and extending lifespan to 45,000 kilometers.
- USB sockets installed for multiple devices.
- Stylish red fork gaiters added for feather protection.
- Fitted with your favorite Michelin Anakee 3 tires.
- Equipped with #ResourceControl tracker for global movement tracking.
- Chain replaced with an Italian Reginachain.
- Clutch cable doubled for parallel operation, ensuring reliability during potential failures.
- Protective crash bars and beloved Batangacase panniers installed before the round-the-world journey.
- Additional headlights installed in Moscow by Cheapekip.ru, illuminating even the darkest nights brightly.
- Carries a tool kit capable of full motorcycle disassembly and spare parts set including hard-to-find items like starter relays, tire repair kits, spare tires, turn signals, cold welding, chain and locks, and an electric pump.
Breakdowns on the road:
- There were several instances of short circuits in the wiring. Before it burned out in the USA along with the engine and was completely rewired by Andrei and Vitalik, problems occasionally arose.
- Water pump. A manufacturer's flaw, you just have to accept it and carry repair kits with you.
- Cylinder head gasket blew, slowly leaking coolant inside and eroding a hole in the cylinder. It blew in the USA almost at night, the motorcycle overheated to 150 degrees. I managed to stop and jump off when the gasket finally burst, all the coolant poured inside and the motorcycle was engulfed in thick gray smoke. If it weren't for Andrei from Kentucky, my journey could have ended at that moment, but ReHenriation was successful and with a new used engine, we happily continued on.
- Shock absorber broke in Ecuador (around 90 thousand kilometers into the journey). Sooner or later it was bound to happen, repaired it and all was well. Second time – broke in Patagonia, luckily only the aluminum bracket, which was replaced in Bariloche.
- I don't count the chain lock that opened and caused a serious breakdown.
- The annoying short cable in the fuel pump troubled me three times and finally its tiny element broke near El Calafate. A breakdown costing half a dollar, a couple of hours of waiting, and again Henry and I were on our way.
Otherwise, I absolutely LOVE my motorcycle. I don't know who else could endure so much and under such conditions as I subject him to. When asked if I'm satisfied with my choice – ABSOLUTELY. Parts for it were found in the most unexpected places in Latin America, repairability of an old motorcycle is orders of magnitude higher than new ones packed with electronics (I've seen a couple of new ones stuck in service for many months), fuel consumption at 3.5-4 liters (over 400 kilometers per tank), injector, ABS, high off-road capability even on completely road tires, comfort of control during long rides – all of this is about Him, my Henry.
We've been together since 2015. I had just returned from Kaliningrad with some savings and lazily browsed motorcycle ads when I saw HIM. He looked at me, showing off his white plastic barrels, tall and mature (after my previous 250cc bikes), whispering that he was my destiny and we should be together. Of course, I couldn't resist such a man. I had to pay a ransom of $3000 to take him home, but he's worth every penny. Now we've traveled 250,000 kilometers together (112,000 during our round-the-world trip and 220,000 since purchase), and we never part ways.
In preparation for the Grand Journey, the following activities were undertaken:
- Installation of engine and ambient temperature sensors, crucial for monitoring overheating issues in the US and observing extreme temperatures in the Australian desert.
- Oil delivery system upgraded with a flexible reinforced hose, simplifying access to the left engine cover, including pump maintenance without engine removal.
- Chain auto-lubricator installed, extending chain life to 35-40 thousand kilometers, though sadly it ceased functioning in the US.
- Thermoregulation system reworked to withstand high temperatures in Australia.
- Additional adjustable wind deflector added, providing great relief in cold and windy conditions.
- Original shock absorber replaced with a Taiwanese YSS and overall suspension system reinforced, essential given the heavy load carried. YSS's serviceability and disassemblability saved money and allowed repairs in Ecuador.
- Water canister installed (yes, the red one on the arch is for water).
- Water pump shaft strengthened through nitriding at a nuclear physics institute, increasing surface hardness to 70HRC and extending lifespan to 45,000 kilometers.
- USB sockets installed for multiple devices.
- Stylish red fork gaiters added for feather protection.
- Fitted with your favorite Michelin Anakee 3 tires.
- Equipped with #ResourceControl tracker for global movement tracking.
- Chain replaced with an Italian Reginachain.
- Clutch cable doubled for parallel operation, ensuring reliability during potential failures.
- Protective crash bars and beloved Batangacase panniers installed before the round-the-world journey.
- Additional headlights installed in Moscow by Cheapekip.ru, illuminating even the darkest nights brightly.
- Carries a tool kit capable of full motorcycle disassembly and spare parts set including hard-to-find items like starter relays, tire repair kits, spare tires, turn signals, cold welding, chain and locks, and an electric pump.
Breakdowns on the road:
- There were several instances of short circuits in the wiring. Before it burned out in the USA along with the engine and was completely rewired by Andrei and Vitalik, problems occasionally arose.
- Water pump. A manufacturer's flaw, you just have to accept it and carry repair kits with you.
- Cylinder head gasket blew, slowly leaking coolant inside and eroding a hole in the cylinder. It blew in the USA almost at night, the motorcycle overheated to 150 degrees. I managed to stop and jump off when the gasket finally burst, all the coolant poured inside and the motorcycle was engulfed in thick gray smoke. If it weren't for Andrei from Kentucky, my journey could have ended at that moment, but ReHenriation was successful and with a new used engine, we happily continued on.
- Shock absorber broke in Ecuador (around 90 thousand kilometers into the journey). Sooner or later it was bound to happen, repaired it and all was well. Second time – broke in Patagonia, luckily only the aluminum bracket, which was replaced in Bariloche.
- I don't count the chain lock that opened and caused a serious breakdown.
- The annoying short cable in the fuel pump troubled me three times and finally its tiny element broke near El Calafate. A breakdown costing half a dollar, a couple of hours of waiting, and again Henry and I were on our way.
Otherwise, I absolutely LOVE my motorcycle. I don't know who else could endure so much and under such conditions as I subject him to. When asked if I'm satisfied with my choice – ABSOLUTELY. Parts for it were found in the most unexpected places in Latin America, repairability of an old motorcycle is orders of magnitude higher than new ones packed with electronics (I've seen a couple of new ones stuck in service for many months), fuel consumption at 3.5-4 liters (over 400 kilometers per tank), injector, ABS, high off-road capability even on completely road tires, comfort of control during long rides – all of this is about Him, my Henry.
Upon returning from the round-the-world trip, Henry underwent a complete overhaul and received new vibrant plastic inspired by national ornamental patterns from Australia and Mexico
© Kate'n'Ride, 2024. All rights reserved (my Dad is a lawyer)
