Neale Junction

[Digger]

Link to 9 minute video or go to the links in Bens report.

I intend to put together some raw footage of the conditions for those who may want more information on road and track conditions in relation to Desert Raid 2011. Details to be advised closer to the event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh3BCLoGkf0

[KoosWA]

Mike [Old Betsy]

Everyone has been silent on why Mike was on what I presume is Ben's 800 GS.

It would be great to hear Mike's comments on the 800 GS.

Cheers

Koos

[old betsy]

Sorry to say Koos

It's NOT Bens 800 I was riding. It does belong to me. It is the sister bike to Bens that came to Perth. I got it second hand with 1100km on the clock. So Bens 800 is still in the garage, how could he sell the worlds best adventure bike.

With the 2000km I did on it towards Neale Junction and home again I really did enjoy myself. The seat is made out of timber I think. Power is great, handling very forgiving. Weight compared to Old Betsy lighter.

The GSA ( old betsy ) is a great bike and I loved every minute on her ( 20000Km worth ). But the 800 ( yet to be named ) for the type of riding I want to do, is just the best.

My impressions of the F800GS.
After riding home 915km in one day, and 650km of that was NOT on the black top.
My bum was tender, a better seat would help. Lack of fuel is a problem, but I got by with a little 5l jerry can on the back of the bike.But my big tank that has arrived will fix that issue when I require an extra 20l, so I now have 36l on board the 800GS if required.

For the trip I ave. 5.4l / 100km. Ave speed 92km.Travel time 21hr37mins. Max speed N/A.
So with the big tank min fuel range now is 666km not 300km and range could be easily over 700km if I ride with a little more care on the throttle and bring the speed back to 100km/ph

The GSA is a great road bike and is good in the dirt.
The 800 is a great dirt bike and is good on the road. In fact it is better on the road than what I was expecting.
With some minor changes to the bike I can't wait until the next riding adventure with the chook chaser.

Old Betsy

[KoosWA]

Thanks for the comments Mike.

The seat certainly keeps you awake...although your bum can go to sleep. I find that an hour is my limit, but in any event a good time to have a break and stretch your legs. Also if you are doing tracks and standing up every now and then, the seat doesn't come into play.

Fuel range will not be an issue for me often, so happy to make temporary arrangements if I do encounter such a situation....like take less stuff and more fuel. Like for Neales Function next year.

Look forward to riding with you soon.

So will Old Betsy be put out to pasture anytime soon?

Cheers

Koos

[Robin Milford]

Thanks for the comments Mike.

The seat certainly keeps you awake...although your bum can go to sleep. I find that an hour is my limit, but in any event a good time to have a break and stretch your legs. Also if you are doing tracks and standing up every now and then, the seat doesn't come into play.

Fuel range will not be an issue for me often, so happy to make temporary arrangements if I do encounter such a situation....like take less stuff and more fuel. Like for Neales Function next year.

Look forward to riding with you soon.

So will Old Betsy be put out to pasture anytime soon?

Cheers

Koos

Hope you enjoy your ride KoosWA...........