Trying To Adjust Windscreen The Cheap Way

I posted a review of my Lara which basically says there is nothing not right about the F700GS.

However, there are indeed things that could be better. For example the windscreen could be made better. As of stock condition, the screen does not create turbulence, but it sends the wind straight into my face.

There are some potential solutions in my head:

1.     Change to a bigger and taller windscreen.

2.     Add a diffuser to the existing windscreen.

3.     Tilt the existing windscreen.

The pro and con of each solution:

1.     Pro: sure fire way to solve the problem. Con: Money.

2.     Pro: could solve the problem. Con: Money, again.

3.     Pro: the cheapest way for I only need some spacers and screws: Con: might not work.

I went for option 3. I removed the top two screws and inserted a rubber spacer between the inner screen and meter set.I thought by adding a spacer this will tilt the windscreen outward from the rider, making the wind going over my head.

But I was wrong in the way that I could successfully tilt the screen but I couldn’t screw it back in,

because with the new angle the screw passage is no longer aligned between the windscreen the meter set.

In conclusion, it was a failed experiment.

Now my options are only the ones that involve spending money….

Cheers.

Navigation Setup

I believe a navigation setup is necessary for a long way round trip. My choice of sat nat is this: Garmin Dakota 20. I have used it on a 6 days trip that covered a total of 1600km.

Here is what I think of it.

This is the navigation system I have on my Lara. After a 5 days trip I thought I could give it a review for everyone's reference.

What I like:
1. It runs on batteries as well as USB power.
2. The map is routable and routing calculation time is acceptable.
3. The directional sensitivity is very high. I turn it around on my palm and the arrow on screen turns like wise.
4. It provides turn-by-turn instruction very accurately. (where map is available)
5. It is portable.
6. It displays vehicle speed and a host of other info as well.
7. I dont have to use my phone as a navigator. (if something happens to my phone then my life line is gone.)


However, all that this Dakota 2 could do, any smart phone could it either the same way or even better, there is no doubt to it. I insist on using a dedicated navigator because I dont have to worry about cell signal. This is very important for my riding style.

Anyone could share their view on bike navigation?

Cheers.

I have bought my bike, finally!

The first order of business upon returning to Japan is, to buy myself a bike!

And so here she is, yes it is a she and the name is Lara!

She is a BMW F700GS that comes with a factory lowered suspension.

I have spent a week with her out on a solo trip to Shikoku, Japan.

I have edited a short video clip that you could access from here.

I shall keep you updated on the latest news I have with Lara!

Cheers.

My Choice Of Bike!!!!!

This is my bike! I am going to buy this bike!!!!!

I know I might be a little too short for this, but I will opt for a low seat which does not come standard, that will bring the overal seat height to 820mm.

And I will install a low down link, or a pair of Wilbers suspension, to further bring down the seat height to maybe 800mm!!! In that way, the overall seat height will be much suitable for me,
but the ground clearance remains a very decent 230mm, only a 20mm decrease from the original of 250mm!!!! and 230mm is still a hell of a ground clearance.

Maybe the space between my bottom and the lowest point of the bike will look much compressed and out of the portion, but hey, i dont care!!! I ride on it and i wont see it! But i will be able to ride it!! That is the point!!!

I can't wait!!!

Cheers Riders!

The Best Bike For Long Way Round 2

What Bike To Use For Long Way Round?

There is a best bike to do a specific thing, although there is no best bike per se.

To do my tour, I think an adventure bike would be good. However, at my height there isnt too many choices available. The ones I am comfortable with are:..... none. Not to say that I cant ride them, it's just that I don't feel as secure riding a tall bike around town, or riding at any place at all.

I think this bike is very well put together.

But I don't think I can ride this doing what I want to do, with confidence.

For one, it is just too tall for me. For two, it terrifies me to ride this thing on the Japanese roads.

Dont the major makers think there are still many riders with a smaller build?

At this rate I can only get a XT250 from Yamaha, or at max, a CB400X.

Sigh...

How Do You Know How To Service Your Bike?

Bike Maintenance

How do you guys perform the scheduled maintenance or repairs?

Do you just ask the dealership to handle it for you or do you do all the job by yourself?

To be frank I have never done any serious job on my bike.

But that's gonna change. When I get my next bike I am going to buy a service manual like the one appears in the photo.

In that way I can rely on myself to fix the problems that I might encounter en route Long Way Round.

I of course have to practice before embarking on the trip. I have a few years to do that, so i am not too worried about that. :-)

Cheers Riders.

To Make The Pain Go Away

Dreaming About My Next Bike

So, you know I have sold my bike. And that is a sad thing. To help ease the pain, I am actively dreaming about my next bike.

My next bike is going to bring me around Japan, Korea and perhaps, even the world! But I am going to take things one step at a time. I need / want a bike to go around Japan.

Now, do I need a very fast and loud bike? No, I dont.
But I do want a bike that can have decent luggage space, easy on the maintenance,
reliable and relatively stable on the highway and tarmac. I certainly dont mind some offroad capabilities.

You see, buying a bike is easy yet at the same time very difficult, when the purchase takes place in Japan. It is because most bikes are priced according to the market value, taking no tax effect into the purchase decision.

I like all the following bikes. And most of them are priced similarly. The question is which to buy, what trade off to make. Unlike buying a bike in Malaysia whereby the tax scheme makes the decision a lot easier, choosing a bike in Japan is always, should I say, hard.

Well anyway, let's browse the bikes.

Cheers Riders.