[Dave Ross]

in reply to: What OEM comes with a new f650 GS ? (tools / manuals etc) #7831

You should get a tool set, don't have a llist of the contents, though, a user manual and a service booklet.  Enjoy the ride.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: BMWOR AKL Lunch Ride to Matakana (July 1) Gravel Option #7830

For lunch rides you meet at the destination. Which of course doesn't stop you from meeting up with other people for an extended detour. Lunch rides are for people who don't like getting up early and who are less keen on group rides, but still enjoy the company of other riders at the destination.  That's the theory anyway.I will be posting all the rides here shortly, so people can respond and make plans ahead of time. The rides will also go on the main page and in the newsletter. There will be no excuse for missing any rides from now on :-).

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Took the F650GS onto the gravel for the first time!! #7816

I would choose a 250, they've got enough power to go, but not enough to scare you. We have an XLR200 but that's a but down on power. If seat height is an issue than the DR200 is a good bike to use. Other than that, a lighter bike is better and much easier to ride. John G. had a Honda  for sale, if you are interested I'll ask him if it's still available.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Took the F650GS onto the gravel for the first time!! #7813

And I'm sitting here, keen to learn how to ride gravel and the diffeing opinions aren't helping me.So here's my question I want to learn to ride gravel competantly. Where do I start?  😕Also how do you spell competently?  🙄Is there a spellchecker button that I'm missing?

No spell check in this forum due to the size of the dictionary file. You have four options, learn how to spell (joke :evil:), put up with the possible mistakes, type in word and cut and paste or use the Firefox browser with the spell check add on. As my spelling has not improved in over 25 years, I have gone with the Firefox option.I'll assume that you won't be taking the F800 on gravel. My advice is to start slowly and get the feel for it. Try to relax. You will get more confident as you get used to the movement of your bike. You'll have to do it often. Then you will scare yourself and slow down again. After a while things will improve and you'll think you know what your doing. Then you'll bang your helmet on the ground with your head in it (I am at this stage). Next you will promise to  be more careful and try to learn from your mistakes. The trick is to ride at your own pace and to enjoy the scenery. 🙂

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Which is your favourite BMW classic? #7794

🙄

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Took the F650GS onto the gravel for the first time!! #7809

I couldn't quite follow the above. I've tried ABS on gravel with Gerda's bike. It was fine. Although, I can see how it might be a problem depending on the surface condition and the speed you are travelling at. On steep decents you may consider turning off the engine, putting it in gear and using the clutch to control your speed, together with the front brake. This way you can waddle down with both legs on the ground.To slow down on gravel I use mainly the front brake, the rear tends to lock up very quickly. You usually get an amazing amount of grip from the front. If not,  your are too fast for the conditions, aim for something soft. As always, speed only becomes a problem if you have to stop in a hurry, anyone can twist the throttle and go fast, but it takes skill to stop.I use the rear brake mainly at slow speeds on loose surfaces.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Took the F650GS onto the gravel for the first time!! #7806

I wish I could say the same, my neck is still sore.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Trickle Charger, which one? #7766

Well, the charger is plugged in and sems to charge the 1150 quite nicely. The above method sounds quite complex, and where on earth would you find a 110V outlet  😕 😀I have promised myself to do more research in future than to tackle a problem with out sufficent knowledge. The trouble is of course that it is not always obvious that there is more depth to the problem. 

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Starter motor solenoid/relay wanted #7783

Thanks, I've checked the relay and it was fine. The battery is now on the charger and hopefully it will be ok as well. This afternoon I will take the starter to Simms for a check up.  I have a tendency to panic about these things when my own bike is involved.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Starter motor solenoid/relay wanted #7780

Well, I really need help with this. I have thought it  trough and now think that the starter solenoid could be still good. It still engages, but takes a little while to disengage. I may also have run down the battery now, because  the bike is making some awful noises. It is turning over, but not firing up. Who has got some idea what is going on? The starter motor and solenoid are quite expensive, so I want to avoid having to buy one, if at all possible.I need to the Gs to be running by Sunday, or someone else will have to lead the ride to Whangarei.  🙂

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Trickle Charger, which one? #7762

Yep, I definitely need one, had to jump start the Basic this morning, so I could go and get a warrant for tomorrow's ride.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Trickle Charger, which one? #7760

Sorry I'm not looking to sell it Alex, just happy to lend it short term.

Oops, sorry Malcolm, I got the impression you wanted to sell it.  I'll keep an eye out on trade me. I've noticed the range goes from $50 to $300 as I have no idea what specs the bike needs I'll have to do some more research. I want the cheapest no frills usable one.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Trickle Charger, which one? #7757

I bought a Deltran Battery Tender when I got my first bike with ABS.  It sits in the drawer unused at present because I had to get a fancy BMW one for the GS.  The Deltran was very reliable and you can borrow it for a while to see how it goes prior to purchasing if you would like.Malcolm

Thanks for that Malcolm. Noel has lend me his for the moment. How much do you want for the charger?

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Ewan and Charlie to Undertake the ‘Long Way Down #7717

I'll be looking forward to the DVD, but I've got to say, these bike have a lot of crap dangling off them. Charlie seemed down to earth when he was here, he was not nearly as dressed up as these bikes are  😀

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Power Plug?? #7748

You will need an adapter if you have items with the cigarette lighter plug. You can use it to hook up a trickle charger for the battery. The plug is on with the ignition off, at least that's the way it is on my GS. I use it with an el cheapo electric pump from the wharehouse to pump up the tires. It is useful to have.

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