FZJ80 vs BMW GS1200

[djsolution]

Ok, so I have a question I've had a hard time answering via ih8mud, expedition portal and even google. I have a 1997 40th FZJ80 cruiser I'm in the (early) process of outfitting for overland travel and have gotten into some preliminary but fairly serious planning talk with a close friend with a BMW GS1200 dual sport. A real overland machine for sure. My question is this: is a joint venture plausible with a land cruiser and a dual sport motorcycle? Will the travel pace be anywhere in the same ballpark? Will we be able to find a route enjoyable and challenging enough for both vehicles? Thanks in advance

Ps if this doesn't belong in the expedition section, many apologies

 

[Betarocker]

It will depend on the moto, but if it is equipped with offroad worthy equipment (better suspension and tires) it will cover rough terrain way faster than a 4 wheeled vehicle. If it is as sold off the floor, then the pace will be more equal.

 

[VidereStudios]

Generally the motorcycle will go much quicker than the 4x4, except in the real rough stuff (i.e. loose, large rock, mud, etc.). So the motorcycle will have to be a somewhat patient rider. However, the 80 will be a huge help to the motorcycle in very tough conditions. Plus the 80 can pack extra fuel, which will extend the bike's range.

I have wanted for several years to take a light KTM dualsport (525EXC or 640) down to Mexico with my 100 series, maybe even farther south. However, it just isn't plausible for a single traveler. I think that a couple people on different vehicles would be a ton of fun, especially if they could switch vehicles at times. Check out http://xoverland.com...these guys are doing probably exactly what you are thinking. Except not overseas.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I come across a guy a few years back on a BMW GS1200 who had dropped his bike on a remote desert road.
He was concussed and laying in the middle of the road with his gear spread all over the place.
The road had a hard dirt surface on one side of the hills and soft sand on the other due to the prevailing winds.
He had hit the soft stuff and gone ass up.

In these conditions I think it would be safer at speed in the landcruiser,but I also I suspect his riding skills were not really up to it.

 

[e9999]

I am planning extended trips with the 80 pulling a trailer with dual sport bikes. I think the concept of having a truck carrying parts, equipment, and supplies and allowing you to get to the interesting places in much greater comfort and safety is a great way to go.

 

[djsolution]

His GS is bone stock except for a few electrical upgrades and storage. I heard some great advice that these types of mixed expeditions have their advantages (besides the logistical ones you guys mentioned. Good stuff) in that you can split off and pursue separate trails if need be, even have the moto scout ahead. Seems like there would be enough variety to keep both parties happy.

 

[djsolution]

Viderestudios, I checked out that expo link, good stuff! That trailer is badass! Looks like it fits that GS perfectly. Can't even imagine how pricey it is though.

 

[yohavos]

We spent a few days covering the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route last year with a moto. I was in my 80, another couple was in a really well built Trooper towing a trailer, and our other buddy was on his bike.

We had good comms and never had any issues having a mixed group. He was faster, but slowed down considerably in rough terrain and was nearly stopped altogether at some water crossings.

By the end of the 2nd day, he was physically beat (riding takes a lot more out of you than driving, obviously) but thankful for our refrigerators and ability to carry supplies.

As long the guy on the moto is in it for the ride, not covering as much ground as possible, you'll be fine. My buddy would ride at his speed on his bike then take a break. We would catch up, take pictures, hang out, etc. If the situation called, we would just rally on.

It is very helpful for scouting trails, as well. Never knowing if a trail is going to have snow or not, or is passable, it's quite easy to send him up it while you hang out for a few minutes and avoid what could be a nasty turn around somewhere farther along.

 

[TEXASYETI]

Definitely doable. He'll enjoy having a chase vehicle that can carry some gear for him and you enjoy a "bird dog".

 

[swampfoxSC]

Speed deferential would be HUGE!! That GS in stock form isn't very overland friendly unless it is mostly fire roads type stuff. It would help him greatly if he could pack in the LC. And keep his load "light" as possible. A loaded GS will start breaking up in the rough stuff. The fuel range should be no issue with the large GS tank. Crawling in the LC you will get a 200 miles to a tank at best. Not trying to trash talk the GS. It used to be my dream ride. Until I bought one. Sold it 10 months later. Definitely more hype than substance when it comes to overland the stuff. He can add every option from Touratech. But the he will have another $8k in it and it will still break. Been there-done that. They are great road bikes very comfy. When ours wasn't in the shop waiting on parts from Germany. The wife and I rode 2 up quite a bit. He may want to watch Long Way Around before ya'll get to far out. A cool movie available on YouTube. But it shows the GS in true overland form. BMW probally regrets sponsoring that. Wasn't very good pub for them. The most capable true overland motorcycle ever made is the KTM640 Adventure. Sadly no longer made. Here is my old one. Out in the middle of no where loaded on a 6 day 6 state from sea level to over a mile high 1850 mile as much dirt as possible ride. Sold it to buy the LC.

 

[AdventureToolCompany]

I've done both, but never together or as a mixed group.

If it's a challenging route, the Dual Sport (DS) will certainly take a longer time to cross the same ground as the LC, due to having to pick a line that they can travel and that's if the rider has the skill to take the route (Pic #3...not sure I could ride my KLR back up that step....) .
Also, the DS rider will fatigue more frequently and need more breaks then the LC crew (Pic# 2, fatigue and loss of traction on a steep, loose trail). I can't speak to the weight of a fully kitted BMW, but my KLR fully fueled and kitted out weighs approx. 390-400 lbs. making very difficult to pickup after 8 hours of riding and dumping it at 9000 feet.
The DS will do much better on open trails, roads and the highway, but again, depending on the skill, stamina, fuel range and gear carried, the DS rider will need to stop every 100 to 200 miles for a break.

The bottom line is it's very doable and extremely rewarding, so
(Pic #1.. breakfast on the mountain!!!)....have a great time and good luck!!

 

[swampfoxSC]

When I said a speed diferential I meant the bike will be much faster off road that the LC. 4 wheels hit a lot more bumps/rocks than 2. So the LC will have to take it at reasonable speed. The 12-14"s of travel allows the bike to keep on keeping on. Have you determined what the average miles per day is yet? We had some good riders and covered about 300-320/day. That was pretty hard off road. And a much faster pace than we would have liked. But we were on a time constrant. It meant some 12-14 hours in the saddle a day. In leterally 101f and some 80-90% humidity here in the SE US

 

[Young Bull]

The Long Way Round and Long Way Down had "chase" vehicles. Sometimes they took a different route but were close enough that if a Sat phone was called it could get there in a short time frame. They didn't use Toyota's but still a "chase" rig. So, I would think you could play together.

 

[djsolution]

Awesome advice and pics fellas! We're still just talking about where to take the first trip. Probably starting small due to time constraints with work travel this year. Sounds like its going to be do-able and pretty freakin fun.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I'm also in the camp of the speed differential being an issue. I travel by both by moto & LC and I can and do cover 2-1 mileage when on the moto. The size of the moto will also limit where is can go safely especially if the moto is loaded. A loaded big moto in rough terrain can make for a very unpleasant experience for everyone involved. Rough roads (washboard)are often better done at a much higher speed on a moto to be comfortable where as the LC will take a unpleasant beaten.

Two different types of experiences IMO the difference between traveling in a LC or on a moto is like going to the movie and being the star of the movie.