New AT Buyer with a twist.

[Grizz]

Hi Guys,
I am in the process of buying a 2000 model, X-Plate with 20k miles, topbox,Scott-oiler, tall screen and spare Remus Grand Prix from one of the board members.
The plan is to export it back to South Africa for my brother, who has no ride at the moment, and cannot afford it at SA prices.
An average, basic 2000 model will cost you around £5k plus in SA, so we are trying to get it into the country for about 3k all told.

We have been riding since I was 14 and he 12 years old, and are both much orientated toward the monster trailies. I ride an 1150GS as well as 1000GS "BumbleBee" over here in the UK, and would like to eventually have an AT in SA as well, to ride when I go over there.

What I need is a basic guide from you guys who ride and know these bikes intimately..... What to do and not to do, tyre choices etc.

Most bikes have foibles, and I would like to forewarn my brother and get him to replace, strengthen etc , all things that may turn into surprises for him, as well as getting some bits to tart up the ride, even before it goes out..... to Africa.

Cheers,
Rian.

[Recycler]

By the time you ride it to SA you'll know it inside out.

[Grizz]

By the time you ride it to SA you'll know it inside out.

Nah Nah Nah.... you do not understand sir....

The plan is to crate and send by the most affordable route, the bike.

I just want to sort bits out that historically could become an issue. SA is a nightmarewrt costs on everything.... these guys see you comming around a corner.... and will rip your proverbial nutzz out when sellng you bits and pieces.

Thanks so far anyway.
Rian

[Tikka]

Only real problem a AT can have, as far as i know, are fuelpumps, If you do a search on the forum it will come up i think. Great bikes further. On tyres there is a tread too . Again search will help out.

And contact these guys:
http://www.africatwin.co.za/
They can help you out over there

[miggy]

Isn't this fuel pump problem a bit of a myth? How many people have actually had trouble with them?

I understand only a small amount of later RD07 bikes 'may' have had this problem. Does it affect the RD04 model, and why does it affect only certain years? Was a different fuel pump fitted?

[Tikka]

A couple of dutch mates had the problem and so did i. I mounted a mikuni vacum pump. A mate did the same only that pump died 2. It only affects a couple of years, 1996 till 1999 if i'm right. Can find the correct dates

[YEN_POWELL]

Isn't this fuel pump problem a bit of a myth? How many people have actually had trouble with them?

I understand only a small amount of later RD07 bikes 'may' have had this problem. Does it affect the RD04 model, and why does it affect only certain years? Was a different fuel pump fitted?

My 2000 model pump packed up followed by the replacement updated pump which also went belly up. Now on the Mikuni vacuum pump which is incidentally a third of the price of the Honda pump.

[YEN_POWELL]

ps Don't forget, I also have a charming letter from Honda telling me there is no fuel pump problem for any year of AT production. I received this before the first pump died, after I wrote asking if the internet rumours were true.

They wouldn't lie would they. I must have just been unlucky twice.

[miggy]

I really don't know mate, though I'm sure many people have had as much bad luck as yourself with fuel pumps and other things.

Are the fuel pumps on those bikes any different in any way to other years? Some of the replys above indicate that something else may be causing the pumps to fail.

I suspect that this is one of those probems that gathers momentum in the telling but isn't as bad as its made out.

How about having a poll on this?

[Grizz]

Thanks Guys,...... this interwebthingy is really great, eh??
Makes info so easy to share and get.

Will keep you updated and pick your brains further in the next few weeks.

Rian