Africa's Motorcycle of Choice and Three Great Value Used BMWs 

I bought a 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate that had 6 carbs and 25,000 Km on the odometer in 2007. Sold it in 2019 with over 300,000 km and never had a problem with it. Merry Christmas from Canada Freddie!

It is pronounced as Bajaj(like ba-jazz) not Baha. Its the same company that makes KTMs and smaller triumphs in India. Bajaj has captured African markets due to their affordability and reliability.

I feel like that christmas tree could use a few more baubles :)

You quoted me in the past my carb story. Again and with less words, dual carbs, 20 years of bad gas and bad storage, was fixed and like new in 30 minutes (15 was disassembled parts soaking in carb cleaner) and 15 minutes of taking apart and putting back together. . .ran like new and with proper winterizing and use, was never a problem again for the next 10 years I owned the vehicle. Do it once with RU-vid as your assistant, and it will take you an hour. Next time (if there is a next time), it will take you 30. Help a couple of friends and you will be a 30 minute total carb expert.

Hi , Merry Christmas . I’m not sure you are right about why mechanics can’t fix bikes that are older. A garage charging an hourly labour rate can take a job for as long as required. Charging three hours Labour to work on an old bike is the same as charging three hours to work on a new one. The issue seems to be a lot of dealerships employ fitters than can bolt on or off parts but cannot diagnose and repair items without a computer telling them what to do. I would suggest you spend a fair bit of time with the guy fixing your Triumph to learn alongside him how to diagnose and repair faults. Having this skill will help you know how to maintain your bike and , if necessary how to do repairs to save yourself a lot of money and to ensure a breakdown doesn’t leave you stranded. It doesn’t preclude you from using professionals but gives you the choice and flexibility.

I just love hearing what people have to say on your channel every week, and it's great for people looking to buy a bike or even your first bike after passing your test ❤

I love your take on our small African bikes from India I'm from Kenya (East Africa) we love them very much. But I my self ride a Chinese bike, but I wish I would have bought a Boxer 150. Cheers man I like your talks.

I have a 2002 carb Harley and a '74 750 TR7v. I can fix ANYTHING on them in my workshop/mancave. Have turned my back on electronic managed, fuel injection canbus bikes now, and I can get almost every part for the Triumph from the UK in days.

I am old school and would prefer a carb, easy to adjust & fix !

Now Freddie i have to make a comment here . I hate electronics . I hate a bike that i cant work on . I hate paying some one to service my machine . I am an old school machanic with over 40 years expierance . Now you tell me . What bike would run without a lap top to take a look at any issues these days. I work on proper bikes not electonic robots .To tune a carb by ear and listen to an engine running after you have completed your work is just awesome . Fixed by your self .

I think you're right re carbs and any ability to work on a bike. That's what makes it viable, as workshop costs are way too much. Luckily I started on 1 cylinder 2 strokes, then 2 cylinders, X7 etc. And once you've got over the fear of taking a carb apart they are really easy to work on. Follow a manual like Haynes, and you can do all sorts yourself. Best of luck with the Bonnie.

Thankyou Freddie and Monika for another great year of your unique way of making us love motorcycles even more! Happy Christmas to you both , hopefully the bonnie will be back .onwards and upwards

Thanks for the content Freddie. Looking forward to next years. 🎄🥳🥂

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and Monika. Have loved watching both your channels over the past year, and looking forward to the coming year. All the very best 🎄🍾

Merry Christmas Freddie and Monica.. we appreciate your constant efforts in putting out entertaining and instructive material this past year!

Ohh Freddie & Monika, wishing you both a Merry Christmas & a fantastic New Year! Thanks for your beautiful energy, stories & adventures. Here’s to coolness without boundaries. All the best. I have no doubt Joe will bring your Bonneville back running better than it ever has. Your mission is to maintain it to the same degree it was when brand new. A new years resolution is to learn motorcycle maintenance or it’s no zen for you in purgatory 😉

I can’t believe your Christmas edition finished with my type of bike, the Super Tenere. Great summary. Thank you very much for all your efforts Freddie (and Monica). I really look forward to your updates. Have a great festive season.

Merry Christmas to you both. Your videos have been wonderful this year, thank you.

Thanks for a great year of ‘fireside chats’. Wry relaxing and always look forward to them. Marty Xmas to you both.

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 to you both ty for another year of great content looking forward another year with you and the bonneville 👏👏👏

Fabulous. Totally engaging. I give you joy of your vlog.

Merry Christmas Freddie and Monica, keep up the good work

Happy Christmas to the both of you and a happy new year and don't give up on the bonneville.

Thank-you Freddie, and a Merry Christmas to you and Monica 😉🥂

Happy Christmas Freddie and Monika. Your videos are just compulsive viewing. Thanks for all your wonderful input. All the best for 2024 xx

Merry Christmas Monika and Freddie, wish you both a wonderful chilled-out days of relaxing, Big hugs 🤗 from Düsseldorf Sher….

Nice ramble. Wishing you and Monika a very Happy Christmas.

I look forward to these every Tuesday!!! Awesome 👍🏻,

Freddie, I am starting to enjoy these more than the main channel! please keep up the content, happy holidays to you

Merry Christmas Freddie and to all of my fellow fans!

Hi Freddie, I'm a learner in his fifties and in Australia we can ride 650 cc bikes on our L's. I bought my F650 GS Dakar in March for around $5k (c. GBP 2.5k) and rode it 1000kms back from Brisbane to Sydney as my first ride. It's really comfortable, more than capable off-road, though I've not ventured in to the soft stuff yet, and it has only cost me $100 for a minor check-up service so far. It even has heated grips. I highly recommend it for a cheap and reliable run around. Love the channel, and merry Xmas. Mike

Freddie, Merry Christmas to you and Monika! Always love watching your videos :)

Merry Christmas Freddie to you and Monica and a Happy New year to you Both!!😎👍

Happy Christmas to you both, love your day dreaming, I do the same regularly, your xmas tree mad flashing drove me mad, 😄

Freddie - Like your correspondent I, too, went on a bike tour to Morocco (with BMW Tours in my case) soon after I'd passed my Direct Entry test (Cheshire to the Sahara and back!). I was so concerned i'd be out of my depth. But you know what - it's one of the best things I've ever done. It was 20 or so years ago now, and had an 1150 GS and not much experience. But you know what? It was a fabulous adventure! A major memory to this day. It was an amazing life experience. I've done European tours since and they have been amazing, too. But to ride my bike from Cheshire to the Sahara and back... well, it was just amazing. And though I did that ride on a GS, I think you are correct about lightweight bikes for adventure. In Morocco we were on unsurfaced roads much of the time, but they were fine for the GS. There were no 'off road tracks'. If I had to ride to China tomorrow encountering awful roads and terrain and could use either my lovely 2023 Speedmaster or my 2012 125 Honda Innova - I'd go on the Innova. I'd use the Innova (but fitted with extra fuel and luggage capacity) even if I still had a GS in the garage. For real adventure, you can't beat lightness.

There are a lot of TVS motorcycles in Africa. Merry Christmas, Freddie!

The tree needs more baubles 😊

Freddie, I get the admiration of the f650gs, as bmw has made the look and adventure reputation of any of their offerings with gs in the model name wildly recognizable and popular. Last year on marketplace, I came across a less than an hour old listing for a 2003 bmw f650cs for $1000, the bike ran, had 18k miles, no crashes or damage, heated grips, fuel injected, abs, and good tread. I jumped on it and secured the deal. I rode it home with no problems. My plan was to clean it up and re-sell it for a profit. I have so thoroughly enjoyed riding this bike, that I really don’t want to part with it. This model was only produced from 2001-2005, is described as “offbeat” styling..I think it is the “sleeper” in the bmw crowd, as it can still be bought for cheap, and is an awesome introduction for anyone into bmw motorcycles. If you were unfamiliar with the f650gs, you surely have never heard of the f650cs..

Triumph has collaborated with Bajaj to produce their new Triumph 400 speed and Triumph 400x Scrambler.

Happy Christmas from Sydney Australia.

Merry Christmas to you & yours 🙏🏻

I remember looking at that 1200 tenere, at the end,for sale months ago. Proof they aren't selling and this looks like a really good example!

Another great video Freddie. I’ll be back in Istanbul in spring and I’ll be looking to rent a bike. I’ll be sure to send some pictures in!

I sat on a new Tenere 660 single and started it at a dealership in around 2011. I'm very happy with my '21 plate Royal Enfield Classic 500 and Euro 4 Himalayan but if I was ever to go along the Japanese route, I would hunt down a low mileage Tenere 660. At 5ft 11, it was like sitting on a bike made for me. It felt light and you sat 'within it'. I think it is a forgotten gem which sits in the sweet spot of a full on adventure bike and yet light weight and with bags of character. Well worth a look.....if you can find one at a good price 🙂

Great video.

Wishing you and Monica a very merry Christmas. Keep safe and well.

I think that carbed bikes sounds a lot better than bikes with injection... I Still maintain that the Varadero XL1000 is one of those great Do-It-All Motorcycles. I've had three. 95hp/95Nm its peppy, Doesn't take much fuel for the size and it's amazing to ride, both on and off road. As many hours as you possibly can manage to keep your eyelids open.

The main reason I've kept my old ntv 650 1996 is the fact I've been able to fix so much stuff my self over the years from a simple service to swopping fork seals changing a wiring loom/water pump/stator to name a few mostly by watching a few Yt vids that's not to say i wouldn't like a new bike for the weekends but i have to keep a little 125cc for work the new triumph 400s are looking very nice😍merry xmas Freddie &Monika i hope you have a good one 😋

I had a BMW F650GS (650cc single) and rode it all over Europe without any problems. Absolutely fantastic bike, comfortable, high mpg, and generally a lot of fun to ride. Also if you put some 17 inch wheels on it it make a great Supermoto. Charlie Boorman did a TV series (Race to Dakar) where he rode one in the Paris Dakar race in 2006, several episodes are available on youtube.

All the best for new year to you both

Merry Christmas dude

Merry Christmas to both of you 🌲🌲

Loved the Tenere but you got me with the GS price. Merry Cristmas to one and all.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year Freddie and Monica.

Merry Christmas!

The NC750 engine strip down job is the oil seal for the gear selector shaft, it’s put in from inside the engine casing, not the outside like most bikes,

Nice to hear your possibly coming round to carbs. I own 3 bikes all with carbs and all work perfectly and if needed there fixable at home. Don’t write all carb bikes off just because you had a bad experience with one bike.

Hi Freddie, I own a 2018 NC750X here in Ireland. I think the expensive engine out job on these bikes might be the halfshaft or driveshaft oil seal replacement. While these oil seals were indeed installed in the factory from the inside of the crank case and have a raised edge, preventing them from being easily pulled out, it is possible to remove them with a screwdriver type implement by carefully bending them out and away from the engine casing. Then a standard flush oil seal of the appropriate diameter can be tapped back in, flush with the surface of the engine casing. Honda have installed these type seals on a few bikes, and I've seen RU-vid videos of this being carried out. Love the channel. Regards.....Niall

I do all the work on my 1982 750 T140 Bonneville. There’s just not many new mechanics that know these and they’re fairly simple. I’m pretty good on vintage Norton’s too. Same with my 2007 CB1300 Bol D’or and 2011 Sprint GT 1050. They’re essentially reliable and simple. Starting to unlock the secrets of my new-old 2013 Benelli TNT 1130R. This is also well designed and there’s good online resources with SME’s giving useful advice.

Since you talked about the pronunciation Himalayan in a previous video, if you're interested, the company that makes Boxer is called Bajaj with hard 'J's like in Jam. That along with TVS Star City had a good hold of the African utility bike market until recently.

Love your videos Freddie and the array of older bikes that other viewers recommend and bikes that as you say seem to fall under the radar with some cracking deals out there 🤔I bought a triumph tiger 900 gt pro earlier this year for just over £10,000 with full panniers and all the bells n whistles it’s a lovely bike and a real touring tool but after watching your videos am very tempted to sell it on in a year or so and go shopping around for maybe something older but half the price 🤔 have a good Xmas and look forward to your future video’s 👍

Merry Xmas Freddie

Happy new yesrnto ypu both., i hope the new home is coming together and you're enjoying city life Have a great 2024 and good, health, and happy riding to you both

I checked out F650GS when I was looking for my first bike earlier this year. I liked it well enough, but just after starting the engine sounded like it was running without any oil. Just a few seconds, but it was concerning. I spoke with two BMW mechanics and they both recommended getting a Transalp. Lot of cheap GS engines are shot, because service is expensive. I ended up with 2001 Africa Twin. It's a lovely bike.

Great post, Have a great 2024

I've got an F650gs Dakar, thanks for boosting it's value Freddie 😂

I’ve owned 3 BMW F800 GS Adventures over the years I still own a 2016 GSA today. I always say they don’t do anything spectacular but they do everything great. I’ve never had one break down on me in all my travels they are just loyal! If I had to pick one thing that I don’t like about it is that you can’t adjust the front forks to your liking but there are superb aftermarket front fork shocks for it here in the USA like Tractive shocks by Ted Porters Beemer Shop. Go with the GS F800 you can’t go wrong and it gets you into the BMW GS cult gathering.

I'm surprised you've never looked at the F650. Great workhorse. I think the gs has factory fitted heated grips, so great winter workhorse.

Another interesting vid, thanks Freddie . By the way, it’s Tenner-ray, the same as the desert 😀

Hi Freddie, it's interesting that so many people baulk at bikes with 30k+ miles on them! I often read of folks with bikes with over 100k miles who have experienced very few problems, but it's obviously down to the bike and how it has been looked after. As you say, the Super tenere with 69k miles is probably only just run in!😂😂

Liking the F650GS Dakar, I did look at buying one a few years ago. Biggest problem with this bike for me at 5Ft 8in is its a very tall bike with a stupidity short side stand. On the stand they lean at a strange angle. I see on the picture you posted the stand is actually on a block of wood. And that's the only way you can stand them near vertical and at that angle if you're short you can't climb on it. Shame I really loved the look of the Nike.

A little more on the F650gs/Dakar. They are the same except for longer suspension on the Dakar. I had a 2002 GS for 19 years. Rode 50k miles . Ended up selling to buy a Guzzi v85. Biggest regret but I can only have one.

Great stuff as usual, m8. Just something that brought me here: The Js in Bajaj (Boxer) aren't silent (Baahaa❌😅). It's pronounced as Ba-jaaj ✅ (An Indian surname/company) that had ties with Kawasaki & now with Triumph.

Merry Christmas from Dixie, Ya'll!

Excellent episode as always. Loving all these adventure bikes. I’m really tempted to trade my BMW R9T in for a F850 GS. I love the character of the R9T but I find it very uncomfortable. I love the look of the adventure bikes after watching long way around/down etc. Merry Christmas to you and Monika 🎄

Test rode a super tenure when first came out, imagine great touring bike but but by crikes they are very heavy. There’s a vlog in years ago where they stripped one of these at 50k miles and found almost zero wear

Ha I have a 1995 Cast iron Bullet and I still keep points ignition .It always starts even in the snow.

Ahh Freddie this is what puts me of modern bikes all the various sensors , they just seem to be a nightmare to much tech, this makes buying used to risky I think keeping things simple has to be the way to go . Garages like bike shops have to spend thousands out on diagnostic machines to plug into cars and bikes for the electronics to tell them what sensor or tech part has gone wrong a car garage I used to use spent in excess of £60,000 ponds out on a diagnostic machine so charged customers obviously just to plug it in to the vehicle this is tech for you , these things are ok when new or a few years old but longevity who knows look at the cost of TFT's alone when they go wrong .😉👌👍

Agree on the super tenere. Bought a 2013 recently to replace my 2008 r1200r. That bike lost a clutch seal and I was quoted $3800 to fix it…I’ve done all the service to this point but this requires splitting the bike in half. So I would stay away from another oil head-BMW fixed the issue in the water cooled gs, but these were several thousand more than the Yamaha. Love my big trips across the American west, and the super tenere is a good match for that kind of riding. Cheers

I have lived in Africa all my life, the trick is light weight. In 1976 I spent 6 months travelling on a Yamaha DT250, the only "luggage" I had was an old army style rucksack. Food? I bought an apple or a piece of cheese. Accommodation? A ground sheet and a sleeping bag. The biggest mistake with these massive adventure bikes is unnecessary weight.

Dear freddie, have you had the pleasure of watching " what ever may come " on amazon prime? Extremely good watch. I do watch alot of bike tours on all platforms and like itchy boots has set the standard so high it would be interesting to see what other things people have been watch. Lavi and ollie , North and west a bit , on RU-vid as well. There is also 2 other German bikers that take 2 yamaha 1200s teneres to Goa . Very good as it fits your last bike of the week section. I'll hunt that one out for you . Happy Christmas all the best , Reg from Felixstowe .

1200 Tenere is the thinking man's gs. Especially at the prices they are now. I put 40000 on a 660 Tenere over 6yrs of 2up travels. Faultless. But if mainly on road is your thing the 1200 is unbeatable. They sre heavily over engineered. Nick Sanders ride them on his world record rides for a reason. They are heavy, but not so much of an issue on road. Ride safe and happy travels 👍

Good call on the 1200 Tenere. They were expensive but always better built and more reliable than the BMW boxers of the same era. I think the fact that it was a parallel twin didn't help (not as sexy as a V or boxer) but have a look at the Fortnine review to see how cleverly it was put together. You're right to change your view on carbs but but the only issue these days is that there aren't many Ulez friendly carbed bikes. I have a 27 year old carbed Buell that I will try to put through the Ulez test in the new year but if it doesn't pass I'll have to wait 13 years for classic status or pay £12.50 a day.

Freddie, have a nice Christmas, the loch is pronounced phonetically Loch Low Monde, and the Yamaha is a Ten e air. Bit more research Freddie, by way the N C also stores its fuel under the seat and the engine is canted forward and low down to lower the centre of gravity. Enjoy your vids, especially the Tuesday ones.

I have a Yamaha tdm850 and a scram love them both

Notice several stories about Triumphs of late. I find it interesting that the 865 air cooled bike is so popular in Europe as a used bike choice. Obviously they are much more common in European market when compared to the market in the USA. I get the sense that many consider the air cooled bike to be supremely reliable and a desired bike to purchase. So, that said it begs the question. What is your take on owing an older air cooled Triumph? Oh, I am an older rider (75) and have been riding 50 plus year. I also have a fondness for the air cooled motors from days gone by. Enjoy you laid back and personal videos, Thank You for any thought you may have on this subject... DM Shack

My next door neighbour had a bike in his garage for storage for a friend, his friend wanted to sell it could I help to get it started. It was a bmw 650 gs. I replaced the battery and it started fine it was too tall for me so I declined to buy it. I did some research and found people had issues with starting looked at valve clearance adjustment and it looked complicated. I purchased a new Honda in 2020 and it’s been very reliable.thanks to you and Monica for the great entertainment hope you have a wonderful Christmas break.Malcolm and Diana Australia.

Freddie,you could have at least put some feed down for the Robin! Monika could you help Freddie with his care for wild life 😳😉🤣

I'm an analogue man in a digital world ❤

About the Bmw GS. BMW issued a directive where the differential of the R models (models from 2013) has to be replaced and the owners have to pay for it! This is why some want to get rid of them. Cause the cost for a job like this is high! It's not such a bargain after all...

Hello. That red bike in Africa in the picture is the Bajaj Boxer. It is exported from India. Bajaj is the same company that is making the new Triumph 400s. Bajaj is pronounced with the sound of ‘J’ and not ‘H’. It is pronounced as it is (like J as in Jack). It is an Indian surname (Last Name). I hope you get time to read this comment 😀

Small, light and simple bikes are the way to go when adventuring off-road. Yet, many think they need to copy Charlie & Ewan, with heavy, expensive 'tanks'..... BMW are still living off their Dakar success 30+ years since last winning it.....

New bike can breakdown just as easily as an old one, mechanical things etc...

Those supertens are built like tanks. Only the valve shims are a negative

I'm with you re the value of old school carbed bikes. I have a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200 which I bought new for £4995. 20 years and 60,000+ miles later, I don't think I will ever part with it. No ABS, no electronic aids and little to go wrong. It's needed no major work, only annual service and consumables like chain, brake pads front discs. Since 2018 I've done a few Saddlesore1000s on it with no issues at all. The one drawback recently is that Kawasaki advise against using E10 fuel, which may be the case for a lot of carb bikes.

They don't sell boxer 150s in the US. Honda recently brought a 150 (carbureted) under $ 3K into the US.

Merry Christmas Freddie, Monica and everyone who watches these great videos!

Sorry, my dads just informed me it’s the counter shaft that the front sprocket mounts on, the plastic cover isn’t great apparently and stones can get in behind it and where the sprocket spins it smashes the stone against the seal, which if it bends the seal enough it causes the oil leak, he says they have done two now with this damage so not exactly a common issue thankfully but something that can happen

Another set of good talking points. I've got a F650GS along side my street twin. I picked it up for £1k. The daker is a slightly taller bike than the standard one. Great fun for not a lot of money. The newer version was the G650GS which was a face lift model. The 800cc F650 was in between. There is a lot of confusion over the naming conventions. The fuel tank is under the seat and the false tank has the oil reservoir , battery and air filter. Parts are not too bad and readily available. All the best for Christmas. Are you putting a video out on Christmas eve on the main channel?

Freddie the NC engine out issue is probably nothing that the average owner will have to do however if you do its the bearing seal on the gear selector shaft, which honda for some reason push fit this from inside the gearbox, so if you have a weep from your gear selector shaft, you need to take the engine out in order to get to the gearbox and although the job itself is not massively hard, getting to it is an almighty pain in the ass 👍🏻😁