High-mile heroes

Cameron Southery gives his commuter the ultimate test, riding through Africa

IBOUGHT MY SUZUKI GS500F in January 2016 with 6000 miles on it for £1500 and the first thing I did was go to Europe. It was meant to be a two-week trip exploring France, but returned 11,500 miles and four months later, after my money eventually ran out in Norway! Before I gave the bike a complete service — brake pads, chain and sprockets, valve clearances — which is pretty easy if you are mechanically-minded. Nothing broke on the trip, though I went through three rear tyres and a few oil changes.

“After returning from Europe, I was planning on riding across America and around the world, but that fell apart and instead I headed south. I left the UK in July and four months later I’m in Lubango, Angola, having crossed France, Andorra, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon and Congo.

“The biggest issue with the GS is the vibrations. Bolts are falling off everywhere and I leave a trail behind me. I’ve replaced so many I don’t think any are the same as when I started. I found an abandoned V-strom in Mali, which I scavenged spare bolts and a pannier rack from.

“The chain and sprockets lasted nearly 21,000 miles, eventually giving up in Cameroon, where getting GS parts is tricky. I sourced a used GSX-R600 chain and sprockets, which fit but ruined the gearing! I now have a 46-tooth rear sprocket and 60mph top speed — it should be 39 teeth.

“The engine has been solid but the O-ring on the oil filter cover failed, causing a leak that drained most of the oil while I was riding — the motor has a worrying knock now. But it’s a fighter and as long as it survives another 1000 miles, I can get it looked at in Windhoek, South Africa.

“Before the trip I predicted the suspension would fail so I put Hyperpro springs in the forks and swapped the shock for a used SV650 item, so I could increase the ride height. So far it has held up and the shock has made a huge difference, coping with my home-built pannier kit.

“You don’t need a fancy adventure bike to travel; a Suzuki GS500F and a bit of enthusiasm will get you anywhere you want in the world.”

Are you in love with your high-mile machine? Email matt.wildee@ride.co.uk

“The GS is very comfortable but the sheepskin, which I stole from my vegetarian sister, makes a big difference. The vibrations are the only irritation.” “Chain and sprockets, stolen from a GSX-R600 — shame it ruins the gearing.” “Oil filter seal has failed and I’m now topping the GS up with oil daily until I can get near a Suzuki dealership in South Africa.” “Africa is kinder on tyres than Europe, as the speeds are lower. My Dunlop Roadsmart (bought in a back alley in Morocco) has done nearly 8000 miles so far and is still going strong.”