A Wheel Dilema!

[Foto John]

I'm looking for some advice here, please, my fellow GSers!

I'm looking at getting a new 1200GS (standard, as SWMBO won't let me have a GSA, says it's too heavy (and high) for her, especially as she might want to ride mine some time (she has a lowered Suzuki V-Strom DL 1000)) to replace my 1150GSA and I really wanted the standard cast alloy wheels http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100071, but due to BBS Wheels in Germany (the manufacturers of the cast wheels) going into liquidation they're no longer available.

However, I know BMW are looking for a replacement manufacturer, although my dealer thinks it could be 6 months or more before they could be re-manufactured, if at all!

BMW Belgium, still has some stock of bikes with the cast wheels, but none of them have all of the options I want, primarily ASC, due to riding to work all year around and having to ride over metal tram lines and other hazards in Zeebrugge docks. Although the ASC could always be added at a later date, it would cost a lot more money, as it's a dealer fit option.

Another option would be to order the bike I wanted with all of the options, but go for the difficult to clean and not so nice (IMHO) wire wheels, which incidentally I still have to pay extra for, albeit now at half price! Why should I pay for something I don't want, though?

Or should I plead with my dealer to try and save one of the bikes with cast wheels and swap them over when mine arrives at the dealers in approx 6 weeks from my order date?

 

[nedflanders]

I wouldn't be surprised if someone off here offers to swap your spokes for there casts, to be honest spokes are a pain to clean but look so much better on an adventure type bike

 

[Foto John]

I wouldn't be surprised if someone off here offers to swap your spokes for there casts

They all ready did, Ned! In fact within 1 minute of me posting this thread!

I'm still not sure whether that'll be an option as there'll be most likely a lot of messing about with logistics, tyre changes et. Plus I really want perfect new wheels!

I might just go for it and keep the wires, I'll just have to find a decent product that'll help keep them clean. Would ACF 50 be any good for this?

 

[GerryC]

I wouldn't be surprised if someone off here offers to swap your spokes for there casts, to be honest spokes are a pain to clean but look so much better on an adventure type bike

I'm with Ned on this, I have spokes - yes more difficult to clean; but my car is easier to clean than any bike I've ever had. What has logic to do with motorcycling?

 

[nedflanders]

I use a jet wash, I know it's the worst tool in the world but it works and I keep it away from seals, bearings and electrics

 

[Foto John]

What a difference a day makes.....

And of course half a day spent reading threads on here!

I'm now going to order an all black 1200GS with wire wheels at half price and all of the options apart from RDC (the on board tyre pressure meter) and pannier rails, as I'll be transferring over my Jesse panniers.

I decided to go for the wire wheels, as there could be an occasion when they might come in handy, if I wanted to go to Morocco or even Greece, for example!

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

Dirty wire wheels are only ever a problem if you actually want to clean them properly all of the time!

Even then, I don't find it much of a problem. Use Muc Off and a decent brush and sponge. A couple of minutes for each wheel and Robert's yer mother's brother!

Kai

 

[Foto John]

Dirty wire wheels are only ever a problem if you actually want to clean them properly all of the time!

Even then, I don't find it much of a problem. Use Muc Off and a decent brush and sponge. A couple of minutes for each wheel and Robert's yer mother's brother!

Kai

Thanks for the cleaning tips, Kai!

If I don't go for the wire wheel option, I've got too long a wait for my new 1200, more than 4 months if I want the casts!

 

[PhilBolton]

I've just got a 12GS after 14 years and 5 Tigers, the first four of which had spoked wheels,albeit they were stainless steel spokes. The last Tiger had cast wheels, and I have to say that I DID NOT miss the spokes when it came to cleaning.
I used to set aside a full day just to clean the wheels properly.

Phil

 

[cookie]

I used to set aside a full day just to clean the wheels properly.

Phil

i saw that and had to check your occupation

 

[PhilBolton]

Best job I've ever had!!

 

[MATKAT]

Clean wheels

I used to set aside a full day just to clean the wheels properly.

Phil[/QUOTE]


How sad is that, it's aGS for C*****s sake

 

[PhilBolton]

Nice friendly site, this, where members insult other members !!

 

[The Foolish Fellow]

yes wise up !

dont see why you would put alloys on an adv.
why not buy a zx12 or something like that

 

[Chris Terry]

And of course half a day spent reading threads on here!

I'm now going to order an all black 1200GS with wire wheels at half price and all of the options apart from RDC (the on board tyre pressure meter) and pannier rails, as I'll be transferring over my Jesse panniers.

I decided to go for the wire wheels, as there could be an occasion when they might come in handy, if I wanted to go to Morocco or even Greece, for example!

If you like the look of alloys go for them, unless you intend to go "stump jumpin". The practical side of wires is that if you damage them in an off road accident you can beat them back to shape to get you to a garage (assuming your capable after the accident and you can blow them up). The downside is cleaning and ensuring that the spokes are tight.Cast Alloys are easy to clean and need no maintenance but tend to crack with an impact so the "beat them back to shape" option is often not available to you. I think both wheel types need to be 100% true (engineering) for safe road use. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.ukgser.com/forums/ /><o:p></o:p>[/COLOR]

<o:p></o:p></P>
<FONT color=black>:rob All that said the R1200GS\ADV is essentially a road bike with off road style.... so the look is going to be the main decider.</P>
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[Foto John]

It looks like someone didn't read my post properly....

dont see why you would put alloys on an adv.
why not buy a zx12 or something like that

Hey Foolish, I currently have a 1150GS Adv, which I'm very happy has the wire wheels on, in fact I love the purple anodised rims. They're still difficult to clean, but due to the hard anodising a lot easier than the standard GS wheels.

As I wrote in my post at the start of this thread, I wanted the cast alloys on the standard 1200GS I wanted to order, because they're supposed to come with it, they're lighter and a lot easier to clean than wires that cost a lot extra and aren't necessary for me personally!

I hope this clears up the confusion!