Adventure Demo Ride - Underwhelmed

red1

red1

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Just had an hour or so on the Adv and crossed off list.

These ramblings/comparison are based on my current 23K mile 9 year old TDM 900.

Buzzy bars, buzzy seat (probably good for ladies into sex toys!), bland engine (70mph roll-on unimpressive), need strong arms to get it through S bends, back brake (sure there was one!) useless, front brake Ok but not up to usual BMW standards (Dive! Dive! Dive!), gear change OK but not upto Jap standard, screen Ok but would need extension, couldn't sit at 130k on motorways too many vibes.

Really disappointed, thought it would have a real perky motor.
 
can't say i found any of those issues when i rode one recently.

ok, the gearchange was not as good as an average jap bike, but it was ok.

engine was less buzzy than my TC and had stacks of go in it.

it was plenty perky.

the screen worked fine, but was a bit flimsy.

didn't use the back brake, just the linked bar lever.

i didn't buy one either, but i did think about it :)
 
red1 said:
Just had an hour or so on the Adv and crossed off list.

These ramblings/comparison are based on my current 23K mile 9 year old TDM 900.

Buzzy bars, buzzy seat (probably good for ladies into sex toys!), bland engine (70mph roll-on unimpressive), need strong arms to get it through S bends, back brake (sure there was one!) useless, front brake Ok but not up to usual BMW standards (Dive! Dive! Dive!), gear change OK but not upto Jap standard, screen Ok but would need extension, couldn't sit at 130k on motorways too many vibes.

Really disappointed, thought it would have a real perky motor.
Click to expand...

Is this one of those troll things?:rolleyes:
 
cookie said:
can't say i found any of those issues when i rode one recently.

ok, the gearchange was not as good as an average jap bike, but it was ok.

engine was less buzzy than my TC and had stacks of go in it.

it was plenty perky.

the screen worked fine, but was a bit flimsy.

didn't use the back brake, just the linked bar lever.

i didn't buy one either, but i did think about it :)
Click to expand...

He's talking about the F8GS Adventure, not the Boxer GSA
 
harry the cat said:
Is this one of those troll things?:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Certainly not! Looking for a replacement for the TDM. Just the next demo in the list. Explorer done, Versys 1000 done, F800 now done and none have threatened to rip open the wallet. One of the things TDM ownership has taught me is that you can have a really good machine that is fun and practical without 125bhp+.
Wanted a F800GS ride but they only had the Adv so presume same engine just different suspension. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad bike, just doesn't stir anything or make me smile.
The thought of doing any motorway miles though Europe was a big turn off with all those vibes at around 5K.
 
Only if I notice which forum I'm in. If i just get latest posts, sometimes I don't see the heading.
 
If you can find a bike that ticks ALL your boxes, will be a rare one indeed.
How many is that now in 7 years, the GSA1200, the GS1150, Tiger 1050, FJR, Moto Guzzi, CB1000, another GS1150 and now a TDM 900........and so it goes on.

ps don't get him started on final drives lol
 
Grizzly To55er said:
If you can find a bike that ticks ALL your boxes, will be a rare one indeed.
How many is that now in 7 years, the GSA1200, the GS1150, Tiger 1050, FJR, Moto Guzzi, CB1000, another GS1150 and now a TDM 900........and so it goes on.

ps don't get him started on final drives lol
Click to expand...

You forgot the ST1300, R1200RT, K1200GT and 2 x R1150GSA :D

Just shows how good the TDM is! Still haven't found a demo of the S10 so nothing happens until that itch is scratched.
 
Forgot to mention the star of my demo rides, Suzuki's V-Strom 1000!

It ticks just about all the boxes! Fun, comfy, economical, very nice motor and not too fugly!

It's just very hard to spend £10K on a bike that should be £8.5K and will depreciate like a lead balloon as soon a Suzuki follow form and start their "Special Offers".
 
red1 said:
Forgot to mention the star of my demo rides, Suzuki's V-Strom 1000!

It ticks just about all the boxes! Fun, comfy, economical, very nice motor and not too fugly!
Click to expand...

Looking at a V strom after a couple of years though......Admittedly this was an early one but fekk, it looked like it was a decade old and it was less than 2 yrs out of the dealership :blast

it practically disintegrated.
 
red1 said:
Certainly not! Looking for a replacement for the TDM. Just the next demo in the list. Explorer done, Versys 1000 done, F800 now done and none have threatened to rip open the wallet. One of the things TDM ownership has taught me is that you can have a really good machine that is fun and practical without 125bhp+.
Wanted a F800GS ride but they only had the Adv so presume same engine just different suspension. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad bike, just doesn't stir anything or make me smile.
The thought of doing any motorway miles though Europe was a big turn off with all those vibes at around 5K.
Click to expand...

Unless you have a dire need to go for an adventure bike look at testing an R1200R I'd think that would be a much better tdm replacement
 
slparry said:
Unless you have a dire need to go for an adventure bike look at testing an R1200R I'd think that would be a much better tdm replacement
Click to expand...

If I was looking for an R series the 1200R would probably be my weapon of choice, but having had 4 boxers of the 1150GSA and 1200GSA/RT variety we have decide we just don't get on to put it politely. Or rather my wallet doesn't get on well with repairs and I've never been overjoyed sitting on grass verges waiting for recovery.

The latest R1200R offer of £1,400 of free panniers, touring screen and sat-nav is tempting but I must resist.
 
red1 said:
If I was looking for an R series the 1200R would probably be my weapon of choice, but having had 4 boxers of the 1150GSA and 1200GSA/RT variety we have decide we just don't get on to put it politely. Or rather my wallet doesn't get on well with repairs and I've never been overjoyed sitting on grass verges waiting for recovery.
Click to expand...

So why are even looking at BMW?

Maybe try a KTM
 
JohnnyBoxer said:
So why are even looking at BMW?

Maybe try a KTM
Click to expand...

The F800 seemed a reasonably spec'd/priced machine with a good record for reliability. I'd already picked out a nice fully loaded white one from Autotrader before the demo so was disappointed.
The KTM is more off-road focused, and like most GS's out there will only be needed to tackle wide grass verges, plus I don't need 150bhp to enjoy my riding.
 
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