Considering a GS....read this

[Sue Larrington]

Having owned my 650 GS/m for 2 years with great success, Graham took a 1200GS demonstrator for a run last weekend and this is what he found.
Yes I was finally persuaded to find what it was all about. The 650 s been great, good handling, plenty of tourque at low revs, 85mpg could have been built by Honda its so good. I gave up sports bikes in 1999 and got a MK1 Varadero, I loved it after the rear shock was replaced with Hagon. My present MK2 Varadero is 4 years old with just 23000miles on it and a good improvement on the first one.
The GS, well not what I expected, the engine needs to be reved to make good progress and the very nice gearbox constantly worked to make use of the limited tourque, very smooth but quite dull. Powerful brakes but lacking initial bite, would take time to get used to. Very good steering and easy handling, but having tried all the push button suspension settings I could not stop it bottoming out, the comfort setting was terrible, the standard setting very much like the MK1 Varadero so the sports setting was used most of the time and it handled much more like my present bike. I liked the handle bar position but hated the tiny footpegs, I found the seat hard and a bit cramped but only did 30 or 40miles so cant say about comfort. The screen was ok for a factory fitment, I use an MRA screen which is very good. Now the engine had only done 1400miles and I know it would get better, Varadero engines need 16-20000miles to get their best, now I didnt expect it to have Honda,s quality feel because, well its not a Honda but I expected more than it gave.
Next spring we will try the 650 twin for Sue and see how that compairs, at least its a Rotax engine.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

I'm considering moving from my Transalp to a GS1100/1150 but there's a few things that I'm concerned about like the reliablity - but maybe that side of things is overplayed (by the competition?) and maybe that's more with the later models? and also fuel consumption which I've read is around 40mpg? I get around 55mpg from the Transalp.... I'd like something even more comfortable than the Transalp due to advancing years Home servicing would also be a consideration as I do everyhting to my bikes myself.... any comments appreciated!
Interesting post from Graham/Sue Larrington GS1200 vs Varadero...

 

[luckylucian]

In isolation the GS does not seem fast or torquey, but try riding with other bikes and you realise how much better it is

 

[Sue Larrington]

I have ridden several Transalps (not an 08) and liked them, we picked the 650GS because of the lower seat height for Sue, its similar in torque, Rotax engine and so far has held its finish as well as a Honda. I rode the 1200GS back to back with my Varadero and no its not the first big GS that I have ridden and there was no contest, the Varadero feels sorted, you just ride it and it does it all, 55+mpg, 6000miles from a rear tyre and it still looks very fresh after 23000 miles, when you are thinking of spending nearly twice as much money it wants to be very special not just a badge, especialy after Honda ownership - - and those bloody indicators?
On top of this, any BMW dealer will tell you that the quality control has been very bad over the past while and I know all manufacturers have problems now and then, but most cost less and the issues are sorted quickly.
My bike just had a recall for a brake valve check at 4 years old and serviced by me (very easy) with no problem, I wanted steering head bearings for Sues bike under warranty having stripped it down - no chance.
Graham

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Quality control

"....On top of this, any BMW dealer will tell you that the quality control has been very bad over the past while ..." I will complain that my dealer has not told me this - but then I hardly ever see him except for routine maintenance or to change for a new model; Am I missing something?

 

[Sue Larrington]

No I'm sure you have not missed out, glad yours is fine as i'm sure many are, however there are a lot of GSs in the north here and several of them have had problems, my friends GSA at 3500miles has a bad oil leek from the gearbox and many have corrosion issues, perhaps owners don't think they have to clean them like any other machine. I'm not having a go at BMW, we are very pleased with the 650 and will test ride the twin next year, I was just unimpressed with the 1200 I rode. Graham

 

[luckylucian]

22yrs riding, various bikes from gsxr1100, gpz900r, R1, vrod, 650gs two of them, 1150gs and now an 04 1200gs.

Not tried a vardero so following your comments I may have to

However, latest ride with my mate on his 1150gs. he beat me hands down on the R1, likewise when I was on my GS, riding in Wales I led a gsxr750 and Blackbird home, and I am no Barry Sheen!

You pays your money and takes your choice

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Graham, I've had a few Transalps but like you haven't tried the new 700, but it doesn't do the business for me really.... I have ridden the early F650 but didn't really like the single. I think the shaft drive and big twin appeal to me most about the GS. I've tried the Triumph Tiger but thought it was too high revving too tall (and too fast....)
As for the speed thing - I can make the Transalp go reasonably swift on the twisty bits, enough for it to be fun, so that's not a consideration...
I have heard bad stories about the 1200GSs but I won't be in the market for one of them, more like a very late 1100 or 1150. Suppose anything bad will have happened to one of them already?

 

[Brian ROSEN]

1200GS - satisfied customer

"..... have heard bad stories about the 1200GSs but I won't be in the market for one of them, more like a very late 1100 or 1150. Suppose anything bad will have happened to one of them already?...." Well, as they have sold over 100,000 1200GS's some 'bad stories' are inevitable, particularly with early models; however having said that, my 2004 model, purchased new (p/Efor my 1150) was 100% reliable for four years; Run in accodring to the book, serviced by the BMW agent to the book, and now exchanged for the 2008 model;

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

I'm sure that's right - also if they were crap I'm sure they wouldn't be one of the best selling bikes... it's just as someone looking in from the outside, so to speak, what reputation do GSs have?

 

[PiJiL]

I often read of those poor folk who are torn between their current sports machine and the option of a trade in/up to a GS. Now then, let me enlighten you. Our machine is a '52 plate 1150, 27,000 miles. We do most of our riding two up and like to get out when we can. Owing to our chosen style of riding two up (sensible) we dont often have to use the GS in anger .....however, on a recent trip to Filey for chips on the Howden road we were 'troubled' by a Fireblade rider. Now I dont want to stereotype but he was the stereotypical character - all in black, black visor, black helmet, black bike. He shot up our proverbial back end in the middle of nowhere but seemed a bit reluctant to pass. So I turned it up a bit, did a few overtakes which I may not have ordinarily done with SWIMBO on board , and after a short while I looked in my mirrors to see the 'dark one' behind. Now I should say two things here (1) I am an advanced rider - to the highest attainable professional standard - both on and off road (if you get my drift), and (2) I can therefore ride a bike just a bit. Now it became quite apparent that Mr Blade was begining to tie himself up in knots trying to keep up with us. He was the type that lost it on the bendy bits and then raced up on the straights - but just wasnt looking far enough ahead to make his moves in advance of actually carrying them out. In the end he went past us on a clearly visible series of bends which were covered in double white lines. It made me cringe to see him commit himself to a series of moves which were not necessary and totally wrong. We let him go because he turned out to be an embarassment.What Im trying to say is that you should NOT doubt the overall ability and adaptability of the GS. Its an awesome tool and will do most things without any question. The newer models do look nice and Ive heard mostly good reports. Pesonally Ive had great back up from Rainbow and if you are even remotely thinking of getting a GS then you should do it. Ive had tens and tens of bikes over the years and this is trully the first one I simply cannot let go - Rainbow have recently offered me £5250 against a second hand 1200 - so they most certainly do hold their price.

It is true, you have never lived until you have been rounded up by a 40 year old BMW....

 

[Bohsfc]

Have been checking this site out for a while now. A few of my mates and work colleagues have GS's and are always raving about them so I have been getting the itch for a while now.
And guess what?
I am getting my first one tomorrow(GS, that is) and I can't wait.

 

[Micky]

Welcome to the land of Tossers Bohsfc

I hope your choice of GS is all that you hope

I hope it's the F800GS ... the chains and sprockets are outlasting the oil seals and drive shafts of the 1200's

Only kiddin' ... enjoy ... hope you get loadsa miles'n smiles on your GS



Kiddin'? .... Nah!

 

[Bohsfc]

Welcome to the land of Tossers Bohsfc

I hope your choice of GS is all that you hope

I hope it's the F800GS ... the chains and sprockets are outlasting the oil seals and drive shafts of the 1200's

Only kiddin' ... enjoy ... hope you get loadsa miles'n smiles on your GS



Kiddin'? .... Nah!

Cheers Micky,

Its an 1150. '02

 

[paradox]

sportsbikes versus GS

Hi all, am new here. I am one of the many sportsbike riders considering making the switch. I just wanted to recall a memory I had sportsbike versus GS. Group of us on sportsbikes, me on R1 and mate on Blade running clear of the rest on twisty road near Kielder in Northumberland. Came up behind a GS, he saw us and expected us to pass and scream off. I waited as we were all approaching a car to be overtaken. GS rider stood up on pegs, looked over the car to check road was clear, waved for us to follow, and took off. We followed and had some good fun on twisties, right behind him, for a couple of straights he obviously thought we'd pass but we didn't. I don't have any point to prove about how fast my R1 is in a straight line, everybody knows what a litre sportsbike can do. We arrived at Kielder visitor centre together, with big smiles, a good bit of fun. The moral of this is have fun, but don't spoil other people's fun. Also as you all know, not all sportsbike riders have the ability or desire to ride their bikes at a fast pace round bends. The modern sportsbike's abililties far outstrip those of almost every rider on the road, mine included. If people just chilled and had fun at their pace their would be less mishaps, I know that some of our groups crashes would have been avoided.

 

[newman7096]

Stunning!

I have owned many GS's both the 1150 and 1200. I am always continualy amazed at how they handle and their ability to cope with everything you can throw at them! For todays road conditions in the UK they're fab! I would be frustrated riding around on a sports bike and I'm so glad I took the plunge a few years ago and experinced the abilities of the GS. A track day way the real eye opener!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Most impressive!!!

I wonder if Nippy Norman will start selling stickers of those scratches on the rocker covers!

 

[newman7096]

Stickers would've worked out cheaper!

 

[Prattapillar]

I hope I've included the image becauase I just love the fact that you done a track day with a top box on, fanfeckintastic!

 

[Micky]

I am an advanced rider - to the highest attainable professional standard - both on and off road (if you get my drift), and I can therefore ride a bike just a bit. and if you are even remotely thinking of getting a GS then you should do it.

Helluva a claim that Dude, where d'ya get them thar qualifications from