Downsizing...

[GSMarky]

After nearly 3 years & >13k miles, I'm downsizing the GSA to something that fits into my van (max height ~1.4m)..

My long distance touring days are over, in favour of putting a smaller bike in the van to then ride when I get to where I'm going. Scotland for example is proper slog up the A1and my recent trip to the Picos highlighted that when you get to your destination you really want a smaller more nimble bike to then ride.

I'd prefer to stay with BMW and having ridden the R 1300 R with all the sports bits on may well be having one of these. All the good bits of the GS like the torquey motor, shaft drive etc yet BMW have put a sports bike front end on it that handles superbly. I was very impressed with it & get a half decent trade in too seeing as it's the same dealership for yet another BMW.

There are of course faster naked bikes out there, but this new R is plenty quick enough for me and given the GS similarities with dash, switch gear & instrument lay out it's an easy change..

IMG_9385 by KTM Marky, on Flickr

If anyone is in the market for a fully loaded 2023 GSA let me know quickly before it gets traded...

 

[GTMorgan]

I had one of those on loan for a few days whilst my GS was in for service, I was very impressed with both handling and the power, I thought the lack of and screen would be awful, but it wasn't.

 

[Gee-]

You could always go for a Honda 125 monkey bike, less hassle putting in and out of your van. capable of doing 60 mph all day long, with miles to the gallon others envy. Or an electric mountain/hybrid push bike. With clothing to match.

Think you would look stupid on one?, not any worse than a fully kitted out biker, in scorching hot days.
Ideal 2nd toy for back roads of Scottish Highlands, and isles, and around £3500.00 brand spanking new, many camper vans have them.

 

[GSMarky]

I had one of those on loan for a few days whilst my GS was in for service, I was very impressed with both handling and the power, I thought the lack of and screen would be awful, but it wasn't.

Agreed on the screen. I've had other naked bikes over the years such as KTM SDR, Ducati SFV4S & whenever I tried a screen on them it was worse. Their flows well as it is.

 

[GSMarky]

You could always go for a Honda 125 monkey bike, less hassle putting in and out of your van. capable of doing 60 mph all day long, with miles to the gallon others envy. Or an electric mountain/hybrid push bike. With clothing to match.

Think you would look stupid on one?, not any worse than a fully kitted out biker, in scorching hot days.
Ideal 2nd toy for back roads of Scottish Highlands, and isles, and around £3500.00 brand spanking new, many camper vans have them.

Funnily enough I am seeing a chap I got a bike off a few years ago in the coming days & he has an original Honda monkey bike stashed away which I'm after...

I still need to hand on to my mates on their bikes mins for a few days per trip, so still need something reasonably rapid & civilised.

 

[leadfarmer]

R1300 to R1300, Not really sure I’d actually call that downsizing

 

[mort77uk]

Just been through the same thought process - I’ve got an RT but wanted something smaller and lighter to stick in the back of my van. Thought about a Grom, or the GB350, but went for a CB300R in the end. Only 145kg and easy to get in & out of the van. Very impressed with the performance and handling as well.

 

[team duvet]

All you need .....

 

[Akulaking]

You could always go for a Honda 125 monkey bike, less hassle putting in and out of your van. capable of doing 60 mph all day long, with miles to the gallon others envy. Or an electric mountain/hybrid push bike. With clothing to match.

Think you would look stupid on one?, not any worse than a fully kitted out biker, in scorching hot days.
Ideal 2nd toy for back roads of Scottish Highlands, and isles, and around £3500.00 brand spanking new, many camper vans have them.

This is exactly what we are doing, Scotland in September. We’ve done a lot of similar trips on these little Dax’s, and honestly they are as much fun as the big bikes, and a doddle to transport in the van. Two of our good friends usually come with us, with their Monkey/Dax in their van.
These pics were taken last Friday enroute to the ABR.
Yes the van is still under conversion.

 

[Akulaking]

 

[Akulaking]

Scotland, a couple of years ago.

 

[Santa-2512]

Lol i've upsised 1200 - 1800

 

[Gee-]

View attachment 517736View attachment 517737View attachment 517738

Brilliant fun, and smiles galore from folk around you, the Dax has always been my favourite Monkey bike.

 

[Akulaking]

We run these Dax’s along side my X-ADV 750 and the wife’s Ducati 800 scrambler. They fit in the van as well, so we cover all bases.

 

[Gee-]

Monkey bike, scooter as I heard before on here, are extremely popular in the European countries, perhaps UK will catch up on a fun ride on your hols.
Agreed if your pals have faster bikes like 1000+ cc ones, then the 125 cc is not the best option as playing keepy up with.
Personally I am after a Dorsoduro 1200 for a fun bike that is slightly lighter than a GSA, but may also stretch to a Dax 125 cc for a camper van companion for travels further a field

 

[Hartley]

Nice one Mark. I like the look of the 1300R, definitely could see me having one of those.
As for no screen. I’ve a 2002 XJR1300 which for many years was my only bike. Toured UK and lot of Europe on that and it was all day comfortable and after a recent ride I realised it’s actually quieter on the lid than the GSA.

 

[GSMarky]

R1300 to R1300, Not really sure I’d actually call that downsizing

The 1250 GSA is a behemoth of a bike and especially so when fully loaded. Stripped down with a small screen and no luggage then less so - I'd agree.

The R13 feels much much smaller and more nimble when riding.

 

[GSMarky]

Nice one Mark. I like the look of the 1300R, definitely could see me having one of those.
As for no screen. I’ve a 2002 XJR1300 which for many years was my only bike. Toured UK and lot of Europe on that and it was all day comfortable and after a recent ride I realised it’s actually quieter on the lid than the GSA.

You are spot on with the less turbulence & quieter ride with no screen/naked bikes. The GSA as you'll know Hartley is super noisy no matter how good your ear plugs are!

 

[GSMarky]

Some good options here folks - Thank you.

I still want something reasonably 'awesome' with character and a load of grunt that can get me across Scotland etc at a reasonable pace with a sensible range and a tail pack on the pillion seat. I've tried the M thou & S thou, but for me I just don't want the IL4 motor & the new 13 boxer is a real torquey ride - which I like. it'll get a map too which gives even more grunt.

I've a good quality and relatively wide ramp to push the bike into the van and the R13 at the moment is definitely top of my list. I am due to ride the F900R next week too & also tried the MT09, but that felt and looked like a monkey bike too!

I'm very happy with BMW & my local dealer (Sycamore) who are offering sensible trade in money to make the process nice and easy too.

 

[leadfarmer]

The 1250 GSA is a behemoth of a bike and especially so when fully loaded. Stripped down with a small screen and no luggage then less so - I'd agree.

The R13 feels much much smaller and more nimble when riding.

My mistake, for some reason I thought you were going from a 1300GSA