Dualsport riding on the 1200

[North]

Today I went dual sport riding on my 05 1200. I was with 10 other riders. My bike was the largest one. Next down was a 990 KTM with nice knoobies. The rest were 650's, KLRs, etc, true dual sport bikes.

The 1200 was great on the pavement, no surprise there. Off road, I was going everywhere the KTM and 650's were going, but not as fast. Finally I said screw this and road my GS like a dirt instead of a street bike. Man, what a difference. I was really hauling ass on it. It was great.

Guys on the KLR's were commenting on how they were surprised were the BMW could go. I told them that I am just a novice off-road rider on mine, and that they should see were a good rider can take a GS with knoobies on it.

Anyways I have had my GS for almost 3 years now and it still surprises me. I have not really let loose on it off road before because of fear of damaging it (until today).

I did back off when I got into mud and the (stock) back tire was sliding. But I would make up my speed else where and keep up.

It was a great day of GS riding.

 

[kiwiAdventure]

 

[North]

here's a link

http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=5561&forum_id=1&page=3

No pictures of the good stuff

 

[Mav]

The more I ride off-road and with experienced guys - the more I learn that it is about being able to carry pace and momentum and that the bike is way more capable than I am. Watching the guys at the BMW school throw GSA's around like they are BMXs is always both impressive and enlightening... if they can do it on a GSA, it must be possible (and easier) on a 12.

Glad you're enjoying your time on the 12 - now get a video camera with a helmet mount

 

[byker_tr]

i enjoyed off-road riding with my gs a lot.

what i like best about it was that it was very well balanced especially at slow speeds. with karoo knobblies, i did around 6000 kms, on roads like this

 

[byker_tr]

climbed hills , like this one

 

[byker_tr]

and gone water-skiing like this

they used to call the f650gs "funduro"... no way! 1200gs is MORE fun

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Glad you enjoyed it North, I had a similar experiance on mine last year and was genuinley shocked at how good off road they are - I'm off to the WMB off road skills course this coming week so am looking forward to seeing how some pros chuck them around

Andres

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Just the kind of thread I've been looking for. I've been thinking about getting an off-road bike to compliment my 1200gs, but also considering just throwing on a set of knobblies and giving it a go on the BM. I think I'll do this now, as the money saved can go towards a new set of wheels, so I can swap them over depending on where I'm going, and lots and lots and lots of goodies.

Great pics by the way.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The 12 is a great bike but limited off road because of the weight!! I`m not too good on the dirt but have put my ADV through it`s paces and I reckon it`s just too damn big for real fun. I think you have to be really positive with it and "gun" it i.e don`t back off because that`s` when the problems start.

Was off road last weekend and had a big off because I wasn`t positive and backed off when I should have hit the throttle. Can`t blame the bike and it was definately "pilot error". Thise guys at the off road school are riding gods and make it look easy!

Until I can get on the off road school, I`ve bitten the bulit and got an XT660 to learn on because it cold get expensive learning on the 12.

Byker looks like he`s having a great time and can handle his mount though