F800GS / R1200GS... someday

[ravi]

Hi All,

The name's Ravi; am based in Mumbai, India. I currently ride a 2005 Honda Blackbird XX. Used to ride a 96/98 BMW F650 prior to that. Hoping to buy myself a new 800GS / 1200GS in the next few months. Thought I'd sign up on ukgser and get myself educated in whatever way possible on these bikes. Ukgser.com looks impressive and look forward to reading about your experiences and learning much. Perhaps even contribute once in a while!

Cheers
Ravi

 

[Skipssong]

Hi Ravi,

I'm new here too. Thought I'd respond because I'm swapping my 2005 Blackbird for a new GSA on Saturday.

Worried but still looking forward to it.

Mike

 

[Colban]

Hi there Ravi and welcome to the site.
I think you are goung to find a GS is going to be a lot more usable than a Blackbird.
Just a thought.There currently isn't a sub-section in the Travellers part of the forum for India.I know that a few guys from here have gone on organised tours on Enfields etc but it would be good to have someone with local knowledge who may be able to help with any questions on touring India.

 

[pinkytiff]

Hi Ravi - welcome. Having visited Mumbai on several occasions.............i have to say, i can't believe you ride a blackbird around there!! I used to visit the area up until 2 years ago and never saw a GS but I second Colban.........i'm sure you'd find a GS much more usable

 

[mikepg]

Hiya Ravi & Skippsong!

 

[Eunuch]

Hi Ravi

Welcome to the forum

 

[Barfly]

Good morning Ravi and welcome! I have also been to Mumbai for work on a number of occasions and love it. I was hosted by a Zoroastrian family - fascinating philosophy. I think you'll love a BM for Indian roads. When you get it keep us informed about any long trips you do. It could whet our appetite for two wheeled adventures in that amazing country of yours!

 

[Lord Snooty]

Welcome to the site Ravi - I've been to Mumbai once, it was still known as Bombay then around 1975, courtesy of the Royal Navy. I remember playing rugby there at a tradiitional sports club from the Raj ere, all manicured lawns and wooden pavilions. All I remember is nearly being wiped out by the humidity and needing loads of these afterwards.

 

[Bryn]

Welcome Ravi

sounds like you'll have a few interesting experiences to share with us

 

[Brian ROSEN]

" .....F800GS / R1200GS... someday." Well someday may be a long way off so read all you can in the meantime; I have owned both these bikes and find them VERY different. If you will often be off road or on rough surfaces then go for the 800GS. But otherwise the 1200 is far superior for touring, comfort, braking, stability etc.etc. It is a much more relaxing quieter bike to ride.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Hi Ravi I met a German Guy on a Gs650 doing a RTW when I was in the himalayas with Enduro Himalaya and he said if he broke the bike in india it would be difficult to get parts ,He'd had the bike serviced in saudi ,had had an interesting trip through afganistan and a great time in Pakistan ,His mate on another GS650 did the raid d Himalaya at the time we were chatting to him .I must say I have much respect for you on a BlackBird in India,I found the Bullit was all I really needed or wanted !!I will be back in the Himalayas in september check out www.globalenduro.com