Five things you hate and five things you love about your R1300GS.

This thread illustrates how difficult it must be design motorbikes. Take the last post. Two of his loves are pet hates of mine, one I deliberately specc'd without (ACC), having had on my RT. One of the hates (rims) I was keen to go back to and I find the GSA easier to wheel around my drive and garage than previous 1250GS and 1250RT. Go figure.

Maybe location, riding mostly in northern Spain vs. UK, will bear significantly on what you use/like on a bike. Age / body dimension, rider strength... Must be a nightmare designing the perfect compromise. They don't do bad really!
Wire rims look better (if they're in good nick - which is part of why I don't like them) and essential for off-roading, really, but they are much heavier. I'm no spring chicken but I do (did) tend to flick my 1200 around quite a lot. Apart from the extra weight of the whole bike, I find the gyroscopic effects quite noticeable. Like the linked brakes, I guess it's just something I will have to adapt to. It's no bad thing to slow down anyway.

The forged rims are lighter and useable off-road too, but alas...
 
It is a bit tight, I agree, and I too had to buy a rt angle adapter & short lead, but not having it on the bars is a plus and I don't like loose flapping wires. It's maybe a stretch to say I "love" it, but I do find it useful.



No, what it does is cut the throttle only and adjusts the speed that way. Being a twin that is enough and gets your attention pretty swiftly if you are distracted. If it isn't enough, your attention has been got and you can brake as you would normally.

Goodness no!, I don't use it on the twisties, but some of the dual carriageways here in Spain are quite twisty in parts. I'd probably not use it on the AP-8 between San Sebastian and Bilbao over a certain speed, but I might on the A-3 and A-23 into or out of Valencia @ 140km/h, both of which have their moments.
I worked from time to time in Oviedo. Magnificent part of the world. I have a fond memory of an evening with Spanish colleagues outside a cideria, on the hill overlooking the Bilboa port, watching the sunset. I don't remember the following day at all!
 
My #6 dislike is the tank is a little too small for a large capacity adventure motorcycle. It should be able to travel as far before reserve as it does now to running dry. So 22-23 liters.
 
Typically reserve at around 160 miles. My rule of thumb for touring bike range is at least 200 miles until reserve with another 40+ remaining.
 
I'll go first 😁

L❤️VE:
  1. The versatility. The R1300GS is as at home touring as being thrown around the twisties. Happy to do a bit of hammering down the tracks or general commuting. Low down weight gives the bike great flickability. Telelever front end makes it feel very planted.
  2. The Power. It's not got the torque of my Rocket 3, or the nimble speed of the Ninja 1000, but for an adventure bike it more than holds its own.
  3. Looks. In Triple Black - a very handsome bike.
  4. Screen & Interface. Big fan of the layout, menus and wheel. Also the Carpuride Sat Nav that integrates so well with the BMW cradle.
  5. Luggage and Keyless. All very convenient.
H👹TE:
  1. Ergonomics. Seat (too narrow and canted forward), bar height, screen, footpegs - all so royally wrong and in need of expensive aftermarket fixes.
  2. Linked Brakes. Particularly the rear brake operating the front. Just no! Most people have the ability to use their hands and feet independently, let them ride the damn bike themselves!
  3. Quick Shifter / Gearbox. Shocking. I mean, just ditch it all and start again. I'd rather they got rid of the QS altogether.
  4. Engine Sound. Better than the previous incarnations. Not quite as nice as an old knackered Massey Ferguson tractor.
  5. Parts Cost. A little apprehensive about the cost of a new headlight, screen or shaft. Have added headlight and radiator guards just in case. Warranty is a must.

Really don't care about:

- the lack of backlit switch gear. Everyone seems to moan about it but I never really look at my hands when riding.

(One more nice thing 😊
The fold away centre stand tine.)
Things I hate is non independent dealers who are faceless when your gs1300 as a issue no aftersales whatsoever
 
I get my phone in mine on top of a Hornig induction pad and still manage to fit my péage tag in too, maybe the standard GS cubby is bigger than the GSA:nenau
Quick side question - the toll chip reader obviously works from the cubby? Good to know if so
 


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