Gear Ratios Question

[AdyJ]

Okay, here's a (perhaps daft) question, but I've been reading information that gives a slightly conflicting view of the (standard) spec of an Adventure.

It states on some web pages that the lower first gear on the Adventure (4.465, allegedly, against 3.864 on the standard R1150 GS Adventure) is part of an enduro (or some sites say 'overland') option?

So the question is: Is it standard, or is it 'optional'?

If optional, doe sthis cost a massive amount more as an option?

Who has the standard here and who has the 'option?

Is it worth it?

Okay, there's a few questions, rather tan one, but I'm confused!!!

 

[Kropotkin]

Funny. I just did the motorcycle configurator on both the Dutch and the UK BMW site (UK version here), and the Dutch site shows the lower first gear as a free option, but the UK site doesn't. I suspect it's a free option, if you buy a new bike. Definitely go for it. I have a standard 1150, and the one thing I would change is the first gear. It's just a fraction too high, particularly if you go offroad.

 

[mikeh501]

low 1st is a free option AFAIK.

I would test drive both if poss, as you cant easily change you mind

 

[Rollo]

In the UK the original '03 Enduro spec, including low first, engine bars etc is standard.

Variations on this spec are delete options and difficult to get hold of.

 

[AdyJ]

In the UK the original '03 Enduro spec, including low first, engine bars etc is standard.

Variations on this spec are delete options and difficult to get hold of.

That's cleared that up then!

So, low first gear is the 'de facto'. You get it unless otherwise requested!!

Cheers

 

[cookie]

don't forget, you get a lower top gear with the lower 1st.

 

[markyp]

don't forget, you get a lower top gear with the lower 1st.

The adventure comes with a lower 6th regardless of whether you get a lower 1st - the 6th is not an overdrive unlike the stabnard 1150. I find having the lower 1st and lower 6th fine on mine.

Lots of threads on the debate over which gears are best!

Happy choosing.

M

 

[BTBR]

Just to add my bit, I have recently bought a new GSA, (in fast silver) there is no option for the sixth gear, it comes as standard with the "sports" one.

Regarding the low first gear, you can select either as a no cost option, std or low. I really wanted the low first gear, not really for off road purposes but for riding two up with loaded panniers and top box etc.

However, when I was looking in November last year to get mine, my dealer searched the entire stock of GSA's held in the UK and they all had the std first gear fitted.

I could have ordered one with the low first gear option but it was a three or month waiting list! Which would mean that I would then be subjected to the price increase that came into effect from Jan 1st this year. Therefore I deemed it as not being that important to, a) warrant the wait, b) the extra cost.

The crash bars are not fitted as standard, neither are the heated grips, the only thing that is fitted as OE now are the handguards, these used to be a "costed" option.

BTBR

 

[Spout]

For those of us who have bought our Advs second hand, is there any way of finding which version we have?

 

[AdyJ]

For those of us who have bought our Advs second hand, is there any way of finding which version we have?

Good question.
I'd also like to know....

 

[Spout]

Did a simple comparison today, and found I don't have the low 1st gear option.
20mph was about 2500rpm with standard 1st gear, and 3000rpm with the low 1st option.

 

[Global Rider]

When I ordered my 2003 GS Adventure, I was able to choose either the "Enduro" or "Sport" transmission.

I chose the "Enduro" after doing a bit of research and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't want 1st gear any taller and after hearing the complaints about the 1st gear being too tall on the other transmsission, the choice was a no brainer.

Note that all of the transmissions have the same 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. The Enduro has a low 1st and 6th. The Sport has a tall 1st and 6th. There is also a third transmission in the US with again other ratios...can't remember what it had though.

I also plotted the gears on a graph and compared them to my R100 GS gearing that I was so familiar with.

Download my Gear Ratio Spreadsheets. They are in MS Excel.

 

[MikeO]

Global Rider,

interesting - I was told that Canada (for some reason) offered a different Adv gearbox option to anywhere else- the ultra-low first gear fitted as an option in UK Advs, but with the standard 'Overdrive' 6th gear fitted to UK std GSes.

I take it from your posts that I was misinformed...(shame - I reckon that would make the ideal GS gearbox - a low first, 4 speed close ratio box and an overdrive to cruise on).

Mike

 

[Global Rider]

Global Rider,

interesting - I was told that Canada (for some reason) offered a different Adv gearbox option to anywhere else- the ultra-low first gear fitted as an option in UK Advs, but with the standard 'Overdrive' 6th gear fitted to UK std GSes.

I take it from your posts that I was misinformed...(shame - I reckon that would make the ideal GS gearbox - a low first, 4 speed close ratio box and an overdrive to cruise on).

Mike

Yes, it would make the ideal gearbox and there is no reason why it couldn't be ordered that way. I would.

The low 1st to get you through the tight hairpins in the Alps, and a tall 6th to get you to them in a hurry on the autobahn.

At 60 mph, I rev 3500 RPM with my Enduro transmission. My friend with the Sport transmission revs at 3000 RPM. That is lugging it on our highways where you normally cruise at 60 to 75 mph. That is why I chose the Enduro transmission.

 

[Taff]

Sorry to resurrect this thread again, but I've done a search and this seems the most relevant thread. I am currently selling my 03 1150 GS Adventure on e-bay and I have been asked "Has the bike got the low 1st gear option" ?

I didn't buy the bike new, and the honest answer is I don't know. How can I tell? From riding it, I don't think it has the low first gear, but how can I tell for sure? Eg Could I find out by entering the VIN somewhere?

 

[MikeP]

The low 1st gear is option 631.

Ring a BMW Motorrad dealer, have the last seven of the VIN to hand and ask them to check the spec.

 

[Taff]

An excellent answer MikeP - and all in 13 minutes. Top Man.

 

[Taff]

Just an update for anyone coming across this thread when doing a search.

You don't even need the VIN as the dealer can check all the information just from the registration number. Even though the bike was bought from Rainbow, Rydales in Cardiff could tell me everything I wanted to know (and more) about my bike by checking the linked database.

Doncha just love computers.