The only thing that puts me of chains was the memory of the slap I got and being dumped for giviing a new girlfriend a ride on the back, when she got orf there was a need track of black dots all the way up one side of her cream trousers and jacket
GSA v Ducati M/S v Yamaha Ten
- Thread starter Balders1450
- Start date
The only thing that puts me of chains was the memory of the slap I got and being dumped for giviing a new girlfriend a ride on the back, when she got orf there was a need track of black dots all the way up one side of her cream trousers and jacket
snerkler
Registered user
Chains are easy to deal with, just add a scottoiler and you're done
I had one of those on my Tiger, makes a right bloody mess even if you add the electronic flow rate and put it on min
I had one of those on my Tiger, makes a right bloody mess even if you add the electronic flow rate and put it on min
That's no good. I've had standard versions on my old Varadero and on my current Blackbird and not had any problems. Maybe the person who made yours used to work on the FD line at BMW???
snerkler
Registered user
That's no good. I've had standard versions on my old Varadero and on my current Blackbird and not had any problems. Maybe the person who made yours used to work on the FD line at BMW???
Was a genuine Scottoiler and fitted by the Triumph dealer
I found for the most part I was better off oiling manually now and again, that way I could oil up and go for a spin before cleaning the bike and it would stay reasonably clean for a while until the next re-oil.
With oilers you seem to end up with a permanent coating of oil on the wheel, on my last bike I fitted a cheapo TOTORO (£20) oiler as it did as well as units four times the cost in Ride tests. It was ideal for touring, I would turn it on for a bit each morning (enough to fill the delivery tube) and that would work fine, if it started raining I would just leave it on.
I suppose a chain is not a huge hassle, bit this is the first time I have had a bike without one and I certainly do not miss the chain. On a sportsbike the shaft probably brings a relatively large handling penalty, on a tourer / adventure bike I cannot see it being such a disadvantage.
With oilers you seem to end up with a permanent coating of oil on the wheel, on my last bike I fitted a cheapo TOTORO (£20) oiler as it did as well as units four times the cost in Ride tests. It was ideal for touring, I would turn it on for a bit each morning (enough to fill the delivery tube) and that would work fine, if it started raining I would just leave it on.
I suppose a chain is not a huge hassle, bit this is the first time I have had a bike without one and I certainly do not miss the chain. On a sportsbike the shaft probably brings a relatively large handling penalty, on a tourer / adventure bike I cannot see it being such a disadvantage.
Was a genuine Scottoiler and fitted by the Triumph dealer
Although I like shaft drive never had problems with a chain except for a Roskie Cosack mid 70's. Snap, snap seize!
Why put a Scot Oiler on anything - can of lube for weekend trips maybe - pleeze.
Davy F
Registered user
I know it's not a sportsbike per say, but...........
You should try the VFR1200, its shaft is bleeding fantastic.
You should try the VFR1200, its shaft is bleeding fantastic.
I did, but compared to my (admitedly modded) 1400 the handling was not so good, and I cannot see it being even close to a GSXR / R1 / 1098 etc.
I would also consider the VFR to be a tourer and not a sportsbike, it ain't looking to take on Busa's, seemed to be more aimed at the BMW K series / GTR 1400 etc - which I reckon it probably does very well against.
Going off-topic here, my point was the MTS / GS / Tenere type bikes do not have as much to gain from a chain, and I suppose those who don't go touring or clock up huge mileages similarly get less benefit from a shaft.
Not sure if it really should, but the lack of a shaft really puts me off the Varedero and many other Jap adventure bikes, as soon as one that is half as good as the BMW comes along (with a shaft drive) I will be ditching the GS and buying myself some reliability.
Did wonder if modding a Tenere a little can make a big difference, but with thte starting price so high it seems pointless, unless resale values tumble and they start appearing for good money in the next 12-18 months.
Try pm'ing Marcus as he went from a GS to a Varadero for the same reason.
snerkler
Registered user
Saw the Ten again in the flesh yesterday at CMC, and not changed my opinion, that's one ugly ass bike.
With regards to the reliability issues, I know a lot of people on here have had issues with the FD etc but surely there's a much much higher percentage of owners who've not had failures otherwise sales would have dropped very heavily, plus all the media would state how unreliable they are. Every review I've ever read says how rock solid the GS/GSA is
Out of interest I remember some time ago a MCN tester had a GS as a long term test bike and made himself a member on here. Can anyone point me in the direction of his write ups please?
With regards to the reliability issues, I know a lot of people on here have had issues with the FD etc but surely there's a much much higher percentage of owners who've not had failures otherwise sales would have dropped very heavily, plus all the media would state how unreliable they are. Every review I've ever read says how rock solid the GS/GSA is
Out of interest I remember some time ago a MCN tester had a GS as a long term test bike and made himself a member on here. Can anyone point me in the direction of his write ups please?
Simon_h
Registered user
Chains are easy to deal with, just add a scottoiler and you're done
I still have the stains on my driveway from the scottoiler....which was either off or 100% on and leaving a trail. I'd never have another one.
The Scottoilers I've had/have use a device where you can alter the flow. They certainly aren't an all or nothing as you describe so I can only imagine yours had a fault, or perhaps it was incorrectly fitted
I know a mate of mine had a problem when the vacuum feed tube came loose, but it was easily refitted.I can only speak as I find and both scottoilers have worked as advertised on my bikes. If my next bike is chain drive, I would fit another.
Don't know if this link is any use to you?
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/203335/driveway_cleaners.html
Don't know why you're all getting so hung up on chain drive. With very little effort to clean and lube it once in a while and it'll easily last 15k miles.
Then for £150 you can get a nice new set of chain and sprockets. You also have the ability to alter the gearing to suit.
Must admit it looks like next spring the GS will be going in favor of the MS. Don't care what the review says, apart from the off road bit which I'd never do on a GS I think the MS has the Beemer beaten in every area. In urban mode it has virtually all the characteristics of the GS. Switch it to sport and it turns into a bit of a nutter when you're in the mood.
Spoken to a couple of Duc dealers (so it must be true) and they reckon virtually every other trade in bike they take for a new MS is a GS so I can't be alone.
I even think the MS looks the canines genitalia
. With very little effort to clean and lube it once in a while and it'll easily last 15k miles. Then for £150 you can get a nice new set of chain and sprockets. You also have the ability to alter the gearing to suit.
Must admit it looks like next spring the GS will be going in favor of the MS. Don't care what the review says, apart from the off road bit which I'd never do on a GS I think the MS has the Beemer beaten in every area. In urban mode it has virtually all the characteristics of the GS. Switch it to sport and it turns into a bit of a nutter when you're in the mood.
Spoken to a couple of Duc dealers (so it must be true
) and they reckon virtually every other trade in bike they take for a new MS is a GS so I can't be alone.I even think the MS looks the canines genitalia
Simon_h
Registered user
The Scottoilers I've had/have use a device where you can alter the flow. They certainly aren't an all or nothing as you describe so I can only imagine yours had a fault, or perhaps it was incorrectly fitted
I can only speak as I find and both scottoilers have worked as advertised on my bikes. If my next bike is chain drive, I would fit another.
Don't know if this link is any use to you?
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/203335/driveway_cleaners.html
I had the adveture sized resovoir one on my tenere and it had a flow adjuster...but it was either off or on with nothing imbetween. It was fitted by the dealer when new and over the 20k miles I covered on it, I had the oiler checked with each service. Possibly just a bad'un.
And I'm still very happy with it too. Nothing at all gone wrong.
timtim
Registered user
One of my riding buddies has bought the Super 10, the dealer offered a huge discount on the demonstrator. Now i think i know why !
Nuts and bolts corroding all over the place.
Had a puncture, no problem? took ages just to remove the back wheel !
This bike has just not been thought through. Yamaha were always quality but this bike is sure going to dent their reputation.
Nuts and bolts corroding all over the place.
Had a puncture, no problem? took ages just to remove the back wheel !
This bike has just not been thought through. Yamaha were always quality but this bike is sure going to dent their reputation.
Must admit it looks like next spring the GS will be going in favor of the MS. Don't care what the review says, apart from the off road bit which I'd never do on a GS I think the MS has the Beemer beaten in every area. In urban mode it has virtually all the characteristics of the GS. Switch it to sport and it turns into a bit of a nutter when you're in the mood.
I even think the MS looks the canines genitalia
I think you are gonna love it
The GS has picked up shit loads of sales due to a lack of Adventure Bike choice, OK there is the Tiger / Varedero / KTM / Kwak wotsit, but compared to sprotsbike where you have a huge choice of supersport 600's / 1000's, the GSXR750 a range of supersports twins from Ducati and Aprillia and then the Hypersports ZZR's and Busa's - probably more than 20 sportsbikes, all of which are very good with subtle differences that means a perfect bike for everyone (who wants a sportsbike of course)
A few years back the MTS would probably have been the bike for me, but now 50% plus of the time I am two-up, often touring it is a just a bit too small and compact - plus a bit too quick as I am trying to slow down!
The GS does everything well, but as more adventure bikes appear BMW are going to struggle, a VFR 1200 engined Honda will tempt a few, the Tiger 800 / 1200's should steal a few more punters and Yamaha had a punt at the GSA, although unsucessfully it would appear I guess they will sell them eventually.
For me a good all-rounder is what I need, and I would prefer a reliable one that does not cost a bloody fortune to service, so perhaps the Honda or Triumph 1200's will be good enough - if they can provide the comfort and offer decent luggage they will definately appeal to many GS owners fed up with poor reliability and high running costs.
The MTS is gonna take most of the ex-sportsbike crowd (and those that switched from sportsbikes to GS post E&C and now regret it (but only a little), the MTS however could be a stepping stone to old age, sorry I mean GS ownership as owners go from Blade to MTS to GS (or equivelent competitor)
The competition in this market is definately hotting up and it can only be good for all of us (dropping residuals aside) BMW (and their dealers) have had it easy for a few years with bikes selling themselves and punters lining up to pay silly rates for servicing and accessories, now they have some real competition - they may even be forced to start building reliable bikes again!
