Head spinning again!!

[simplyexploring]

Starting to have sleepness nights again I have a 04 GS12 and starting to thing I should get rid of it and get something a little more rugged like a 1150 GSA.
I love my 12 to bits, but want to get out there and use it as intended. Its in my spirit to
But worried its not up to task of leaving the tarmac, it has cast wheels that dont help!
Would love a new GSA but funds are not there to buy, just want a bike i cant feel confident about.

So am I mad or should I stick with the GS12 and invest in some spoke wheels

 

[Emoto]

"as intended"?

Ride it and enjoy.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

If you really intend to do from off road riding the cast wheels will be the least of your problems! Just take your pride and joy into the garden and drop it, not too gently, on the grass or preferably onto a rockery. Now you will know what needs to be changed! For the same amount of money you could buy a little trials bike made for the purpose.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

No; I should have answered this by quoting from a thread lower down .......the screens (usual cracks by the fitting screws) and cylinder head protectors haven't faired well. Also check that the beak hasn't cracked on the underside, front mudguard may have been removed, handguards break pretty easily, indicators/mirrors are removed so make sure they fit them back on! also check the pannier rails arent bent as they bend pretty easily when dropped. This is referring to an Adventure in 'good' condition used off road.

 

[Firebird]

So am I mad or should I stick with the GS12 and invest in some spoke wheels

Stick with the GS12. Spoked wheels will be better, but I went on an off-road trip to Portugal earlier in the year and one of the guys did all 4 days off-road on cast wheels without a problem.

I've got a set of cast and spoked for mine as it's quicker to change the wheels than the wheels and then the tyres. They cost a bit, but they also seem to hold a fair amount of value when I've seen them sold on ebay.

If all you want to do is a bit of mud plugging though, as one of the previous writers said, you might just want to get a 2nd hand trials or scrambler.

I'd keep the GS, get some spoked wheels and have the best of both worlds.

 

[JohnC]

I'd think of the GS as the new bling Range Rover Sport. Fine for the light stuff but you wouldnt really buy it or use for anything more.