I thought I wanted a GSA, not sure now??

[good'oleboy]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
A bit more information about my requirements.
I have absolutely no intention of going off road, tarmac only I'm afraid. Does that mean I should discount the GSA then? I do like the 'purposefulness' of the big adventure, would it be so terible to never off road on one, or is there a unwritten rule on the forum that you must off road if you have a GSA....

I'm also 6'1", about 16 stone and have an inside leg of 32. I have ridden an 08 GSA and really liked it, quite cumbersome at slow speeds but once on the move its weight disappeared very quickly. Engine seemed a bit breathless, but quite torquey. But I loved the riding position, very comfortable and commanding view of the road.

I also like the Duke, but as I'm road use only, I'm not worried about dropping it off road etc.
My only reservation with the Multistrada is its ace card, all the electronics that are unheard of on a bike (let alone Ducati), could make life very easy and provide a very rewarding ride or could turn into a warranty claim nightmare if they have got it wrong, hope not!

The KTM has had some great reviews and seems the 'simpler' solution of the other suggestions. No ABS, traction control, auto electronic suspension gizmos, so a lot less to go wrong.
One of the lighter bikes, more road focused than the others (which isn't a problem) just concerned about the seat (comfort) and pillion comfort.

Anyway, aside from road testing each one, I can't comment further, but I will book some road tests over the next few weeks, weather and time permitting. I'll keep everyone posted on my experiences and once again, thanks for the suggestions and comments, this really is a great place for information and banter....

Thanks,
Neil.

Hi Neil, Hope you find your ideal bike. So for my tupence worth, have had both the GS models and foolishly sold my lovely 2007 for a std GS. I went down a couple of tracks which was my only off road experience. The GSA is a fantastic bike as is I think the std is also but not quite as all rounded as the GSA. Weather protection GSA is better the Screen is brilliant. The alloy pannier system is the best ever. And then there is that tank, 300 plus miles. it was only when it went I realised what a prat I was. So if you like the GSA Neil get the bugger you will love it. The standard machine is still a good bike many say out of the two the STD is a better road bike. But it's down to your own preference. Good luck Dave

 

[AdventureMagazine]

I did ride the SMT into the cederberg with luggage and a pillion.

On tar it was great. Good gravel not too bad, but when things got a little loose it was a nightmare.

I shines in the twisties though.

1050 is a great bike.

 

[Underwatergoat]

Why have BM decided to build a 'halfway house' of a bike, its neither a very good road bike or very good off road......?



Thanks, Neil.

This is not intended as a criticism, I just thought I'd share my experience after having had the same thoughts.

I ride off road on most of my bikes. I have tried(in this order) owning
F650
R1100GS
R1200GS
KTM950 Super Enduro
KTM300EXC
CBR1100xx
WR250F
R1150GS

The only bike(in my list) that can do half decent off road and monster miles without killing your arse or it's rear tyre is a big GS.
The KTM was very exciting, but painful after an hour in the saddle even with special KTM shorts and a gel seat.
650's are a bit dull due to lack of power if you need to do big miles.
Enduro bikes are incredible off road, but no fun on the road at all really if you are spending any real length of time on them.

The search for the perfect dually is often boiled down to the simple KTM better off road/BMW better on road.
I also did hold this to be true, and it is but it ignores so many of the KTM's drawbacks.
The LC8 is SO powerful that it can destroy a rear tyre in a day. I did it from Kent to Hollyhead and then had to ride on a slick all around Ireland and back to Kent. I couldn't even find chain lube so a new tyre was out of the question.
The KTM also has a hard and uncomfortable seat that I had to put a bit of foam over with gaffa tape to make it more bearable.

On the plus side, the KTM is lighter and has the best suspension of any bike I have ever ridden and with a 16t front sprocket would out drag an R1 up to it's 100mph tankslap limiter.

I'm on my 3rd GS now and I feel like I have tried other ways of doing adventure touring and I'm certain that for me a GS is the perfect compromise.

 

[sven]

Agreed Ewan, after testing the GS, the other day - well it wasn't a patch on the triumph to be honest. It felt 10 years older in design to be honest, as though BMW have engineered the fun out of the bike.

Cruising at around 80mph, there is nothing else and the bike really needs coaxing past the ton. Mind you its not the most aerodynamic bike ever built so that doesn't perhaps help.

The triumph is so obviously a road bike and much better at it than the GS. Why have BM decided to build a 'halfway house' of a bike, its neither a very good road bike or very good off road......?

Anyway decision made, deposit paid for the Triumph, better engine, better road holding, better road bike in my opinion. The BM is a good bike, but it could be better if it decided what it wanted to be??

Thanks, Neil.

Funny how one mans meat is anothr mans poison

I thought the GS was better than the Triumph in all respects bar top end power - better built, better handling (with ESA) and more comfortable.

Hope you enjoy the new bike though

 

[v8legend]

This is not intended as a criticism, I just thought I'd share my experience after having had the same thoughts.

I ride off road on most of my bikes. I have tried(in this order) owning
F650
R1100GS
R1200GS
KTM950 Super Enduro
KTM300EXC
CBR1100xx
WR250F
R1150GS

The only bike(in my list) that can do half decent off road and monster miles without killing your arse or it's rear tyre is a big GS.
The KTM was very exciting, but painful after an hour in the saddle even with special KTM shorts and a gel seat.
650's are a bit dull due to lack of power if you need to do big miles.
Enduro bikes are incredible off road, but no fun on the road at all really if you are spending any real length of time on them.

The search for the perfect dually is often boiled down to the simple KTM better off road/BMW better on road.
I also did hold this to be true, and it is but it ignores so many of the KTM's drawbacks.
The LC8 is SO powerful that it can destroy a rear tyre in a day. I did it from Kent to Hollyhead and then had to ride on a slick all around Ireland and back to Kent. I couldn't even find chain lube so a new tyre was out of the question.
The KTM also has a hard and uncomfortable seat that I had to put a bit of foam over with gaffa tape to make it more bearable.

On the plus side, the KTM is lighter and has the best suspension of any bike I have ever ridden and with a 16t front sprocket would out drag an R1 up to it's 100mph tankslap limiter.

I'm on my 3rd GS now and I feel like I have tried other ways of doing adventure touring and I'm certain that for me a GS is the perfect compromise.

How was the CBR1100xx off-road?

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

If you have no intention of off roading why would you buy a GS?

There are loads of far more accomplished road bikes than a GS and plenty better at touring. A GS has poor weather protection and is less well equiped for touring than an RT / LT.

I'll take issue with you here... I think it depends on how you tour..If you belt down motorways/Autoroutes etc, then yes, there are better-suited bikes. However if, like me, your touring involves a lot of bimbling about peering over hedges, stopping for "cafe creme" and generally travelling at a relaxed pace, then the GS excels. I’ve had ZZRs, a Goldwing and sundry other “touring bikes” and they really are “mile munching” bits of kit…however, as soon as I’m in Europe…then it’s byways and backroads for me where possible. Yes we do cover big mileage when required, but I like to enjoy my travelling at a more leisurely and relaxed pace where possible….

 

[Underwatergoat]

How was the CBR1100xx off-road?

Bloody terrible

 

[Tuono1961]

Why have BM decided to build a 'halfway house' of a bike, its neither a very good road bike or very good off road......?

I've had my 08 Gs for a month now and have started to ask myself that question "what exactly is a GS good at?"

As a touring bike ? Nope. Far to noisy, doesn't want to know over 85mph, rubbish aerodynamics.

As a sports bike ? Nope. Anyone here that thinks a GS will keep up with a sports bike is either called Rossi or deluded. When touring in Europe last year the bloke on the GS was forever left behind by a long way.

As an off roader? Nope. Ok for the odd trail but let's be honest if you want to go off road regularly there's far better kit out there.

Two up ? Passable, but the passenger is still over exposed and a PAN, FJR, RT is still a way better option

It's not really good at anything, and yet.......... I constantly keep finding excuses to take it out for a ride and since I've had it the other three bikes I own haven't been out of the garage and the car hasn't moved off the drive

The BMW R1200 GS more than the sum of it's parts

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

....

As a touring bike ? Nope. Far to noisy, doesn't want to know over 85mph, rubbish aerodynamics.
.

..Yes, I have read all of your post and understand that you like your bike.....but.... and this is only an opinion...touring isn't carried out at 85mph...that's just riding from A to B....touring is about enjoying the environmemt you're riding through.. the faster you travel...the more you concentrate on your riding..the less time you have to soak it up... perhaps I don't tour...just bimble.... but whatever it's called...bring it on

 

[Tuono1961]

perhaps I don't tour...just bimble.... but whatever it's called...bring it on

What is a GS good at ?...... bimbling.... I'll give you that one

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

What is a GS good at ?...... bimbling.... I'll give you that one

It's not just good... it's bloody great...and I shall be spending as much of the Summer as I can get away with...yes, Dear I know I promised to spend more time at home...."Bimbling" around Europe......

 

[Beagood]

It's not just good... it's bloody great...and I shall be spending as much of the Summer as I can get away with...yes, Dear I know I promised to spend more time at home...."Bimbling" around Europe......

I second that - bimbling, tooling and pootling is where it's at. I only ever used the first 30% of throttle 95% of the time on the sports bikes I've owned. The long-stroke boxer engine is a joy to me, I guess that makes me a wuss...

 

[elefantman]

I'm a little late on this thread but I want shut of my GSA but just can't bring myself to do it,triumph ?,been there shitte,honda ?,been there soft, the closest for fun and games was my buell but that was shitte at anything other than fun and games,so the GSA stay's
And struggles past 85mph my arse,just got the front down from a second gear minger (yet to hook 3rd)
Mines an over grown hooligan,just like me

 

[simonworkwear]

Tiger 1050

I had a Tiger 1050 when they first came out. Great bike initialy, but very fragile.

Took mine to Morocco and after a week had totaly destroyed the back suspension, and the gearbox was very loose.

It was a tarmac holliday, but the roads are rough in bits and it took a pounding.

Great bike for scratching e.c.t. and for most jobs you would do in the UK, but no good for touring imo.

As for the GSA, i havent picked mine up yet but am doing on Saturday.

Will let you know how i get on.

Simon

 

[Wberesford]

GSA - All the way

I am late to the thread due to spending most of my time hawking the "for sale" section for 'toys' however....

I have had my fair share of bike, mostly straight line missles but I now own a 2010 GSA Anniversary edition.......WOW....What a bike.

I parted company (very begrudginly) with a limited edition Boxer Cup (Randy Mamola) however......"I HAVEN'T MISSED IT A SINGLE JOT!"

For those who think the GSA is only an offroad bike - don't be fooled. Yes it can do off road, indeed it does it very well. Very Very Well!!!! It also does 'road' riding very very well. Infact, I would go as far as to suggest it has UK road manners that would equal any other bike........yes any other bike! Remember, UK public roads are NOT race track quality. The handling on the GSA 1200 is fantastic, and this is only added to by the superb behaviour of the shaft drive.......you can take your chains and well.......just take em!

As for performance.....

I am up for testing my GSA1200's normal UK tarmac performance against most other machines......afterall its mostly in the rider not the machine!!!!

Whaterver your final decision - I hope you enjoy your bike....stay safe.

WB

 

[The smudger]

Agreed Ewan, after testing the GS, the other day - well it wasn't a patch on the triumph to be honest. It felt 10 years older in design to be honest, as though BMW have engineered the fun out of the bike.

Cruising at around 80mph, there is nothing else and the bike really needs coaxing past the ton. Mind you its not the most aerodynamic bike ever built so that doesn't perhaps help.

The triumph is so obviously a road bike and much better at it than the GS. Why have BM decided to build a 'halfway house' of a bike, its neither a very good road bike or very good off road......?

Anyway decision made, deposit paid for the Triumph, better engine, better road holding, better road bike in my opinion. The BM is a good bike, but it could be better if it decided what it wanted to be??

Thanks, Neil.

Hi Neil,

Just joined in on this one. I currently ride an R1150GS ADV and love it! I bought a new Tiger in '03', a 955 and liked it, but found it a bit soul-less. I did have a few wty issues with the trumpet to be honest more than i would have expected, but to be fair they were sorted out quickly and well.

In answer to your question about why BMW have built a 'halfway house', you have i think answered it yourself. BMW make some pretty focused off road stuff as well as some brilliant on road/touring bikes as well. The GS was aimed at the 'in-between' market. It is fairly capable off road as well as being very good on long touring type journeys. As you said the aero-dynamics are not akin to fast riding, but the tiger being a little more angular is. The speed thing never really bothered me. The boxer engine in the GS was never built for speed where the tiger engine is basically a re worked Daytona engine, so quit a quick beast!

It's all about what does it for you though and no amount of advice can substitute ownership/living with a bike 24/7.

Tiger would have been my 2nd choice personally, but thats just me!!

Good luck with the new bike.

 

[Psi]

I can relate to your message. I sold my Triumph Tiger 900 a while back but have to admit that it was most definately one of my most favourite of the bikes I have had. It was my first Trumpet and I did like it a lot, looked great, felt great, felt the pride of riding a British bike and could ride it like a super bike it handled so well.
However it was always a stepping stone to what I really wanted. After borrowing a mates 1100GS for the weekend about 10 years ago, I knew I wanted one, only problem was how expensive they are. Once I had realised the telelever lets you brake into bends I knew it was the bike for me as no other bikes have done anything similar.
Hope you enjoy your trumpet as much as i did mine but I am converted to the GSA now and dont think I will change unless someone else adopts the telelever wishbone.