I'm new to BMW but always wanted one

[Bendy toy]

Actually that's a lie. I don't (yet) have a BMW but looking very seriously at the R1200GS Adventure. Its the suspension that really does it for me and of course the style and attitude.

I've ridden bikes all my life and currently run a Yamaha Diversion 900 that I've had for 5 years and now shows 71,000 on the clock. Its personal transport and does the job really well. However, I will soon be coming into some money and want to upgrade.

I could probably stretch to a new F800GS, but I want the Hossack suspension and shaft drive of the 1200 and of course its BA attitude. It will probably be more of a Chelsea tractor than and offroader but so are most of them and Im not proud.

Why the R1200GS? I have always liked the GS range long before Ewan and Charlie even thought about going to Russia. But back then I had small children etc so bikes (of any variety) always came at the bottom of the list. The RTs are just too much of a barn door and the RS is too plain. I want more than good functionality that they all no doubt can offer.

I've joined the forum to find out what to look for in terms of buying pitfalls and useful standard accessories.

Dave

 

[RJT_Berlin]

I have a 2009 GSA and love it! Probably the easiest bike I have ever ridden (and I have had a few!)

I dont off road either, would love to though, but even if I did, the GSA wouldnt be my choice as it is too heavy

Brilliant bike, get it, ride it and enjoy it! My 2 weeks in Italy this year were heaven!

 

[peterh]

I want the Hossack suspension and shaft drive of the 1200

The 1200GS has the suspension you want, but it is Telelever not Hossack. Still, a rose by any other name ....

 

[Bounce]

Greetings and salutations, welcome to the site....

 

[Bendy toy]

I stand corrected. BMW conversions by Norman Hossack pre-dated the Telelever but were stiffer and cheaper to manufacture having no precision parts. BMW tested his designs but went for a compromise option.

Quote from http://www.hossack-design.co.uk/php/page.php?p=4

BMW showed enlightenment too with their Telelever which came to market a year or two after Norman's/BMW conversions. BMW themselves tested more than one of Norman's customer bikes thoroughly and they understood the gains that a wish-bone could bring to structural stiffness. It was a step in the right direction though they stopped half way and kept the tellies. They also missed several other opportunities that the HOSSACK system could offer, namely, lower over-all weight, lower steer axis inertia, lower ride friction, lower manufacturing cost (the HOSSACK up-right does not have high percision parts) some additional geometry/ride options and the one sided option to match their rear end.

But whatever, the Telelever is a huge improvement over sliding forks used on every other bike on the road. IMHO brake dive is a curse not a benefit. Bikers have just grown up with it and most think its how things should be. I will be glad to leave them behind.

I dont know, maybe the Telelever allows more suspension travel than 100% Hossack.

 

[Felters]

Whatever it's called it works pretty well... of course the discerning gentlemen around here tend to go for the models that begin with 11 rather than 12. Also leaves more cash for petrol and ferry crossings.

 

[Bendy toy]

TBH the R1100GS styling isnt to my taste. Fickle I know

I like the top gear roll-on pull of the (two valve) Diversion 900 (90bhp) so will try both 1150 and 1200. Its not all about the numbers at top revs. But I'm vain and like the look of a 2008 (approx) 1200GSA.