So, for how often and how long does anybody keep the throttle fully open on the old slow bike?
How often does anyone reach the handling limits on the old slow bike?
MCN Today
- Thread starter Engineer
- Start date
So, for how often and how long does anybody keep the throttle fully open on the old slow bike?
How often does anyone reach the handling limits on the old slow bike?
Mad_Accountant
Registered user
They said about the new GS in 2004................sealed for life, nothing needed for 100k
Oh.............to be so naive
So buy the KTM - what's stopping you?
Dealer servicing - yes please, as I have neither the knowledge or the tooling to consider any alternative.
Extended warranty, yes please ( when the time comes) as the peace of mind is worth it for me.
I'm sure that many on this site don't home service their bikes, I don't touch my car or camper van either (and they have made it to 14 years and 22 years respectively). I don't feel any shame in letting properly qualified/experienced techies look after that side of my personal safety.
Pauly S
Registered user
NorthernBoy
Registered user
Handling normally means the subjective side of the bike's reactions, not its performance envelope, so it seems a bit strange to talk of "handling limits".
In terms of using the edge of the bike's performance, though, I didn't do it all the time, but there were certainly plenty of times when I'd have wanted a quicker turn-in, or an easier fast change of direction. I often (most rides) wanted more power, and I had brake fade pretty frequently.
For me this means that the new bike feels like a big step forwards. It still has the ridinng position that I like, and the looks, too, but the areas where I found my previous one lacking the new one seems better. I'll take it out to the Nurburgring this year to explore the limits where there's no-one coming the other way, and I'll be surprised if I'm not a faiir bit faster through lots of it on the LC.
IIRC they tried a Honda first and both liked that but as mentioned, CB was for the KTM and I agree for him, what a mistake that would have been as he's on the BM payroll. Doubt he would be on KTM's now.
I got told once by a chap from KTM that the LWR crew asked for 3 bikes + 1 spare and £150k - I guess KTM must have kicked themselves for years but I also recall BM were happy to go with it pass or fail, KTM sent in a consultant who said they would never make it and so got KTM to back out. Bet he was popular!!
I will be honest, I'm a CB fan, and one of the reasons I got my first GS (not my first BMW) was because of LWR, there don't care...said it!
But I did ride a 990 first (twice) and to this day I still say it was a hoot but would I, with my own money.....narr.
It's the whole package, dealers, shaft drive....and all the above.
I do draw the line at the twat suit though ...
Yep that has always been the deal clincher with me - the whole package with BMW just seems superior to any of the other manufacturers and until that changes I will stick with the GS every time.
Rarely are the limits reached, and it's not all about riding on the limit; it's more about how the bike feels to ride. When compared to the older one the new bike is nicer handling and sprints away in a far more lively manner, if that's what's required to keep sales up I am not complaining.
No, you don't remember correctly at all.
It wasn't the supply of the bikes that was the problem, it was the £250,000 of additional sponsorship cash that KTM could not justify/afford.
The myth/lie about KTM not "having the balls to take on the LWR" is just marketing spin by BMW. If it is repeated enough times, some people start believing it.
That'sm much more like the reality!
whos to say the final drives are going to fail?
they may have got it right this time.At last.
I'm sure with all the bollox of the previous two models this should be game sat and match by now on the new models,though time will tell.
The way in which bmw win every time is the infrastructure,you can go to virtually any major town anywhere and find a dealer.
Try that with ktm when your gigglestick drops off.Your off road till the posty arrives.
And to be honest, if its a bmw warranty repair its done quickly, with a coffee and a smile.
A few years ago a mate of mine had a suzuki bandit 1200 with 8k on the clock at 18months old when the fork seals leaked, he was told to firk off,as its wear and tear by the suzuki dealer.
in my opinion you need to ride the lot, and make up your own mind,wear what colour you like the most,and most importantly enjoy doing it.
Dont listen to some knobhead journo whos being paid to write about their normally biased views anyways, the only decent writer i used to follow(ash) is now dead ,although sometimes he was controversial,but entertaining and wasnt afraid to say black is black.
Good luck to them all i say, there all bikes and i love them all.
Major town, their aint one even near Cumbria
Cheaper than a £1200 FD fail....................out of warranty
Don't let the facts get in the way of reality JB. About £350 max for a rebuild
I'm fairly sure it'll be alot better than MCN claim. The KTM will no doubt be more "hardcore" blah blah, stronger engine, blah blah, handles sharper, blah blah.
Ultimately most owners will be touring, riding reasonably sensibly (sub 100mph) and will slow down more than they need to for the bends. That's not a pop at 1200LCs just a simple fact that most of us don't ride past 70-80% of any bikes ability. Better bikes don't mean everyone rides loads quicker, just that riders use less percentage of the available performance.
So the KTM being that little bit sharper, little bit quicker etc is only good for bragging rights. Real world mph, comfort and a million other things are the deciding factor as to which bike is best. Speed etc should be one of the last things on the list.
I had a giggle with the 1200LC guys in the beginning because straight away it was "it's sooooo fast", "it handles sooooo much better". Simple fact is, relative to the other bikes available at the time, GS's have always been overweight, handled ok and been underpowered, they do however have that "X" factor that those who know and ride them love dearly.
The 1200LC may handle better, may be way soooo much quicker, it's all nonsense unless you ride it at 100%. Otherwise all you are getting is a bike that is actually just easier to ride. But "I can't believe it man, I bought the new 1200 and man, it's just like loads easier to ride" doesn't really sound too impressive does it
SO when KTM man says "yeah, but the KTM is waaaaaay sharper than your 1200LC" just smile and complement him for being able to ride so fast, he's full of shit!!!
bang on mr F
i would add, that if you want to go fast on a bike other than in a straight line, it's far more about the rider than the bike.
but engineer is also correct when he says enjoying riding is about the feel, not the outright speed/handling.
Count
Registered user
I'm fairly sure it'll be alot better than MCN claim. The KTM will no doubt be more "hardcore" blah blah, stronger engine, blah blah, handles sharper, blah blah.
Ultimately most owners will be touring, riding reasonably sensibly (sub 100mph) and will slow down more than they need to for the bends. That's not a pop at 1200LCs just a simple fact that most of us don't ride past 70-80% of any bikes ability. Better bikes don't mean everyone rides loads quicker, just that riders use less percentage of the available performance.
So the KTM being that little bit sharper, little bit quicker etc is only good for bragging rights. Real world mph, comfort and a million other things are the deciding factor as to which bike is best. Speed etc should be one of the last things on the list.
I had a giggle with the 1200LC guys in the beginning because straight away it was "it's sooooo fast", "it handles sooooo much better". Simple fact is, relative to the other bikes available at the time, GS's have always been overweight, handled ok and been underpowered, they do however have that "X" factor that those who know and ride them love dearly.
The 1200LC may handle better, may be way soooo much quicker, it's all nonsense unless you ride it at 100%. Otherwise all you are getting is a bike that is actually just easier to ride. But "I can't believe it man, I bought the new 1200 and man, it's just like loads easier to ride" doesn't really sound too impressive does it
SO when KTM man says "yeah, but the KTM is waaaaaay sharper than your 1200LC" just smile and complement him for being able to ride so fast, he's full of shit!!!
I think this nails it actually. I have other bikes for bragging rights and the Sunday morning playtime. My reason for joining the GS fraternity was I wanted a bike to tour, enjoy the views and get out on that wouldn't knacker me if I spent long days riding.
I know the KTM is a sexy bike but the GS provides everything I need with the support I (hope) BMW can provide with decent local dealers. If I wanted to compete against the KTM performance I'd probably be able to if I could ride like Marquez on my GS - very true sentiments...
Can't believe I'm agreeing with Flipfly here, thought he was a tosser...
Flipfly;3421123y said:I certainly wouldn't take the words of MCN as anything more than something to read whilst having a shite
You do put things so consise, it really brings a smile
. As I sit here on a cold seat passing time.Usually use the adverts first, but will make an exception this week, just hope that orange print don't stain my arse.
Elvisto
Graham
I'm fairly sure it'll be alot better than MCN claim. The KTM will no doubt be more "hardcore" blah blah, stronger engine, blah blah, handles sharper, blah blah.
Ultimately most owners will be touring, riding reasonably sensibly (sub 100mph) and will slow down more than they need to for the bends. That's not a pop at 1200LCs just a simple fact that most of us don't ride past 70-80% of any bikes ability. Better bikes don't mean everyone rides loads quicker, just that riders use less percentage of the available performance.
So the KTM being that little bit sharper, little bit quicker etc is only good for bragging rights. Real world mph, comfort and a million other things are the deciding factor as to which bike is best. Speed etc should be one of the last things on the list.
I had a giggle with the 1200LC guys in the beginning because straight away it was "it's sooooo fast", "it handles sooooo much better". Simple fact is, relative to the other bikes available at the time, GS's have always been overweight, handled ok and been underpowered, they do however have that "X" factor that those who know and ride them love dearly.
The 1200LC may handle better, may be way soooo much quicker, it's all nonsense unless you ride it at 100%. Otherwise all you are getting is a bike that is actually just easier to ride. But "I can't believe it man, I bought the new 1200 and man, it's just like loads easier to ride" doesn't really sound too impressive does it
SO when KTM man says "yeah, but the KTM is waaaaaay sharper than your 1200LC" just smile and complement him for being able to ride so fast, he's full of shit!!!
Yes, well said, like bet I don't use it to 50% of the bikes ability,
In my opinion , nothing wrong with any of the other bikes, I just choose to buy BMW, I really don't take much notice of test reports either, Just buy the bike I fancy,
and over the years most have been BMW,
Don't let the facts get in the way of reality JB. About £350 max for a rebuild
I'm picking up a LC on Saturday. I used to have R1200GSs and for past four years I've had a honda varadero which is a superb bike. Reliability issues made me go to honda and a chain drive. However my FD rebuild on my last GS cost £275 all in. I bought the Honda new in June 09 - it has 40k on it and I've been through three chains and sets of sprockets which is probably equivalent to £350 plus the Scott oiler etc. last GS had 38k when I sold it so the honda has been more expensive but absolutely trouble free and ultra smooth and reliable. So I wouldn't be too worried about a FD failure ...
I Can't believe I'm agreeing with Flipfly here, thought he was a tosser...
through and through
I keep trying to tell myself that I don't need 150bhp
I do, however, need comfortable pillion carrying capacity if only once per year
I do, however, need comfortable pillion carrying capacity if only once per year
sven
Registered user
The first chain on my VFR800 needed replacement at 11k miles as it had stretched unevenly. The second one (quality Japanese brand) was £150 fitted including sprockets and lasted 30k miles with a Scottoiler.
GS v KTM
Em
Had a 990 Adv last year.
Great bike but not as we'll thought out as a Bm. Side stand and centre stand were useless, dealer network not in the same league, so yep I've got another GSA, like them a lot.
Looking forward to the WC version.
:
Em
Had a 990 Adv last year.
Great bike but not as we'll thought out as a Bm. Side stand and centre stand were useless, dealer network not in the same league, so yep I've got another GSA, like them a lot.
Looking forward to the WC version.
:Looking forward to the WC version.
Me too. I was in at Vines this week and apparently they are already holding 6 deposits on the LC GSA.
Cheers
Jimmy
Ian Pavey's (son of Pavey) conclusion was that the KTM and the BMW were pretty closely matched off road, with the KTM being a bit better for 'expert' riders. He also notes that the LC is the better off-road than the old GS.
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