Not a bike for all seasons?

[Martyn B]

Hi folks - I'm new to this site so treat me gently. I posted this question on the Yahoo GS site as well so ignore if you've been here before....

I am only a prospective GS owner. I took a 2nd hand 1150 model out on a test ride yesterday in the Bristol area. As soon as I got out of town I hit medium winds (I would imagine 20-30 mph) blowing across me. I was a bit concerned to find out how much the bike tried to move around the road - I was being knocked about quite a bit. I even gave up on my favourite road (the A420 to Chippenham for those who know the area) and went back into Bristol. Is this buffeting normal or was the wind worse than I thought? Does anyone find it is a serious drawback to touring?

Also the bike had Michelin tyres on it. They didn't seem as good as the Metzlers I had tried on a new demonstrator. Anyone want to put in a good word for them (or otherwise)?

 

[Gecko]

To be honest I have never had a bike that doesn't get buffeted about in strong winds. I find the GS very sure footted on the road so it feels more confident all the time. I have the Metzeler tourance on mine - and I wouldn't change them. The GS take a bit of getting used to - the telelever is quite a different feel at the front end if you are used to normal front forks . The paralever single side shaft drive is also different so all I can say is you should read more on this site and ask yourself if you have ever come across a group of people so enthusiastic about the bike they ride - all the same bike......best bike I have ever owned and I have owned a few over the years.
Good luck - may the force be with you - don't be tempted over to the dark side !

 

[kamae]

gs dilema

in strong winds it doesnt matter what bike your on mate.all i can say is get another test ride then you will see if u like it.then you will realise youve been betraying the magic for years.good luck.

 

[THE PICT]

Have ridden hundreds of bikes in winds and for such a big bike the GS isnt bad.Worst in winds in my opinion were the first Hinckley Triumph Tigers (94 model to be exact also with shite T66),the ZZR 1100 and the Pan Europeans.

 

[judge]

I concur with Pict

The GS (mine is an R100GSPD) is an 'open' design so side winds can more easily push through, unlike my Pan European (a 'closed' design) which in winds over 20MPH begins to act like a Spinnaker and seems to be affected very easily by winds. Consequently I can get away with riding in higher wind speeds on the GS than the Pan. Also being bolt upright puts you more in the windflow than any sports oriented/faired. Buffeting is a common complaint/whinge/moan of a lot of GS'ers and many you'll see with aftermarket fairings fitted.

I don't know how long your test ride was but those telelever/paralever jobbies take some getting used to if you're more used to conventional suspension so maybe you just need another go and try and get half a day.

 

[Alex B]

Love strong winds on the GS.

You can crank the bike well over and ride "scrambler style" bit like a racing yachtie.

The buzz is brilliant. Get into it - ride the bike like a sportsman rather than a commuter and you'll see what we mean !

Best fun in ages.

 

[Vern]

That was bloody windy the other day,I was going north from Bristol at about the same time,and I ended up getting off the M5 because I was getting blown from lane to lane.There were lorries getting blown about as well,so I took my chances on the A38.Don't be put off by that,I can think of lot's of other bikes that I was glad I wasn't on,ie any plastic rice burner,get the GS,you know you ant to

 

[the civil one]

does the term" rag doll " come to mind

I was on the M6 last tuesday and on the bits that werent sheltered Cumbria north of Laccaster to about gretna, the wind was bloody awful now ive been on several brand,s of moto in similar weather" ALIZEE, cote d azzure" and i can say the B.M was "is " as sure fotted as any. dont Know about the differant tyre brand,z or differances that they would make but I had METZ tourance and they were fine