Regular or large sir ??

[Carlos F]

Hi

I am looking to purchase a GS or the Adventure but not decided which.

I will use the bike for mainly touring round Europe but like the potential off road ability for those bumpy mountain gravel roads and dealing with some of the bad back roads in Eastern Europe. I am attracted by the Adventures bigger screen and tank, but think it may be a handful for every day riding.

I suspect I could live with the range but wondered if anyone knew if it is possible to fit the Adventure screen to the standard GS ? My local dealer wasn't convinced this was possible or a good idea - I don't see why not ?

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Adventure screen on GS

Hi

I am looking to purchase a GS or the Adventure but not decided which.

I will use the bike for mainly touring round Europe but like the potential off road ability for those bumpy mountain gravel roads and dealing with some of the bad back roads in Eastern Europe. I am attracted by the Adventures bigger screen and tank, but think it may be a handful for every day riding.

I suspect I could live with the range but wondered if anyone knew if it is possible to fit the Adventure screen to the standard GS ? My local dealer wasn't convinced this was possible or a good idea - I don't see why not ?

Absolutely no problem with this; It is a straight fit and not very difficult. You can easily add the winglets - there has been a great deal written on this subject; somebody cleverer than I will draw your attention to it; I paid around 400€ for all the bits.

 

[Gerry47]

I had the same questions as you. Take a test ride on both, you'll be surprised. The Adventure has everything you need and is the one I went for and I'm really happy. If you buy the GS you will add all of the bits to make it into an Adventure anyway....or there is the new Explorer...

 

[Deeley]

Hi

I am attracted by the Adventures bigger screen and tank, but think it may be a handful for every day riding.

In all honesty, you'll be surprised, couple of hours in the saddle and it feels like you've had her a lifetime, worked for me.

Most def NOT a handful.

 

[Carlos F]

Much appreciated

many thanks - Am taking them both out for a test ride next week. Hopefully next time I am on here I will be a legitamate member...with a GS.

 

[Carlos F]

Is there something i should know ?

I had the same questions as you. Take a test ride on both, you'll be surprised. The Adventure has everything you need and is the one I went for and I'm really happy. If you buy the GS you will add all of the bits to make it into an Adventure anyway....or there is the new Explorer...

The new Explorer ??

 

[Brian ROSEN]

What is this rumour,

I had the same questions as you. Take a test ride on both, you'll be surprised. The Adventure has everything you need and is the one I went for and I'm really happy. If you buy the GS you will add all of the bits to make it into an Adventure anyway....or there is the new Explorer...

Is this a bit of Irish invention?

 

[herrdirektor]

Let me help you out

The new Explorer ??

I think the GS Explorer is meant for a few markets only. You can look it up on the Dutch Motorrad website. No my cup of tea, this Explorer.
http://www.bmw-motorrad.nl/nl/nl/index.html

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The new 'Explorer'

I cannot see anything new from the photo - it looks like a standard GS + Adventure screen & 'beak' and standard BMW protection bars. In fact exactly like my present bike.
Nor could I find any reference to it on the Dutch site.
Surely the 20 models they offer now will be OK for a bit?

 

[herrdirektor]

I cannot see anything new from the photo - it looks like a standard GS + Adventure screen & 'beak' and standard BMW protection bars. In fact exactly like my present bike.
Nor could I find any reference to it on the Dutch site.
Surely the 20 models they offer now will be OK for a bit?

Hi,
There is some info about this one on the Dutch side under the header "Seizoenstart 2007" with some news, including the Explorer. You are right, nothing much to tell about. You simply get some discount on the package containing the mudguard, the Adv screen, Protection bars and a Akrapovich exhaust.
This is not something I was waiting for, so I will continue to save for the 1200Adv to replace my current F800ST.

 

[al zheimers]

Hi

I am looking to purchase a GS or the Adventure but not decided which.

I took both out on test rides.

I had them both for a few days at a time and the adventure is to way to go.

You soon get use to the "bulker" bike and grow to love it

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The Explorer

Hi,
There is some info about this one on the Dutch side under the header "Seizoenstart 2007" with some news, including the Explorer. You are right, nothing much to tell about. You simply get some discount on the package containing the mudguard, the Adv screen, Protection bars and a Akrapovich exhaust.
This is not something I was waiting for, so I will continue to save for the 1200Adv to replace my current F800ST.

If they supply these extra items for 995€, keeping the original screen of course, it is not a bad deal - IF you want a special exhaust. I am very satisfied with my GS but, if I was changing now I would have difficulty in resisting the Adventure - though as far as I am concerned it would be of no practical value as when my petrol tank is approaching empty I am ready for a rest stop anyway! I would have it simply on its more imposing appearance.
I see that you have an 800ST . I thought about changing for something lighter, more nimble, easier to handle -BUT when I tried it it felt very small and uncomfortable after 4 plus years on GS's, although I like the look of it.

 

[herrdirektor]

If they supply these extra items for 995€, keeping the original screen of course, it is not a bad deal - IF you want a special exhaust. I am very satisfied with my GS but, if I was changing now I would have difficulty in resisting the Adventure - though as far as I am concerned it would be of no practical value as when my petrol tank is approaching empty I am ready for a rest stop anyway! I would have it simply on its more imposing appearance.
I see that you have an 800ST . I thought about changing for something lighter, more nimble, easier to handle -BUT when I tried it it felt very small and uncomfortable after 4 plus years on GS's, although I like the look of it.

Brian, good points about the tank and the "wannahave" factor of the GSA.
Didn't drive a motorcycle for 13 years before taking on the F800ST 5 months ago, and coming from a suzuki gs500e it was a great eye-opener. The 800 has double the bhp, cuts through edges like a knife and has superiour comfort, compared to my old suzuki. Now 5 months of ownership have passed I made the (awful) mistake to watch "Long Way Round" on DVD. I took a deep breath after watching the ride in Ukraine and Mongolia, and decided I am already growing out of the F800 fast, very fast. Went to the dealer about two weeks ago and tried out the seating position of the GS and the GSA. GS is a perfect match with a standard seat, but the GSA will require me, with my 5Ft9 (1.76) to take an extra low BMW saddle from the normal GS, and I will need to wear my higher bmw Santiago boots to prevent tippytoeing all the time. The GSA was easy to place on the center stand, almost as easy as the F800, but the tank was completely empty , so I couldn't make a good call on the weight. What I really liked about the GSA was the fat, bulky appearance of the bike when you sit on it. It is as if you have mounted a big, fat bull that you would like to tame and control. Moreover you may want to decide not filling the whole tank on regular rides, only when you are unsure of the next opportunity. I got in trouble in France once because of the lack of petrol stations, and that was with my car. I found one on the very last vapors I had left. Rest stops come in handy, but sometimes you would like to avoid petrol stations and choose a resting place that will give you a great view on the country or photo opportunity. A fat tank like the GSA will give you less considerations in your quest of discovery. My destination of a trip is usually the ride itself. Finally I enjoyed the overall looks of the GSA with the crash bars around the tanks and the extra lights mounted. A GS will be required to install aftermarket Hepco&Becker crash bars to get the same looks, not bad but not exactly what pleases the eye.
So if I would need to make a statement on Regular or Large, it will be XL.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

A (not so) difficult choice

Yes, I think that you will not regret it if you choose the Adventure; Let me know if you are passing this way - most of the population of Holland come past during the summer months!

 

[Carlos F]

Thanks Brian & Herrdirektor, you make a good points. I am steering towards the ADV but I agree with Brian and doubt I would use the tank capacity 95% of the time. The explorer is mostly what I would do to the standard GS - perhaps except for the exhaust. I do plan to ride some long trips and have also had problems in France with a shortage of petrol stations in some areas, so I might put the touratech 5l extension under the seat of a GS. 25L should always be enough! Will be riding accross France and down to nothern Spain this summer and would prefer to set my route based on things other than likely fuel stops. thanks gents.

 

[herrdirektor]

Small or Large ? Flip a coin !

Yes, I think that you will not regret it if you choose the Adventure; Let me know if you are passing this way - most of the population of Holland come past during the summer months!

Will do so. I expect to actually get the GS(-A) not sooner than next season. The wife objects to switching bikes after only 5 months ownership of the F800ST, and this time I agree with her.

@ Carlos F: Interesting idea of Touratech this 5L tank. It's under your seat so the GS will not become top heavy and not a huge investment.

 

[amateurboxerman]

Short or Long Legs !!

Took out a new Demo Adventure t'other day,didnt feel at all safe on it !! When coming to a stop neither foot was securely able to touch the ground ! fair enough I hear you say,sit a bit off the side of the seat,fine,until you are on unlevel ground or trying to turn round in a tight circle etc.
Dont want to be a killjoy but went back to me good old 1150GS and went on me merry way thinking I'd just saved mesen a few grand !

The old model 1150 Adventure is slightly less tall than the 1200 but theres not a lot init.

If in any doubt mate,get the lower one you'll be safer and with the dosh you save you can tart it up with spotlights,adventure screen etc so it still looks magic !!

 

[Carlos F]

Took out a new Demo Adventure t'other day,didnt feel at all safe on it !! When coming to a stop neither foot was securely able to touch the ground ! fair enough I hear you say,sit a bit off the side of the seat,fine,until you are on unlevel ground or trying to turn round in a tight circle etc.
Dont want to be a killjoy but went back to me good old 1150GS and went on me merry way thinking I'd just saved mesen a few grand !

The old model 1150 Adventure is slightly less tall than the 1200 but theres not a lot init.

If in any doubt mate,get the lower one you'll be safer and with the dosh you save you can tart it up with spotlights,adventure screen etc so it still looks magic !!

Thanks amateurboxerman.
Am of the same opinion - feet landed fine on the road, but thought of the gravel/mud situation and just took delivery of the normal GS.