round the world bike ,?

[Bendy toy]

Tell 'em about the the lack of dip stick Bendy, tell 'em, tell 'em
Alan R

The usual phone typo. Should have said "...making the GSA seat suit just about nobody"

There are many design "features" which really should not be there on high spec machine that was developed at a cost of millions.

The GS seat is definitely a lot more comfortable than the GSA seat. Who knows why it wasn't used on the GSA.

 

[The bigun]

I

If you plan an around the world ride you need the simplest bike you can find. An MZ250 is likely to be more suitable. For luggage carrying, consider a mono wheel trailer like a souped up Bob Yak. Not fast but you'll lose a whole lot of time waiting for BMW spares to arrive.

Only you bendy could suggest that on a Gs site lol I'm beginning to think you must get more enjoyment out of slagging the Gs than actually riding it

 

[B4ndit]

I never get a numb bum on any bike. Maybe if I did I would look at another hobby.

 

[Bendy toy]

Only you bendy could suggest that on a Gs site lol I'm beginning to think you must get more enjoyment out of slagging the Gs than actually riding it

There are two types of biker. Those who hate MZs and those who have ridden one.

I really like the GS but I'd not want to take it around the world without some serious backup. It.s just too complex to fix by the roadside. The MZ is tough and simple and stands up to abuse by the barrow load.

 

[bowser]

perhaps it is a round the world seat and the fact is you just dont have a round the world arse?

just saying

 

[Lord Snooty]

I have an 1100gs, and I think BMW did a great overall job in the design of this bike and it's descendants, however, they made a universal, fur lined, ocean going COCK UP when it comes to the seat!!
AND THEY DON@T FICKING LISTEN OR LEARN FROM CUSTEMER FEEDBACK....... WANKERS!!!
It has and still is a fucking nightmare to ride for more than an hour or two unless you've had buttock surgery to remove all the nerves from between your legs and all surrounding areas.
WTF are BMW thinking??
Sort it out you German halfwits, FFS!!!

Got to agree, and this goes for all manufacturers who seem happy to spend squillions on electronics, engines, gearboxes, suspension but have still not managed to improve basic saddle design for over 40-50 years. If he likes of Corbin and Sargeant can make a comfortable seat why the hell can't BMW and the rest take a leaf out of their book and produce a comfortable OEM seat? It is always as if the seat is an afterthought.

 

[BigDan]

Often its just a case of getting used to the standard seat, its a different approach on the GS as opposed to other types of bike seats. Yes its harder but it tends to be better for big 500+ mile days overall.

 

[stanley]

As above; it's a bike, not a bloody armchair!
Focus on the road, the scenery, the destination...... It's only your arse!

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[Sleepy]

Airhawk for me...

 

[Bendy toy]

Got to agree, and this goes for all manufacturers who seem happy to spend squillions on electronics, engines, gearboxes, suspension but have still not managed to improve basic saddle design for over 40-50 years. If the likes of Corbin and Sargeant can make a comfortable seat why the hell can't BMW and the rest take a leaf out of their book and produce a comfortable OEM seat? It is always as if the seat is an afterthought.

BMW could make a mint by offering fancy seat options. The car makers do it all the time.

As above; it's a bike, not a bloody armchair!
Focus on the road, the scenery, the destination...... It's only your arse!

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Except when your arse is killing you don't give a feck about the scenery you just want to arrive. Sort of defeats the point of going by bike.

 

[bod]

I loved both my Hexheads and had no issues with either!

But my 2 big gripes were the seat and the top box not taking a lid - Both these issues have been addressed with the Toilet 1200.

 

[B4ndit]

I loved both my Hexheads and had no issues with either!

top box not taking a lid

Mine has no problem with my adventure type helmet.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Maybe a bit of "numb-bum" after several hours, but I just ride through it.

That's what I do... I once rode for over 5 hours non stop, well a quick dab at traffic lights I think twice.

The only change I made was high at the front and low at the back

 

[Bendy toy]

It's funny how folks will put up with the most horribly uncomfortable seat on a bike. Yet would complain bitterly if their car was 1/2 as bad.

 

[Beemerman59]

It's funny how folks will put up with the most horribly uncomfortable seat on a bike. Yet would complain bitterly if their car was 1/2 as bad.

It's hardly comparing like for like though is it. A car seat doesn't have the same restrictions as a bike seat and can be adjusted to suit most people. Even then though we still find some car seats more comfortable than others don't we?

For me, the standard GSA seat is fine for 80 miles then I get numb after that. It's because it's too soft - you need a harder seat. The same is true with cycle seats, the gel ones are fine and comfy up to 40 miles but longer than that a harder seat is preferable. That's my experience anyway and there will be plenty on here with a different view. And that's why BMW can't make a seat to suit all types.

 

[Bendy toy]

It might not be like for like, but the GSA bike seat is so humungously uncomfortable they must have needed a degree in anatomy to get it so wrong.

With the resources of any half decent bike manufacturer the seats should be better designed. Simply slapping some foam and venial to a seat pan isn't up to much

 

[Beemerman59]

It might not be like for like, but the GSA bike seat is so humungously uncomfortable they must have needed a degree in anatomy to get it so wrong.

With the resources of any half decent bike manufacturer the seats should be better designed. Simply slapping some foam and venial to a seat pan isn't up to much

I understand your point but I see this as just one of those things you can't get right for everybody and it is the same on all bikes regardless of manufacturer. There is a counter argument in that the vast majority of owners on here are not complaining - it's only a few that are. Yes, I didn't get on with the GSA seat myself and have had a Sargent and now Kahedo alternative. I've also got an aftermarket screen - the stock GSA screen works fine for most but not for me. I don't see that as a design fault - just an additional extra I need to do in my case to make it more comfortable for me. I'm 6'3" - I can't expect a manufacturer to design the stock screen to suit me can I?

 

[stanley]

Just done a third 8 hour+ day on the bike in a row...... Arse is fine!
Just an aching throttle arm

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[Bendy toy]

I think some of us are too gentle on the bike makers. I don't mean refusing a new bike because the engine paint shades vary slightly but I do think they get away with a lot of poor design "because that's how it's done". Screens and seats seem to be the biggest areas for that.

The GSA seat is far too narrow and hard. Its ok for standing on the pegs moto cross style but how many target market owners do that for more than a minute or two?

The GS seat was too soft and a lump at the back dug into my coccyx. After 2 hours in the saddle I could feel that lump for the rest of the day.

The GSA screen caused me to get headaches from day one. It's not especially noisy but buffeting was terrible sort of fixed with a Touratech spoiler. At 5ft 8ins tall, I'm the "standard" motor industry median human proportions. The screen and seats should be all but perfect for my size body.

I went for a Kahedo seat because the Sargent didn't suit me. The Givi Airflow screen is as good as anyone can expect short of a barn door. Cost-wise its cheaper than a replacement GSA screen. So again it's not about the money.

The Yamaha Diversion 900 a budget bike contemporary with the 1150 had a far more comfortable seat yet it cost 50% of the BMW price. Nothing is perfect so I did try a used Corbin but found it too hard and the edges dug into my legs. The Yamaha screen was absolute c**p. Noisy and high frequency turbulent though it did keep rain off my visor. I never did manage to get that screen issue sorted.

My point is that manufacturers should be able to do a whole lot better. Its not about massive technical investment just some usability testing within the humungous test miles they do for every new bike.

 

[stanley]

Hmm,
I think some people maybe aren't cut out for big trips on bikes.
Also, some seem to forget that the GS (more so the GSA) is built with off-road potential. Ever ridden a KTM? Their seats are much firmer; you don't want a squishy seat when you are moving around on the bike.
Maybe some folks would be better off on an RT: a bit lower, bigger screen, nice soft pegs, and a slightly softer seat. Not knocking the RT whatsoever; I've worn out two of them
Mind you, they made my arse ache much worse than the GS....

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