seroius modifications - am I mad to attempt?

[mac964]

I am seriously thinking of buying a GS as it pretty much offers everything I want in a bike but to make it work for me I need to do some serious mods

Background:
The bugger is that I have an artificial left leg and limited use of my right arm that require all hand controls to be on the left bar, as well as a Klictronic gear shifter

The modifications don't phase me - I currently have an old guzzi and honda - as with most things these days if you want it - it can happen.

My problem is this - As I can't ride a bike without the above modifications its very hard to get an opinion as I can't try before buying
- so what are GS's like to ride : I obviously try and avoid bikes that are a handful,
Even stranger - have never ridden an Enduro style bike - for the reasons above- any real difference between a GS and a straight street bike?

Sorry if these are some fairly vague questions - but when you about to drop a serious amount of dosh on a bike you have never ridden - you need feedback from those in the know!!


Thanks in advance


Mac

 

[iletts]

Mac,

I'm fairly new to the game, but I read as many road tests as poss. The main thread, which I agree with, is that you may not like at first, its an aquired taste - a bit like drinking beer. There are the quirky things like switchgear, clunky gears, shaft drive noise etc.
BUT, get past those and the bike is awesome!! Although it is enduro style, and will waft you along in comfort on all sorts of road surfaces, you can also hustle it round bends big style. I've got Tourances, (popular choice), and they're a good all rounder.
One small point, my inside leg is 29", and I'm on tiptoe at rest, so you may have to think about lower seat/repositionong rear shock if you need to get your left leg down - there is info about these on the site I think.
Have you asked your local friendly dealer for a pillion test drive? I'm sure they would oblige.

Ian

 

[richie]

Great bike easy to live with...
But considering your post you should think about

1 Slow manouvering (quite easy but a tall bike)
2 Putting the damn thing on the centre stand

Apart from that no problem. The gear shift needs a good kick as well so maybe you need to think about that too when getting the system sorted, please send us some photos when you have done the deed.

Good luck and a pre-welcome amongst the fold...

 

[roadrider]

I am seriously thinking of buying a GS as it pretty much offers everything I want in a bike but to make it work for me I need to do some serious mods.Mac

Mac, You didn't mention if putting a bike on it's main stand would be an issue for you, although the GS is very well balanced, it does require a knack to get it on, once you've mastered that it goes on and off very easily. Also if you use the side stand, it leans over quite a bit more than most bikes, and it's heavy to bring it upright. especially in the roadside camber. I'm used to big heavy bikes so it's not a problem for me, and I find the GS very light to handle, but others will tell you different, perhaps because they are used to lighter bikes.
They are also a bit vibey, but if you've ridden Guzzies you'll know all about that. How tall are you?? as they are on the leggy side.
But they are addictive, I honestlly don't know why. But they are so much fun to ride.
John

 

[reyno]

Hi Mac
You will definately enjoy it, good on you for sticking on solo's.
I'm sure you will get plenty of support/advice from the club.

Cheers Brian.

 

[Deadskin]

Hi Mac
If you can overcome the height + weight of the GS
the next problem would be wiping the grin off your face

All the best
Gates

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Mac,

If you already know about Kliktronic and the like I'm assuming that you have already explored the NABD website. There is an ex policeman on there with an artificial left leg who has converted a R1150RT - so it isn't without precedent to convert a BMW. If you haven't explored the NABD option, maybe you could check to see if anyone has already converted a R1150GS and get opinions.

www.nabd.org.uk - great organisation, we should all support them.

Just a thought....

Mike

 

[(RIP) Yosi]

Mac:
I'm in Hammersmith so if you want to try mine (1100GS) for size, feel free...

Yosi

 

[MiGSel]

Hi Mac,

A different note about the centre / side stand: there is no real necessity about using the centre stand. I'm 5'9" and I have a GS Adventure. I'm not exactly built like Schwarzenegger, so I don't use the centre stand much, unless for working on the bike. Some say the bike will burn a bit more oil if you park it on the side stand, but I don't see that as a big problem.

On the side stand, the GS does lean over a bit more than you might want, but that is easy to solve. I have put a patch of rubber and an aluminium plate under the side stand. So now it doesn't lean over that much and it has a larger "footprint" which is useful on soft ground.

About the other more serious mods I can't help you.

What I can tell you is that the GS is a great bike, certainly not easy to beat by a "normal" road bike. I have had a K75 - K1 - K1200RS before the GS and I'm having much more fun now!

Good luck with your search!

Michel

 

[Fanum]

Mac....If Yosi's location in Hammersmith is no good, I'm in Dartford and have an ADV version, and there are guys all round London who I'm sure would be quite happy to meet up with you.

Also if you use the side stand, it leans over quite a bit more than most bikes, and it's heavy to bring it upright. especially in the roadside camber

Bloody hell you're not wrong there Roadrider.....I'm 6 foot 4 and about 19 stone but twice now I've had to get someone to push my shoulder to get me upright from a camber when I've had full tank of fuel......TBH though that was in the first two weeks of having the bike and it's since become second nature to study the 'landing spot' when I'm approaching where i want to park.

I should imagine a GS would lend itself well to mods like this....everything is fairly well built and chunky......Go for it Mac and hope to see you at some of the meets soon!!!

 

[mac964]

Guys,

Many thanks for the prompt responses and advice. Good practical info - just what I was looking for.

Centre Stand : Can be tricky - but not impossible. Have to say its one of the reasons for looking at shaft drive (like my Guzzi ) as you don't have issues like needing to oil chains every two minutes.

Side stand - will look at this. Sounds like I may need to amend - its not too hard to put an alternate stand on - could even change the side the stand is on ( although that would piss people off in the bike parking bay at work!!)


Thanks for the offer of test rides - may well take you up on this. Unfortunately I away on business for a week so need to put on hold. Had a good poke around one down at Bracken a couple of weeks ago which only served to increase my lust.!!

 

[pinkolive]

Mac
have you had a look at the 1150 R.
just as nuts as the GS but easier to handle.

also dont worry about the main stand its no different to any other.
richard