Should I?

[northcave]

Ok so i had a couple of trials bikes when i was a kid. Since then i haven't really ridden a bike but did my CBT the other day which was a doddle and due to sort out my full license shortly.

I wanted to get a bike to do some touring on but which would allow me to go off road also and seek out more remote spots.

So i came across the GS. Can someone tell me in their honest opinion if this is my best option or what alternatives there are. If it is the best option please elabroate why you think so?

If it helps i am only 60kg. Will need it to carry gear for long stints including climbing gear etc. Would quite like to be able to do a 3-4 month trip up to Russia.

Mucho thanks in advance for any advice!!!!

Cheers

Tim

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

Should I ?



No.....

 

[DavidHale]

On the other hand, yes.

The GS is a relatively benign bike, and the 60 kilos isn't as important as you inside leg measurement. Some decent sized panniers will carry all your climbing equipment without any problem - you could even strap the crash pads across the back of the bike although you'd want to tie them down well.

Just ride lots and you'll be fine

 

[Loiq]

www.mondoenduro.com

size isn't everything, less is more...

 

[Doctorbiker]

Try to find one to ride - have to learn to cope with size / weight. My 1150 does both green lanes and motorways with ease. Alternatively - try a 650 or 800.

Sean

 

[Pip_UK]

Hi Northcave - the F650GS single, or Dakar (long travel suspension) version of same might be a good option if you're riding solo. It's very wieldly, mechanically simple, very comfortable, and you can get plenty of ruggedising kit for it. It's quick enough up to 60 mph, and can cruise comfortably at modest motorway speeds. Only problem might be finding one these days.

Outside of the fold, there's the Yamaha XT660 Tenere.

If you're thinking of 2-up touring, then the 1200's extra torque, roominess and telelever suspension make it a top distance bike, in addition to its other fine qualities.

HTH
-Pip

 

[northcave]

Cheers guys. The Dakar is the same ad the 650gs but with extra travel?

The reviews are excellent all round and seems to fit what I'd use it for well. I see they have been making them for a while. Does any year specifically warrant mote attention than others? For example maybe from 2005 they built in abs or some other ground breaking feature?

Cheers

Tim

 

[Pip_UK]

IIRC the F650GS Dakar has long travel suspension, knobbly tyres, a taller screen, a custom blue/white paint job, and no centrestand. I'm pretty sure that ABS was NOT available for the Dakar version, but was for the vanilla 650 single.

There were two model runs of the F650GS single - the Mk I was basically an Aprilia Pegaso (which also had a Rotax engine) with different bodywork, but the Mk II was built by BM around a Rotax engine adapted by BMW. Each mark went through its life without any significant revamps, if memory serves, although a more road-oriented version was offeredn for each Mark (the ST and CS respectively)

I'd completely forgotten (until I checked the UKGSER 650 singles section) that there is also the BMW 650 X-Challenge dirt-oriented single. Just shows what an impression that made. I think it was launched about the time that big GSs really started to hit the big time and stole all the glory.

 

[northcave]

Ok the knobbly tyres are just what came with the bike as new right. I mean if I'm looking to go off road a reasonable amount I could just put tyres to suit on a standard 650gs? I mean it seems the dakars are quite rare and bar the travel and screen then they might as well be a GS... Of which there is a lot more on the Market?

 

[elevensies]

650 is the way to go.

loads of tyres available that will do exactly what you want want.

 

[bisbee]

A BMW R 1200GS is a great bike and is lighter than it's older cousin the 1150 and a lot lighter than the Honda Varadero which is also tall like the KTM 990 plus it is cheaper to service than a Ducati Multi Strada accordinging to my tame Ducati mechanic so it's horses for courses if you do go down the BMW route make sure you have a good warranty so like they say measure twice cut once