So what would £2791 buy you...

[Paul S]

JB - you are clearly trying to find reasons not to upgrade to a modern GS

Stick with you old 1150's

Panniers - will be free by Christmas
Topbox, with pillion back rest - plenty of alternatives
Luggage Inner bags - again why buy the BMW versions!
Crashbars - do you need them!
Spotlights - be different be a GS rider without them!
BMW Nav1V - complete waste of money.

 

[elvisncheese]

Electronic adjustable suspension? with 3 settings on the rear shock you could only be wrong 66% of the time. Total adjustability means you will probably be wrong 90% of the time.

Excellent.

 

[Davey B]

When these items became available for GSs in the past, they were equally sill prices. £325 for system cases in May 2001 won't be far off £600 now. How much was the first "BMW" sat nav ?
Go on, Jonny, buy one, you know you want to. If it saves some cash bungee those old shit panniers to a new LC

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

If you can afford new WMB prices buy one.

If you can't buy any number of good, cheaper, bikes.

Simple.

Andres

 

[Mav]

Very true

I remember when a new pair of black 1100/1150 GS system panniers was about £300, how come the new Varios have jumped to £600 ??

System panniers are from about 15 years ago... and Vario panniers have a lot more going on than System panniers.

So, 300 to 600, in 15 years, plus the extra capability seems pretty reasonable to me.

 

[Nutty]

JB, are you trying to talk yourself out of it before you go for your test ride at the end of the month?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

JB - you are clearly trying to find reasons not to upgrade to a modern GS

Stick with you old 1150's

Panniers - will be free by Christmas
Topbox, with pillion back rest - plenty of alternatives
Luggage Inner bags - again why buy the BMW versions!
Crashbars - do you need them!
Spotlights - be different be a GS rider without them!
BMW Nav1V - complete waste of money.

All true Paul, I just found the prices that BMW are charging for normal stuff astronomical, maybe they've let TT do their marketing and pricing

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

JB, are you trying to talk yourself out of it before you go for your test ride at the end of the month?

No, but nearly £3k extra for normal stuff is a bit rich and yes I know there are cheaper alternatives - but if you have the SatNav prep it's only worth it if you use the Nav4 @ £500-£600

If I bought a new LC, I'd just get the basic bike with grips, bungee some camo bags on it, stick a map and compass on the tank.....................oh and probable disable the ABS too, for good measure (I'm sure Steptoe will find a way to do it)

Don't want all this new electrickery

 

[tw99]

I was in a Ducati dealer this morning, their Panigales were listed at just over 20 grand. I'm sure most people would be as fast on a 1500 quid Fireblade.

New shiny stuff more expensive than old used stuff shocker !

 

[alp]

System panniers are from about 15 years ago... and Vario panniers have a lot more going on than System panniers.

So, 300 to 600, in 15 years, plus the extra capability seems pretty reasonable to me.

I agree 100%.
I'm new to BMW details so asked Ocean what Vario means for the panniers, Richard demonstrated how they can be kept in their narrowest width until you need the extra volume. The design of the mechanism made it easy to convert their size in seconds. Compared to competitors' panniers at not too different prices and which only come in size 'obese', BMW's panniers are good at the price. You get what you pay for. If anyone wants to throw some scruffy bags on their bike, that's also ok.

As a side comment, I'm amazed at the number of 'Luddites' posting on this forum. I didn't expect it. BMW and all other manufacturers must compete for sales and buyers of new bikes in the premium price sector expect them to utilise the latest advances in technology or they will buy elsewhere. Personnally, I want the latest ABS, traction control, semi-active suspension, miles to empty display, advanced lighting etc etc etc. If you don't, then keep your old bike and happy riding.

 

[original_concept]

As a side comment, I'm amazed at the number of 'Luddites' posting on this forum. I didn't expect it. BMW and all other manufacturers must compete for sales and buyers of new bikes in the premium price sector expect them to utilise the latest advances in technology or they will buy elsewhere. Personnally, I want the latest ABS, traction control, semi-active suspension, miles to empty display, advanced lighting etc etc etc. If you don't, then keep your old bike and happy riding.

Aye, thankfully BMW don't listen to 'em.

My GS is my primary transport (no car) and been a fan of ABS (bar the F800ST's ABS) since the late 90s.

So far, all the 'new-flanged' three/four acronym items have worked well and have proved IME worth it.

As my mileages mean PCP is out of the question, so I've got a lot of lottery tickets to go before I can buy one.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I'm new to BMW

I'm amazed at the number of 'Luddites' posting on this forum.

I didn't expect it.

Personnally, I want the latest ABS, traction control, semi-active suspension, miles to empty display, advanced lighting etc etc etc.

You'll learn

Everybody wanted the latest Servo ABS in 2003................until they'd ridden a bike with it

You're the ideal new customer for BMW marketing - they will welcome you with open arms

When you've been around a while, the shine may well wear off

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I was in a Ducati dealer this morning, their Panigales were listed at just over 20 grand. I'm sure most people would be as fast on a 1500 quid Fireblade.

New shiny stuff more expensive than old used stuff shocker !

I agree 100%.
I'm new to BMW details so asked Ocean what Vario means for the panniers, Richard demonstrated how they can be kept in their narrowest width until you need the extra volume. The design of the mechanism made it easy to convert their size in seconds. Compared to competitors' panniers at not too different prices and which only come in size 'obese', BMW's panniers are good at the price. You get what you pay for. If anyone wants to throw some scruffy bags on their bike, that's also ok.

As a side comment, I'm amazed at the number of 'Luddites' posting on this forum. I didn't expect it. BMW and all other manufacturers must compete for sales and buyers of new bikes in the premium price sector expect them to utilise the latest advances in technology or they will buy elsewhere. Personnally, I want the latest ABS, traction control, semi-active suspension, miles to empty display, advanced lighting etc etc etc. If you don't, then keep your old bike and happy riding.

In two nut shells

Andres

 

[Engineer]

I agree 100%.
I'm new to BMW details so asked Ocean what Vario means for the panniers, Richard demonstrated how they can be kept in their narrowest width until you need the extra volume. The design of the mechanism made it easy to convert their size in seconds. Compared to competitors' panniers at not too different prices and which only come in size 'obese', BMW's panniers are good at the price. You get what you pay for. If anyone wants to throw some scruffy bags on their bike, that's also ok.

As a side comment, I'm amazed at the number of 'Luddites' posting on this forum. I didn't expect it. BMW and all other manufacturers must compete for sales and buyers of new bikes in the premium price sector expect them to utilise the latest advances in technology or they will buy elsewhere. Personnally, I want the latest ABS, traction control, semi-active suspension, miles to empty display, advanced lighting etc etc etc. If you don't, then keep your old bike and happy riding.

New technology is fine and I think that it is great that it exists BUT make it optional as far as possible on new motorcycles. Motorcycles are not cars, they are more than just transport, they are meant to fun and slightly 'left-field', that is part of the attraction of riding them.

Somehow we seem to be forgetting the fun element and are rapidly progressing down the same 'elf and safety' route that has become the modern obsession - if we continue down this route the logical conclusion is that all the skill and much of the fun will be evolved out of motorcycling and it will eventually become pointless.

 

[jjshed]

The price is what it is, it's called, pricing a premium product to the demand and making a profit, just like Apple do. If you think it's too expensive, buy something else, if everyone does that, then the price will drop.

I would like a 2013 Porsche cayman, the price is quite frankly ridiculous when you start adding all the extras, but it's the best sports car you can buy IMHO, so if you really want one, that's what you have to pay for the best.

As they say "the best things in life, don't come free" or something like that.

The BM panniers and top box are the best OEM, the satnav and handle bar controller are the best, if you buy the bike with the LED headlight, you don't need the spot lights.

Fact is, you don't have to have any of it, my first touring experience was in 1985, on a GPZ 600, a map in a clear bag taped to the fuel tank and an Oxford tote bag and throw over panniers, did 11 European countries in 9 days, that was the best holiday I've ever had, but I know how I'd rather do it now.

 

[JayC]

Fact is, you don't have to have any of it, my first touring experience was in 1985, on a GPZ 600, a map in a clear bag taped to the fuel tank and an Oxford tote bag and throw over panniers, did 11 European countries in 9 days, that was the best holiday I've ever had, but I know how I'd rather do it now.

Spot on JJ.

Each time I go into CWs I am horrified at the prices of gear in there and never buy anything aimed at the BMW owner.

My panniers are tough camera type cases adapted to fit the bike and total less than £100.00
The pannier frames were bought 'used/as new' and modified to take the cases.
An adaptor plated made for the back case.
No spot lamps. Our Christmas tree stays in the loft and only comes out once a year.
A £60 jacket works , I don't want to look like you, him and them.
My gloves are a fraction of the cost of BM gloves and yet they do the same thing?
I made the mistake of buying a BMW tank bag year before last. It did nothing that my old Oxford wouldn't do, except fit to the bike and condensate, as the Oxford is a magnetic bag , but cost twice the price.

I called in to the dealership initially to get something I wanted, a bike , not a load of gear to tell people what bike I bought. If I'm on the bike you can see what it is.
Of course, I realise that if I'm not on the bike then I run the risk of being looked down upon by Charlie-ettes if they see me in 'no brand follower' attire.
If I want a jacket with BMW on it then I'll buy one, but certainly not for identification purposes to others, or at 'new' prices.

I guess I must be a complete twat because I have saved a fortune and a half in my natural selection process to not look like someone I'm not and at the same time manage to carry everything I need when touring.

 

[jjshed]

Spot on JJ.

Each time I go into CWs I am horrified at the prices of gear in there and never buy anything aimed at the BMW owner.

My panniers are tough camera type cases adapted to fit the bike and total less than £100.00
The pannier frames were bought 'used/as new' and modified to take the cases.
An adaptor plated made for the back case.
No spot lamps. Our Christmas tree stays in the loft and only comes out once a year.
A £60 jacket works , I don't want to look like you, him and them.
My gloves are a fraction of the cost of BM gloves and yet they do the same thing?
I made the mistake of buying a BMW tank bag year before last. It did nothing that my old Oxford wouldn't do, except fit to the bike and condensate, as the Oxford is a magnetic bag , but cost twice the price.

I called in to the dealership initially to get something I wanted, a bike , not a load of gear to tell people what bike I bought. If I'm on the bike you can see what it is.
Of course, I realise that if I'm not on the bike then I run the risk of being looked down upon by Charlie-ettes if they see me in 'no brand follower' attire.
If I want a jacket with BMW on it then I'll buy one, but certainly not for identification purposes to others, or at 'new' prices.

I guess I must be a complete twat because I have saved a fortune and a half in my natural selection process to not look like someone I'm not and at the same time manage to carry everything I need when touring.

I fear you have misunderstood me, by missing out from my post, "but I know how I'd rather do it now." I'm a techno fan and Although I'm reluctant to pay the premium for something, if it's a great product and does what I want and need it to, in style and ease of use, then I'd rather use modern tech and enjoy progress (granted some modern tech isn't progress) to enhance my use of the bike. ESA is a perfect example of what tech can do, at the press of a button, comfort on our crap roads, sport handling on your favourite road and a setting for 2 up with the kitchen sink.

BMW have brought some great innovations to the biking world, helmet comms, vario panniers, gps controller, ESA, etc, etc. Who else sells a helmet with built in comms, Schuberth............. And I think they actually make BMW's helmets.

Tech is great, but it's not compulsory, yer pays yer money and makes yer choice.

 

[chad]

£2791 would go a long way to getting me back on an 1150 GSA dont spend it lend it to me

 

[hodgkins]

garmin

You've missed the point, Chris

All I did was list some fairly standard items and was staggered at the cost

Panniers/Topbox/Liners/Crashbars/Driving Lights and SatNav are to many riders - a basic touring requirement and for that privilege BMW want £2791

We all know you can get cheaper elsewhere or secondhand - but at present if you want this stuff next week, then there is only BMW to buy them from and their prices are eyewatering to say the least

If you have SatNav prep, then the wheel will only work with the Nav4 product, I was told today as the software is linked, so any ordinary Garmin product won't work it

I only compared the £2791 would be half the value of my bike, irrespective of what it was fitted with or for £2791 you could pick up a decent 11GS

BMW accessory prices are now staggering

I have heard that garmin will be sending out new software to bmw so the zumo 660 will work ok with the new lc. That could be more dosh then.

 

[WindyChuffer]

I cant say I have ever had the need for remote control of my zumo 660.

I don't understand why anyone would need expensive pannier liners. Just use placcy bags. Works for me.