That's done it!

[Thw Hobbt]

As per my previous thread, I went to Balderstones to test a very well optioned 09. Test went well except I was still pretty nervous of the height, I just wonder what it would be like fully loaded in the rain with a bad camber!!

So after some discussions I somehow finished up ordering a new lowered Slate Grey with most of the bits...

Now being a BMW virgin I really could do with some advise, about pretty much everything as reading this board makes everything sound pretty odd.

Checking oil
What fogs t get (BMW ones were a bit salty)
Do I need an oil cooler guard
what bits need the most protection
And loads of things I haven't thought of.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

Barry

 

[NAB]

Wait for it.

 

[Beemerman59]

In my case, the bests bits I have added are:

50 watt HID to dipped beam
Mudsling
20mm bar risers
Front fender extender and crudcatcher
Accelerator module
Remus headers
Sargent seats

These have been the most practical additions on my '08 GSA for me.

 

[Twotter]

If you could look at a long line of GSs you'd find every one was different.

Best thing to do is get your new bike (congratulations by the way), ride it for a bit, then see if there is anything you want to improve.

Enjoy

 

[Sprocket]

I added a fender extender, carbon hugger, cam cover protectors and Akra end can to my 2008 GS. Now have a fully loaded 2010 GSA and not felt the need to add anything.

 

[CrashOverride]

Hello and welcome to the board congratulations on your new steed.
There are literally hundreds of things you can bolt on but very few if any that you actually need, the chap who suggests riding it for a while and then seeing what you feel needs improving is offering pretty sage advice. It's all too easy to get caught up in farkling (modifying) your new toy and bolting on a load of tatt that just makes you poorer and the bike heavier.

That said there are a few modifications worth doing....

Mudsling http://www.nippynormans.com/products/mudsling-and-x-heads-exclusive

HID in the dipped beam http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158026

or http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251080

I'm sure there are plenty of other ideas, i've fitted wilbers suspension (the std shock was awful 2 up, all saggy and horrible) a zumo 660 satnav, Sergeant seat, Akropovich can and remus headers, sidestand enlarger the list goes on

Dont be fooled by a lot of the touratech aluminium guards, most of them offer little protection but plenty of cost.

Add plenty of petrol and plenty of free time and get out there and ride it.

Oh and you might need some of this http://www.boots.com/en/Voltarol-Pain-eze-Emulgel-Cream-50g_865679/?CAWELAID=334511742&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-Google%20Base-_---_-Voltarol%20PainezeEmulgel%20Cream%2050g
You'll end up with awful cramps in your cheeks from all the smiling

All the best james

 

[snerkler]

I've not read your other thread but I'm assuming you've bought a GS, not a GSA?
Must have things are:-
Front mudguard extender
Screen spoiler if you're 6 foot or over
Mudsling

Nice things to have:-
Comfier seat (I find the GSA seat much better)
Quick action throttle adapter from Boxer-design


Don't spend too much though as you'll probably want a GSA soon

 

[Pip_UK]

I just wonder what it would be like fully loaded in the rain with a bad camber!!

Hi Barry, GS is the sweetest-mannered bike I've ever ridden. Loading up with luggage and pillion doesn't spoil it at all. A couple of times on tour I've been caught in memorably foul storms and the GS has been very steady and reassuring, and there's no bike I'd rather have been riding.

 

[snerkler]

Hi Barry, GS is the sweetest-mannered bike I've ever ridden. Loading up with luggage and pillion doesn't spoil it at all. A couple of times on tour I've been caught in memorably foul storms and the GS has been very steady and reassuring, and there's no bike I'd rather have been riding.

Whilst this is true due to the GS/GSA being a superbly balanced bike, as with ever bike you will notice the extra weight lifting it up off it's sidestand, and also under braking. But if you've ridden 2-up before, and/or with luggage then you'll be used to this. If you have the ESA you don't even need to faff with the pre-load, it's all done with the press of a button

 

[Thw Hobbt]

Thanks for all of the help guys.
Any good tips ? Like with my Bonnie, its best to change up by using just around 1/4 inch of clutch.

All experience gratefully received.
Barry

 

[snerkler]

Thanks for all of the help guys.
Any good tips ? Like with my Bonnie, its best to change up by using just around 1/4 inch of clutch.

All experience gratefully received.
Barry

Don't slip the clutch too much, it's a dry single plate clutch.
Be careful if riding spiritedly, don't let the clutch out too quickly when downshifting as the rear easily locks up due to the torque, especially 3rd to 2nd.
Don't be afraid, they look big and heavy, but when you're riding them they feel light and agile. Plus they're not very powerful relatively.
If you've not had BM's before try to get used to the indicators as quickly as possible.
Be prepared to be out for longer as you'll not want to stop riding

And enjoy

 

[Thw Hobbt]

Don't slip the clutch too much, it's a dry single plate clutch.
Be careful if riding spiritedly, don't let the clutch out too quickly as the rear easily locks up due to the torque, especially 3rd to 2nd.
Don't be afraid, they look big and heavy, but when you're riding them they feel light and agile. Plus they're not very powerful relatively.
If you've not had BM's before try to get used to the indicators as quickly as possible.

And enjoy

No, never had a BMW before. Quite surprised I have one now actually

 

[Malcvtr]

Mate, just ride it. Don't worry about all the bling bollocks and aftermarket shite you can add to it. Just ride it. And then, if you feel like you want something more, add it because you want it, not 'cos someone else says it's good.

Enjoy

 

[JJ's GS]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is engine bars.
Mine came with them when I bought it, which is just as well really as it came off the sidestand on my drive within a couple of weeks of owning it.

So I recommend engine bars
I've also fitted front fender extender and Mudsling.

Enjoy yourself and post a pic of it when you can.

All the best

JJ

 

[Malcvtr]

That is a good point. Dropped mine at about 2 mph in a car park in France. Thank God for the SW Motech bars

 

[Thw Hobbt]

Good point
I have ordered the ally head covers, a crud catcher and a fender extender. Do you still need Bars as well?
Thanks
Barry

 

[snerkler]

Good point
I have ordered the ally head covers, a crud catcher and a fender extender. Do you still need Bars as well?
Thanks
Barry

Never had them on my GS, but was fortunate enough nover to drop it. I guess if you don't have them and drop it you'd wish you'd put them on