"the essence" of gs

[monkeyman]

it has been bugging me for a while and i just can't keep quiet any longer. the beak is the essence of the gs? what is that all about? i just can't see it. great big redundant thing flapping about in front. am i missing the point? what is the point?

 

[richie]

I remember Gecko saying this once. I took mine off once, and it went straight back on again as it was not nice without it.

However I have seen one parked up with a kit to cover the missing whole and thought it was quite nice. The guy had also bought a special lower mudgaurd.

Still for me the beak is staying...

 

[DrAlf]

I’m with you on this one Monkeyman. It seems kind of ironic that a bike that was designed entirely from a form follows function perspective should sport such an unnecessary great big lump of plastic. I’ve heard it claimed that the beak helps to channel air flow to the oilcooler, whilst this is probably true to a degree, it certainly isn’t necessary as no other BMW R bike seems to need this air channeling.

I believe that Fallert do a beak replacement kit that tidies up the front end once the beak as been removed but then you also need to do something about the lower mudguard too. African Queens also do a beak removal kit that looks like this:

 

[Shorty Mac]

After seeing that picture its put me wifey off having a nose job

Now about ur boobs luv ..........................................

 

[Scootfast]

Oh look... it's a KTM with a boxer engine!
Orange = KTM

Suzuki invented the beak on Dr Big (I think) but GS has now claimed the beak as it's visual "usp" (unique selling point) and in marketing terms it's a very valuable asset. It's distinctive and very recogniseable and says a thousand words about round the world motorcycling adventure (even if you only commute thru London on it). It's invaluable branding.
Beak = GS

Take it off and the GS looks pretty much the same as other boxer BM's and all other big pseudo off-roaders... (to the layman)

Long live the beak!

 

[LOLGEOFF]

Yuk!!!

Looks like Beaker off the Muppet Show!!!

African Queens also do a beak removal kit that looks like this:

 

[monkeyman]

i am glad i am not alone, with at least dr alf and gecko to back me up. the africa queen kit isn't the best looking it must be said.
still, getting rid of the beak must be a good thing.
branding is important, especially as most bikes, cars, etc are taking on each other's characteristics and styling.
but for a bike that is supposed to be unfussy german engineering for people who like to travel the world with a minimum of fuss and pared-down kit, why do they add a bit of wobbly plastic that is completely unnecessary?
unless, it has extra uses that i am missing. like a shovel, saucepan, weather vane or boomerang-style hunting weapon.
a nice plastic pillow for desert naps?
i say, kill the beak, or get rid of the front mudguard.
unless you are the kind of bloke who likes his women to wear stockings over their tights, wellies as well as high heels and an ascot hat on top of a helmet.

 

[richie]

Gecko was saying that the beak was part of the bike... Not that the bike did not need it.

I was just remembering that he was the first one I read who said the beak is the "Essence" of the bike. Having removed mine once I would agree with him. But I quite like the Humphry Bogart model posted "African queen"

It reminds me of the first XVR hondas in the eighties. In france they had kits that made them look fantastic. I would not mind getting hold of a minter. I have a photo if anybodies interested and it was a shaft drive...

 

[Rabbitson]

I like the styling of the beak, but that one in the picture looks cool too.

Where does that leave me?

 

[DrAlf]

It reminds me of the first XVR hondas in the eighties

You sure you don't mean the XLV750? Let's be having a look at it then.

 

[richie]

You're right I'm wrong, still a great looking bike in Avingnon 1987.

 

[BawdyMonk]

My Mrs HATES the beak!

As do several other people I know

...But there's NO chance I'll take it off, whether it's form or function, (and I'm not sure either way) I think it's part of the GS aura, I like it, so it stays










Ever since she said she liked the look of the CL I've doubted the Mrs tastes anyway... Bloody Hell, she married me!

 

[Steptoe]

take the beak off and it looks like its got a hair lip ---

no offence to anyone --

 

[Den]

The beak is there to rest you picnic, cup of tea, fish supper, pint of beer, ash tray on when at rest.
The built in heater ( oil cooler ) keeps food/drink hot while one chats to fellow riders about your hairy biking exploits on the way to where you are.

It is also useful for scooping deer and similar animals out of your way when encountering them at speed ( lesson for pragmatix ) depositing them harmlessly at the side of the highway.

When wheelying it is designed to be a height guide to prevent toppling. When the end of the beak is level with The Plough ( this can only be done on a clear night) you dare not go any higher. The adventure extention piece allows for a different angle due to longer suspension.

So you see........... it is essential to have a beak. Woe betide anyone foolish enough to remove such a useful item.

 

[AndyT]

Re: Yuk!!!

Looks like Beaker off the Muppet Show!!!

It does as well

Thats should explain why they put the beak on the bike in the first place.

Have Fun

AndyT