what to do?

Dusty

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Well I find myself in a difficult position.

I have spent the last 12, days on tour around NI and part of the atlantic way in the ROI achieving about 2450 odd miles, doorstep to step.

having completed the journey on my trusty steed I feel like changing to something lighter specifically a tenere 660z.

why change?

Bike is a heavy sod and im constantly worried about it falling over when packed. I travel with calah salehs panniers a pelecase top box and a dry bag. I had an extra load with panniers probably about 40kg in total. The rear shock (with new hyperpro spring) leaked all week sometimes dripping away other times no leaks. I turned the softness down which sloweď it down.

its going to need a rear shock service , new rear disc , new front discs...

why I cant seem to let it go...

it was awesome.... I had an absolute ball on it everyday was great, comfy and the bike did evrything the s10 did.

what worries me is that its a 99 gs...how much more do I need to spend to bring it up to spec..

suspension springs new... fuel pump new and internal hoses
final drive and pivot bearings all new
Its adventure farkled

a few cosmetic issues....

I just dont wanna get rid of it for some reason...

I have 2k to put towards a newer bike... I have a MG v7 to run about on

do I invest in the bike

or make the move now....

I think I know your thoughts in advance, but would be interested to know if anyone else had the same itch?

Dusty
 
Well the first problem is an easy one. Chuck it on its side and practice picking it up. It's really easy when you have the technique, and if wee girls like Ela (Pumpy on here) can do it then I'm sure you can too.

I had a similar situation having spent two weeks riding around Spain in the pi55ing rain on the plain, got home and swapped the GS1100 that was perfectly set up for me for an ST1100. While I did love the Honda it just wasn't the same. A big mistake on my part.

Anyhow, we can't make your mind up for you, only you can do that.
 
You'll know you whether you made the wrong decision soon after you watch the new owner take it away.

Crack on and see how ya feel.

The grass is always greener on the other side, and sometimes it is, but other times it takes of cat wee!
 
Take some weight out of the GS

Firstly, quit the ally panniers and frames - they add weight high up and lose the roll bag too

Get some BMW system plastic panniers - much lighter

Quit the camping, the stuff weighs a ton

Use cheaper hostels, meet new people or cheap B&B's

There you go
 
Take some weight out of the GS

Firstly, quit the ally panniers and frames - they add weight high up and lose the roll bag too

Get some BMW system plastic panniers - much lighter

Quit the camping, the stuff weighs a ton

Use cheaper hostels, meet new people or cheap B&B's

There you go

In other words change your life ? :D
 
I'll answer your question ..... Why is this posted in the technical section ?
 
Don't drink chap ... to many keyboard warriors with feck all else to do but come up with smart arse comments...but happy to listen to any technical comments you might have in regards to suspension upgrades, set up tips you might have from your vast experience....as per the original post.. or should that be in the technical section....now that would be most welcomed...
 
Got the same problem 16yrs Ive had the 1150gs, trying an xr and 1200gs on Friday. But will never be able to get rid of the gs.
 
Got the same problem 16yrs Ive had the 1150gs, trying an xr and 1200gs on Friday. But will never be able to get rid of the gs.

XR...get the XR!!

Your balls will grow!

The WC seems to have the opposite effect :D
 
Agreed JB - Verns boxes weighed less than my BMW panniers. Trouble was they were the size of two phone boxes and the temptation to fill them with useless stuff was irresistible. I don't camp now so that saves a load of weight.
 
Dusty, if you wanted to move on an abandon the GS you wouldn't be asking the question, you would know and go.
I couldn't get to grips with the side stand on my 80GS, it was too high for my inside leg, when the oil pressure switch leaked oil over my boot, then it had to go. I had fallen out of love with it.
With the 1150GS, I lowered the suspension to suit my inside leg, added a Corbin seat for comfort, lardy panniers that would take a full face helmet and it is still a work in progress as regards the screen and buffeting.
I've had to pick it up several times, the first time on a deserted steep narrow road in Donegal in driving rain after being knocked over downhill by a gust of wind when turning. Unloaded what I could, put the side stand down, put my back to it and lifted. No problem.
Adapt the bike to suit your needs, practice getting it upright to overcome your fears and then just ride it where and when.

Sent from my XT1068 using Tapatalk
 
Here's a bit of advice from someone who's fixed lots and lots of these bikes

Keep it!

Get shocks made up for you (Maybe Reduce height a little)

Service every 6000 miles changing both Gearbox and FD oils with good quality GL5 grade

Here's the Pluses for me as a RTW bike ....

You can "fix" nearly everything on them at the side of the road !

No fancy Jigs or requirement for big hydraulic presses No fancy Pullers to do the FD big bearing etc

Plus set up correctly they pull like a train and do reasonably good MPG
 
Here's a bit of advice from someone who's fixed lots and lots of these bikes

Keep it!

Get shocks made up for you (Maybe Reduce height a little)

Service every 6000 miles changing both Gearbox and FD oils with good quality GL5 grade

Here's the Pluses for me as a RTW bike ....

You can "fix" nearly everything on them at the side of the road !

No fancy Jigs or requirement for big hydraulic presses No fancy Pullers to do the FD big bearing etc

Plus set up correctly they pull like a train and do reasonably good MPG

Great advice, the 1100/1150's have no equal and they simply are fantastic
 


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