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Anyone out there with a BMW R1200GS (or Adventure)?
I’m interested in any opinions of them, on and off road, GS or Adventure, old model or new, what extras you must have, any reviews of the new Adventure yet and how they stack up against the KTM, Triumph, Honda…
TA (even though I can't aford one yet :( )
ilovemybed
10-08-2005, 14:40
A couple of mates from work thought about getting them for their MacGregor/Boorman style Bike tour. Not being super-rich celebrities with corporate sponsorship, they soon chose something else. It's all described on their website
Wrong Way Round (http://www.wrongwayround.com) (Clever, huh?)
It's quite good reading if you're interested in getting kitted out with a bike like that, and what else you should think about when picking gear. All in plain english too!
If you don't want to bother fighting through the rest of the site, the bike bit is here (http://www.wrongwayround.com/gear_bikes.htm)
Thanks for that, seen the site and the series, got the book and the DVD and the CD!
I was looking from none celeb, without BMW backing or road crew, experience of them. I’ve wanted one for years, but the series tipped me over the edge!
ilovemybed
10-08-2005, 14:46
Thanks for that, seen the site and the series, got the book and the DVD and the CD!
I was looking from none celeb, without BMW backing or road crew, experience of them. I’ve wanted one for years, but the series tipped me over the edge!
Ah, but this isn't Ewan and Charlie's LONG WAY ROUND,
This site it Matt and Will's WRONG WAY ROUND....
I’m sorry mate; I was scanning your message whilst some bugger was talking to me about work – of all things. It shouldn’t be allowed to get in the way!
Sorry about that – I’ll investigate
Andy
Hey bed man,
Thanks for that link, a brilliant and useful site and a pair of lucky (*&%*&$”
I sent them an email and I’m off to choose my biking shades next.
Thanks again
i had an R1150 awhile back, for a short period of time - about 2 days...
the bike was awesome on road, didnt have the chance to try it off. but they are massive! it was way to big for me (only got a 28" inside leag). i think they might be a bit to big offroad, i wouldnt like to try and pick one up on rough ground, try a 650 if your gonna do any serious off roading.
the reason i got rid wasnt to do with the bike, it was the dealer. they were'nt helpfull so i got rid. now've got a VFR 800 ('98), not so hot off road but nice on it.
ilovemybed
10-08-2005, 15:51
Hey bed man,
Thanks for that link, a brilliant and useful site and a pair of lucky (*&%*&$”
I sent them an email and I’m off to choose my biking shades next.
Thanks again
No probs! I was impressed with their site, because as you can see they're a bit hapless! Everyone in the office is well jealous of them (we have a book on which day one of them will be struck down with something nasty and tropical... :D )
Cheers,
Neil
Hi Bed Man,
Just had an email from your mates, somewhere in the New World. Sounds like they're having a blast. Nice Guy's
AJB
ilovemybed
12-08-2005, 09:30
Cool! Yeah, they're good lads. Somehow I thought they'd be too polite to survive Mexico but they've proved me wrong :p It must be the self-preservation skills developed from spending several years working in and around Basildon :D
(sorry to anyone from Basildon... ;) )
Anyone out there with a BMW R1200GS (or Adventure)?
I’m interested in any opinions of them, on and off road, GS or Adventure, old model or new, what extras you must have, any reviews of the new Adventure yet and how they stack up against the KTM, Triumph, Honda…
TA (even though I can't aford one yet :( )
I've had an 1150GS for going on 4 years. Fantastic road (and track!)bike, bit lardy for my level of incompetence off-road :eek:
The BMW luggage is strange (the black plastic stuff, not the allys on the newer 'uns) you may want to budget for Touratechs.
Extras: Garmin GPS, Givi tob-box (bodged), CRASH BARS, ABS (dunno if they do 'em without anymore. Used to. Terrifying!)
Just down the road from you as well, if you fancy a try (assuming you have a license and insurance)
Williams BMW give excellent test-rides of 3-4 hours per bike!
Jim.
I've had an 1150GS for going on 4 years. Fantastic road (and track!)bike, bit lardy for my level of incompetence off-road :eek:
The BMW luggage is strange (the black plastic stuff, not the allys on the newer 'uns) you may want to budget for Touratechs.
Extras: Garmin GPS, Givi tob-box (bodged), CRASH BARS, ABS (dunno if they do 'em without anymore. Used to. Terrifying!)
Just down the road from you as well, if you fancy a try (assuming you have a license and insurance)
Williams BMW give excellent test-rides of 3-4 hours per bike!
Jim.
Hi Jim,
I’m starting to get the feeling you have life sorted! And if I find out you are sleeping with my ex, it will prove you have the life I want. :rolleyes:
Thanks for all the information and the very kind offer, but I wouldn’t want to risk dropping a friend’s bike.
However, if we end up having a Northern meet up, you could come on it so I could stand in the car park an Oo and Arr at it. :D
Andy
Motorbike Man
12-08-2005, 21:35
A couple of mates from work thought about getting them for their MacGregor/Boorman style Bike tour. Not being super-rich celebrities with corporate sponsorship, they soon chose something else. It's all described on their website
Wrong Way Round (http://www.wrongwayround.com) (Clever, huh?)
It's quite good reading if you're interested in getting kitted out with a bike like that, and what else you should think about when picking gear. All in plain english too!
If you don't want to bother fighting through the rest of the site, the bike bit is here (http://www.wrongwayround.com/gear_bikes.htm)
Don't quite know how I missed this thread :rolleyes: that's a great site with loads of good kit tips, they do look like they're having fun as well :D
Hi Jim,
I’m starting to get the feeling you have life sorted!
:D Been practicing, innit?
And if I find out you are sleeping with my ex, it will prove you have the life I want. :rolleyes:
Inexplicably, women do not seem to find my lifestyle as attractive as I do, so the chances are pretty damned slim, I should say. This is not a deliberate outcome :cool:
Thanks for all the information and the very kind offer, but I wouldn’t want to risk dropping a friend’s bike.
However, if we end up having a Northern meet up, you could come on it so I could stand in the car park an Oo and Arr at it. :D
Andy
It's been dropped by other fuc^W friends in the past. We're still friends. Did I mention the CRASHBARS are a good buy? :D
Ooing and Arring always welcomed, natch.
Jim.
Hi AJB, rode a friends 1150 gs last year. would probably loose my licence if it was mine! super bike. Downside is that you are tied to dealers for servicing as electronics rule. The very early models c 82 were 800 cc and reliable like your granny. much sought after :cool: these were superceeded in approx c 84 with a revised suspension (paralever) model and the engine cc went to 1000 although 800 was still available, most are 1000 cc. Various minor changes were made to fairings and brakes untill the 1100cc model appeared which has been superceeded with the 1150. my personal favorite is the paralever 1000gs. with careful hunting you will be able to find a good one with less than 40000 on the clock the engines are bullet proof and nearly all spares are available. They are simple to maintain as there is no exposed drive train also nothing is covered up or hidden behind things :eek: cant tell you prices as i'm well out of that kind of market nowdays but am willing to give advice if needed :D not a bike for short legs though!! although if dropped at traffic lights will rest at 45 degrees on cylinder head :eek: I had a honda xl 500 travelling in australia. most of the time my daily runs averaged 500 kilometers sore bum! Those people lucky enough to have a gs out there thought nothing of 700 or 800 ks a day, although some had sheepskin seat covers :cool:
Hi Swyn,
Thanks for all the information, I've yet to hear a bad thing about them (apart from the cost) which, at the moment, is the only thing stopping me enjoying myself.
Cheers
Andy
Downside is that you are tied to dealers for servicing as electronics rule. The very early models c 82 were 800 cc and reliable like your granny. much sought after :cool: these were superceeded in approx c 84 with a revised suspension (paralever) model and the engine cc went to 1000 although 800 was still available, most are 1000 cc.
Good info. Especially the point about the electronics. The R80GS and R100GS are much better off-roaders, too, unless you are a riding god (a friend of mine, Simon McCarthy, went overland to Japan[1] on his R100GS, and said he wouldn't fancy it on my 1150...)
Getting scarce, though, as you suggested. Some German outfit do superduper refurbs/Dakar customisations of the old GSes, which are superb, but dear again.
The UK GSer forum may be your friend: www.ukgser.com
(and remember to budget for CRASH BARS :D )
Jim.
[1] Not the wet bits...
All very useful stuff guys, thanks a lot.
Now, to put the cat amongst the pigeons, how would you rate the GS’s against the KTM Adventures?
All very useful stuff guys, thanks a lot.
Now, to put the cat amongst the pigeons, how would you rate the GS’s against the KTM Adventures?
I've never ridden a KTM, but have heard very good things about them from a couple of pals on Ixion (bike list).
Empirically, having ridden with them, the GS is a bit quicker on road (if that bothers you), offroad the KTM is better unless godhead beckons...
F. Tall, but a good bit lighter than a GS (surprise, surprise)
I have heard of reliability issues with the old Dukes &c, but not the Adventurer (bit soon after release yet)
I may be able to get you a briefing from one of the relevant Ixies if you'd like...
Jim.
Thanks Jim,
That’s kind of what I had heard. A lot of people think they are a little more hard core, but they can never, in my experience, pin down what it is. As to the weight issue, by the time you have put the bigger tank on them, that you would want to tour, and all the extra kit you would probably want, there probably isn’t that much difference between the two.
Thanks Jim,
That’s kind of what I had heard. A lot of people think they are a little more hard core, but they can never, in my experience, pin down what it is.
I like to think of the GS as a sort of two-wheeled X5. It looks like it belongs off-road when it's on road, ensuring one is rightly viewed as a double hard *******.
I used a norty word. Sorry mods. SCUNTHORPE
Take it off road and you'll *know* it belongs on road.
Bloody thing spat me off and broke my nose on the first serious nadgery bit. Then Simon told me I should take the screen off.
And lest I forget, those dry-plate car type clutches (as on the GS) are a pain, cos you can't slip them without them knacking.
DAMHIK. Suffice it to say my previous was a Suzuki (indestructible clutch) and that new BMW clutches cost 700 quid inc. fitting. :eek:
Jim.
got a 1200 bandit for rd and a ccm that ive had around the lakes a few times(with rd wheels)
A piccy
http://www.ccmowners.co.uk/alan1.jpg
oopps wrong one heres the bike
http://www.ccmowners.co.uk/alanccm.jpg
demographic
21-10-2005, 19:39
Although I hear that those BMWs make good roadbikes I would not fancy taking one of them offroad on anything other than a fire road.
I think they are a bit overweight for my tastes and not exactly upto the task.
Yes I do know that on The long way around they were taken round the world but lets face it, theres a bloke thats done that on an R1 :eek:
Think I will stick to proper offroad bikes for going offroad (I have two KX500 two stroke motocrossers although they are both now in need of slight attention) and my GSXR for onroad.
700 quid including fitting for a BMW clutch :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
The reason I have a Pitbull racing hyperlink in my sig isn't cos I race fighting dogs by the way, it's a forum dedicated to KX 500s in various guises, from motocrosser, supermoto, desert racer, ice racer (with spikes, the nutters :eek: ) hare and hound scramble even through to one bloke that has a quad with a KX engine.
Although I hear that those BMWs make good roadbikes I would not fancy taking one of them offroad on anything other than a fire road.
My nose concurs...
700 quid including fitting for a BMW clutch :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Paid under warranty :cool:
But I got *such* a withering look from the chief spanner. I swear he fitted:
"You brainless :censored: hooligan. That is not how we treat our precision German engineering you :censored: :censored: "
into a single glance :lmao:
Jim.
Just another slant on this thread and a tad devils advocate but anyway.
Never owned or ridden a BMW. However, the GS range are everbody's darling at the moment and do seem to have taken the attention away from more humble, yet no less practical and often better bikes.
The XT600 is one of the most popular overlanders around and has proven very reliable. It's much lighter than the 1150GS and more off-road friendly. The Transalp is another bike that is overlooked. Heavier than the XT, but smoother and better if you're doing a lot of travelling on tarmac. And it has probably the most reliable engine out there. Unburstable and that can't be said for BMW's, that are overhyped about their reiliability. The easiest way to check that out is to lurk on a Transalp or Africa Twin (another top bike) and a GS site. I guarantee you'll find far more griping about mechanical issues on the BMW site.
BTW I've owned both and XT and a TA.
twelveboar
06-11-2005, 17:06
I've got (and like very much) an BMW R850R, it's a brilliant all-round road bike, doing everything from touring to commuting with typical teutonic efficiency. I can't believe for one minute that it would ever make the basis of any kind of off-road bike, it is way too heavy by tonnes, I hope I never have to pick it up.
If overland travel is your thing, you'll do alot worse than spend a while browsing the www.horizonsunlimited.com bulletin boards, or attending one of their meets, where there plenty of opportunities to talk to people who have been everywhere on a bike. I think it was there somebody pointed out that once you get "off road" you'll not be doing much more than 50mph anyway so nothing bigger than a 350-650 single required. Big GS's are only needed if your travelling 2 up with luggage, and then there will be 2 of you to pick it up!
havingagiraffe
06-11-2005, 21:23
If overland travel is your thing, you'll do alot worse than spend a while browsing the www.horizonsunlimited.com bulletin boards,
Top website. :You_Rock_ Have any BCUKers tried buying a new Enfield from the factory in India then riding it back to the UK like the guy on www.horizonsunlimited.com ?
There's a secondhand one on Indian eBay at the mo priced at 18,000 Rupees or £226. Tempting...... :)
I think they are a bit overweight for my tastes and not exactly upto the task.
.
Back in the day, I worked for a firm which recovered total loss motorcycles for insurance firms. BMWs were a nightmare to collect because of their weight. We once collected a big touring model which had been stolen and recovered. The thieves had cut the brake lines out of spite. We discovered this during loading when the heavy bike rolled off our lorry's tilting bed despite having two people restraining it.... :o
We also recovered an F650 Funduro with fire damage. Turns out the owner was refuelling it but the petrol pump didn't click off when the tank was full. Just like in Long Way Round. Petrol overflowed from the tank and ignited on the hot engine. The rider had a lucky escape - needed major skin grafts but lived to ride another day. :eek:
twelveboar
08-11-2005, 19:22
Have any BCUKers tried buying a new Enfield from the factory in India then riding it back to the UK?
I don't think they will have got back yet ;)
twelveboar
08-11-2005, 19:29
In all seriousness, I fancy the idea of going out to India, getting hold of an Enfield, and touring round the North: Pakistan, Nepal, etc.. before coming home, they look to be the ideal bike for the region. I don't think I'd want to ride it home through europe, anymore than I'd want to ride my Beemer there. Horses for courses I suppose.
I've got the idea approved in principal for when the kids clear off, in about 5-7 years time.
havingagiraffe
08-11-2005, 22:28
Have any BCUKers tried buying a new Enfield from the factory in India then riding it back to the UK?
I don't think they will have got back yet ;)
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Perhaps it'd make more sense to buy an old Japanese bike like a KLR 650 in the UK then head out to India on that. :rolleyes: That way, the sun would be a little sunnier every time you woke up. :notworthy
Have any BCUKers tried buying a new Enfield from the factory in India then riding it back to the UK?
I don't think they will have got back yet ;)
I've a pal on Ixion who did so around 5 years ago (more now?)
He had a great time, and raised loads for charidee, but the bike was absolutely ridiculous - various parts made from cheese/plasticine rather than alloy etc. etc.
Not unlike the Russki numbers (Dnepr/Ural/Cossack) in that respect. They should all be fine for 30-40 MPH on some cart track/whatever, but all a bit substandard in the braking department for UK traffic conditions.
HTH,
Jim.
twelveboar
18-11-2005, 17:51
I was told that the great thing about Indian Enfields, there is a bloke on every street corner who can fix it. Which is handy as you only have to push it from one street corner to the next!
I have heard that they're a lot better these days, with better electrics and gearboxes. I think, I'll have to have a go on one first though.
demographic
25-12-2005, 18:10
I was told that the great thing about Indian Enfields, there is a bloke on every street corner who can fix it. Which is handy as you only have to push it from one street corner to the next!
I have heard that they're a lot better these days, with better electrics and gearboxes. I think, I'll have to have a go on one first though.
Honda steppy 90 :)
The most widely used bike I know of
bogflogger
25-12-2005, 22:40
Having spent two years as a courier on an oberbike, I would like to add my 2p's worth. The gs850rs is the best of the bunch. it's a flying armchair and capable of all day motorway speeds and pootling round town in heavy traffic. it is no harder to pick up than a GT750 and all the weight is low down, so it is not an issue. There are a few problems with them 1: the low tension ignition cable gets eaten by the front suspension regularly. 2: I have had two frames break, just behind the seatlock, and this is without a full touring load. 3: you will need to take a wheelbarrow full of cash with you, for when the computers fail! and I do not fancy your chances of finding one spare in tadjikistan! I would take one of mr. Honda's fine products and a little one at that.
havingagiraffe
26-12-2005, 14:30
I've a pal on Ixion who did so around 5 years ago (more now?)
He had a great time, and raised loads for charidee, but the bike was absolutely ridiculous - various parts made from cheese/plasticine rather than alloy etc. etc.
Not unlike the Russki numbers (Dnepr/Ural/Cossack) in that respect. They should all be fine for 30-40 MPH on some cart track/whatever, but all a bit substandard in the braking department for UK traffic conditions.
HTH,
Jim.
Having spoken with a chap who owned an Enfield while living in India, I've gone off the idea of buying one from the factory and riding it back to the UK. Not to mention the issue of travelling through several Muslim countries on a Hindu registered motorcycle. May as well do the trip on an American Harley to make things really exciting. :AR15firin
I would take one of mr. Honda's fine products and a little one at that.
The local bike dealer's knocking out cheap Chinese replicas of small Honda models such as the C90, CG125, XL125 and XR200. There are loads of them on eBay too. I've just sold my fifteen year old Honda XR as a non runner for £300 :sadwavey: , so the prospect of a brand new one for under £900 is very tempting. Theoretically, Honda parts should fit the Chinese bike, so spares shouldn't be a problem. Or would I be better off spending my money on a ten year old Honda XR200? :dunno:
bogflogger
27-12-2005, 00:41
I have no experience of Chinese Honda copys, having said that, I would imagine that they are licence built and therefore identical in quality and design, to the original Honda specs. Probably worth a good look. (right, I'm off to ebay to check this out!)
tedmagnum
20-11-2006, 13:03
Being a keen motorcycle overlander, id be far more tempted with something half the weight, half the price and half the problems with the big beemers.
They're great for the road or the odd dusty track but very tall, heavy and expensive. Also a nightmare for repairs in the fields.
Look down the lines of a Yamaha XT600E with Aluminium boxes and a good sump guard.
Im planning on riding from Alaska - Chilli on one and camping on the way down if possible.