GS Curious

[TheIglu]

Would like to try out a couple BMW GS 1200/1250's. Standard and Adventure versions.

What years should I avoid, and what should I shoot for?

Ideal bike has hard luggage, adj windscreen, cruise control, center stand.

Beyond that, I'm wide open to considerations, but I'd like to try riding them first. Rode a GSA1150 back in the day for about 10 miles, thought it was good.

2009 or so Hexheads seem to be going pretty cheap in non-ADV models, but no cruise until 2014. 2017+ seems to be widely regarded as the best generation, with 2018+ having the new TFT color display.

[jimmycapp]

I've sat on a couple. Very short seat height, if that's what you're looking for. I like the tall height of KTM adventure bikes, but depending on what you're using it for, the BMW could be great.

[SRTie4k]

Can't comment too much on the GS. I test rode one from Eurosport Asheville when my 1290 was in for fork seals and it was...kinda boring really. And I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

All I'll say is go test out a 2015-2017 1290 Super Adventure T (the OG). Used prices have on them have fallen through the floor, you can pick one up for probably $7k with 20k miles on them. They have everything you want and that LC8 is absolutely phenomenal. Very easy to work on, pretty reliable, and very comfy on high speed pavement (with the PowerParts seat).

[TheIglu]

I'm doing a ton of highway commuting (4 hours a day) lately, so having something with shaft drive and good wind protection is paramount.

And the whole point of this thread is to try one out. If it's too boring, I'd want to know that before I threw down some mild-effort earned money.

[jimmycapp]

I'm doing a ton of highway commuting (4 hours a day) lately, so having something with shaft drive and good wind protection is paramount.

And the whole point of this thread is to try one out. If it's too boring, I'd want to know that before I threw down some mild-effort earned money.

Should be good for that.

[RandyO]

shaft failures are real, happened to a close friend. not sure if particular years are more prone

[OneCheekRider]

I considered a GS once in search of similar amenities and had some serious sticker shock, including used. Bought a Tiger 1200 that has everything on your list which now has 65k miles and counting. Love this bike, going for 100k+. I just did a similar exercise and ended up with another Tiger (1050) that I'm keeping back East. I also cross-shopped the Super Tenere but found that rather dull, although still capable of serious hwy mileage. There were also a lot of sport tourers on my list if commuting/touring was the sole purpose but I do enjoy ADV stuff from time to time and the added clearance for jumping curbs in the city can be pretty great.

If you're commuting 4 hours a day on a regular basis, I could see dishing out the money to have the convenience of the 30L/~8ga tank on the GSA; fueling up was my biggest gripe after late days at the office. I ended up buying 14ga fuel jugs so I can fuel at home.

FWIW: Heated grips and a heated seat have really improved my commute. Once the weather consistently turns cold, heated gear is amazing although more effort to put on/off. Cruise control seems ideal for your 4 hour commute as well, but frankly, I'm more concerned about your mental well-being with that much time commuting, even on a motorcycle.

[TheIglu]

It's not every day, once or twice a week at most.

[OneCheekRider]

Once or twice a week? I'd just use the S1000XR you have listed in your sig assuming you still have it. I think a GS (or similar ADV bike) would have too much overlap for something you wouldn't be using every day. Unless this would replace the XR...

[breakdirt916]

[noob]this is regarded as the last boss after you’ve faced all other bosses. Superior comfort, luggage capacity, wind protection, and technology…feels like you’re riding a cloud. Relatively good twisty performance too. Probably the best commuting bike money can buy



why the GS and not the RT?

But being the brokedick that I am, you can get 85% of the bike for less than half the cost on a 1000cc+ Japanese twin, like the Vstrom 1050, Versys 1000 or Africa Twin. Scratch the tracer 900gt. You gotta want that extra soul that the GS offers to justify it

[loudbeard]

Would a belt-driven bike meet your requirements for service intervals?

[tls25rs]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...1706177842997/

from

The Best bikes on Craigslist

[whynot]

If it wuz me, I'd get this Concours. Has shaft. Has wind protection. Goes fast. Goes forever.

seems like crazy low miles for this type of bike
Kawasaki ZG Concours 14 ABS - $5,750 (North Smithfield)
https://providence.craigslist.org/mc...749556451.html

[PinHead]

Had to sell mine after owning it for about a year, bought brand new btw. It had what I describe as a high pitch vibration that could not be remedied in the grips. Bar ends, grip puppies, the dealership trying to figure it out, nothing helped and my hands would go numb in under 5 minutes of riding. Numb to the point of not being able to feel my hands on the bars and it got quite dangerous.

[Kurlon]

That screams bar angle to me? Mild Carpal Tunnel will feel like that when your wrist is held at a 'bad' angle, a vibration and tingle that progresses to numbness. My Pan Am is on the edge of that for me for example.

[MattR302]

I'm doing a ton of highway commuting (4 hours a day) lately, so having something with shaft drive and good wind protection is paramount.

FJR1300?

[PinHead]

That screams bar angle to me? Mild Carpal Tunnel will feel like that when your wrist is held at a 'bad' angle, a vibration and tingle that progresses to numbness. My Pan Am is on the edge of that for me for example.

Both hands though?

[Kurlon]

For me, yes, left hand tends to trigger first in my case.

[TheIglu]

I prefer twins over inline 4's for cruising/commuting/general purpose bikes.

[TheIglu]

Would a belt-driven bike meet your requirements for service intervals?

They make a GS1200/1250 in belt drive?

[loudbeard]

They make a GS1200/1250 in belt drive?

No I'm suggesting you get a Road Glide

[TheIglu]

Hard pass

[breakdirt916]

I love this scripting:

https://youtu.be/mGqbm0NkQZk?si=PhJeVtCP5TD4wEfB

Although they’re talking about the R 1300 GS, I believe the same principles apply. It’s the best design bike at that price point, but only buy it if it’s an easily disposable income for you.

[backinthesaddle]

Just back from Italy (Rome Area). By my judgement: Scooters > BMW GS > Africa Twin or MT07 and , midsize Hondas (kind of the equivalent of those NT700. Take scooters out of the list and it was GS city.

[feralchimp]

I just recently picked up a 2014, and it's an amazing zero-drama highway bike. Mine did not come with bags, but did come with under 12k miles on the clock.