Discussion
Mastodon2 said:
As a touring bike, I gather they are absolutely superb. I mainly see them being ridden with panniers, top box and miserable pillion in tow, using their 300 mile tank range to get from Rothbury to Seahouses.
:snigger:Only a 300 mile range? Tut. They should have bought a Pan European, then they could have made it to Whitley Bay
Silver993tt said:
think it's to do with a lack of experience. Those that own "sports bikes" have typically never owned or ridden any other type of bike for any distance and so anything they haven't tried is "rubbish". Those that have owned non-sports bikes, and typically an adventure type bike have usually owned sports bikes before and are much more qualified to judge the differences, advantages/disadvantages because they have a much wider experience of different bikes.
One of our clan was a die-hard ZZR600 fan (well, that's what he bought having passed his test). Took it to the Alps for a tour, came back and sold it, bought a GS - and was 15mph faster on average.Three of my mates ride Multistradas and whilst they aren't the last word in weatherproof, show one a properly twisty road and it's a determined sportsbike rider who can keep up - and all three of those owners have owned the gamut from RD250s to R1s, Tuonos to V-Maxes, FS1Es to Fireblades.
fergus said:
moanthebairns said:
Silver993tt said:
Esceptico said:
Don't understand why they are slagged off and owned treated as "non-bikers" by the sports bike riding brigade.
I think it's to do with a lack of experience. Those that own "sports bikes" have typically never owned or ridden any other type of bike for any distance and so anything they haven't tried is "rubbish". Those that have owned non-sports bikes, and typically an adventure type bike have usually owned sports bikes before and are much more qualified to judge the differences, advantages/disadvantages because they have a much wider experience of different bikes.
t. Killboy said:
GSs and Adventure Bikes in general are awesome. As at home going to Tescos as they are on top of the Alps and in sand in Botswana. I really don't get this biker hipster attitude of what constitutes real bikes or bikers.
From the "sand in Botswana" part I am not sure if this is 100 percent serious, but the mention of hipsters may hint at why some people dislike GS (riders). If one bloke decides to grow a beard, wear a cardigan/skinny jeans, and spend his time talking about the acceptable side of IT that is an individual lifestyle choice, when people do this en masse it becomes a bit of a scene and so more obvious, if they really thought a beard would suit them why wait until now when everyone else has one.What I find odd is that after a mornings greenlaning I can arrive at Box Hill, and if there are lots of GS around I can easily look like the last one who would be off on an "adventure", so at this point it has become as much about look/style/dressing up as anything else. I can appreciate you could argue this about leathers but even at low speeds they have a safety benefit.
I have an eclectic selection of bikes so am firmly in the have what you want or makes you happy camp (except when your aluminium panniers were too wide to filter past a dustcart so we all had to wait behind you for 5 minutes), but others may see it as having an Audi Q7 when really an A6 estate would do everything you do better.
Will put my hands up now and say I have never ridden one, mostly because I wouldn't fit, but I would question their off-road credentials on the basis they are near enough the size/weight of the original Goldwing.
moanthebairns said:
Fleegle said:
moanthebairns said:
I've never owned a Citroen Picasso but I know they are st.
Have you any idea how much shopping you can get in a Picasso?t. Guess they are cheap and do the job.
moanthebairns said:
Fleegle said:
moanthebairns said:
I've never owned a Citroen Picasso but I know they are st.
Have you any idea how much shopping you can get in a Picasso?t. 
Good point, well made.
spareparts said:
Reardy Mister said:
I just bought a R1200RT and *should* have bought a GS.
There, I said it.
Sorry, I did try to tell you... There, I said it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
moanthebairns said:
fergus said:
moanthebairns said:
Silver993tt said:
Esceptico said:
Don't understand why they are slagged off and owned treated as "non-bikers" by the sports bike riding brigade.
I think it's to do with a lack of experience. Those that own "sports bikes" have typically never owned or ridden any other type of bike for any distance and so anything they haven't tried is "rubbish". Those that have owned non-sports bikes, and typically an adventure type bike have usually owned sports bikes before and are much more qualified to judge the differences, advantages/disadvantages because they have a much wider experience of different bikes.t. Moulder said:
From the "sand in Botswana" part I am not sure if this is 100 percent serious
Yes it is. I'll try dig a photo up of the 1200s we bumped into, but here some of an 800 that went with us (but make no mistake, plenty 1200s running around there)
And this thread would not be complete without a KTM, but the "die hards" believe the 1190 has gone soft, not so sure about that. If you can stomach dropping a 14k bike, then it goes everywhere our 990s go.
Arguably, there better bikes for each role, but on the whole they pretty good at everything. I'd go as far as saying I'd rather commute on an ADV bike than a sports bike, as I like the seating position and looking over cars etc.
I get the impression that lots of BMW GS`s are ridden by middle aged men who have recently passed their test. They drive BMW cars and they appreciate the status/public standing that only a BMW can give. To my eyes they look sht, it doesn`t matter how good they allegedly are I wouldn`t buy one. As for embarrassing sportsbikes it`s all down to the riders ability on any competent bike. My mate has an RT and I`ve seen him embarrass plenty of people on sportsbikes. It`s all down to personal choice and what floats your boat.
t, it doesn`t matter how good they allegedly are I wouldn`t buy one. As for embarrassing sportsbikes it`s all down to the riders ability on any competent bike. My mate has an RT and I`ve seen him embarrass plenty of people on sportsbikes. It`s all down to personal choice and what floats your boat. fergus said:
moanthebairns said:
fergus said:
moanthebairns said:
Silver993tt said:
Esceptico said:
Don't understand why they are slagged off and owned treated as "non-bikers" by the sports bike riding brigade.
I think it's to do with a lack of experience. Those that own "sports bikes" have typically never owned or ridden any other type of bike for any distance and so anything they haven't tried is "rubbish". Those that have owned non-sports bikes, and typically an adventure type bike have usually owned sports bikes before and are much more qualified to judge the differences, advantages/disadvantages because they have a much wider experience of different bikes.t. I don't need to take a test ride of a motorbike that's seating position resembles that of a trendy bar stool. Why don't I, because its built for comfort and long distances and a perfect all rounder. These to me defeat the purpose of a motorcycle, its a toy, to experience the sensation of speed, any w
ker that says they are as quick on a GS as they are a sportsbike is riding over grass, has a fked back or isn't very good. Reardy Mister said:
spareparts said:
Reardy Mister said:
I just bought a R1200RT and *should* have bought a GS.
There, I said it.
Sorry, I did try to tell you... There, I said it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Go for a test ride of the GS, and don't look back.
I've ridden a wide variety of bikes although loving sportsbikes first and foremost. That means my priorities are generally pace, handling, character etc. and then I'm a stickler for nice things, so build quality, attention to detail, etc are equally important.
I purposely did NOT buy a GS for a few years because I knew it was going to be very good (you don't win BOTY or rated 5* by multiple journos unless you're good), and it had the potential to usurp my enjoyment of other bikes in the process. I first test rode the GS (old airhead and new LC) a couple years ago and decided to not to buy... and instead enjoy other bikes in the meantime.
Lots is talked about the Multistrada - 160hp etc... Look - I love power (my 1098R and soon coming arrival both have 200+hp at the crank), but there is no need for 160hp on the road for an adventure/touring type bike. In fact, my SP2 which only has about 135hp on a good day is plenty to go fast on the road. I genuinely think that any biker who says a 135hp bike is slow or lacks power for the road are probably poor riders and need rider training to learn how to ride quickly. You think Hailwood or Surtees didn't ride quickly with less than 135hp?
But let me be clear: even with just 135hp, the LC GS is genuinely BRILLIANT bike. It is not a race bike. So sportsbike riders need to adjust expectations. The GS is not designed for setting lap times on track. There are many better bikes for that objective. But for real world potholed, broken tarmac, fast road riding: the GS is fantastic. Is it the best at it? Not in isolation - again, there are comparably excellent bikes out there. But as a 1-bike only for all purposes, where comfort/practicality/wet weather protection/electronic modcons/occasional 2-up riding, solo fast rides... the GS is one of the best. It is fun. It has bags of character. It is torquey and allows huge drive off the line and in gear acceleration 30-50mph at typical road speed. The Telelever suspension is excellent at ironing out Britain's potmarked/cracked tarmac roads. ESA means 2-up riding loaded with luggage still allows very good handling when in the twisties, when other traditionally suspended bikes struggle or wallow. Solo, it is a very quick bike and will keep up on any British fast road ride out - if the rider is competent and willing to lean the tall machine. But in short, it's brilliant.
KTM's 1190 Adv has great reviews too: but I'm not willing to deal with the sub-standard KTM dealer service, poor residuals, or plasticky finish as an ownership proposition. BMW Motorrad dealers are some of the best at making owners feel like they have a premium product. Ducati - a bit meh... the Multi is a fantastic bike too, but there are many details that confirm it is not as good at the 'real world' day-to-day stuff that the GS excels at. Day-to-day riding/commuting, I suspect that <1% of bikers use more than 100hp. So 160hp is irrelevant.
Go and test ride a GS. I test rode an RT, found it uninspiring, and then I decided to just buy a 2015MY 2 years after first riding one. I use it everyday and love it's overall performance. It's not perfect - there's a list of idiosynchratic issues - but you learn to live with these as you do on any bike. A sportsbike is still a great companion for when you want to do sports days/trackdays. But as a do it all single bike, the current GS is superb.
moanthebairns said:
I've never ridden one. I've never probably got through an entire article about one without yawning. I've never actually looked at one and developed the urge to grown a beard, a pot belly, suddenly a need for glasses, a flip-up helmet and a hi-vis jacket. To discover I now find Alan Titchmarsh zany yet funny and the only thing better than my GS is talking about my GS or wife swapping, in a caravan, in Skegness of a weekend.
I don't need to take a test ride of a motorbike that's seating position resembles that of a trendy bar stool. Why don't I, because its built for comfort and long distances and a perfect all rounder. These to me defeat the purpose of a motorcycle, its a toy, to experience the sensation of speed, any wker that says they are as quick on a GS as they are a sportsbike is riding over grass, has a fked back or isn't very good.
but apart from that, you'd have one in a heartbeat?I don't need to take a test ride of a motorbike that's seating position resembles that of a trendy bar stool. Why don't I, because its built for comfort and long distances and a perfect all rounder. These to me defeat the purpose of a motorcycle, its a toy, to experience the sensation of speed, any w
ker that says they are as quick on a GS as they are a sportsbike is riding over grass, has a fked back or isn't very good. Prof Prolapse said:
You must admit MTB, if you're doing a run over a few days a sports bike can be a burden. If I was 20 years older, and only could afford one bike. I'd want something comfier.
no, I go to work on a sportsbike, I use one every time I go out a run, be it on the shops or to somewhere and I've never thought I wish I had just a thimble more of practicality or comfort, as if its that bad I take the car.Wtf is the point in having a bike that is ruined by being slightly more practical, all you need is fuel, and someplace to put your mastercard.
spareparts said:
I'm happy to let others discover. Besides, RennSport clearly knows it all
Go for a test ride of the GS, and don't look back.
I am flattered you still hold a candle for me.Go for a test ride of the GS, and don't look back.
When your right you're right... I do know everything! So does my 7 year old.
Having ridden the new GS and the 1200 MTS I preffered the MTS. Thats just me.
However I think anyone on a KTM Adventure is infinitly cooler then anyone on a Gerlande Strasse or whatever... I know everyone wants to impress me so please dont let me down.
Unless you on a old original aircooled GS from the early 90's, which are pretty cool.
moanthebairns said:
Prof Prolapse said:
You must admit MTB, if you're doing a run over a few days a sports bike can be a burden. If I was 20 years older, and only could afford one bike. I'd want something comfier.
no, I go to work on a sportsbike, I use one every time I go out a run, be it on the shops or to somewhere and I've never thought I wish I had just a thimble more of practicality or comfort, as if its that bad I take the car.Wtf is the point in having a bike that is ruined by being slightly more practical, all you need is fuel, and someplace to put your mastercard.
You'd never take a car for that sort of journey either, that's the whole point.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff