Commuting on an R1250GS...
Discussion
I used to use a R1200GS to go to London regularly along the M40/A40 route and occasionally the M4/A4 route. It wasn’t a commute as such, but it was reasonably regular during rush hour traffic.
No problem at all filtering and I rarely had another bike behind me wanting to get through a gap I couldn’t.
It doesn’t take long to get used to it - great bike for it and super comfortable.
No problem at all filtering and I rarely had another bike behind me wanting to get through a gap I couldn’t.
It doesn’t take long to get used to it - great bike for it and super comfortable.
The Moose said:
I used to use a R1200GS to go to London regularly along the M40/A40 route and occasionally the M4/A4 route. It wasn’t a commute as such, but it was reasonably regular during rush hour traffic.
No problem at all filtering and I rarely had another bike behind me wanting to get through a gap I couldn’t.
It doesn’t take long to get used to it - great bike for it and super comfortable.
This is what I want to hear. How far in did you have to venture?No problem at all filtering and I rarely had another bike behind me wanting to get through a gap I couldn’t.
It doesn’t take long to get used to it - great bike for it and super comfortable.
I commuted for years on an R1200RT. I guess a similar overall width to the GS (not the GSA). The engine will be the same width, give or take. The RT has fixed mirrors which fit under two vans side by side but not two cars; conversely the GS (and many other bikes) will have bar-mounted mirrors which will pass over the top of two cars side by side but not vans. I very rarely held anyone up filtering (only the lunatics) and was often baulked by much slower filterers.
If you're comfortable filtering, you'll be fine.
Don't forget the theft issue, depending where you leave it.
If you're comfortable filtering, you'll be fine.
Don't forget the theft issue, depending where you leave it.
I've been avoiding motorways since I got my R1250GS, but once did take the m4 and it being stationary did the filtering thing. I found, and maybe it's because I'm on the short person chassis, the bar ends were at car mirror height, which might take me longer to get confident with compared to my old K1300S. On that it was my mirrors that would be level with car mirrors. And mirrors are feeler gauges right 
.
. Tribal Chestnut said:
Does anyone on here do it?
Particular interested in central London filtering.
Been sitting on them today and they feel huge compared to my other bikes.
110mm wider than my FZ1, & that has stupidly long bar end weights.
I’m sure that there are already loads of people saying that it’s dead easy, but in my opinion, it’s not.Particular interested in central London filtering.
Been sitting on them today and they feel huge compared to my other bikes.
110mm wider than my FZ1, & that has stupidly long bar end weights.
I normally use my scooter, and in the odd occasion I take the GS I find it a huge pain in the arse. There are just too many places where it gets stuck, as in it is physically wider than the gap.
Tribal Chestnut said:
The Moose said:
I used to use a R1200GS to go to London regularly along the M40/A40 route and occasionally the M4/A4 route. It wasn’t a commute as such, but it was reasonably regular during rush hour traffic.
No problem at all filtering and I rarely had another bike behind me wanting to get through a gap I couldn’t.
It doesn’t take long to get used to it - great bike for it and super comfortable.
This is what I want to hear. How far in did you have to venture?No problem at all filtering and I rarely had another bike behind me wanting to get through a gap I couldn’t.
It doesn’t take long to get used to it - great bike for it and super comfortable.
All over really.
My most regular destinations were: Kensington, Westminster, Chelsea, Mayfair, Soho, The City, Canary Wharf with other places as well. Often more than one stop in the same trip. The metal top box can fit a helmet which was great. I think if I were doing it again, I'd get the big Givi which can have 2 helmets for when my wife came with me too.
I've not done it for a few years now at commuting time, but I recall the parking used to be essentially free for motorcycles at the time. I never had a problem with theft (and I didn't carry a lock) - however I wasn't ever in one place for more than an hour or two usually.
I think the RT is ultimate for 3.5 season commuting with the heated seat however I didn't see myself as old enough to ride it often - just when swapping bikes with my dad! lol. He now rides a GSA in the UK
I’ve spent about 30 years on and off commuting into London on over the years a range of bikes. The filtering thing is only really an issue on the duel carriage ways to be honest. Never had a GS but would think it’s doable. However I’ve come to the conclusion that smaller cc bikes are the way to go unless you’ve got a long motorway slog before you hit town. As I get older I find them far easier to sling about. My current weapon of choice is a Honda Monkey bike. The only part of my journey where it is lacking is the last few miles of the A1. It really is the best thing within the M25 due mainly to the short wheelbase. It gets through traffic like nothing else, and really as a motorist you can’t get angry at a fat bloke on a monkey bike!
Commute across London most days on the GS. The only thing better for filtering through Central London is a scooter but outside of that the GS will go pretty much where any other proper bike will.
They are so well balanced I actually find it's better for commuting than any other bike I've tried.
Plenty of people commute into central London on GS1200s. Big adventure bikes no probs. Lots of Africa twins too.
If you get the GS get the fully ally luggage kit and then chicken out of every other filtering opportunity acting as a mobile road block
Oh and the ewan and Charlie t
t suit (bmw textiles) so people know you are in a GS.
If you get the GS get the fully ally luggage kit and then chicken out of every other filtering opportunity acting as a mobile road block
Oh and the ewan and Charlie t
t suit (bmw textiles) so people know you are in a GS. It is heavy and big, but as others have said, the mirrors go straight over the top of car mirrors and the weight is quite low down so it’s actually quite manoeuvrable.
It all depends if you’re willing to miss out on a few small gaps to ride what is a lovely bike and excellent at anything bigger and or faster. There’s also so much torque that you can outdo sports bikes at the lights (ok, only over the first 30m or so).
It all depends if you’re willing to miss out on a few small gaps to ride what is a lovely bike and excellent at anything bigger and or faster. There’s also so much torque that you can outdo sports bikes at the lights (ok, only over the first 30m or so).
Done it and been there on a GS.
My only advice is watch your mirrors as every car seems to be a different height but more importantly learn how to duck quickly. Transit and small lorries seem to have mirrors at head height. The most exercise I had in a year, and a full set of solid abs.
Never did I have either top box or side boxes attached, it's hard enough just looking forward let alone worrying about what you'll tt with those.
PS forget the loons that to get past you, they are just the next in line for a Darwin award
My only advice is watch your mirrors as every car seems to be a different height but more importantly learn how to duck quickly. Transit and small lorries seem to have mirrors at head height. The most exercise I had in a year, and a full set of solid abs.
Never did I have either top box or side boxes attached, it's hard enough just looking forward let alone worrying about what you'll t
t with those.PS forget the loons that to get past you, they are just the next in line for a Darwin award
stu67 said:
I’ve spent about 30 years on and off commuting into London on over the years a range of bikes. The filtering thing is only really an issue on the duel carriage ways to be honest. Never had a GS but would think it’s doable. However I’ve come to the conclusion that smaller cc bikes are the way to go unless you’ve got a long motorway slog before you hit town. As I get older I find them far easier to sling about. My current weapon of choice is a Honda Monkey bike. The only part of my journey where it is lacking is the last few miles of the A1. It really is the best thing within the M25 due mainly to the short wheelbase. It gets through traffic like nothing else, and really as a motorist you can’t get angry at a fat bloke on a monkey bike!
Do you come off the A1 at WGC on a yellow monkey? If so, I run into you a couple of times a week on my way home on the A1 in the car, I have a Grom and have a giggle on my way past. Fair play to you if so. Apologies for mistaken identity if not.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff