BMW GS Update

Longdog Cymru

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Yes, I do my own maintenance.

Regarding my comment "...couldn't stand to ride it anymore...", It was really two main issues. One was the snatchy on/off throttle response and the lack of suspension compliance . Other smaller issues included the seating position, seat contour and lack of wind coverage. I installed Rox risers to try to improve the seating position issue but I think it made it worse, in that then I kept sliding up against the tank after installing them.

I did install risers on my Beemer but that was the only mod. The bike is spectacular, right out of the box!

I was toying with the Triumph Tiger but it wasn't as comfortable as the Beemer.

I think the S10 is bullet proof in terms of reliably but Yamaha needs to make some serious improvements if they want to stay relevant in a very competitive ADV Tourer market. I waited if the 2019 S10 had the improvements but it didn't and I couldn't wait any longer.
Motorcycles are rarely a “one size fits all” machine. Sometimes you get lucky and the bike fits straight out of the crate. In this instance, you have found your best fit bike and it just happens to be a BMW GSA, so congratulations, enjoy your new bike. People may quote reasons why you should not buy a BMW, sure, some may be first hand experience, others may repeat hearsay, whatever, I just repeat what I said earlier, congratulations on a lovely looking bike and enjoy the ride!
 

bmac

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Congrats on the bike!

I made the same move (for different reasons) early this year. One test ride on the 1250 and I knew I was going to buy one. I chose the Super Tenere over the GS 1200 a couple of times but the 1250 changed the game, at least for me. The Super Tenere is an excellent bike and earns a consistent A+ in reliability. I don't think BMW will ever build a bike as reliable as Yamaha but from what I can tell they have shown some real improvement in that department with the advent of the water cooled boxer in 2014.

I love the extra power along with the handling characteristics of the 1250. That is what got me to make the change. No issues so far at 9200 miles but after reading responses in this thread I am now convinced it will leave me stranded in the very near future. Fortunately, I always bring my phone with me.

I don't have a Tenere is the garage currently but hope to change that as soon as the 700 becomes available. It has a spot reserved next to the 1250GS and S1000XR.
 

Boris

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Hi BMac, GS1250 and 1000XR, both great and very capable bikes, I’m sure you’ll have many many thoroughly enjoyable miles on them. An XR may one day appear in my garage over the next year or so, or maybe a Tiger 1050 Sport.

If the 1250 does leave you stranded, take the positives from it. At least you’ll bring joy and smugness to those that find such glee in another manufacturers failing.

For me, I hope you and the OP enjoy your bikes.
 

cyclemike4

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WOW that is a cool looking bike and it looks so comfortable. I have not had the opportunity to ride the new BMW models but i felt right at home on the older ones.
 

Goldwing

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I agree with Bmac, BMW's reliability have greatly improved, granted not to the level of Yamaha but for me I wasn't riding my S10 because it was so unenjoyable, so it had to go. The Beemer has so much more power, comfort, tech and smoothness that it was a no brainer to make the switch.

Regarding reliability, GS' were always BMW's most. A lot of the reliability issues I always heard about were from their K series bikes.
 

twinrider

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I test-rode a 2018 GS and a Gen II Super Tenere, preferred the latter and that's why I own it. Much nicer riding position (lower, more forward footpegs), the motor pulls as hard through 6000 rpm once flashed (I rarely need to pull higher RPMs) and no worries about Busting My Wallet on repairs.
 

MFP

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Hi all,

Well I have had my 2019 GS for 4 1/2 months now and can say it is one awesome machine. I had a 2014 S10 but could not stand to ride it anymore so I jumped ship and have never looked back. The Beemer is just an amazing motorcycle is so many ways. Yes, its more money to buy and slightly more expensive for maintenance costs but its so much better than almost anything else I have ridden over my 45 year's of riding all kinds of bikes.

Miss this forum but still lurk from time to time to see what's going on.

Save your pennies and buy a GS or GSA, worth every one of those pennies!!
Congrats on your new Teutonic scoot!
Did you pick it up @ GoldCoast?
You are not too far from me, let me know if you are up for a meet-n-ride sometime before the temps really drop and the daylight is nonexistent.
 

Goldwing

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Twinrider, I have a 2019 R1250GS.......totally different bike than the 2018 R1200 GS/GSA. Don't ride it, you will buy one, lol.

MFP, I went to MAX BMW in CT. Great experience. GoldCoast barely noticed me in the showroom and was $2000 more than MAX. Max even delivered the bike to my driveway, no charge! Up for a meet and ride. Will send you PM with my contact info.
 
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bmac

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I test-rode a 2018 GS and a Gen II Super Tenere, preferred the latter and that's why I own it. Much nicer riding position (lower, more forward footpegs), the motor pulls as hard through 6000 rpm once flashed (I rarely need to pull higher RPMs) and no worries about Busting My Wallet on repairs.
I did the same last spring and chose a left over 2016 Super Tenere rather than the 2018 BMW R1200GS.


Twinrider, I have a 2019 R1250GS.......totally different bike than the 2018 R1200 GS/GSA.
Agreed. The 1250 is a SUBSTANTIAL upgrade over the 1200.
 

Madhatter

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this is robbing me of sleep. everytime I roll over in bed I am thinking about bmw gs motorcycles ..... haven't spent a penny and its costing me sleep.
 
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RonH

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I test-rode a 2018 GS and a Gen II Super Tenere, preferred the latter and that's why I own it. Much nicer riding position (lower, more forward footpegs), the motor pulls as hard through 6000 rpm once flashed (I rarely need to pull higher RPMs) and no worries about Busting My Wallet on repairs.
That and the added benefit of the Yamaha is if you tip over in the garage you may break off a mirror at $55.00. On the BMW it's most likely going to be $13,000 bill and total loss even while just sitting still. They are built kind of like the Indy cars, more or less explode into 350 pieces should any impact happen.
 

bmac

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That and the added benefit of the Yamaha is if you tip over in the garage you may break off a mirror at $55.00. On the BMW it's most likely going to be $13,000 bill and total loss even while just sitting still. They are built kind of like the Indy cars, more or less explode into 350 pieces should any impact happen.
If, after 30+ years of owning a motorcycle, you are still planning on dropping your bike in the garage it is time to give it up and retire to the couch.
 

cyclemike4

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WOW! that Mammoth 1600 is a bad @$$ bike! That is an incredible fabrication job. That is my kind of custom motorcycle.
 

Checkswrecks

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Then there was Dirt Dad last Sunday with Dirt_Mom's BMW. After trying this lady's 125cc Monkey and finding how comfy it actually was he thinking of the old advertisement:

"You meet the nicest people on a Honda"

After wisely considering what Dirt_Mom would do if he traded her new ride straight across he let this young lady have her Monkey back.
LOL



fwiw, The lady's last two bikes were C10 Connies which she rode all over the Continent. She and her guy bought two of these Monkeys, absolutely love riding them, and they have been all over the East Coast on them. Truly a fun couple.
 
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