2013 GS1200

[autoteach]

Considering the local dealer is selling a 2012 Super T for $11,500 and willing to ship it just about anywhere in the continental us for $500-700, you pay the tax and stuff at registration, why buy a BMW?

 

[houndman]

I was at the motoercycle show in Long Beach recently. The guys at the BMW area were worshiping the new model, standing around talking, I mentioned about reliability problems, final drives etc, are they gonna get worked out or sorted or whatever. Man those dudes really didn't like that, seems like some are really attached to that brand.

 

[Salmon Sam]

Again, I don't mind the looks of the GS, even though I don't like the antiquated dorky boxers sticking out the side. I sat on one at the IMS and it really is a step backwards in aesthetics. Don't know why they gave the duckbill teeth and the tank now has a real plastic feel to it.

Let's compare:

Ewan McGregor needed a buddy and a whole support team in 4-wheel drive vehicles carrying parts to go 19000 miles in 3 or 4 months.
Nick Sanders didn't need anyone to go 50,000 miles in 46 days, and mechanics marvelled at how new the engine & tranmission looked when torn apart at the end. ::025::

The ST is superior is so many ways.

 

[~TABASCO~]

I was at the motoercycle show in Long Beach recently. The guys at the BMW area were worshiping the new model, standing around talking, I mentioned about reliability problems, final drives etc, are they gonna get worked out or sorted or whatever. Man those dudes really didn't like that, seems like some are really attached to that brand.

Ive owned many brands and being in the business I have the opportunity to ride everything. I love motorcycles, I don't have a personal beef with BMW or the riders that own them. In fact Ive gone twice to buy one over the last 12 or so years but they totally turned me off and I walked out with my money with no bike. With all the issues the bikes DO HAVE, its a FACT, I myself would never feel comfortable knowing I might be out on my once a year vacation and I might have a problem with the bike. I myself could never be "one of the crowd" followers and just not except the fact that the bike has some issues and mechanical problems. (more so than most 'normal production' bikes) Probably the same reason I don't wear leather and have a skull tattoo and a Harley "follower".... Im sure all these people are great people but it takes that 'special' person not to see or except the problems and keep charging ahead like its the very best bike made on the planet. Its cool but not when its broken down. I guess it does give a few of these owners the status they are desiring knowing they can afford an over priced bike and hang with similarly minded (all be, closed minded) BMW riders...

O'well, I still wave at all bikers! ::004::

Why don't they get there crap together so the bike will be bulletproof like the Japanese bikes? The bike is cool, I wish they would REALLY fix the "issues"... People pay enough to have a high quality bike, why don't they get it? My goal is to put on at least 250K on the Tenere...

 

[coastie]

Looks like they moved the final drive to the other side. Maybe the did re-design it.

 

[snakebitten]

I'm simply mirroring some of what Tabasco stated.

I love bikes. Have all my life. I remember the INSTANT I got hooked!
(9 years old and the most incredible 4 or 5 seconds of my childhood)

Ironically, it is my addiction to the Super Tenere that makes me desire a GS.
I just can't figure out why BMW doesn't sort the flaws out. They CAN. This is the modern era. Makes no sense.

I would get one if they did. I want a reliable GS real bad. Shame.

Oh, and I now think they are friggin awesome looking. Never did before the Tenere. Damn thing has me brain washed.

 

[markjenn]

For $22K adventure dirt bike I would expect CC.

Amazing how mis-information seems to become fact if it is repeated enough.

FYI, MSRP on the current model R1200GS is $16150 with ABS. There will be a small price increase for the new model, probably $300-$500.

- Mark

 

[twinrider]

If you guys think BMWs are overpriced in the US at $16,150 (€12,219), in Japan the premium line GS costs about ¥2.3 million OTD, or €20,700. The Germans are definitely taking the piss here... ::025::

 

[Joe-JOE]

But our Tenere's don't have 10 drive mode settings, 8 Electronic suspension settings, 6 tractions controls, 3 abs on/ off / WTF switch, & a partridge in a pear treeeeee!!!! ::016::

A Vmax buddy of mine in Oz just ordered the new BMW & is very excited about the proven history. & that he's always wanted one. :-X

 

[GrahamD]

that he's always wanted one. :-X

::025:: I know what you mean.

 

[Bundu]

I've had a 650GS Dakar for 5 years and a 800GS for 3 years - never gave me any hassles
Same with my 2.5 year old S10.

I will be testing the new 1200GS

 

[erenet]

If you guys think BMWs are overpriced in the US at $16,150 (€12,219), in Japan the premium line GS costs about ¥2.3 million OTD, or €20,700. The Germans are definitely taking the piss here... ::025::

How much is a Terere there?

 

[coastie]

I checked out the 2013's the other week when I was at the dealer picking up my new helmet. There was a white one there with a red frame. It was a sharp looking motorcycle. I actually like the styling, but not a fan of the paraleaver suspension. I would live with it and pay the price if the proven reliability was there. But right now I don't think there is much coming out that is going to beat the tenere. Just ride the snot out of it, and it just keeps chugging along.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[twinrider]

How much is a Terere there?

They are only available as reverse imports here, sent overseas then reimported as overseas models, and go for about 1.65 million yen OTD. In dollars that's about $19,600 due to the strong yen but still FAR cheaper than the BMW. Btw, you guys probably don't realize it but US riders definitely get the best deals worldwide.

 

[John D]

No matter what brand you like or dislike, when a manufacturer starts improving there product, then it forces the other manufacturers to improve their product as well, or chance being left behind in the market and we the consumer are the winners. The BMW riders should be thanking us since Triumph and Yamaha's introduction into the Adventure Touring market, BMW has improved and updated there product. JMHO. And who knows, maybe we will get a factory cruise control option out of this. For those who want it... ::022::

 

[greg the pole]

They are only available as reverse imports here, sent overseas then reimported as overseas models, and go for about 1.65 million yen OTD. In dollars that's about $19,600 due to the strong yen but still FAR cheaper than the BMW. Btw, you guys probably don't realize it but US riders definitely get the best deals worldwide.

Indeed, europe is not cheap by any means, and Canada usaully carries a 25% premium over US products.

 

[GrahamD]

Btw, you guys probably don't realize it but US riders definitely get the best deals worldwide.

They also seem to get the least models worldwide. ::024::

 

[MeefZah]

Ewan McGregor needed a buddy and a whole support team in 4-wheel drive vehicles carrying parts to go 19000 miles in 3 or 4 months.
Nick Sanders didn't need anyone to go 50,000 miles in 46 days, and mechanics marvelled at how new the engine & tranmission looked when torn apart at the end. ::025::

I'm not sure that's a fair comparison, nor a true reflection on the GS. McGregor and Co were making a film, first of all; so crew people and extra equipment were necessitated. They were also not "pro level" riders, which, after I googled "Nick Sanders" it is pretty evident that he is, essentially, a RTW pro rider. The GS's used in LWR held up pretty well, the only real issue was broken subframes - and in LWD the only issue was suspension failure. While I would agree that a broken subframe or broken suspension is a serious issue, it was most likely brought on by the severe overloading of those bikes and isn't really BMW's fault.

I've never owned a BMW nor am I a die hard fanboy, but I respect the legacy of the brand and think the GS is about the most bad ass looking bike on the planet. Additionally, I absolutely loved LWD and LWR and think quite highly of Ewan McGregor and Boorman as a result of those projects.

Having said that, I agree that my Tenere is probably a better bike in the long run, and will cost me a hell of a lot less as the years and miles accrue.

 

[nwryder12]

Agree with MeefZa. Although I have owned a 1150 GS Adventure and will say they are awesome bikes... but the S10 wins out in so many ways, especially in handling. Furthermore the S10 doesn't seem to be the maintenance queen that my GSA was. BMW was one of the first companies to mass produce a bike for this market niche. Like another poster said, the emergence of competition from other manufactures seems to build excellence. Besides, its nice to have a few more choices.

 

[bikerdoc]

I'm not sure that's a fair comparison, nor a true reflection on the GS. McGregor and Co were making a film, first of all; so crew people and extra equipment were necessitated. They were also not "pro level" riders, which, after I googled "Nick Sanders" it is pretty evident that he is, essentially, a RTW pro rider. The GS's used in LWR held up pretty well, the only real issue was broken subframes - and in LWD the only issue was suspension failure. While I would agree that a broken subframe or broken suspension is a serious issue, it was most likely brought on by the severe overloading of those bikes and isn't really BMW's fault.

I've never owned a BMW nor am I a die hard fanboy, but I respect the legacy of the brand and think the GS is about the most bad ass looking bike on the planet. Additionally, I absolutely loved LWD and LWR and think quite highly of Ewan McGregor and Boorman as a result of those projects.

Having said that, I agree that my Tenere is probably a better bike in the long run, and will cost me a hell of a lot less as the years and miles accrue.

::026::

I personally liked the whole of the two series (at the moment there is re-run of LWD on one of the channels on DREAM satellite). It is not often that motorcycling in any form aside from seasonal motorcycle racing on sports channels no less, makes it on mainstream TV channels. If series like LWD & LWR helps bring about some passion, dream scape, understanding, appreciation or desire from the masses sitting around in lounge rooms then all the better for it. The more motorcycling in all it's forms can be beamed into those living rooms the increased chances we can attract some of those individuals into motorcycling, which is really a challenge with the increasing cost of motorcycling in real terms, faced with increasingly cheaper cars as first line transport for the younger generations, motorcycling is being lost as a feasible option for many of today and tomorrow. To say nothing of the various legislative attempts to regulate and relegate motorcycling by governments globally, meaning an ever increasing loss of motorcycling as a viable option/choice.

Good on Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman for doing what they did, and being able to share it with us and more. To be fair they did want KTM's for the LWR but that fell through, BMW came to the party instead, and good for them. Do I care that it was a BMW that was profiled in the series, nope not one bit. It would be even better IMO if there was more of this kind of motorcycling adventures available on mainstream television. Instead one has to trawl for days and nights, weeks at a time, reading about similar trips on the likes of ADVrider et al. Some of the epic adventures deserve the same air time.

Why all the hate? We're already a shrinking population as it is, rather than division there should be solidarity, a celebration of what we all seem passionate about - all things motorcycles, in all it's various forms. One of the main attractions to motorcycling is to be different, a break from the cookie cutter mould. I'd rather have manufacturers facing competition (viably) and the choices it offers all of us. That competition also helps raise the bar and keep alive innovation. We're all the better for it.

My 0.02c worth...

MeRrY ChRiStMaS, one and all!