2018 R1200GSA back to Super Tenere

[sigeye]

Ever sell a bike and realize you made a big mistake in doing so, later on?

After having my 2014 Super Tenere ES for 4 years and 50k miles, I got weak and some of the new and exciting elements to the R1200GSA got to me. I bought one in March of 2018 and have put about 10k on it since then. I sold my Super Tenere at that time and have regretted doing so ever since.

I'm honestly having significant thoughts about selling the GSA and going back to the Super Tenere. Would probably get a new 2019 and outfit it just like I had my old one.

After a year on the GSA, I've come to realize that the Tenere was a better fit for me. Ergonomics, height, comfort, ease of maintenance, reliability and more all feed into that. Ultimately, the Tenere just fit me like a bike custom made for me. The GSA is higher and less comfortable for me, at 5'9".

I am not sure if I'm going to make the switch yet, but it seems more likely to happen with each week that passes.

For anyone thinking of going after something new, really think about it. The Super Tenere is one darn fine motorcycle and I frankly think it is the finest engineered all rounder on the market.

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[EricV]

The wife rides a '16 GSA Low Suspension, Low seat. I hear what you're saying about the GSA, but you might consider swapping to the Low suspension bits to see if that's a cost attractive alternative to replacing the bike. I have ridden her bike several times, but not off pavement. It's not my cup of tea, but it's sure easy to put a foot down! She's 5'4" with a 28" inseam. Was 140 lbs when she got the bike and rides it better than the F650GS twin she had before.

 

[yoyo]

I have to admit I the looks/idea of a GSA, to my eyes it's the best looking out there by a country mile and I have an itch that I've no doubt I'll scratch at some point, I've never ridden one and if I'm honest I'm putting it off even though a dealer has opened a couple of miles away, part of me thinks I might not like it then it's job done but what if I love it? I'm not risking it!

The biggest thing for me is purely the cost, to swap my 2016 S10 to a 1250GSA I'd have to pay £10k sterling, that pays for a lot of fuel for my S10 or trips abroad! I might look again in 2yrs when the 1200GSA's start to get traded in for the new 1250.

Good luck with your decision!

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[EricV]

@yoyo - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's a real paint shaker of a motor. Look at how much it will cost to set it up the way you want too. The OEM crash bars are shite. They don't even protect the cylinder heads, (you would think that ONE thing would be protected!). The OE skid plate is not much better. Then you start looking at the extra costs of anything fitting to a BMW Vs other brands and it really adds up. Besides, I heard Germany won't export to the UK after Brexit...

 

[barkingllizard]

The Super Tenere is one darn fine motorcycle and I frankly think it is the finest engineered all rounder on the market.

Agreed.....

 

[yoyo]

@EricV you aren't wrong about the cost of accessories! I'm very happy with my S10 and thanks to this forum I've got it set up just as I like it, as you say to do the same to a GSA would probably cost twice the price, even used extras command a premium price.

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[Sierra1]

Investment v. return is always my main consideration for any big purchase. And that's why there will never be a Beemer in my garage. For what BMW is charging, there shouldn't be ANY competition for them; not even close. The Tenere, may not be the best at ANYHTING. But it does everything, that I deem important, well. And THAT makes it the BEST for me. Bang for the buck; hard to beat.

 

[Sierra1]

Ha! I never even thought about injuries, but you're right. I have a decent skill set, but I don't think there is bike that doesn't have abilities that exceed my own. I was just talking about smiles per dollar.

 

[SHUMBA]

Ever sell a bike and realize you made a big mistake in doing so, later on?

After having my 2014 Super Tenere ES for 4 years and 50k miles, I got weak and some of the new and exciting elements to the R1200GSA got to me. I bought one in March of 2018 and have put about 10k on it since then. I sold my Super Tenere at that time and have regretted doing so ever since.

I'm honestly having significant thoughts about selling the GSA and going back to the Super Tenere. Would probably get a new 2019 and outfit it just like I had my old one.

After a year on the GSA, I've come to realize that the Tenere was a better fit for me. Ergonomics, height, comfort, ease of maintenance, reliability and more all feed into that. Ultimately, the Tenere just fit me like a bike custom made for me. The GSA is higher and less comfortable for me, at 5'9".

I am not sure if I'm going to make the switch yet, but it seems more likely to happen with each week that passes.

For anyone thinking of going after something new, really think about it. The Super Tenere is one darn fine motorcycle and I frankly think it is the finest engineered all rounder on the market.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Pleased to hear this, because I just purchased a new 2018 model in December and am patiently waiting for my first ride on it, hopefully in April sometime.
I had an Africa Twin for two years and 30,000 KM. GREAT bike...if you are a somewhat taller rider and plan to engage in considerable off-road jaunts, definitely worth a look.
Chain drive, yes...
SHUMBA

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk

 

[Sierra1]

….and am patiently waiting for my first ride on it, hopefully in April sometime....

APRIL?! Yeah, I don't miss that. Guess I'll stick to our stupid hot summers.

 

[Flat lander]

APRIL?! Yeah, I don't miss that. Guess I'll stick to our stupid hot summers.

I'm here in Kansas. Pretty much right between you two guys. We have everything that both of you do just doesn't last as long

 

[craigincali]

I have lusted after a GSA since 1998. Every time I go to the BMW dealer I drool over them. Then that little voice in my head says "your ST has everything that bike has at a fraction of the cost." The more I think about switching over it always comes down to cost, reliability, and fun factor. The ST checks all my boxes.

 

[SHUMBA]

I have lusted after a GSA since 1998. Every time I go to the BMW dealer I drool over them. Then that little voice in my head says "your ST has everything that bike has at a fraction of the cost." The more I think about switching over it always comes down to cost, reliability, and fun factor. The ST checks all my boxes.

Agree, S-Ten has all a rider really needs, unless of course if money is no object and you need to bolster your ego. I could easily go out and buy two or five Beemers and a Bemmer car as well, but I love my Subaru Forester turbo and I know I'm gonna love my Tenere.
SHUMBA

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[RCinNC]

I'm here in Kansas. Pretty much right between you two guys. We have everything that both of you do just doesn't last as long

After three trips across Kansas on a bike in the last few years, I think that's a state where even a Bedouin would say "holy crap, is it ever hot and windy here".

 

[RCinNC]

The S10 is the first bike I've ever owned that I would seriously consider replacing with a newer model of the same bike.

 

[eemsreno]

The S10 is the first bike I've ever owned that I would seriously consider replacing with a newer model of the same bike.

I did just that, but kept the old one and ride it the most.

 

[mrpete64]

I have had a lot of BMW's over the years. I presently have a 2014 ES which I said I would NEVER own. I sat on them at the NYC bike show and could not believe how heavy they felt. Then I drove one! I have 20,000+ miles on this bike with out any issues. I change the oil, etc., and the bike is flawless. I did look at the 2014 GS Adventure when I bought this bike. It was nice. I just could not see thousands of dollars difference. Also, after having my bikes serviced it was "very" expensive. The BMW dealer did good job with the service(s) but expensive. As far as going "off road" I doubt most people crash either of these bikes over massive rock outcrops, etc. Both are too large for any serious real off road adventure stuff. I know that I am too old and paranoid to do so any more. I don't "bounce" like I use too!
Looking at the dependability of the Yamaha I think it is an obvious choice. Just get a can of spay mud...cover your bike....park at Starbucks and tell people you just rode in from Alaska...I am sure you will get the same reaction as you would parking you BMW Adventure bike in the lot.
The new BMW Adventure with the new head should be interesting to see how that holds up over time. I doubt that there will be too many mechanics, in South America,that can fix it. It sure looks great in the video photos.

Mr. Pete--------------->
aging hippie

 

[SHUMBA]

I have had a lot of BMW's over the years. I presently have a 2014 ES which I said I would NEVER own. I sat on them at the NYC bike show and could not believe how heavy they felt. Then I drove one! I have 20,000+ miles on this bike with out any issues. I change the oil, etc., and the bike is flawless. I did look at the 2014 GS Adventure when I bought this bike. It was nice. I just could not see thousands of dollars difference. Also, after having my bikes serviced it was "very" expensive. The BMW dealer did good job with the service(s) but expensive. As far as going "off road" I doubt most people crash either of these bikes over massive rock outcrops, etc. Both are too large for any serious real off road adventure stuff. I know that I am too old and paranoid to do so any more. I don't "bounce" like I use too!
Looking at the dependability of the Yamaha I think it is an obvious choice. Just get a can of spay mud...cover your bike....park at Starbucks and tell people you just rode in from Alaska...I am sure you will get the same reaction as you would parking you BMW Adventure bike in the lot.
The new BMW Adventure with the new head should be interesting to see how that holds up over time. I doubt that there will be too many mechanics, in South America,that can fix it. It sure looks great in the video photos.

Mr. Pete--------------->
aging hippie

Ha, that's the solution, but where can I buy a can of "spay" mud?...or is that spray mud? Pleased to hear the Ten is lighter on the road, as my new bike feels heavy in the showroom.
SHUMBA

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[magic]

https://bestrestproducts.com/shop/motomudd/motomudd-expedition/
Here you go. Or if you're really handy you can make your own!

 

[Sierra1]

I have lusted after a GSA since 1998. Every time I go to the BMW dealer I drool over them....

Or more accurately, used to. When I started riding a BMW, and saw the GS in real life....it was love/lust at first sight....even after seeing the price tag. But, when I had lived with the RT for a few years....and put some miles on it....and started having "issues" with it....those feelings changed. Then, many years later....I see a YAMAHA, with the same design purpose/mission....and KNOW that it will not have the Beemer issues....those old feeling came flooding back. And, what?! $5-$10K cheaper?! And, a huge, nationwide dealer network?! Yes please!