BMW GS Update

Nikolajsen

"Keep it simple"
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I actually rode a GS and it is one of the most odd handling machines I have ever swung a leg over. Trying to do mid corner steering/direction changes was next to impossible. The shaft hop when off/on throttle trail braking in the turns was spooky. And the torque of the motor wants to pull you over to the right. I did not like it. Having to compensate for that was not enjoyable.

When I ride a bike for the first time I want it to feel part of me. I don't like having to compromise for all the little quirks of the machine.
Was it an older one?
Because the older ones tend to do "strange" things when acceleration out of the corners...something due to the shaftdrive..as you write.
I also drove one, from 2016, I did not feel anything strange.
 

bmac

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I actually rode a GS and it is one of the most odd handling machines I have ever swung a leg over. Trying to do mid corner steering/direction changes was next to impossible. The shaft hop when off/on throttle trail braking in the turns was spooky. And the torque of the motor wants to pull you over to the right. I did not like it. Having to compensate for that was not enjoyable.

When I ride a bike for the first time I want it to feel part of me. I don't like having to compromise for all the little quirks of the machine.
We are talking about the R1250GS and it does none of the stuff you describe. Mid corner corrections are a breeze and abrupt throttle input while leaned over is all but imperceptible at the rear. But, I did have a Yamaha XS1100 that behaved like a pogo stick when applying or closing the throttle. Not really relevant though, is it?
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
some people are over anlyzers. Midcorner corrections impossible. Give me a break
It is a problem with the rider, not the bike.
Not really. If you cannot make a line correction midcorner then you are riding over your head.

I want Ed Mcman handing me a million dollar check every time I open my front door. Sadly that has never happened. Nor have I ever gotten on a new bike and ridden at a high level without getting adjusted to the new everything.

But maybe that's just me.
I have had the opportunity to ride many different bikes over the years. I don't ride anything at a high level (including what I own). I'm not all that great of a rider (novice at best).

However, I do know right away what works and what doesn't. An example would be the 1190 KTM. Slow speed fueling was horrible, and it had way too much horsepower. The antilock brakes did not stop worth a crap. Vintage Indian Gilroy Chief was an amazing touring bike and even though it weighs almost 1000 lbs it was a dream to ride through Death Valley. Ducati Enduro was horrible. Everything from the ergos to handling was dangerous. The list of oddball bikes goes on.

From the first time I took a long test ride on the Super Tenere, it just felt right. That was in 2013. I saved and saved and finally got one. The only thing that bothers me is it does not handle off road as much as I would like. Oh well, can't have everything.
 

Sierra1

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bmac referred to the GS as handling substantially better than the Tenere in successive corners. Since I have not ridden a GS 1250, I can't say that he's wrong. BUT, due to the "flickability" of the Tenere, I am somewhat skeptical. To me The Tenere feels 200lbs lighter than she is, or should be, when the road gets twisty, and she can run with an R6. And, yes, I understand the he and I are being subjective in our opinions. It's no secret that suspension setting(s), tires, and even the pressure in those tires are going to impact a bike's handling. I never had any complaints about the handling of the RT I rode....when it wasn't in the shop. (my "bad mouthing" is only associated to problems that I've had, not what I've heard) And, neither the GS or the T12 is a motocrosser. And, as it's been said "ride what you like, and like what you ride." But, keep in mind, not everybody is going to agree with your opinion(s). :)
 

Sierra1

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Yup. Like her weight. To many riders on this forum, her weight is a big problem. I never even noticed it. When, or if, I ever find a problem with her, many riders may not have even noticed what I was talking about. :)
 
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ballisticexchris

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Rider A may believe bike X handles beautifully.
Rider B may believe bike X has wonky handling.

They are both correct, as far as that goes. While general attributes can be agreed upon, people have different sensitivities to different stimuli.

What bothers some riders, I may not even notice, and vice versa.
Boy isn't that the truth!! And really skilled riders can ride just about anything and adapt instantly.
 

Boris

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Dec 21, 2013
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midlands. UK
Complimenting or praising another bike doesn’t make the Super Tenere bad, or even suggest that the Super Tenere is bad. It’s a bike, not someone’s child.
 

Eville Rich

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Sep 15, 2016
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Wisconsin, USA
Complimenting or praising another bike doesn’t make the Super Tenere bad, or even suggest that the Super Tenere is bad. It’s a bike, not someone’s child.
Wrong! As a true American I must wrap my ego into the things I own, objectifying myself and defining anyone else not following my tastes and purchases as an "other" and as lesser as a result.

What are you trying to do? Destroy the fabric of American capitalism and anxiety-based marketing?

Eville Rich
2016 S10
 

bmac

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Boy isn't that the truth!! And really skilled riders can ride just about anything and adapt instantly.
I am a professional motorcyclist (i.e. I get paid to ride motorcycles) and quickly adapt to whatever I am riding. With that said, I have yet to meet a 1250GS owner or even someone that test rode one complain about the handling. It does nothing that would cause a novice rider any concern.

I ride everything I can when the opportunity presents itself. I have ridden over 40 different motorcycles in the last couple of years. It is amazing to find out how different they can be. Some motorcycles I thought I would love I disliked and vice versa. You can read a bunch of reviews and stuff on the forums but you will never know how good or bad a motorcycle is until you ride one. Ride more, post less.
 

bmac

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Florida, Wisconsin
bmac referred to the GS as handling substantially better than the Tenere in successive corners. Since I have not ridden a GS 1250, I can't say that he's wrong. BUT, due to the "flickability" of the Tenere, I am somewhat skeptical. To me The Tenere feels 200lbs lighter than she is, or should be, when the road gets twisty, and she can run with an R6. And, yes, I understand the he and I are being subjective in our opinions. It's no secret that suspension setting(s), tires, and even the pressure in those tires are going to impact a bike's handling. I never had any complaints about the handling of the RT I rode....when it wasn't in the shop. (my "bad mouthing" is only associated to problems that I've had, not what I've heard) And, neither the GS or the T12 is a motocrosser. And, as it's been said "ride what you like, and like what you ride." But, keep in mind, not everybody is going to agree with your opinion(s). :)
Before I bought my 2016 Super Tenere I took an extended test ride on a R1200GS. There were plus or minuses for each bike but I ultimately chose the Super Tenere. But, I did prefer the handling characteristics of the BMW over the Yamaha.

I took a test ride of new the R1250GS as soon as it was available and found it to be substantially improved from the 1200GS and it tipped the scales from the S10 to the GS. I am not brand loyal and will buy whatever works best for me. There are a lot of things I don't like about BMW as a company but I really like the way the R1250GS performs while riding it. They can be slow to fix problems and their parts prices are stupid expensive. If you have a real problem with a BMW it can be a nightmare to get resolved although most owners will not experience this possibility.

Adding a little background and color: I was going to meet a guy from the FZ09 forum (I used to own one) for the first time and we were going to go for a ride on some of his favorite roads in FL. He is 73 and told me he rode like he was 60. At the time I had the S10 and a BMW S1000XR. Due to his description of riding style I brought the S10. Upon arriving at his house I noticed his FZ had a pipe and complete suspension upgrade and he was wearing full leathers. About 10 minutes into the ride I knew I should have brought the XR. He didn't ride like he was 60 but more like 25. On a particularly tight section I was working the S10 pretty hard just to keep up. The shortcomings of the S10 became very apparent that day. It is not designed for what I was doing so I don't see it as a fault of the bike. The 1250GS would be better but if I was going to ride with him today on the same route I would still take the XR.
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
I don't ride like I'm 25 anymore. I have learned over the years that riding like that on the street (or dirt) leads to very bad things happening. Public highways are always an uncontrolled riding condition. It is 100% impossible to predict what is around the next corner.

And that might very well be why I did not like the BMW GS's handling. Just not going fast enough. For me it's all about the balance. The faster you go the more the bike masks the bad handling traits of bike and the riders skill. A lot of guys go fast all the time. Slowing them down will bring out the worst in riders!!

I'm amazed at how law enforcement motor cops can rip these bikes around in tight quarters.
 

Dirt_Dad

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The faster you go the more the bike masks the bad handling traits of bike and the riders skill.
That's the reason the FJR lasted less than a month in my garage. It took zero skill to ride that thing pretty quickly. I had to ride it so fast to get any adrenaline out of it that I was bored. Not interested in riding at those speeds. I have to keep my license and stay out of jail. I'm much happier on a bike that needs a competent pilot to get through the curves, and can deliver sanctification at much slower speeds than the FJR.

Tenere is outstanding in delivering satisfaction.
 

Sierra1

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The FJR is no different than a 'Vette, 'Stang, Camaro, Challenger, or any other stupid-fast car. You can't drive them anywhere near their capabilities....legally....except on a track. That's why I have a Jeep and a Tenere. Both are surprisingly quick, and can handle crappy roads that are becoming more, and more, common.
 
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RonH

Guest
The only guy I know with a 1250gs had a lowside accident on sand at 25mph and it was deemed totalled. He went to the FJR1300 now. BMW too fragile to even think of riding too fast in corners even if it does handle real great which is probably true. When I heard he had the 25mph slide I knew no way in this world that motorcycle would ever see another mile on the road without even seeing a picture of it.
Any other brand I would not assume this. Well Ducati I would also condemn any accident even at stand still as most likely totalled.
 
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