R1200GS - got to ride one today!

[Sierra1]

If you compare apples to apples (wet clutch GS with wet clutch Super Tenere), the price for the BMW clutch is the same as the Super Tenere, around $400 installed.

Oops! I forgot they changed to wet clutches. The DRY ones were MUCH more expensive to replace. But, you're right, a dealer would definitely charge more than 30 minutes labor. On the other hand, I would likely replace my own clutch plates; wouldn't be the first time.

But I wouldn't turn down a test/free ride on a new GS either.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Owned a '14 S10 ES sold it and bought a'"16 R1200RS and now own a "17 S10 ES. Enough said. But I think we're getting a bit side tracked from what the OP was saying.

Agreed.

 

[ADKsuper10]

Thanks. I really have no idea aabout the costs of anything (other than pirchase price) in regard to either bike. I have only had mine for a year and just over 5,000 miles.

I was trying to compare the riding experience - as well as fit and finish.

What steered ME toward Yamaha was reliability and dealership accessibility & support. In most cases, you can't swing a dead cat in most towns without hitting a Yamaha dealership. There are 3 within an hour of me and I live in a rural area. There is only one BMW dealership and it is one state over and a little over an hour away.

I've watched Long Way Round (& Down) a few times now, and I've been intrigued with the BMW. It was nice to get to ride one.

But - after watching what Nick Sanders has done with a gen 1 Super Tenere (and an R1 before that) - I decided to go with the Yamaha. My test ride with the BMW did not leave me wanting for more after I got back on my Tenere. I still smiled just as wide.

 

[Sierra1]

That's the true litmus test. When you get back on YOUR bike, regardless of make, and it causes you to smile....you have the right bike. ::001::

 

[Donk]

That's the true litmus test. When you get back on YOUR bike, regardless of make, and it causes you to smile....you have the right bike. ::001::

+1

 

[Cycledude]

Switched bikes with a friend yesterday for about 100 miles, BMW 800gs with 120,000+ miles, I like his engine and gearing better , it's quite bit lighter and in my opinion handles better, it cnsistantly gets about 10 mpg better than my Tenere , his windshield is about useless, he has a Russel seat wow comfortable ! He is from California where there are plenty of BMW dealers, where I live there are only about 3 BMW dealers in the entire state.

 

[Wallkeeper]

Switched bikes with a friend yesterday for about 100 miles, BMW 800gs with 120,000+ miles, I like his engine and gearing better , it's quite bit lighter and in my opinion handles better, it cnsistantly gets about 10 mpg better than my Tenere , his windshield is about useless, he has a Russel seat wow comfortable ! He is from California where there are plenty of BMW dealers, where I live there are only about 3 BMW dealers in the entire state.

Ah, the joy of living in Harley Heaven (or Hell).....at least you have the Packers for compensation

 

[Checkswrecks]

For an every-day bike, a chain is a deal-killer for me. That limits the alternatives to a hand-full.

 

[Donk]

Switched bikes with a friend yesterday for about 100 miles, BMW 800gs with 120,000+ miles, I like his engine and gearing better , it's quite bit lighter and in my opinion handles better, it cnsistantly gets about 10 mpg better than my Tenere , his windshield is about useless, he has a Russel seat wow comfortable ! He is from California where there are plenty of BMW dealers, where I live there are only about 3 BMW dealers in the entire state.

Yup there's three and one's also a Harley Dealer!

 

[ADKsuper10]

I forgot to mention one almost immediate obsrvation about the 1200gs - When cruising at speed (60-65) on good roads the handlebars/tree can have a "wobble" very easily if you push on the handlebars just so. After I noticed it I played around with it and it was a little unsettling. I don't think my S10 does that - or does it so easily anyway.

When treacking straight on the GS it's fine, but doesn't take much to initiate a "wobble" of the front fork. I don't think there is anything wrong with his bike or anything - just a characteristic I noticed.

Also - when on the S10 it feels like you have more bike under you. Maybe the fatter gas tank, etc.

 

[Ultim8pc]

Having test ridden the water cooled GS a few times recently, I think it has is a superior riding experience , with more poke than the S10. That said, I bought an S10 because it wasn't a GS and lots of GS owners complaining about reliability.

 

[Sierra1]

For an every-day bike, a chain is a deal-killer for me. That limits the alternatives to a hand-full.

::026:: Never thought the chain was a pain....until my first bike without one. Now I will not own one without a shaft.

 

[ADKsuper10]

::026:: I've only had 5 bikes, 3 of them without chains (two shaft one belt).

I MUCH prefer shaft drive. Especially Yamaha shaft drive. ::012::

 

[Nikolajsen]

When I changed my old Transalp, the choise was between the S10 and the new Africa Twin, and the shaft drive was the reason I choise the S10.
This is my first without chain, and I love it ::012::

 

[HBLQRider]

I have a Gen 1 S10 and just picked up a 2017 GSA on Thursday. I only rode it about 100 miles so far, but here are my random initial feelings/observations:

My S10 has Jesse Panniers, a heavy duty skid plate and crash bars so it weighs well above stock. I have about a 2" higher seat, 2" bar risers, and lower pegs. I am 6'7" with a 36-37" inseam. The S10 is stable as heck and feels long and tall.

The GSA without panniers (they can't put them on right now as you well know) and about 3 gallons of fuel feels like a sport bike in comparison to the S10. It actually feels small to me, way more compact. I could do super tight circles on the GSA immediately which is something I can do with the S10 but it takes more work. It just inspires confidence. I wanted to go straight to the mountains but had to get back to work. I will be looking for a taller seat, lower pegs and some bar risers for the GSA asap.

I could cruise with freeway traffic through Camp Pendleton (So Cal guys know what that stretch of the 5 is like) on the GSA no problem with little to no resistance or sound from the engine. The S10 just doesn't seem happy at that kind of speed.

The GSA is like a candy store to a kid. It is loaded with goodies and it brings a HUGE smile to my face when I ride it. The S10 is solid but has never made me feel the same way the GSA does when riding it. It just feels faster and sounds better.

The GSA windscreen is really floppy and kind of annoying. My S10 has a Madstad bracket and stabilizing bars so it is rock solid. The GSA windscreen is also way closer to me and that may be problematic because of my height. May not be able to get a taller windscreen that will get air over my head due to the closeness and angle (if that makes sense).

The GPS holder, specifically lock, already doesn't work and they have to replace it. It didn't work at the dealer before I even left. In addition, I got about 16 miles down the freeway and the computer told me I had two flat tires. I knew there was no way I had two flat tires but pulled over to a tire store and checked the PSI to be safe. All was fine. Called the dealer and went back and they apologized profusely and IMMEDIATELY replaced the sensors. I was back on my way in no time.

I am very wary of the reliability of the GSA from all of the horror stories I hear about so my beloved S10 is staying with me until I feel confident in this GSA. If I lose confidence in it I will sell it and go back to the S10 as I am not a roadside mechanic.

I can't say enough good things about BMW Motorcycles of Escondido. They were very fair to me and treated me great. Huge difference from my experience at the Yamaha dealers near me. Sure you pay for it, but I like to be treated well and not feel like I have to shower after leaving the dealership.

I will stick around this forum because it is a great place to be and again I am not getting rid of my S10.

 

[Dogdaze]

HBLQRider, that was about the same assessment I had when I rode the GSA last year, felt really nimble and quick, a part of me regrets buying another S10, but the 'safe dad head' was not letting me go there. The cost (I'm a tightwad) and the desire to just ride was too great. Maybe next time........

 

[HBLQRider]

HBLQRider, that was about the same assessment I had when I rode the GSA last year, felt really nimble and quick, a part of me regrets buying another S10, but the 'safe dad head' was not letting me go there. The cost (I'm a tightwad) and the desire to just ride was too great. Maybe next time........

I hear you loud and clear.

I'm conservative with my money too but have worked hard and saved my whole life and it was time for the reward. I got what I consider a good deal and it pushed me to pull the trigger and take what I consider a risk. So far I am VERY happy with my decision. Only time will tell.

 

[Cycledude]

I have a Gen 1 S10 and just picked up a 2017 GSA on Thursday. I only rode it about 100 miles so far, but here are my random initial feelings/observations:

My S10 has Jesse Panniers, a heavy duty skid plate and crash bars so it weighs well above stock. I have about a 2" higher seat, 2" bar risers, and lower pegs. I am 6'7" with a 36-37" inseam. The S10 is stable as heck and feels long and tall.

The GSA without panniers (they can't put them on right now as you well know) and about 3 gallons of fuel feels like a sport bike in comparison to the S10. It actually feels small to me, way more compact. I could do super tight circles on the GSA immediately which is something I can do with the S10 but it takes more work. It just inspires confidence. I wanted to go straight to the mountains but had to get back to work. I will be looking for a taller seat, lower pegs and some bar risers for the GSA asap.

I could cruise with freeway traffic through Camp Pendleton (So Cal guys know what that stretch of the 5 is like) on the GSA no problem with little to no resistance or sound from the engine. The S10 just doesn't seem happy at that kind of speed.

The GSA is like a candy store to a kid. It is loaded with goodies and it brings a HUGE smile to my face when I ride it. The S10 is solid but has never made me feel the same way the GSA does when riding it. It just feels faster and sounds better.

The GSA windscreen is really floppy and kind of annoying. My S10 has a Madstad bracket and stabilizing bars so it is rock solid. The GSA windscreen is also way closer to me and that may be problematic because of my height. May not be able to get a taller windscreen that will get air over my head due to the closeness and angle (if that makes sense).

The GPS holder, specifically lock, already doesn't work and they have to replace it. It didn't work at the dealer before I even left. In addition, I got about 16 miles down the freeway and the computer told me I had two flat tires. I knew there was no way I had two flat tires but pulled over to a tire store and checked the PSI to be safe. All was fine. Called the dealer and went back and they apologized profusely and IMMEDIATELY replaced the sensors. I was back on my way in no time.

I am very wary of the reliability of the GSA from all of the horror stories I hear about so my beloved S10 is staying with me until I feel confident in this GSA. If I lose confidence in it I will sell it and go back to the S10 as I am not a roadside mechanic.

I can't say enough good things about BMW Motorcycles of Escondido. They were very fair to me and treated me great. Huge difference from my experience at the Yamaha dealers near me. Sure you pay for it, but I like to be treated well and not feel like I have to shower after leaving the dealership.

I will stick around this forum because it is a great place to be and again I am not getting rid of my S10.

Sorry I guess everyone but me knows why they can't put bags on your GSA now.

 

[Checkswrecks]

HBLQRider -


You join SPX in having bought a GS/GSA and decided to stick around. Glad you are and the extra input is always good. There seem to be two kinds of BMW owners; those who go a lot of miles with no problem, and those who have a series of real issues. I truly hope you and yours are in the former group.

 

[HBLQRider]

HBLQRider -


You join SPX in having bought a GS/GSA and decided to stick around. Glad you are and the extra input is always good. There seem to be two kinds of BMW owners; those who go a lot of miles with no problem, and those who have a series of real issues. I truly hope you and yours are in the former group.

Me too! Thank you.

At the end of the day, motorcycling is my only hobby and I literally don't spend money on anything else. It was time for me to go for it. If it doesn't work out at least I gave it a shot.