Looking for advice on BMW GS models

[Lotter]

Had a 2012 BMW F800Gs for a couple of years, unfortunately had to sell it. I would love to get back into the saddle and would just like some advice please.

Would it be a big step down to go for the 650Gs as this is probably where the budget is at, would you consider it?

Have been keeping an eye on trade me, is there any other place to have a look at that you can recommend.

Thank you

[awayatc]

The single 650 vs the parallel twin..?

If you really want need to go offroad ,then it is the way to go maybe...
The twin goes a lot better though.

If you don't go offroad a lot.(.or even at all )maybe the road version is worth a look.
Nice bikes and quite cheap by comparison.

[Lotter]

The single 650 vs the parallel twin..?

If you really want need to go offroad ,then it is the way to go maybe...
The twin goes a lot better though.

If you don't go offroad a lot.(.or even at all )maybe the road version is worth a look.
Nice bikes and quite cheap by comparison.



Thank you Salty Dog. that is a great place for me to start, i wasn't aware that there where 2 types on the 650 i will have to do some more research on that first.

Loved the 800 would go back to that any day! just thought maybe try something else have read great things about them!

i am 1.90 cm 110 kgs.

Would be for commuting at first but would love to do some off road as well at a later stage, did do some minor stuff on the 800.

Much appreciated.

[WristTwister]

Thank you Salty Dog. that is a great place for me to start, i wasn't aware that there where 2 types on the 650 i will have to do some more research on that first.

Loved the 800 would go back to that any day! just thought maybe try something else have read great things about them!

i am 1.90 cm 110 kgs.

Would be for commuting at first but would love to do some off road as well at a later stage, did do some minor stuff on the 800.

Much appreciated.

Something in-between the 650 and 800 - could you stretch for a F700 GS?

[Lotter]

I have not heard much about the 700 to be honest that is why haven't really had a good look at it..

[awayatc]

whats your budget?
and how many kms a year you think you do?
Daily commute?
Offroad?
Big trips?
Luggage?

650 would be awesome to commute,
1200 would be much better for long rides with lots of luggage....
old 100 GS be best in keeping price, classic appeal, and very usable in real life,
they come up every now and again on trade me for around $6k ish

[Scubbo]

get a versys... or if "adv" is your thing, get a dr650 the ability, simplicity, price and reliability can't be beaten, service cost will be a 10th? of a BMW :weird:

[Lotter]

thank you for all the advice Salty, really appreciate it.

[Lotter]

thank you scubo. i have checked them out..

[pampa]

also check the Bmw G650 X range, like the Challenge. It has same engine as the GS with a bit more power (53Hp, vs ~50), a lot less weight (144kg vs 180+). I've done commuting on a XChallenge for several years and some adventure riding and it can't be faulted. The bike is tall/very tall but that shouldn't be a problem at your height

[Lotter]

Thanks Pampa. much appreciated! i will definitely check that out as well..

[BMWGSER]

also check the Bmw G650 X range, like the Challenge. It has same engine as the GS with a bit more power (53Hp, vs ~50), a lot less weight (144kg vs 180+). I've done commuting on a XChallenge for several years and some adventure riding and it can't be faulted. The bike is tall/very tall but that shouldn't be a problem at your height

The G650X is the best off roader of the 650's and great around town commuter as well.
The 1200GS is great at eating up the miles ,one up or two up. The airhead R80/100GS are great
Tractors but are getting expensive and cost a little to keep on the road now.
The 800 twins are good alround bikes and will do any role that you want to do.
I should know I have all four of the above bikes and can't make up My mind which to sell off.
The 650GS or Dakar are good bikes but not a patch on the 800 twins.

[Buddha#81]

....... you have all overlooked the 1100 and 1150GS's they are big, comfortable and bulletproof, easy to work on compared to the later 1200's and good buying at $3K-$7K.

[Oscar]

....... you have all overlooked the 1100 and 1150GS's they are big, comfortable and bulletproof, easy to work on compared to the later 1200's and good buying at $3K-$7K.

Good call.

Bikes like this one:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1169838345.htm

http://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/514355245.jpg

[Benjah]

Both the 1100 and 1150 gs are getting very long in the tooth now. I had an 1100 he and it caused no end of problems including the dreaded broken final drive. How about a used vstrom? 650 cc twin that won't leave you on the side of the road.

[gunnyrob]

Will be selling my R1200GS soon with full Givi Luggage (all keyed alike). He has quite a few kms on him (180k), but am only after $6,000 all up. Full service history and always maintained at Experience in Kingsland. Pm if you want a look.

BTW, BMW GS's are bloody fantastic!

[rok-the-boat]

I just got me a secondhand R1150GS - it's great. Like a tractor that goes fast. Not sure I would venture too far off the beaten track on it though - it is huge. If you wanna go off-road, the 650 would be 100 times better.

[gunnyrob]

Further to my last post, It sold in Dec to a dude going for a ride around NZ. He did 10,000ks before onselling it in Feb. I now have a low km 2008 R1200GS for my new adventures :)

[10bikekid]

Further to my last post, It sold in Dec to a dude going for a ride around NZ. He did 10,000ks before onselling it in Feb. I now have a low km 2008 R1200GS for my new adventures :)

Nice Rob, I've joined the family myself with a 1200GSA they are something else these flat twins

[rastuscat]

I reckon most 1200GS models see very little off road stuff. Had an 1150 GS for a while, it's a mission on gravel.

The Dakar was cool, now replaced by the Sertao. Way easier on gravel.

I did so little off road I decided road bikes were me, so it's been 2 x F800ST, and now 2 x R1200RT.

[sidecar bob]

I reckon most 1200GS models see very little off road stuff. Had an 1150 GS for a while, it's a mission on gravel.

The Dakar was cool, now replaced by the Sertao. Way easier on gravel.

I did so little off road I decided road bikes were me, so it's been 2 x F800ST, and now 2 x R1200RT.

R1200gs is at its absolute best with a pillion & a weeks worth of equipment on board on any road that used to be sealed, with cow shit, pot holes & bits of loose gravel, going at a fair clip.
Proper trail stuff, they are an complete whale.

[Bass]

R1200gs is at its absolute best with a pillion & a weeks worth of equipment on board on any road that used to be sealed, with cow shit, pot holes & bits of loose gravel, going at a fair clip.
Proper trail stuff, they are an complete whale.

What he said!!!!!

2 up with all the gear and limited skills in deep sand is especially attention getting.

[Night Falcon]

What he said!!!!!

2 up with all the gear and limited skills in deep sand is especially attention getting.

deep sand is challenging on any bike if your not used to it. done it on a 210kg 990, a DR, and a fully loaded 690.......enormous respect for anyone who can navigate it on a GSA :gob:

[Bass]

enormous respect for anyone who can navigate it on a GSA :gob:

Me too!

Thing is, to do it neatly requires a good helping of speed and more than a dash of courage. However, if (when) it goes wrong, it can go very badly wrong, especially 2 up. People die.

[GPS MAN]

The 1200 GSA is a fantastic motorcycle if you ride it like it was designed. That means no hard off road adventures, unless you are Hercules or have a unlimited bank account:facepalm:

[Oscar]

They are OK off road, but don't like water.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Cold-Kiwi-Weekend/i-RGrDmNC/0/9cfae514/XL/DSCN3885-XL.jpg

The KTM loved ]this crossing:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Cold-Kiwi-Weekend/i-kQPzZtP/0/a0e15e04/XL/IMG_0348-XL.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Cold-Kiwi-Weekend/i-xmvPKF9/0/08b09f01/XL/IMG_0350-XL.jpg

The 1200GS, not so much:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Cold-Kiwi-Weekend/i-fr2NdrF/0/4b3109f9/XL/DSCN3955-XL.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Cold-Kiwi-Weekend/i-4f8qgN4/0/1e9d9e3c/XL/DSCN3958-XL.jpg

I think it was more the freezing temp of the water that stalled the motor, and the water got in after that.
We had two 1200's with us and they both stopped in that crossing.
We were amazed to find that a brand new Beemer had no toolkit.
Fortunately the KTM tools fitted...

[Laava]

My mate dropped his GS 1200 in a knee deep crossing. He stood it up immediately, waited for a few minutes, started it and rode it out, stopped it and did a big of a regroup and then when he restarted to continue, it went thud as it gulped water from the airbox and bent a conrod.:( his insurance company also replaced the entire swingarm/drive mechanism saying it was shot as well?
Edit, I rode a hundred or so k's on it and it was very nice to ride...

[Laava]

Only the very wealthy or silly would take a $35k bike through such terrain.

OMG, lookout guys, boor alert!

[Bass]

We were amazed to find that a brand new Beemer had no toolkit.
Fortunately the KTM tools fitted...

But but... how come you didn't know that before you took said machine in there? It was one of the first things I discovered.... or was it one of those situations where only the owner knew and he hadn't taken precautions.
Everything is Torx fastenings now too, so different set of tools.

[sidecar bob]

Only the very wealthy or silly would take a $35k bike through such terrain.

To be fair, id imagine you don't have to be very wealthy to put minimum deposit on a 35k bike, stupid possibly though.

[Ocean1]

Everything is Torx fastenings now too, so different set of tools.

Aye, but most of the KTM is too.

[Oscar]

Only the very wealthy or silly would take a $35k bike through such terrain.

Firstly, the bike belonged to BMW NZ.
Notwithstanding that, you'd have to be stupid to shell out all that cash on a bike and NOT explore its capabilities.
The BMW is very capable off-road.

[Oscar]

But but... how come you didn't know that before you took said machine in there? It was one of the first things I discovered.... or was it one of those situations where only the owner knew and he hadn't taken precautions.
Everything is Torx fastenings now too, so different set of tools.

Yeah, assumption is the mother of all fuck ups.
It was the BMW press bike and no one even thought to check if it had tools.
Most of the group are ex-enduro riders, so there was plenty of kit being carried...

[Bass]

It was the BMW press bike and no one even thought to check if it had tools.
.

Never thought of that. Was a surprise to me to discover paucity of kit as well - in the showroom however.

[Oscar]

But they cant handle deep water crossings/mud too well as the photos show. By not taking the bike into extreme off road conditions it may actually last longer than if you don't. You sound like someone rich with your thinking anyway. Have you not thought the sheer weight of them alone maybe why the can not handle extreme conditions irrespective of price?

You seem to have missed the point.
It was a press bike.
We were testing it.

Have you ever ridden one?
Maybe you should before speculating on line...

[Oscar]

Press bike or not the photo shows clearly you were taking it into terrain its not suited too. There is no speculation on my part as the photo says it all. I have ridden one and if I ever bought one would not be rich or silly enough to take the bike where you have.

If you wouldn't do it, why does it bother you?

At the risk of repeating myself, the problem was not the terrain but the water temp (it was melted snow off Ruapehu mid-winter).
Those bikes are quite capable of that terrain, so maybe you are the problem?

[awayatc]

You seem to have missed the point.
.

She misses every point....
Hasn't even got a clue as to what a clue itself would be..
The more you try to reason with her, the more irrational her responses become.

Don't bother....

[Oscar]

So if I ride one of those bikes in the snow or a snow storm when the water melts on them they could die?. You are the one with the problem trying to justify their ability to handle that terrain in Winter when your photo shows they can't. You could always edit out the photo from your review and any hint anything went wrong with the bike when you do your review perhaps.

Er...that's seven years ago.
I'll see if I can find a back issue.

But part of adventure riding is the ability to assess the risk and ride accordingly based on your abilities and those of the bike.
However in your case I would encourage you to ride one in the snow...

[Zedder]

However in your case I would encourage you to ride one in the snow...


With road tyres fitted...

[BMWST?]

Press bike or not the photo shows clearly you were taking it into terrain its not suited too. There is no speculation on my part as the photo says it all. I have ridden one and if I ever bought one would not be rich or silly enough to take the bike where you have.

You have contradicted yourself..if you bought one you would be rich enough.And in doing so some would say you were silly.

[Jeff Sichoe]

cassina, seriously, stop being a retard

Look at the link for an idea of what these kinds of bikes are expected / capable of doing.

This is the reason they exist, to go places other motorbikes can't or won't

https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=BMW+GS+in+deep+mud+water&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjkqKeDkPjTAhUCxbwKHUzZBFQQsAQIJA&biw=1613&bih=455

[george formby]

But, wait..... Relatively fresh big Beemer adventures. Not to mention the boxer prototype entered into Romaniacs which can be read about elsewhere.

http://amcn.com.au/editorial/brand-new-bmw-r-1200-gs-rallye-x-tackle-finke-desert-race/

[Oscar]

I remember seeing a GS1200 on display at Phillip Isl MotoGP that has done the Finke.
It must have been 10 years ago.

[sidecar bob]

No you are the retard. Have you not heard the saying the more complex something is the greater the chance is of something going wrong? There are many reports on the internet that those bikes are not as bullet proof as you think.

Im not sure that anyone is under the illusion they are bulletproof.

[Oscar]

No you are the retard. Have you not heard the saying the more complex something is the greater the chance is of something going wrong? There are many reports on the internet that those bikes are not as bullet proof as you think.

Gee, now if it's on the internet it must be true.
Do you do all your bike testing on-line?

[awayatc]

Gee, now if it's on the internet it must be true.
Do you do all your bike testing on-line?

dog and lemon.....

[ellipsis]

Gee, now if it's on the internet it must be true.
Do you do all your bike testing on-line?


...it couldn't turn blue litmus paper red with an alkaline base...

[Bass]

...it couldn't turn blue litmus paper red with an alkaline base...

Umm...neither could I. Blue to red = acid or is there a subtle twist here that I missed?

[rok-the-boat]

Both the 1100 and 1150 gs are getting very long in the tooth now. I had an 1100 he and it caused no end of problems including the dreaded broken final drive. How about a used vstrom? 650 cc twin that won't leave you on the side of the road.

Could you expand on the broken drive problem? I have an 1150GS.

[samgab]

The “Long Way Round” and “Long Way Down” docos illustrate well the capabilities of these bikes. They handle thousands of miles of the toughest terrains on Earth. Not without issues, but they do pretty well considering the demands of those trips.
Resurrecting dead threads is fun ;)