BMW GS.... is it time to have one?

[nwmschris]

The new bit of Germanys finest

[Tonibe63]

A mate said to me "unless you buy one you will never know if it's the right bike for you" ................. that was 7 years and 45k miles ago.

[SteveW]

Don't get me wrong, that's a nice video and it does show that a GS can tackle a track with a decent rider. But the same can be said for almost any bike (OK, not a Harley maybe, but that's just down to geometry...).

You often see people claiming that their touring/roadster bike can 'keep up with my mates on their sports bikes' etc. All they are actually saying is that THEY can keep up with their mates and it proves nothing. The fact remains that modern sports bikes are designed to be at their best in track conditions, so the same rider of the same ability in identical conditions will always be quicker on a sports bike on a track. If a GS rider overtakes a Panigale rider on a track, all that proves is that the GS rider is considerably more confident and skilled.

Otherwise Rossi's race bike would look like a GS and he could carry his trophies in his metal panniers.

I would say a 110 BHP GS is easier to ride than a 180BHP sports bike.
180BHP is too much for most mortals, leading to ragged riding and over braking.
I am pretty sure I could lap quicker on a 1200GS than I could a 1000cc sports bike.....all that power would fry my brain.

[daveuprite]

Try it sometime, but for a scientific comparison you should have equal experience of both bikes (obviously). The same rider with the same experience in the same conditions, tyres etc etc etc will ride around track corners I am guessing 25% quicker on a proper sports bike. This is not to knock GSs or any other roadster - it's about physics. Sports bikes are built to do the ultimate best job of going round a corner as fast as possible. In the wrong hands, they won't work. And nor will a GS. It's about the rider not the machine.

[Heff]

A mate said to me "unless you buy one you will never know if it's the right bike for you" ................. that was 7 years and 45k miles ago.

+1

Just do it. You won't be disappointed (thumbs)

Not that my point of view would be biased in any way :whistle:

[andymac]

I've had mine since 2002, had our ups & downs!!! I can't find a good reason to swap!!

[IainD]

My poor yet beloved Tiger 955i is now getting a bit to long in the tooth so I think its time to retire her.

A GS has always been on my list of bikes I should have at some point. I particlarly like the 1150 but that is based purely on looks.

I know a GS will do comfort. mile munching, rough stuff etc and be the perfect bike for me 90% of the time and probably be better than my 955i most of the time.

Serious question.... even though I know the GS isn't designed for it but when in those lovely Alpine passes I am usually hammering the knackers off my poor Tiger to keep up with mates as we do like to crack on..... will the GS be better or worse than my Tiger on those occasions?

It's not a deal breaker of course as it's only once or twice a year and a very small amount of the overall use of the bike and 90% of the time a GS will suit my riding and what I use a bike for perfectly. I am just wondering how it will compare to "Tigger"

If I win the Euromillions I will have a man waiting at strategic points of each trip with a selection of bikes to suit the occasion but sadly that is unlikely so as ever its a compromise :whistle:

Yes, I know its a bit of a daft question but its a question nonetheless

If the 955 was in perfect condition would you be considering a change?

If No, there was a post not long ago where a chap did a rebuild on a bike (sorry, forget which one) and he found a new lease of life for it. Spend a few £K on it and you may be surprised.

If, Yes, drop it in a ditch and try the GS.

[jonny955]

Although the GS is a very good motorcycle, you may find that the engine characteristics of your Tiger are more inspiring.

Naaaah!

spoutwheelie_2015-10-01.jpg

:woohoo:

The engines are so different that you may not get on well with a flat twin, after the super-smooth triple. BMW dealers are usually very good at offering test rides so I would take them up on it...but be prepared for a bit of a shock, especially if you also test an Explorer.

I'm constantly amused by the number of GS owners who insist you have to ride the bike for several days before you 'get it'. If you like it, you should know in the first hour.

As an ex 955i owner, I really tried hard to love the GS and have taken several rides on the GS & GSA, both on and off road, solo & 2-up, for over an hour. The bike is brilliant...but that engine leaves me cold :sick: (I've nothing against big twins either).

Good luck but do try with an open mind (thumbs)

Jon

[johnnyboxer]

The engines are so different that you may not get on well with a flat twin, after the super-smooth triple. BMW dealers are usually very good at offering test rides so I would take them up on it...but be prepared for a bit of a shock, especially if you also test an Explorer.

I'm constantly amused by the number of GS owners who insist you have to ride the bike for several days before you 'get it'. If you like it, you should know in the first hour.

As an ex 955i owner, I really tried hard to love the GS and have taken several rides on the GS & GSA, both on and off road, solo & 2-up, for over an hour. The bike is brilliant...but that engine leaves me cold :sick: (I've nothing against big twins either).

Good luck but do try with an open mind (thumbs)

Jon

Must just be you then :whistle:

Best selling bike in the Adv bike category for over 20 years (thumbs)

[Diesel Pete]

I have kept my 955i for so long as it has been fantastic and I really love that triple engine. Other bikes may have been better in some ways but not better enough for me to justify spending thousands on to replace her. Yes, I could rebuild "Tigger" again, it is an option but I feel it is time for something new.

Someone suggested getting a smaller bike and riding at the front instead of keeping up. That would be perfect in the situation for which I asked the original question but the riding I mentioned is a very small percentage of my riding and a smaller bike would be less suitable most of the time. I have had many smaller bikes in the past and done many thousands of miles touring on them which was great at the time but not for me now. I have done my time sitting on full throttle trying to streamline my body for a few extra mph on smaller bikes on Autobahns etc thanks.

I am booking a test ride on the "Beemer" and also a new "Tiger". I shall let you know how I get on.

Thanks for the helps all (thumbs)