So I rented a BMW R1200GS.....

[peanut_man]

GS are fine bikes.  But plz try the Multistrada too.  Can't give up that Duc vibe!    I miss my MTS. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

GS are fine bikes.  But plz try the Multistrada too.  Can't give up that Duc vibe!    I miss my MTS. 

No, just, no. No doing a service every 6k on a year round commuter. Just, no. Especially not on a bike that I personally believe is the ugliest motorized thing I have ever seen.

[EvilSteve]

7.5k, but otherwise, yes.

I want a GSA.

[peanut_man]

No, just, no. No doing a service every 6k on a year round commuter. Just, no. Especially not on a bike that I personally believe is the ugliest motorized thing I have ever seen.

Interestingly that's what a lot of ppl said about Monster also.    Guess it's in the eye of the beholder.  Personally, that's what I thought about MTS initially.  But it grew on me big time and I got addicted to it.  But yeah, maint on Duc are always expensive.  If only BMW or Jap makers can create bikes as intresting as Duc.  

[jclin]

Passion for a bike only means so much if you're back is killing you. With that said, damn that bike is fugly. Still, cool points for staying on a non-step-through two-wheeler...

[Jarvicious]

Thanks for the writeup Mr. Inc.  My dad and I were just over at the Beemer shop yesterday picking up a pair of heated gloves (future writeup in the works.  Gerbings are amazing) and I'm pretty sure he's hooked on the R1200GS.  My mom bought a fatboy an 07 HD Fatboy a couple of years ago but had an accident earlier this summer and hasn't been able to ride the bike at all so dad has been running it simply for the sake of keeping it in working condition.  He has nothing but shoddy things to say about the HD (I don't blame him, it's not that nice) but misses riding and is seriously considering picking up the BMW if they have to sell the Harley.

The shop was asking around 18k for the bike.  While 18 is still a LOT of money to be spending on a motorcycle, it's only $500 or so more than ma spent on the HD, WITHOUT THE ACCESSORIES (and we all know how much HD kit costs).  The fatboy is the epitamy of vanity (even he admits mom just bought it because it was an HD.  Jesus don't get me started here) and the BMW is nothing but function, which if you knew my father, you'd know that it's right up his alley  .  He was pretty tickled by your review.  Like someone mentioned earlier, it's nice to have an objective view on things sometimes.  Go out and rent an Adventure 990 and let us know how it goes.  The way I figure it, if he gets a new touring toy, I get to go ride it 

[River]

Nice write-up, MrInc.  Makes me want to buy one...if I were taller (5'10" doesn't quite cut it).   
You could probably do their marketing!   

[somegirl]

Nice write-up, MrInc.  Makes me want to buy one...if I were taller (5'10" doesn't quite cut it).   

If you think 5'10" doesn't cut it, try 5'4" with a short inseam!

[Jarvicious]

If you think 5'10" doesn't cut it, try 5'4" with a short inseam!

They had a pretty nice F800s at the shop for around 10k that looked a bit more "height challenged" friendly .  But then again, I guess it's your man toy that's in the market for the Beemer.

After looking around and talking with the shop tech I wouldn't be opposed to a new sport tourer of my own in the stable.  I guess all the more reason to convince dad to pick one up, just so I can commandeer it at my whim.

[somegirl]

They had a pretty nice F800s at the shop for around 10k that looked a bit more "height challenged" friendly .  But then again, I guess it's your man toy that's in the market for the Beemer.

I've ridden an older F650GS.  It was rideable, but too big for me.  The ergs were just really uncomfortable for longer rides.

[sugarcrook]

I'm lazy and haven't read the whole thread, but have you considered a V-Strom and upgrading it?  It would probably still be far cheaper than a R1200GS. 

[Jarvicious]

I'm lazy and haven't read the whole thread, but have you considered a V-Strom and upgrading it?  It would probably still be far cheaper than a R1200GS. 

Yeah, but as the guy at the shop observed (yeah, it was a sales pitch but he's right), once you spend the money on a BMW, you really don't have to spend it on accessories.  It's "pimped" off the floor.  Sure you have to pick up gear, but what newbie rider buys an R1200 for his/her first bike?  Not to mention the INITIAL valve adjustments are at 18k, then you really don't have to do them again until the computer tells you you need to have them adjusted.  I agree though.  The Suzuki would be a good entry level type of deal, but comparing it to a BMW is like comparing a GSXR to a Monster. 

[jsanford]

If you're inclined to stay Italian, and also want a big, rangy bike, you might want to sit a Moto Guzzi Stelvio:



I'm 5'10" and have a 32-inch inseam.  It felt taller than a 1200GS.

Glamour shot of the bike

I believe MCN really liked it.

[DanTheMan]

Have you tried the 800gs? I went and test rode the 1200 and the 800 the other day and I would ride away with the 800 over the 1200. To be fair I would want something that is a little more off-road worthy and I think the 800 would be more capable. There both super comfortable, seat height didn't matter much for me (5'10"). I had them move the 1200 seat to its highest position to see how it was, but after riding dirt bikes it no big deal to manage. If anyone feels the seat height is too much to manage, start riding dirt bikes you'll learn real quick how to deal with all types of funky situations when you cant touch the ground. The big difference is the motor on the 800 is a lot more fun to ride. It revs like a I4, narrow power band near the upper rpm (6k on up) that's likes to rev quick. Not as butter smooth as the 1200 once at cruising speeds(80) but still low enough in the RPM's that its not too buzzy. Yeah the 1200 has more power, but it feels sluggish and lazy. You don't get that kick in the pants feel when you role on the gas. A little boring to ride. Imagine riding the monster outside of the power band really low in the RPM's, it still picks up speed but its bogging and you can go WOT without anything happening. They are both surprisingly nimble to ride, on the road they don't feel as big as they look. The only negative for me is the lack of adjustable front forks on the 800. And at 14K OTD I'd pick the 800.

Probably going to ride the KTM 990 adventure today to see if it lives up to the reviews.

[Popeye the Sailor]

A buddy has an 800 I've taken out for a short bit-nice bike. It'd be a hard choice between the two-I so love me those horizontally opposed cylinders.


Also, I'd probably buy used, so there's not much market for the 800 right now.