So I rented a BMW R1200GS.....

[akmnstr]

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.

I agree with all you said.  I've got a real bad jones for the F800GS.  The non-adjustable forks do bother me.  If I pay that much for a bike, adjustable forks should be included.  I was in Portland, OR, Wednesday, at the BMW store oogling the New 800 and they had one for 1K off.  Suddenly I was on the spot, put up or shut up.  I couldn't do it.  12K was still too much for me to part with. 

Oh MrIncredible, the notion that you won't have to buy farkles for your beemer is absolutely false, but it if it will help you make the purchase, don't let me burst your bubble, and read no further.  You may wish to add crash bars, off road tires, aftermarket or factory boxes (will cost ya about 1K), tail trunk, GPS (you are planning to ride around the world?), Olins shock, taller windshield, radar detector, camera mount, bullet proof force field (for riding through the mountains of Columbia), and a flux capacitor.  I'm sure I'm leaving a few things out. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

I have no notion that the bike will not need extra items. I hope you're not attributing that to me?


I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.

[DanTheMan]

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.

Yeah you can get a nice used 1200 for less than MSRP of the 800. I may wait a year then look for a 800 of my own.

[akmnstr]

I have no notion that the bike will not need extra items. I hope you're not attributing that to me?


I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.

Okay, you can do without the GPS,  but the flux capacitor is essential

[factorPlayer]

I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.

+1 some time ago I called someone out for defacing their S4RS with a GPS and man did their sphincter tighten up.  Though personally they look fine on beemers which are pretty much impossible to uglify any more.

[DW]

I have no notion that the bike will not need extra items. I hope you're not attributing that to me?


I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.

Good grief, relax a little.  You sound a bit old and grumpy (These damn kids and their new crap, walking through snow uphill both ways we didn't need any stupid box telling us where to go...)

Granted, like anything else that actually distracts the driver when used wrong (Radio, adjustable seats, putting on sunglasses, food), some people will use one the wrong way.  But go to a city you have never been too, put it on voice instruction, and GPS can be a very helpful tool.  If used properly it helps you KEEP your eyes on the road instead of hunting for that next street sign.  I used one on the street for the first time at Indy during the GP.  We just typed in the various bike shops, meridian street, track, etc and went there.

And when flying, they are also a very helpful tool.  If you like chasing airways, VORs or NDBs in and around class B airspace good for you.  Any restricted area can be avoided completely with one, IF used properly.  Of course many a pilot has flown directly through a TFR because of not doing their homework prior to the flight.  In this instance, a little preparation is also essential.

On a bike it may be a bit more difficult to use.  Set up properly, I am certain that it would be helpful.

[Popeye the Sailor]

They have these things called maps. They require no power, come in pocket versions, and encourage the driver to actually think.


Even when used correctly, too many people just blindly follow the instructions, and couldn't tell you how they got somewhere, or how to get back. If it breaks, they're lost. Lame.


I'll stick with low-tech.

[Speeddog]

FHE on benefit of GPS:

On my usual commute, GPS off, on the freeway returning home late evening.
Got boxed in at an interchange, ended up on the wrong freeway.
Exited freeway, to find I was in a very bad area.
No 'on' ramp in sight.

Choices:
A) Keep rolling, boot up GPS, hit the 'home' button to find the quickest way back to the freeway.

B) Stop, try to find a suitable street map from my complete AAA arsenal, and sit there for a couple minutes looking obviously lost.

[Grampa]

B) Stop, try to find a suitable street map from my complete AAA arsenal, and sit there for a couple minutes looking obviously lost.

a GPS will keep me from looking lost?

[Speeddog]

a GPS will keep me from looking lost?

Well, it's not a magic bullet, but it'll help. 

[vampireduc]

I just had one of my good friends buy one after 20+ years of Harely only riding...we dared him to try and the next week he sold his road king classic, took the BMW performance riding school (both on and off road versions) and bought the 1200GS

[Slag]

This may be my next bike. I would really like to sport tour on something more comfortable than my 1098. I have never had a GPS on a bike, but I really look forward to it. The one in my truck tells me where all of the surrounding gas stations, fast food, hotels, airports, and whatever else you need are located.  I would love to have this feature on the bike. It would also be safer for me than looking at a map taped to my tankbag.

[Carstarphen]

This may be my next bike. I would really like to sport tour on something more comfortable than my 1098. I have never had a GPS on a bike, but I really look forward to it. The one in my truck tells me where all of the surrounding gas stations, fast food, hotels, airports, and whatever else you need are located.  I would love to have this feature on the bike. It would also be safer for me than looking at a map taped to my tankbag.

Slag,

First of all, I've been riding Beemers for a long time and the full sized GS remains a mystery to me. I can't figure out what it is really for. While dual sporting, I've seen friends struggle hopelessly with their GS beasties. The GS is an absolute pig in loose sand; it is uncontrollable in steep downhills with rocks, and it provides little weather protection on the highway. Moreover, it's mud fence ugly compared to the beautiful K12S and RS models. And the Boxer engine? Slag, for a Beemer to sport tour, look at the pre-05 K12GT or the new K13GT.

The current preferred set of gadgets for the BMW sport touring crowd is a wireless Bluetooth combo of Zumo GPS, satellite radio, MP3 player, Valentine 1 or Escort 8500 radar detector, weather alert, and cell phone, set up with an override for the detector and the cell phone. The Zumo may require input with gloved fingers but everything else should be hands-free with no wiring to the rider. There is a Zumo forum where the topics get high-tech very quickly. It's a pretty fancy set-up when assembled but it is also very pricey.

Meanwhile, I'm having a great time riding my gorgeous S4Rs with my BMW pals with all their gadgets. I'll never be lost as long as I keep them in sight . . . in my mirrors.

[Slag]

Carstarphen,

Thanks for the post! I am still in the research phase, and have not started test riding. Your post was extremely helpful

I'll never be lost as long as I keep them in sight . . . in my mirrors.

That rocks 

[hydra]

i had my R11GS for 12yrs and had lots of fun touring and canyon carving. that bike lived in new york city with me and although a very wide bike, it was the ultimate urban commuting bike. in a city with literally millions of pot holes and hundreds of construction zones and patched up raods, the GS just devoured any raod surface in sight. no it's not the best in the sand so an enduro it's not but it's very capable on the fire roads and dirt trails (if you know how to ride on the dirt and rocks). it's not a bike for everyone but it fills a niche.

the bmw K bikes are nice but i prefer twins  [moto]

i DID eventually end up getting tired of the taller height (i'm 5'8") but that was 12 yrs later. and i started feeling my riding style was shifting into a more sportier thing. so i got me an R1100S...

my sport tourer...