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Old 14-02-20, 11:39 PM   #11
Adam Ef
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bibio View Post
if you want an all round tourer then go for a VFR...

I have a VFR. It's a beaten up old thing and I love it.
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Old 15-02-20, 10:41 PM   #12
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

Wow, on searching there's some real horror stories around. Mostly to do with the newer ones strangely. They do offer good warrantiies (3 years on used ones) from main dealers but maybe there's a reason for that?


Also found this...
YouTube Video
Error: If you cannot see this video, then either YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed to play it.
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Old 16-02-20, 08:17 AM   #13
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

YouTube Video
Error: If you cannot see this video, then either YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed to play it.

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Old 16-02-20, 09:24 AM   #14
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

Cheers Chris. I'm definitely getting older as that was a very enjoyable Sunday morning watch! That guy is just up the road from me too coincidentally.
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Old 16-02-20, 10:06 AM   #15
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

Maybe I am too, I love mechanical stuff. Better than netflix
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Old 16-02-20, 10:46 AM   #16
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

That was all pleasantly mechanical too. The newer all digital dash with electric auto adjustment everything GSA I test rode felt like it was all circuits and wires and so far removed from anything mechanical feeling.
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Old 17-02-20, 05:55 PM   #17
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

My brother has a GSA new/recent models, and my old man had a GS a few years ago.

Both of them enjoy them as the bike is very capable at essentially everything. You could say its the bike equivalent of an SUV!
Yes there are faster bikes, or more mainstream, but they are good bikes (and must be looked after). Yes they have faults, but what bike doesn't?
If you check on Auto trader, most the main bikes with high mileages will be GS/GSA simply because they are built to last and are relatively easy to maintain. Add to that the ability to customise and buy every conceivable accessory to make it yours and do everything you want, it's a good package.

I am eyeing one up as my next bike./travel machine to do long tours on. As I am not of a large stature I will probably opt for the GS as the GSA will simply be too large/heavy for me.
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Old 18-02-20, 09:59 AM   #18
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

I have a 2015 GS Adventure, had it for 2 years. Had grand plans for 2-3 week tours but unfortunately life has gotten in the way since then and the only long trip I have done is 5 days in Scotland. I have done about 6 weekend trips though.
In that time the only thing that went wrong was a complete gearbox failure. Only cost about 2k to fix. Fortunately I took out an extended warranty from BMW and they covered it minus the excess of £50. Had the bike in for a week and gave me a loaner the whole time.

As for the bike itself, as a piece of engineering, there is nothing I have ridden that can match it. The suspension is sublime and even 2 up with luggage, you aren't bothered by anything. It does however sometimes feel a bit slow to respond and you can feel a little disconnected. It's nothing to worry about though, the bike will give most sports bikes a run for their money on the handling side.

Power wise, it's got enough, doesn't set the world on fire like a big 4 pot litre bike but has enough for UK roads.
On the motorway it does struggle a little at high speed, the aerodynamics are akin to a brick and the front can feel a little light over 90mph.

Overall it's a great bike, horrendously expensive to run, (£350 for a service and £400 for a warranty every year. Insurance is also high.) Way more fun than it looks and as a tool for getting somewhere in comfort it's probably the best out there.

I will probably be getting rid of it soon though. I don't do the miles to make it worth the cost these days and I also have a GSR750 which is just as much fun on a sunny day.

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Old 18-02-20, 10:32 AM   #19
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

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Originally Posted by L3nny View Post
...the only thing that went wrong was a complete gearbox failure. Only cost about 2k to fix.



eeek!!


the "only" thing! That seems quite major. Is it a common issue on them?


Cheers for the (otherwise positive) write up.


+ I definitely felt more disconnected on the bigger Adventure than I did on the standard. The Adventure was a newer more electronic version though so I mostly put it down to that.
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Old 18-02-20, 11:31 AM   #20
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Default Re: Thoughts on the GS ?

I haven't heard of other with the same issue so I was probably just unlucky.

Had a corroded rear brake caliper as well which was sticking, goes through rear pads pretty quickly too as the traction control and ABS systems use them.

Oh, the satnav mount broke too so I can't take the satnav out of the cradle.

The rear shock has started to corrode, in fact there are signs of corrosion in a lot of places.

Other than that it has been fine.
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