GS Lust?

[stephen914]

Anyone here ever lust after a GS? I am finding I am not a huge knee dragger although I do enjoy a spirited ride along the lines of the PACE. Sometimes though I really wish I had a GS so I could explore all the dirt roads and such in the Adirondacks and VT. I know I can go down light dirt roads on my R1100S and I has on occasion but I always worry about not getting out. I don' think I am quite ready to get rid of the S though and I can't have two bikes unless I sold a cage. I do a fair bit of camping and I like that even though I ride an S I can still get that done. Perhaps I am just reading too much Adventure Rider.

[ckcarr]

Of course. At a minimum you should have an f650GS if you don't want the road warrior.

[stephen914]

Originally posted by ckcarr
Of course. At a minimum you should have an f650GS if you don't want the road warrior.

Oh good its not just me. I was thinking more along the lines of the bigger GS but who knows. I've never ridden one and I am afraid too because I might like it too much. Everyone I know that starts dual sporting ends up getting rid of street only bikes.

[MoDog]

I've lately been of the same frame of mind. I had an airhead GS before my '02 S, and I miss the overall flexibility of the GS. When I checked into trading the S for a new GS, I'd have to come up with $5-$7K...then I found myself looking at a KLR 650 for around $5K new. I could buy a buy a new KLR and keep the S; and the '08 KLRs have some nice improvements...but I still find myself thinking of trading for the GS.

It's a tough call.

[stephen914]

When I checked into trading the S for a new GS, I'd have to come up with $5-$7K...then I found myself looking at a KLR 650 for around $5K new. I could buy a buy a new KLR and keep the S; and the '08 KLRs have some nice improvements...but I still find myself thinking of trading for the GS.

I've thought about the KLR route myself to scratch the itch myself and in fact a co-worker has offered up his DR400S for a very cheap price. That would probably fun but realistically that thing isn't going to be able to do a long tour. I would probably get crushed on my S in a trade even though it has low miles because its a 2000. I think if I would to get rid of the S it would have to be for a GS or GSA.

[martincito]

Originally posted by stephen914
Anyone here ever lust after a GS? I am finding I am not a huge knee dragger although I do enjoy a spirited ride along the lines of the PACE. Sometimes though I really wish I had a GS so I could explore all the dirt roads and such in the Adirondacks and VT. I know I can go down light dirt roads on my R1100S and I has on occasion but I always worry about not getting out. I don' think I am quite ready to get rid of the S though and I can't have two bikes unless I sold a cage. I do a fair bit of camping and I like that even though I ride an S I can still get that done. Perhaps I am just reading too much Adventure Rider.

Lately I'm thinking exactly the same. I rented a 1150 gs for a trip in California and was a little big for me (160 5'8). But the 1200gs with 30 kg less looks like a perfect option. I could ride with my wife too. The downside is that I love my BCR.

[signit98]

....guys, if either of you will ever get the pleasure to see what people Like Kerry, Ivan or my friend Ben, for example do on a GS, you are going to ask yourself why in the world you have sport bikes to begin with...

The GS in the hands of a good rider is every bit as capable as any other bike... sure, bit on the long 100mph+ sweepers and such, but in the twiesties yes... and then some.

It is an amazing motorcycle... just simply amazing!

[squall_line]

Think of your body, too.

I had a K12GT and a F650ST at the same time for a few months last year. The two completely different riding positions did a number on my back and legs. I never built up the right muscle endurance to ride the GT pain-free.

My R11S is a similar deal inasmuch as I drive my cage 4 nights a week taking food to people, but since it's the only bike I have, my legs are becoming much more acclimated to the ride.

The R12GS and F650GS are lay-z-boys compared to an R11S, R12S, F8S, etc, and almost just as comfy as a K12LT.

Most of the people I know that had GSs and Ss at the same time ended up getting rid of one or the other for this very reason.

But yes, whatever you do, don't test ride one. You might just fall in love.

[squall_line]

Originally posted by signit98
....guys, if either of you will ever get the pleasure to see what people Like Kerry, Ivan or my friend Ben, for example do on a GS, you are going to ask yourself why in the world you have sport bikes to begin with...

The GS in the hands of a good rider is every bit as capable as any other bike... sure, bit on the long 100mph+ sweepers and such, but in the twiesties yes... and then some.

It is an amazing motorcycle... just simply amazing!

One of the first articles I read before the launch of the new F800 bikes started with a guy taking a spirited ride through the twisties and being passed on the outside by a BMW rep on an R12GS at about 5-10 MPH more than he was already riding.

[signit98]

...just look at this picture:


...you might want to pay close attention to the tires as well!

[ckcarr]

The thing I'm trying to wait for is the F800GS. However if I find a nice Dakar I might buy it.

[MoDog]

The other thing about the GS is all of the luggage and accessory options out there. I was reading through my MOA mag this morning and found all sorts of cool stuff to buy.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone...as much as I've enjoyed my S experience, after 63K miles on two of them, I'm getting kind of bored...but I still love looking at the S...what to do? I'm not sure that buying another bike and keeping the S is an option either. I have a tough enough duty trying to make time to ride the other two bikes I have...as well as the mountain bike and road bike and the six pairs of skis.

Life is tough sometimes

[signit98]

Originally posted by MoDog


Life is tough sometimes

Yeah, well..... but somebody has to live it...

[CowboyKyle]

I test rode a 12GS at Cross County a few months back. I loved riding it. certainly is comfortable, has lots of power, and I really like the upright cornering. I more or less told myself that is my next bike. Problem is, can't really swing two bikes right now, plus those GSs are like $15k starting.
I've only got a year on my S, and even though I know I'll be there someday (changing to a GS), I don't think I'm ready to give up the beautiful looking bike i've got.
Who knows, maybe in a couple of years i'll get a big raise (and my wife won't find out) then I can afford a GS...

[slowrider]

The thing I'm trying to wait for is the F800GS. However if I find a nice Dakar I might buy it.

That's pretty much my plan as well. Or possibly the new KLR...

I get slightly worried at the weight/size of 1200GS. Lifting the bike in a parking lot vs a muddy hillside seem like signifigantly different experiences...

Also wondering if just a set of more aggressive tires on a XCountry would be enough for me.

[Rapid Dog]

...GRIN..

[Bob Hancock]

I went thru the same process in 2005. Test rode one and bought it. 2005 R1200GS. Great bike. Loaded it up like a mule and took it to Canada through every twistie I could find in New England. Did a track day with the US Desmo Ducati club where it did just fine (skinny front tire is the limfac...I had Dunlops on it then). I have nothing but praise for it. But....I must be an old squid cos I just couldn't see myself sitting up all dorky like that, so after 9 months and 15,800 miles I sold it. Now I want it back. Too late.

[stephen914]

While we are on the topic of what a GS can do
check out this GS on the Isle of Mann

[vielzebub]

I'm all for upright and dorky. =)
I think it'll make my commute a little nicer. At least I hope it does.

My S is going to be traded in this weekend for a GS, or for the R1200R. Its painful because I still think the S is a fantastic bike. She's great when I run her through the mountains of VT and I think its one of the best looking bikes out there.

As a downtown Boston commuter though, its no fun.

Last weekend I was riding the S through Smugglers Notch and the GS and the R were on my mind (it felt like an affair, riding one and thinking of another - sigh). I figure the GS would be perfect for all the dirt roads I pass and maybe a better commuter than the S.

The R is a great commuter and might still be good for the occasional trip to the mountains.

Most of my riding is commuting into the city though, so I think the R is in my future. We'll see. I think I lust for the idea of the GS more than I lust for the actual bike. Too much Adventure Rider for me too.

[stephen914]

Originally posted by vielzebub
I'm all for upright and dorky. =)
I think I lust for the idea of the GS more than I lust for the actual bike. Too much Adventure Rider for me too.

Yeah it might possibly be that for me too. I know when I was booting through the Adirondacks with camping gear and all on my S I was pretty happy.