BMW GS vs. V-Strom vs. .......

[jhynesrockmtn]

I'm starting to think about getting a dual purpose bike along the the lines of an 800 or 1200 GS, V-Strom, etc. for longer trips that include on/off road. Think Seattle to Alaska. I know virtually nothing about the choices, pros and cons, etc. I've seen used BMW's sell for what seems like huge money vs. a new or newer V-Strom 650 or 1000. BMW's seem to have a huge following. Are they worth the premium for this type of bike? Do you have to mod a V-Strom so much to make it capable that the BMW ends up being the better choice? Are there others to look at? I'm 6-1 and 195 pounds. Currently ride an 93 VFR so I'm not opposed to something older that is in good shape. Suggestions?

[flatbutt]

The BMW GS is in my opinion the Hummer of motorcycles. Huge and relatively heavy (though the new ones are under 500 lbs). They are superb machines but you don't want to do forest trails on them. Dirt, gravel and fire breaks sure but no tight stuff. The KTM adventure is a good ride. I have no experience on a V Strom.

[Eric Hahl]

Others, yes, take a look at the new Adventure from Triumph. 2 versions available, one more road oriented, the other slightly more dirt oriented. Both have the venerable triumph 3 cylinder.

[LakeCleElum]

Jerry - Been into bikes all my life and have too many stories to share. In my opinion:
At the end of the day, the tires and abilities of the rider will make much more difference than you will see between these to models.....I chased a V-Strom 1000 thru some very tight, cobby, paved roads in Northern Calif and was very impressed with what I saw. Had huge torque coming out of the tight stuff....

[jpachard]

KTM, I have a 650e and love it. For your request I would look at the Adventures though. BMW has completely lost their direction on the new GS's, they have waaaay too many useless bells and whistles to make for a reliable enduro bike, IMO. I rode an older one across the country and loved it and if i were to do it again that's what I'd get or the KTM.

Cheers, James

[Rot 911]

If I were you I would be nosing around on the Adventure Riders forum. This question gets asked a lot over there and you will get great advice. Then go over to their flea market and check out all the rides for sale. You will easily find exactly what you are looking for.

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[on2wheels52]

Not the most stylish choice but I would have faith in a KLR to get to Alaska and back.
Jim

[Tim Hancock]

While obviously not meant for long distance road riding, I could see myself on one of these if I ever got into "adventure" trips.

[gtc]

Seriously?
Or do you just want to be another one of the many local GS riders holding up traffic on the freeway?
And what's with the ubiquitous diamond plate saddle bags on beamers?

[jhynesrockmtn]

Seriously?

Nope, just kidding, I don't ride a motorcycle or want to.

Or do you just want to be another one of the many local GS riders holding up traffic on the freeway?

Yes, love having wankers in cages honking at me for doing 50 mph on I-5

And what's with the ubiquitous diamond plate saddle bags on beamers?

Maybe they are carrying live organ donations?


I'm assuming your response was aimed at me? Yes, I'm serious. Is there some reason you think I'm not?

A quote from my girlfriend's brother on a recent trip:

Went for a three day on-road off-road 'adventure' in the Olympics. Got lost, got muddy, got twisties, got branches, bugs, views, inspiration, and had a really, really good time.

His bike on the trip:

[scottmandue]

Googled the KTM

drool...

That bike is one bad mother... shut your mouth!

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

IF I were to go GS...yup I'd go airhead just like this one.

[Rick Lee]

I'm obviously biased, but you have to decide how much maint. you will DIY or if you'll take it to a pro. Chain and shaft drive bikes are different animals. When the shaft or final drive goes, you're done and it's expensive. But compared to a chain bike, it requires next to no maint. I have about 30k miles between my two GS's and wouldn't do much more than fire roads on one. I learned my lessons the hard way. For serious offroad work, I'd want a totally expendable dirt bike.

Here I am learning an expensive lesson about 30 miles from pavement.


Here's the kind of bike you need for serious offroad work.

[Rich Lambert]

My former V-Strom. Great bike on dirt roads, but the buffeting at highway speeds was horrible. I mean scary bad...the worst I've ever experienced. I tried 3 different windshields and 2 different helmets and it didn't help.



If I was going to buy an adventure bike, it would be a GS 800.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

While obviously not meant for long distance road riding, I could see myself on one of these if I ever got into "adventure" trips.

You got it Tim, loved my supermoto. Don't ride one if you don't want to buy one. It was like riding my motocross race bike to work, seriously.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

Others, yes, take a look at the new Adventure from Triumph. 2 versions available, one more road oriented, the other slightly more dirt oriented. Both have the venerable triumph 3 cylinder.

Its actually the Tiger 800XC. I love this bike. It's slightly( about 18lbs) heavier then the F800GS, but has more power. It has a bigger alternator then the F800GS although smaller then the 1200GS, and also has switchable ABS. I think the 1200GS is just to big and to expensive for trails and what I wanna do with it.

Funny you mention a Alaska trip, I had planned to do that trip a couple of years ago and was going to use a KLR. Ended up doing a cross country trip on another bike. Next year the Alaska trip is a go again and unless something changes I will be doing it on the 800XC. Called the dealer and they won't be getting them till Feb or Mar. Looking forward to a test ride.

My buddy did an Alaska trip last summer with the owner of the Local BMW dealer. (they provide bikes for the rental company in Anchorage) He's a die-hard BMW guy, has had several of them and currently rides a RT. Surprisingly, He said that his favorite bike to ride on the trip was the V-strom. He said the F800GS was uncomfortable and the 1200GS was just to big. In fact, He liked the V-Strom so much that he's renting that bike on an Edelweiss tour we're doing this September.

Have fun on the trip, keep us posted and do a ride report.

[exc911ence]

The Tiger 800XC is getting very good reviews.

[enzo1]

[jhynesrockmtn]

Love the looks of the Triumph and will look at used. I can't/won't buy new though. Too much money for something that won't get used daily. I wouldn't plan on this being an everyday bike. I saw an 04 1150 GS ADV on ADVrider that sold for $8,000 or close to it. That is closer to reality for me and I need to sell one of my 911's to make that work.

[jhynesrockmtn]

For serious offroad work, I'd want a totally expendable dirt bike.

I have an 01 CR250R for that type of riding.