Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
1200 GS upgrade or GSA

I have a 1200 GS (2005) with 25000 miles on it and I was interested to see what you guys do to yours , I saw some post from Tim and he still ride with the reguale wheel . I was thinking about changing my wheel for spoke, my supension for holin.... is that worthit or should I buy a GSA instead.

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
just an idea...

If it's a "dirtworth" you seek in GSA then I reckon you can make the regular GS more "dirtworthy" than GSA is, since the GS is lighter.

Maybe better to spend the cost difference you'd have on swopping to GSA to your current GS upgrade?

21" spoked front, 17" or 18" spoked rear wheel, Wilbers/Öhlins/WP suspension front and rear (you can have the same suspension travel as GSA has while having lighter bike).

Wunderlich sells WR2 kit for R1200GS, making it 179kg (vs 199kg stock bike), 20kg lighter:

Wunderlich GmbH | complete your BMW

Etc., there are lot of options...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078
My current 1200 GSA has spokes, the previous 1200 GS had alloys. There would be some advantage in spoked wheel if they were repairable, but the spoked rim is cast alloy and if it gets damaged it's a whole new wheel. I've only seen two examples of damaged alloy wheels and in both cases a spoked wheel would have fared no better.

Unless you're an offroad god, the GS is better for dirt, so I agree with Margus there. I came back from my last trip to Morocco intending to sell the GSA.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
1200 Gs

Thanks guys , that is what I was expecting too, the 1200 GS is very light and a great ride, I will update to it to be more off road ready. My dilemma came to be because I use to travel alone with my XR650R /KLR650 and other small bike but now my wife is into bike travel so I do like the power of a large bike. I only have 25000 miles on mine with no problem at all , there is so much electronic on this bike that I was a bit reluctant to take in very remote area ,almost considering buying another bike ( R1150GSA,KTM950,Tiger).I like the feel of a newer bike and used to own a R100GS long time ago but I don't think its worthit for me to buy one and rebuilt it or anything similar .

really like your feedback guys.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brighton Ontario Canada
Posts: 40
Thumbs up Two up?

Are you planning two up off road? Cool. Maybe dumb but cool never the less. My hat's off to you bud. Hope yer better half is forgiving.
__________________
Ride Safe...Stu
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
R1200 gs

I plan to do some mild off road two up , maybe dumb for you but we are not talking single trail . I already did many trip in Africa and Asia with many dirt road and even if two up is not the best its still possible if you travel light and know your limit.When I do travel alone for some rough off road the GS is not my first choice, my XR is way more fun .
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
R1200GSA - everything you wanted to know! Grant Johnson BMW Tech 65 5 Mar 2013 20:17
Looking to source a 34L Rear Spring for upgrade steve_ferry Yamaha Tech 3 7 Jan 2008 20:13
owner's forum new 1200 GSA norbert and francoise BMW Tech 19 4 Sep 2006 15:07
Triumph Dattona 1200 rossc0 Which Bike? 1 19 Jun 2006 15:45
R 1200 GS IanC Which Bike? 10 23 Apr 2004 21:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:48.