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30 Jan 2012
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Can't go smaller...
Hey guys, thanks for the feedback so far. But I don't think I can or want to be in smaller than 1200cc. I am used to the power of HD 1550cc and I love it, specially the torque. I used to have a Virago 750cc, so done with that. Another thing is that I love to travel and I want something that will be confortable, good wind protection and yet I could do some light offroad stuff.
2 years ago I did a solo trip to the Route 66 on my St.Glide. It was awesome, and I even took some short sidetrips and visit the Grand Canyon, Mohabi Desert, Death Valley and Meteor Crator and that was a few times were I had to change routes due to condition of the roads, and while in the Death Valley, I wanted really bad to go to the top of the mountains but I could not do it on St.Glide. St.Glide suspension sucks. It is great for the smooth road, but it has a Air shock that needed to be pumped every so often, and those side bags cost $900 US dollars each if you brake them, ( I did once ) No the kind of bike that you want to lay it down if you loose balance on the gravel!
I am planning to test drive the GSA tomorrow and hopefully the Tenere later in the week. Will see.
Cheers!!
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30 Jan 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moulin6801
Hey guys, thanks for the feedback so far. But I don't think I can or want to be in smaller than 1200cc. I am used to the power of HD 1550cc and I love it, specially the torque. I used to have a Virago 750cc, so done with that. Another thing is that I love to travel and I want something that will be confortable, good wind protection and yet I could do some light offroad stuff.
2 years ago I did a solo trip to the Route 66 on my St.Glide. It was awesome, and I even took some short sidetrips and visit the Grand Canyon, Mohabi Desert, Death Valley and Meteor Crator and that was a few times were I had to change routes due to condition of the roads, and while in the Death Valley, I wanted really bad to go to the top of the mountains but I could not do it on St.Glide. St.Glide suspension sucks. It is great for the smooth road, but it has a Air shock that needed to be pumped every so often, and those side bags cost $900 US dollars each if you brake them, ( I did once ) No the kind of bike that you want to lay it down if you loose balance on the gravel!
I am planning to test drive the GSA tomorrow and hopefully the Tenere later in the week. Will see.
Cheers!!
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I'd get the Tenere in your shoes; no bugs, Japanese reliability, much less $$$ than the BMW or Triumph - what's not to like? I've got the 660 and it's ace.
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30 Jan 2012
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Location: Brazil
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If you are bold enough you could also look for the the Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the Moto Guzzi Stelvio. I personally love how the Stelvio looks but, I really don´t know if I will choose her to a RTW trip.
BTW, Suzuki is selling again brand new 1000cc V-Storms, the bike have about 100 hp (110hp in the BMW 1200GSA) and costs a lot less than the BMW.
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31 Jan 2012
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I have been riding two Electra Glides (Standard and Ultra Classic) from 1999 to 2011, on the roads of Europe, Middle East, Russia, Caucasus and Kazakhstan.
I sold the Ultra Classic last October to purchase the Super Ténéré XT1200Z, which is the bike that will take me to northern Iraq in 4 months from now.
I made wonderful trips on the Harleys, but I'd hardly get back to it after 3 months of jap riding.
Anyway, if you wanna go RTW, I'd consider an old but reliable Honda Africa Twin 750, if you are disposed to change your mind about riding at least 1200 cc.
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Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
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31 Jan 2012
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Go with the GSA if that's what you like best. I'm a new GSA owner (2011 1200GSA). I traded up from a F650GS twin because highway travel was unbearable on the F650 at times. The GSA's big gas tank and windshield block wind, cold, rain and bugs. I can practically light a cigarette while riding its so effective. The seat is very comfortable and it's a pleasure to ride. Mine is my daily commuter. I haven't driven a car in almost 3 months. It's no dirt bike, but I don't pretend it is one. I take it on rough dirt trails and forest roads at least once a week after work. It's a bear to pick up when dropped, but I just try my best not to drop it. The Tenere looks promising too, but add up the panniers, and crash protection and your at the same price as a 1200GS. I will almost guarantee that after your GSA test ride, you will buy one. It took just one test ride of my buddy's and I was at the dealer 2 weeks later trading in my F650. I've ridden part of the Great Western Trail here in AZ and am planning a Continental Divide Trail ride this summer.
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31 Jan 2012
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I've got a 2011 Guzzi 1200 NTX Stelvio. Love it to bits. Would even RTW it. Whatever you do - at least check it out. You might be in for a surprise 
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31 Jan 2012
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I really like the Guzzi, but what worries me about a RTW trip with one of those bikes is the lack of replacement parts. Even today in Brazil, Guzzi has no official representatives, so replacement parts for those bikes are only available through ebay.
While I lived in the U.S. I had the chance to ride a few times in a Moto Guzzi Centauro and because of this I'm big fan of the brand, but unfortunately here in Brazil Guzzis are a luxury that you can not afford unfortunately.
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7 Feb 2012
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In a similar spot as you, and will be watching this thread for insights.
I've ridden my Harley touring motorcycles tens of thousands of miles (numerous 500+ mile days and a few 1000 mile + days) including a 12,000 mile trip last fall, and don't think there is a more comfortable highway bike; the loping of the motor at low rpms on the highway and the relaxing ergonomics are pleasurable.
But for an upcomming trip from Key West to Prudhoe Bay, I'm going to need a more off-road bike for the last 300 miles of the Haul Road, but still handle the 5,500 miles of pavement, and am looking for used. So, I've test rode a GSA, and found it buzzy at highway speeds. This suprised me, as many people ride these many miles, but I'd have gone numb. How do people do it?!
Next, I'm going to try a V-Strom 1000, and if that doesn't work, maybe a Yamaha s10, but that's still new.
So, don't have much to contribute to your questions, except that you're not alone. Please continue to post your findings as you research Adv-tour bikes.
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7 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boatpuller
In a similar spot as you, and will be watching this thread for insights.
I've ridden my Harley touring motorcycles tens of thousands of miles (numerous 500+ mile days and a few 1000 mile + days) including a 12,000 mile trip last fall, and don't think there is a more comfortable highway bike; the loping of the motor at low rpms on the highway and the relaxing ergonomics are pleasurable.
But for an upcomming trip from Key West to Prudhoe Bay, I'm going to need a more off-road bike for the last 300 miles of the Haul Road, but still handle the 5,500 miles of pavement, and am looking for used. So, I've test rode a GSA, and found it buzzy at highway speeds. This suprised me, as many people ride these many miles, but I'd have gone numb. How do people do it?!
Next, I'm going to try a V-Strom 1000, and if that doesn't work, maybe a Yamaha s10, but that's still new.
So, don't have much to contribute to your questions, except that you're not alone. Please continue to post your findings as you research Adv-tour bikes.
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boatpuller, if you have any questions about the trip send me a Private Message. I rode a V-Strom 650 to AK in 09 and camped the entire trip. Like you I still enjoy my Harley for touring, but I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised at the comfort of the Strom.
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7 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boatpuller
, I've test rode a GSA, and found it buzzy at highway speeds. This suprised me, as many people ride these many miles, but I'd have gone numb. How do people do it?!
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boatpuller,
I'm surprised as well; I've hired a HD (I think it was the soft tail model - it was certainly purple) in the States, just for a "test ride" for a few hours, and my memory is the throbbing between my legs not to mention the build up of heat around that region - but I was wearing shorts for the 1/2 day ride, in a heat wave with a T shirt and shades for upper body protection; I just want to throw that bit in for the H&S freaks out there.
I can't understand how the vibes of the flat twin GS could be any greater than a V twin Harley.
I've owned/ridden a few twins and I love that type of engine but especially the V twin low down torque. Never thought of any of them as buzzy though.
Worth testing a different GSA to see if it was just the bars or some other factor??
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Dave
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17 Feb 2012
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I am in a similar situation to Moulin.
My 1150 GSA with all the trimmings has been written off by the insurance company and I now have a small cheque from them to compensate.
We are going RTW 2-up next year and we are camping so I am tempted with another GSA - but it is so heavy.
Anything suitable for 12 months away from home two up do you think?
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9 Mar 2012
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::. UKGSer.com .:: - Powered by vBulletin
This is a great forum for tech info on all the GS bikes. Opinions vary on the 1200, but the majority seem to think the build quality is nowhere near as good as the earlier bikes.
I wouldn`t fancy taking any of the biggies you mention on anything other than firm tracks. If you travel solo I reckon a 650 or 660 would do you better. They happily chug along at 70mph all day fully loaded. The XT660Z is a great bike.
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This old world keeps spinning round, it`s a wonder tall trees ain`t laying down.
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1 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moulin6801
Hey guys, thanks for the feedback so far. But I don't think I can or want to be in smaller than 1200cc. I am used to the power of HD 1550cc and I love it, specially the torque. I used to have a Virago 750cc, so done with that. Another thing is that I love to travel and I want something that will be confortable, good wind protection and yet I could do some light offroad stuff.
2 years ago I did a solo trip to the Route 66 on my St.Glide. It was awesome, and I even took some short sidetrips and visit the Grand Canyon, Mohabi Desert, Death Valley and Meteor Crator and that was a few times were I had to change routes due to condition of the roads, and while in the Death Valley, I wanted really bad to go to the top of the mountains but I could not do it on St.Glide. St.Glide suspension sucks. It is great for the smooth road, but it has a Air shock that needed to be pumped every so often, and those side bags cost $900 US dollars each if you brake them, ( I did once ) No the kind of bike that you want to lay it down if you loose balance on the gravel!
I am planning to test drive the GSA tomorrow and hopefully the Tenere later in the week. Will see.
Cheers!!
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If you don't mind me asking, where are you going to test ride the Tenere in Nashville? I have a buddy who is wanting one as well, and we are about 90 miles north of you.
You might want to give the smaller bikes a demo ride first. My 650 Suzuki V-Strom will outperform my Road King as well as my friend's Screamin Eagle Electra Glide with the 110c.i. engine. If you are truly wanting to do adventure riding I'm thinking you will be a little disappointed with the bigger bikes you are looking at, especially if you plan on doing very much off road riding. They are heavy and tall, and I'm told not a lot of fun to pick up when dropped. Imagine sinking your Glide to the pipes in the mud and pushing it out, it would almost be the same if your adventure tourer was loaded. I rode the V-Strom in a lot of places I probably shouldn't have, and it's not a lot of fun to push out of the mud either. I rode it to Alaska in 09 and wished I had something lighter and with more ground clearance when I got there. BUT, if you are just wanting something to do the occasional gravel or dry dirt road on then you will be fine with the big bikes. I would go with what you find the most comfortable to tour on.
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7 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moulin6801
I am planning to test drive the GSA tomorrow and hopefully the Tenere later in the week. Will see.
Cheers!!
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Moulin,
It would be good to hear your impressions from your test rides; here in the UK it didn't used to be easy to test a Yam 1200 tenere because the dealers didn't have them on the shop floor - the idea seemed to be that a customer would buy it "blind" without a test ride:confused1:
It should be easier now that there are a few second hand ones in the dealers.
p s
I agree with the underlying theme of some of the earlier posts - someday a thread will stay away from  for more than a day or two, but I am not holding my breath when BMW are in the subject line of the thread 
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Dave
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