Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By g6snl
  • 3 Post By chris gale
  • 1 Post By backofbeyond

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
Himalayan Vs a GSA 1150

Hey everyone so I've been made redundant at 29 which means can do a few decent trips while I think of what to do next career wise

Mainly thinking Scotland and a few euro trips once I get more confident at tent life on the bike

Previously had a GSA 1200 lc an a vstrom 1000xt which were good bikes but let down by dealership experience
Would have rather been self servicing

Which leads me to my current conundrum
Got about 4-5k to spend

Always had a soft spot for the 1150 GSA as I guess most of us have

Do I a get back on a beemer
An try hunt down a silver none abs single or twin sparker?

Or go for something different to the big bikes an get a Himalayan.

I don't speed on the roads but like swift cornering and decent acceleration currently riding a rd250lc which has made me re think my big bike theories again. With stunning handling etc

I know Nathan has been cranking the miles on his but just wondering has anyone else gone from a GSA to a Himalayan if so what did you regret or what did you love?


Anyone else done decent miles on one?


edit also considering an 800 GS around a 2008 if anyone has any opinions on them

Huge thanks in advance

Tom
Norton.rider on Instagram

Last edited by steele01; 10 Jul 2018 at 19:16.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Go talk to a dealer and get a feeling for parts availability on the Enfield. I was lucky with my now sold Bullet ABS. The only parts I broke were common to non-ABS bikes or I was able to fabricate. I broke the chain adjuster when repairing my snapped chain. This was July 17. I tried to buy both in the UK and India and you simply cannot get rear disc brake items, a year after the launch they were too new. The dealers didn't even have a parts fiche. Before I sold in April 18 I tried again and still no joy. My bike went to the Honda dealers still fitted with the ones I made (better IMHO, I used metal not cast cheese),but not an option everyone has.

The Bavarian Much Weight set-up has Motorworks for support when the Suited Lizards in the grey tiled coffee palace fail you.

Neither are my thing, but a year of Enfield riding (6200 miles) convinced me they are hobby machines in the UK, they expect you take up golf while its broken and probably only do 200 miles a year and not actually break it.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
Cheers Andy,

That's exactly the sort of info I'm after had a nightmare with my 1200 GSA LC before so a bit wary of the coffee palace haha

the availability of stuff from Motorworks has my attention on the 1150 did hunt for one last year but struggled to find one in the right condition

The 800 looks pretty cool to although something I've not got any experience off
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jul 2018
Britabroad's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Branson, Missouri
Posts: 12
Never rode a hymalayan & don't have any intentions of splashing out big(ish) money for a 1940's designed bike.
The only advise l can give you is to get the best bike you can afford & look at the mileage & service history, luggage is a must, (prices for with & without panniers/topbox aren't that far apart) & if you insist on an Adv style bike, take a look at the Triumph Tiger range, even the older 988 (l think) Tiger is still a consideration.
Failing that & speaking from personal experience my pre-Triumph bike was a Kawa 650 Versys, & it is a much underrated bike that has plenty of oooomph & is totally reliable!

Also, look for another job you lazy fecker!!!!.......
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
haha cheers mate

an yeah Im gonna have to me dad an his bro all lost our jobs at the same time sucks to be honest but such is life

those tiger 800's do look pretty cool thats for sure,

know I've not mentioned it but even though Im 29 have restored 4 x 350 lc's 2 Nortons a 650ss and a 68 commando so know my way round a set of spanners which is why im thinking something I can work on myself : )
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
Think im going to have a close look at the 800 GS and the 1150 GSA between those two was just looking at the 0-60 times on Himalayan

so if anyone has any 800 opinions all welcome would have the budget for around a 2008 one

Cheers,

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Jul 2018
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
4-5K would buy a nice used vstrom 650 which will take you miles in comfort.



Just saying........
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jul 2018
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by steele01 View Post
haha cheers mate
those tiger 800's do look pretty cool thats for sure,

know I've not mentioned it but even though Im 29 have restored 4 x 350 lc's 2 Nortons a 650ss and a 68 commando so know my way round a set of spanners which is why im thinking something I can work on myself : )
Sounds to me like you've got more mech experience than most here on the HUBB.

You must have had a really high paying job to afford a R1200GS LC ... here in US they go for $25,000 on average. They come with a 3 year warranty and GS riders I know all buy extended service contracts to extend the warranty another 3 or 4 years.

So did BMW not honor your warranty? Or what?

Newer BMW's are now very dealer dependent due to all the computers, sensors and the like. You can buy devices to hack in and do stuff yourself now. Many do this.

Himalayan:
Read a couple ride reviews, both by Indian riders, and one guy I know. He really hated that Himalayan coming off a DL650 Vstrom. He felt earlier Enfield's were better. To me they are a joke bike and possibly dangerous.

Speaking of Vstrom, I also owned a DL1000, did 90K miles. Not one issue. I only went to Triumph for a change of pace. The Vstrom was the better ADV travel bike.

If you saved any money (hope so) from working, then chances are good you still have decent credit. So, you could buy any new bike on payments.

BMW's will always be costly if you let dealers do the work.

Triumphs are very good, quite expensive but reliable and fun to ride. Not cheap to maintain, but less than BMW. I've owned 3 Tigers. (1995, 1999, 2007)

Most Triumph dealers allow test rides. Try one out.

In USA one of the best "low budget" bikes going is the Kawasaki Versys 650LT. Simply a great all round light touring bike. I tested one, loved it. But I'll be buying the Versys 1000LT for longer trips, also a great bike.

Those Kawasaki's need very little to keep running, simple, cheap to run.
Great performers ... and they never break down!

If traveling Scotland and EU countries then really, you could ride any bike you like: Sports bike, ADV bike, Tour bike. All good.

The BMW R1150GS was my least favorite of all GS's (long term tested them all for magazine) When the R1200GS came out all our staff were STUNNED just how much better the R12 was over previous 1100 and 1150 models.

Your LC even better (not ridden that model) from reports I've read and talking to friends that own them. IMO, the 1150 is Farm equipment compared to R1200GS LC.

I'd get a few test rides.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
Really appreciate the reply!
Yep I was a digital print manager saved pretty much all the wages to get it ended up with no bike for 9 months 3 engines after a dealer screwed up was just issue after issue an some of the excuses were laughable. When you have a deep understanding of engines can cut through the rubbish with what they were saying. Ended up selling it to another dealer an they put it right told them up front about all the issues.
Being redudndant now the company has closed has put a different slant on things
Was concerned about that with the 1150 that maybe I'd just be duplicating what I already had with regards to an older feel bike, mainly gonna be on the road like you said but would like to do some off road

Have you ever road an 800 GS they are nicely in budget to

Rd250lc is sublime can rebuild one in an afternoon haha gotta love two strokes.

Thought you might enjoy this spin out from the other day did a tongue in cheek video for my uncle an dad to cheer them up as we all lost our jobs at the same time

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
Honda Cb500x...... Its what I would take and that's from a Mutleystrada owner.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Jul 2018
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by steele01 View Post
Really appreciate the reply!
Yep I was a digital print manager saved pretty much all the wages to get it ended up with no bike for 9 months 3 engines after a dealer screwed up was just issue after issue an some of the excuses were laughable. When you have a deep understanding of engines can cut through the rubbish with what they were saying. Ended up selling it to another dealer an they put it right told them up front about all the issues.
Being redudndant now the company has closed has put a different slant on things
Was concerned about that with the 1150 that maybe I'd just be duplicating what I already had with regards to an older feel bike, mainly gonna be on the road like you said but would like to do some off road

Have you ever road an 800 GS they are nicely in budget to
Rd250lc is sublime can rebuild one in an afternoon haha gotta love two strokes.
Thought you might enjoy this spin out from the other day did a tongue in cheek video for my uncle an dad to cheer them up as we all lost our jobs at the same time
Your link above is dead here.

If considering off road in your mix of riding then you could put the Tiger 800XC and BMW F800GS on the list of bikes to try out. The BMW 800's also get complaints from owners, so far from perfect.

The Triumph has had a few issues, but mostly all good. I expect all may exceed your budget ... even used. $$$$$

The F800 GS is said to be better off road than the Tiger. I rode the BMW 800GS briefly, not a complete test ride. Really liked it overall.

Same with Tiger 800XC. Short time on both so can't really make a choice. I do prefer the Tiger for ON ROAD, both EXCELLENT bikes ... both expensive bikes.

The BMW R1150GS is about 75 lb. heavier than the R1200GS. You really feel it.
1150's also use horrible Getrag gear box. R12 now use a Japanese gear box.
Quieter, less clunky, more reliable, but not perfect. Lots more differences between 1150 and 1200GS's.

BMW's still have serious drive line issues, especially those riding GS's off road. Failed U joints, bearings, trans or drive shaft failures still more common than you would imagine on such an expensive bike. LONG WARRANTY a must! (IMHO)

A good compromise bike mentioned here would be the Suzuki Vstrom DL650.

A great road bike and many take them off road too, fitted with proper tires. It's quite doable for mild off road. Many ride Vstroms round the world with great success. This is one tough bike! One of the best travel (and all round) bikes made in last 15 years.

Also affordable used. Get a low mile minter and be happy.

The suggested CB500X is s good reliable bike but it is, IMO, way down on power. Weak and uninspiring IMO, but DO ride one, see what you think.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
The Himalaya is completely new and I think doesn't share much with the Bullets. You potentially have the usual Enfield attitude to quality added to a design not many people know anything about (unlike Bullets) all packaged in a specification that doesn't do much more than an XT225 and has a silly price. I fail to see the attraction but thats not unusual.

I just switched to a CB500F and really see why people suggest them. Mollydog, have you been on the pies? My CB will cruise 20 mph above our speed limit and I keep grounding the pegs on twisty roads. Did 515 miles in 15 hours on the national road rally on Saturday/Sunday and it turned in 85 to the gallon with a 250+ mile range.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Jul 2018
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
I just switched to a CB500F and really see why people suggest them. Mollydog, have you been on the pies? My CB will cruise 20 mph above our speed limit and I keep grounding the pegs on twisty roads. Did 515 miles in 15 hours on the national road rally on Saturday/Sunday and it turned in 85 to the gallon with a 250+ mile range.

Andy
Sounds good ... yes, too many "Pies" for me!

But if you get off of a Tiger 800 or BMW 800GS straight onto the Honda ... do you think you might feel a bit let down on the Honda?

Sure, if you rev the nuts off it, I'm sure you can cruise at 90 mph all day.
What is that 0 to 60 time? My friends old VW bumper sticker says:
Zero to Sixty In 15 Minutes!

For a RTW bike ... I could see it as you're not so dependent of power, have time and it's perfect riding congested 3rd world situations.

But the OP is talking about doing Scotland and the EU. FAST is good on those roads. I've ridden a few of them, Alps and Pyrenees too. POWER is good.

NOTE that I suggested the OP TRY a test ride on the Honda. Why not?

I love the incredible fuel economy. A real asset in UK and EU where fuel is up what? Over $8 USD per US gallon now?

US fuel prices have risen now to about $3 to $4 per US gallon and Trumpist idiots shetting themselves over this. (no clue)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
thanks everyone really do apreciate the replies gonna rule the royal enfield out
an have a look for either the 800 GS or a 1150 GSA got to sit on both today an really loved them

the 800 was really lithe but tall

1150 tank like compaired to the 1200 LC GSA I had but felt really well built

get the feeling the 800 might be more capable off road if i get to do it

but 80% will be road so some thinking to do
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Jul 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by steele01 View Post

I don't speed on the roads but like swift cornering and decent acceleration currently riding a rd250lc which has made me re think my big bike theories again. With stunning handling etc

Gotta say I'd be firing up the Yamaha. Spend some of the money on soft luggage and take the back roads.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
1150 GSA twin vs single spark steele01 BMW Tech 3 14 May 2017 13:05
Wanted bits to get 21" and 18" rims and knobblies on a 1150 GSA mfredrik TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 1 Dec 2011 17:59
Decent knobblies on 1150 GSA mfredrik BMW Tech 1 1 Dec 2011 07:45

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 00:49.