Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Out with the new, in with the old? GS Out with the new, in with the old? GS
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 4 Post By *Touring Ted*

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jun 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
Out with the new, in with the old? GS
Interested to read about BMWs "heretage' range of bikes in yesterday's MCN and was wondering if the new/old GS would be a simpler therefore better RTW prospect than the current bike which for some reason seems to be mirroring Elton Johns evolutionary path.
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jun 2016
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 973
Older bikes are allways better for traveling.The simple rule is the less electronic the better and more relyable then BMWs are world leader japan bikes such as Honda or Yamaha.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jun 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
This is a brand new bike that mimmicks the old GS. A fashion variation of the R9T.
I'm assuming it's costomisable like the R9T so therefore comes without the flawed reliability (through fragility) of the can-bus electrics.
I agree with the simple but not the old part of your thinking. I've imports a DR650 from the states which gives me exactly what suits me. Dead simple reliable bike without all the fatigue faults of an old timer.
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
As you say they are just restyled versions of the R9T. I would imagine they have all the inherent faults and surplus electronics fitted to the R9T.

Buying a new lo-tech bike is quite difficult but there are lots of older bikes that make good travel bikes with the right preparation.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
BMW motorrad is a business
Quote:
Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
This is a brand new bike that mimmicks the old GS. A fashion variation of the R9T.
I'm assuming it's costomisable like the R9T so therefore comes without the flawed reliability (through fragility) of the can-bus electrics.
I agree with the simple but not the old part of your thinking. I've imports a DR650 from the states which gives me exactly what suits me. Dead simple reliable bike without all the fatigue faults of an old timer.
BMW are a business; they will produce this "new" range of bikes and see how the market takes to them.

It was quite a lot of years ago that BMW vowed to produce 2-3 (I think it was that kind of number) of new motorbikes each and every year for the foreseeable future.
They have done exactly that, although some times the new products are re-hashed, as with the re-adoption of this old engine design.
Much the same happened with their switch of the 650cc single cyl from the F650 to the G650 series "because of popular demand".
In short, they will sell what ever sells.

The "heritage" branding is interesting in as much as it follows on from an earlier BMW announcement that they would change their advertising strategy from that of "adventure bikes" to a more rounded appeal to the "whole ownership/riding experience", IIRC - the heritage theme will be part of that I expect.

ps I would expect the heritage range to have CAN-bus technology, as per most of the rest of the range.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Jun 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
Not sure but...
I think the original(!) R9T had the can-bus engine wiring but a separate simpler loom on the rest of the bike to enable bearded welders to tinker.
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
R'9T interesting looking bike But when I was looking at my local dealer build quality is no way close to old GS Will take it for a spin soon though.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Jun 2016
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
BMW are throwing new models out all the time now.

But they're not as well made as the last ones. They've become more plastic and electronic. Lighter, cheaper components and low grade bolts etc.

Anyone considering a long round the world trip should be looking backwards now. All new models are built with 'Planned Obsolescence' in mind. But I think all manufacturers are going that way. Every bike is just a PCP Finance motive.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Styling sells. Thus 'new' bike models usually have styling changes compared to the 'old' model.

What to look for in a 'new' bike for around the world travel?

Long run with the same engine, drive train. You get better parts availability, proven longevity and user experience/history.

Cheap bike. This reduces costs (think of carnet fees), reduces theft possibilities.

Reliability. You would like as little trouble with the bike on your trip. The most frequent things that fail are rear shocks and batteries. The things that ware out are tyres, chains and sprockets. Major engine failures do occur, change your oil frequently, service the filters frequently.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Jun 2016
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
For me I'll never ride anything which costs more than £1500.

Excluding things I can unbolt and take with me. GPs, LED spot light, luggage etc.

This way if I have a total mechanical breakdown or accident in the middle of 'nowhere', I could walk away from the bike as a last solution.

When you have £15,000 worth of broken down KTM or BMW in Kazakhstan, it's a lot harder to walk away from.

I think I'll avoid getting another carnet for the same reaosn too.

Sent from my G7-L01 using Tapatalk
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Jun 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Skelmersdale, Lancs, UK
Posts: 56
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
For me I'll never ride anything which costs more than £1500.

Excluding things I can unbolt and take with me. GPs, LED spot light, luggage etc.

This way if I have a total mechanical breakdown or accident in the middle of 'nowhere', I could walk away from the bike as a last solution.

When you have £15,000 worth of broken down KTM or BMW in Kazakhstan, it's a lot harder to walk away from.

I think I'll avoid getting another carnet for the same reaosn too.

Sent from my G7-L01 using Tapatalk
Spot on there Ted!
As much I'm loving the new GS there is no way Id risk it out there in the wilderness. Id rather be on a XT600e. (wish I could have kept it)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 15:32.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top