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.

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.

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.

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.

BMW motorrad is a business
 

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.

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.

R'9T interesting looking bike But when I was looking at my local dealer build quality is no way close to old GS :thumbdown: Will take it for a spin soon though.

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.

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.

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.

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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:()