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a13x

Member Since: 25 Sep 2011
Location: Burton on Trent
Posts: 553

Good point on the GS, Im 5'9 and you are on tip toes whilst stationary, of course this doesnt really matter when moving, but once fully loaded i can see issues for anyone as short and weeny as me when crawling around petrol stations etc.

Loads of choice if you dont want a full on tourer
ZZR1400
VFR

GS alternatives
Triumph Tiger

Key is getting something that fits you well and does what you need. You could buy what people regard as the most comfortable touring bike only to find that for you arm reach is an issue over time, legs are cramped etc. Then you will not have an enjoyable time at all. Go and spend a few weekends with them as a demo and do some miles.

But most importantly, buy something that you like the look of

16th Apr 2013 10:38am

AndrewS

Member Since: 10 Apr 2007
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3707

2013 Defender 130 Puma 2.2 SW Rimini Red

Today I tried/looked at the following.

2013 BMW GS 1200 Adventurer
2013 BMW GS 1200
Honda Crosstourer
2013 Triumph Explorer
2013 KTM Adventurer

My opinion from a complete unbiased 5ft 10" point of view.

2013 BMW GS 1200 Adventurer:- Indestructible, Nice easy to ride but dated.
2013 BMW GS 1200:- Indestructible, Nice easier to ride than the GS A and up to date.
Honda Crosstourer:- Looked and walked away.
2013 Triumph Explorer:- Looked, liked, but closer look thought it was too plastic and vulnerable.
2013 KTM Adventurer:- Looked, too tall for my little legs

Result = 2013 BMW GS 1200 on order

Again thanks for all your input.

16th Apr 2013 8:14pm

yobbie

Member Since: 15 Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 712

1999 Defender 90 Td5 Heritage LE Bronze Green

Sonarmender wrote:
Some seem to think the Busa is the dogs dangly's, have they forgot about:

1. Chain and sprocket replacement, lot's of power so they eat them!
2. Oiling the chain.. BMW has the shaft drive
3. Heavy on rear tyres
4 And finally it's a Suzuki so don't take it out in the wet unless you have taken THE OPTIONAL FACTORY EXTRA OF PAINT... they dissolve, the finish is absolute s...te!
5. If you intend on doing more than 55,000 miles then forget it, the boxer engine is more than capable of 100,000 mile plus.

You pay your money and you take your chance!

Chain & sprockets still fine after more than 10,000 m use a Scottoiler (you don't have to and would struggle to use all that power on the road but makes for very relaxed cruising) less than 4000rpm at 80mph redline is 11,000
My Busa is an original unrestricted 1999 model the finish isn't the best but far better than newer Hondas
I know a friend who had a boxer engine blow in the warranty period with less than 20,000m and then after being rebuilt by BMW blew up again! He then bought a Kawasaki ZX9 and did 100,000m on It. Jap bikes are more than capable of more than 100,000m look at the majority of courier bikes

16th Apr 2013 8:46pm

yobbie

Member Since: 15 Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 712

AndrewS wrote:
Today I tried/looked at the following.

2013 BMW GS 1200 Adventurer
2013 BMW GS 1200
Honda Crosstourer
2013 Triumph Explorer
2013 KTM Adventurer

My opinion from a complete unbiased 5ft 10" point of view.

2013 BMW GS 1200 Adventurer:- Indestructible, Nice easy to ride but dated.
2013 BMW GS 1200:- Indestructible, Nice easier to ride than the GS A and up to date.
Honda Crosstourer:- Looked and walked away.
2013 Triumph Explorer:- Looked, liked, but closer look thought it was too plastic and vulnerable.
2013 KTM Adventurer:- Looked, too tall for my little legs

Result = 2013 BMW GS 1200 on order

Again thanks for all your input.

Well done Andrew. Hope you have good trip where you going? I'm looking at going to Nurburgring & possibly on to Slovenia

16th Apr 2013 8:49pm

AndrewS

Member Since: 10 Apr 2007
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3707

yobbie wrote:

Well done Andrew. Hope you have good trip where you going? I'm looking at going to Nurburgring & possibly on to Slovenia

France then over the Alps on to Spain to watch the MotoGP in Catalunya

16th Apr 2013 10:11pm

Honker

Member Since: 26 Jun 2011
Location: St Albans
Posts: 353

2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Corris Grey

Nice choice Andrew. I'm testing the new GS and new Ktm1190 this week to replace my ktm990. Ukgser website is good for all types of info on the bike and touring. Just go in prepared for 'robust' humour/

taking etc...great site

Stu

Edit...just seen you've arrived on the site

17th Apr 2013 5:34am

yobbie

Member Since: 15 Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 712

AndrewS wrote:
yobbie wrote:

Well done Andrew. Hope you have good trip where you going? I'm looking at going to Nurburgring & possibly on to Slovenia

France then over the Alps on to Spain to watch the MotoGP in Catalunya

Don't know what passes you have done (they are all good) but Grand route des Alps is a good route down

17th Apr 2013 5:46am

AndrewS

Member Since: 10 Apr 2007
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3707

Honker wrote:
Edit...just seen you've arrived on the site

Yea yet another forum to play with.

17th Apr 2013 5:47am

Small Clanger

Member Since: 22 Jun 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 210

Good choice. I would advise putting some cylinder head guards at the top of your shopping list.

The BMW GS tank bag is also invaluable. So is a Rallye Pro suit, mine has kept me warm and dry through some horrendous weather.

I hope you've got plenty of dosh!

17th Apr 2013 7:03am

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