Kawasaki Concours Forum
Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: wally_games on March 03, 2014, 03:23:09 PM
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Ok, here's a question from someone that's never considered the option before. (Please be gentle!)
If I were looking for a DS bike that was going to spend 95%+ of the time on the highway going places and touring, and less than 5% of the time "off road" (fairly smooth packed dirt or gravel roads, for instance), what are the best options. I'm thinking something that I could be on a road trip and say, "Hey, that dirt road or trail looks inviting." and get off the highway.
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Right now the king of the heap is the BMW GS 1200. They also have an 800 cc version that looks really nice. Suzuki has just updated the Vstrom so it's worth a look as well, and much cheaper. THe Weestrom is also a nice option. Moving closer to dirt oriented, the new KTM 1190 looks oh so tasty. It all depends on how far your pavement tours will go. If we're talking a few miles, then dirt, I'd opt for a lighter bike geared more for dirt. If long distance on asphalt, bigger bike is good. Keep in mind the bigger bikes really are adventure in name only and might be a handful in anything more technical than a gravel road.
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Triumph tiger explorer, or tiger 800. Possibly Yamaha Super Tenere. Friend of mine had some bad luck with the Multistada (developed a pretty substantial oil leak).Otherwise, ^^ good choices.
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Your description is exactly why I got a V-Strom, the 650. You will obviously notice the power difference, from the C14, but you will also be pleasantly surprised I believe. Check one out if you get the chance.
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KTM 1190 <---95% onroad
KTM 1190 R <---more offroad
(http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-KTM-1190-Adventure-R.jpg)
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That's a tough one. I am biased to my 2010 F800GS. I liked it (and SWMBO) liked it so much I parted ways with Silverdammit. As I have it more for the off road uses and a bike capable of doing 800 mile days to get there I have the F800GS. If I were more road biased with only an occasional off road excursion I would have the Super Tenere with the 1200GSA being a close second. Once the 1190ADV-R has been field proven I will have that bike as my street weapon and setup to also explore the unpaved bits. I will still keep the F800GS for my ADV Travels, hands down, as it is setup, the best long distance ADV Bike on the road.
Would you believe I have spent far more on the GS than I ever even thought of on the C14? Not ZG type levels, but it is approaching it. Full on suspension, soft and hard luggage, a winch, lights, 2 GPSs, Spot3 tracking unit, Bark Busters, Remus pipes, Akro can, Touratech bash plate, Alt Rider crash bars, Pivot pegs, Renazco seat, Camel Tank (vacuum fed aux fuel tank), 2 sets of aux LED lights and a larger LED light conversion to replace the birthday candle Hitler installed, Power Commander, Better (not taller) windscreen. And that isn't even touching the gear that goes into the panniers. Not trying to scare the OP off, but??? Oh, off road gear for you , the rider. DO NOT FALL FOR BOOTS LABELED AS ADV BOOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unless you just do not like your feet and ankles. Get dirt bike/MX boots, once you get used to them it is hard to ride off road without them..
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For what you described any bike would fit the bill. Including the Concours. It just depends how fast you want to go on that packed dirt road.
Now if you are going to get into mud and ruts and water crossings that is a different story. Then it comes down to how much $$ do you want to spend.
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::) Often said "A man of many words gets ignored" Well said TWA.
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KTM 1190 <---95% onroad
KTM 1190 R <---more offroad
(http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-KTM-1190-Adventure-R.jpg)
How about the percentage it will be stuck in the garage because it is broken down? ;)
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How about the percentage it will be stuck in the garage because it is broken down? ;)
I seem to recall hearing that back in 2007 when they announced the C14 ;) FWIW, durability/reliability is the reason I am waiting for at least 2 years. Many who buy one will never really ride it, so it will take a couple years to see how the durability works out.
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How about the percentage it will be stuck in the garage because it is broken down? ;)
Huh?
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Huh?
He was forced to drink Orange Koolaid as a kid, without the sugar added ;)
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He was forced to drink Orange Koolaid as a kid, without the sugar added ;)
OHHHH OK thanks, now I understand (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
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KLR all the way!
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KLR all the way!
road mine across the country and back... off-roaded it.....sold it ;D
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3757.jpg)
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road mine across the country and back... off-roaded it.....sold it ;D
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3757.jpg)
Boy that was set up nice, you regret selling it at all?
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I still like this as one of my favorites in this segment.
Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/stelvio-1200-ntx.html (http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/stelvio-1200-ntx.html)
And the Triumph Explorer XC 1200
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/tiger/2014/tiger-explorer-xc (http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/tiger/2014/tiger-explorer-xc)
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I still like this as one of my favorites in this segment.
Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/stelvio-1200-ntx.html (http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/stelvio-1200-ntx.html)
And the Triumph Explorer XC 1200
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/tiger/2014/tiger-explorer-xc (http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/tiger/2014/tiger-explorer-xc)
The MG has an 8.5 gal tank.
I've looked at the Explorer XC. If it just didn't come in the olive drab color, I'd really be interested. The non-XC version might do what I need.
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KTM 1190 <---95% onroad
KTM 1190 R <---more offroad
(http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-KTM-1190-Adventure-R.jpg)
I sat on one of these at the international bike show earlier this year and spent some time giving it a careful once-over and one area that didn't impress me was the factory hard bags. Basically plastic with a sheet of metal over it to give the rugged look. There were a bunch of little dents in them just from having people get on and off the bike. The mounting clips looked to be cheap plastic too - not what you'd expect for an adventure style bike. I asked the salesperson about it and he admitted they are weak and his response was basically "well, you can always bungee it on the back if one falls off;" Granted, that has nothing to do with the mechanics or performance of the bikes - but to me it raises a red flag if KTM is willing to cheap out in this area.
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Boy that was set up nice, you regret selling it at all?
No sir, no regrets. I'm glad our friend Mike (Bugnuts) bought it instead of a stranger. He did a wrap on it and it looks awesome!
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I sat on one of these at the international bike show earlier this year and spent some time giving it a careful once-over and one area that didn't impress me was the factory hard bags. Basically plastic with a sheet of metal over it to give the rugged look. There were a bunch of little dents in them just from having people get on and off the bike. The mounting clips looked to be cheap plastic too - not what you'd expect for an adventure style bike. I asked the salesperson about it and he admitted they are weak and his response was basically "well, you can always bungee it on the back if one falls off;" Granted, that has nothing to do with the mechanics or performance of the bikes - but to me it raises a red flag if KTM is willing to cheap out in this area.
Anywhere KTM can cut down weight they can. Scratches, that'll happen to any cases after the first fall. KTM spent a lot to make the bike as light as possible. You can get as heavy duty panniers as you like for this bike (Jessie's, Touratech, etc same makers that make the after market GS1200 stuff) but they'll weigh a ton. Performance wise I bet the KTM bags with metal only where needed will win.
Here is the Jessies system for the KTM, the strongest panniers made but weigh as much as a tank!
(http://www.jesseluggage.com/images/index_r6_c3.jpg)
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Jesse system is hardcore as is Happy Trails, I have the Happy Trails system and it is awesome.
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(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/DSCN2570.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/DSCN2570.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/BJT_4823.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/BJT_4823.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/CBM_0913.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/CBM_0913.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/CBM_0799.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/CBM_0799.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/DSCN2512.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/DSCN2512.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/DSCN2500.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/2014%20Kenda%20Desert%20100/Giant%20Loop%20Pics/DSCN2500.jpg.html)
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Awesome photos SOP.
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I bought a Tiger 800 XC last year and still have my 2012 Concours. If I had to sell one of the bikes it would be the Concours. The Tiger is the most fun I had on two wheels in decades. Tons of power, fantastic fuel mileage and very comfortable outside of a hard seat. Only problem is you will end up spending a couple of grand on farkles.
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I bought a Tiger 800 XC last year and still have my 2012 Concours. If I had to sell one of the bikes it would be the Concours. The Tiger is the most fun I had on two wheels in decades. Tons of power, fantastic fuel mileage and very comfortable outside of a hard seat. Only problem is you will end up spending a couple of grand on farkles.
I've read several positive reviews of both 800 Tigers. What percentage use would you say yours sees the highway, vs secondary and backroads?
Also, does the suspension seem adequate to run fast over the rough and loaded? Thanks.
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In keeping with the OP comments I'd say the 650 V-Strom at least for me, dealer support for Triumph, KTM, BMW would keep me from buying one as the nearest dealers are miles away. Great motor, great accessories, lots of accessories, lots of dealers, not too big, not too small, more than enough power, great price on the bike and maintaining it too. Mostly street, maybe some packed dirt.
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Thanks for the comments, guys. I'm still debating, but I think after riding it and reading everything that I can find, the KTM has come off my list. Also, since I'm going to be doing a lot more road/highway riding than offroad, I want to stick with one of the larger displacement bikes.
I'm now debating between the 2014 BMW GS and the 2013 Triumph Explorer. I like both bikes from a "sitting in the showroom" standpoint. I've ridden the BMW, but won't get a chance to ride the Triumph until next weekend when I can get to the dealer again.
The deal currently running on the Triumph would get me a lot of extra equipment for about $15,500 OTD. The BMW would be well over $20,000 with the add-ons I'm looking at. So, right now it's more of a money decision than a bike decision. I think I could be happy on either one.
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Now that Yamaha is adding electronic cruise control, it is on my short list. The Super Tenere just fit me better than the Explorer and I was only leaning toward the explorer because of the electronic cruise. I will ride the Concours on my New England tour and then decide if I want to sell it and the Versys and replace both with the Super Tenere.
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Now that Yamaha is adding electronic cruise control, it is on my short list. The Super Tenere just fit me better than the Explorer and I was only leaning toward the explorer because of the electronic cruise. I will ride the Concours on my New England tour and then decide if I want to sell it and the Versys and replace both with the Super Tenere.
Sweet sweet machine, hope that Yamaha can start selling more of them, cannot understand why they have not sold better. :(
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Love my Suzuki DR-650. Fun per dollar cannot be beat. But definitely not a 95% on road bike. You can make it bearable for on road duty by putting the Corbin seat on it but the most I like to do on it is about 400 miles/day.
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Sweet sweet machine, hope that Yamaha can start selling more of them, cannot understand why they have not sold better. :(
I know two guys with them. Both are ok with the bike, but both would prefer the GS. From everything I hear, it's too heavy and just isn't inspiring. They both do a fair amount of off-road on them, too. Most comparisons put it close to the bottom of the adventure bike list.
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Nice pics Chet! :thumbs: :thumbs: :chugbeer:
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I've read several positive reviews of both 800 Tigers. What percentage use would you say yours sees the highway, vs secondary and backroads?
Also, does the suspension seem adequate to run fast over the rough and loaded? Thanks.
So far it has been 100% highway. Been a rough year with an ACL surgery then followed by having three disks in my neck replaced with cadaver bone so am almost ready to tackle some bumps and ruts. I still have to add some crash bars and join up with some other guys for some off roading.
Bike is amazingly quick even where I live at 7,000 feet which translate into 20% HP loss. It is most likely the smoothest running bike I ever owned outside of some previous Gold Wings. I would not hesitate to ride this bike across the country.
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I have some pics uploading from my Dirt Bike 201 Class I held yesterday, highlights are of a Tiger and Buell Ulysses. Trust me, worth the wait. May make some rethink their choices (not really, but it will make folks rethink what a Tiger and Buell can do).
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I know two guys with them. Both are ok with the bike, but both would prefer the GS. From everything I hear, it's too heavy and just isn't inspiring. They both do a fair amount of off-road on them, too. Most comparisons put it close to the bottom of the adventure bike list.
The latest rendition is even more GS like, just without the price tag and potential high maintenance costs. :)
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I've ridden a Super Tenere on road and it wasn't bad but just not exciting in anyway. I guess for that kind of money I was expecting more.
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I have some pics uploading from my Dirt Bike 201 Class I held yesterday, highlights are of a Tiger and Buell Ulysses. Trust me, worth the wait. May make some rethink their choices (not really, but it will make folks rethink what a Tiger and Buell can do).
Hey, SOP. Where are the pics you mentioned?
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The latest rendition is even more GS like, just without the price tag and potential high maintenance costs. :)
Are you comparing to the new "water cooled" GS? I'm considering one. Rode a friends and I think it has much more potential than the air heads.
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Hey, SOP. Where are the pics you mentioned?
Pics take a long time to down load using DSL.
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3188.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3188.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3197.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3197.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3231.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3231.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3240.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3240.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3340.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3340.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3360.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3360.jpg.html)
Bonus Koolaid pic for Pokey ;)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3422.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3422.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3427.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3427.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3434.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3434.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3466.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3466.jpg.html)
(http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/SFCMAIN/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3464.jpg) (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/SFCMAIN/media/PSSOR%20Dirt%20Bike%20201%20Straddleline%20ORV%2013%20APR%202014/CBM_3464.jpg.html)
There would be more of the Tiger, but he was a bit of a novice rider whereas the Ulysses guy had no fear and responded well to coaching..
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Are you comparing to the new "water cooled" GS? I'm considering one. Rode a friends and I think it has much more potential than the air heads.
The water boxer is an improvement, just decide what kind of riding you would like to do. If it is primarily road and gravel forest roads awesome choice. If you are looking at pushing it beyond that?? My ultimate ADV Bike would be a well equipped KTM690, provided I stayed primarily in the dirt/back country. For what I do the F800GS has proven to be the right bike for me (after many mods of course).
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SOP, I'm definitely more of a road guy, but want the option for gravel/dirt roads and a limited amount of light offroad when the opportunity arises. Just trying to decide between the 1200 Tiger and the new GS. Huge price difference, so weighing the options.
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Tourtech equipped 2014 V-Strom 1000.......drool. Oh and thanks for the Kool-Aid pic SOP, glad to see it was actually running that day. ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/oYmFSAx.jpg)
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SOP, I'm definitely more of a road guy, but want the option for gravel/dirt roads and a limited amount of light offroad when the opportunity arises. Just trying to decide between the 1200 Tiger and the new GS. Huge price difference, so weighing the options.
Have you looked at the Tiger 800? I don't think I have ever gotten less than 55 mpg and I don't baby it. Plenty cheaper than a 1200, lighter, and more than enough HP and speed.
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For touring with the ability to ride some gravel I prefer to have a shaft drive. The GS is still thousands more than the Super Tenere.
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SOP, I'm definitely more of a road guy, but want the option for gravel/dirt roads and a limited amount of light offroad when the opportunity arises. Just trying to decide between the 1200 Tiger and the new GS. Huge price difference, so weighing the options.
So, what did you pick?
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So, what did you pick?
I ended up with a new 2014 BMW 1200 GS. It's really nice, but definitely a change from my Concours.
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How are the seating and handlebar position's?
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I ended up with a new 2014 BMW 1200 GS. It's really nice, but definitely a change from my Concours.
Sounds to me like a great change. :thumbs:
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How are the seating and handlebar position's?
Seating is great. That handlebars seem really wide, but I'll get used to that.
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In what ways did the BMW win out over the Explorer 1200? Were there any other serious contenders for you?
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In what ways did the BMW win out over the Explorer 1200? Were there any other serious contenders for you?
I would bet throttle, the Explorer has an extremely twitchy throttle and abrupt power delivery. Another plus is dealer support.
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In what ways did the BMW win out over the Explorer 1200? Were there any other serious contenders for you?
Dealer support was one issue, but most of the reviews I saw did talk about the power delivery of the Explorer. I believe that if you were going to ride 99% of the time on the highway, the Triumph would have been a good choice. One of the guys I ride with has the Triumph, but he's had it lowered so far that I didn't really feel comfortable riding it. If money would have been more of a concern, I would have opted for the Triumph, but since I could afford it, I went with the GS. (Plus, SWMBO told me to go ahead and get the one that I really wanted. I heeded her advise!)
I also test drove the KTM 1190 Adventure. Although I really did want to like it, I just didn't care for it. Lots of heat on the back of my left thigh, even in pretty cool weather. Plus, I decided I wanted to stay with shaft drive. Price for the KTM was almost exactly in the middle between the BMW and the Triumph.
The GS seems to win every shootout and adventure bike comparison. There must be a good reason for that, don't you think?
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Congrats on the new bike. Is it the '14 GS Adventure model?
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The GS is also most mentioned as the one bike to have if you could only own one. The new Vee2 " 2014 V-Strom 1000" is creating quite the buzz from those who now own them, and for the money cannot be beat compared with the other ADV bike choices.
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Congrats on the new bike. Is it the '14 GS Adventure model?
Nope. I didn't go with the Adventure model, although I did get spoke wheels rather than the cast ones. From what I understand from the local dealer, there is quite a significant waiting list for the Adventure models, but they had a couple of the standard models available.
The GS is also most mentioned as the one bike to have if you could only own one. The new Vee2 " 2014 V-Strom 1000" is creating quite the buzz from those who now own them, and for the money cannot be beat compared with the other ADV bike choices.
Yes, Pokey. Since the wife dictated that I can only have one bike, the GS got the nod. I can tell you that it is a good bit chillier ride at 45F than the Connie was.
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Sounds great, have fun making it suit your style. ;)
I'm still toying with the idea, but have also been making a few tweaks on the connie.
Re-adjusted preloads to 1-1/2" sag front and back, and increased rebound dampening. Already have been running '55 rear tires, and I have a new pair ready to spoon on soon.
Flies came out, which really made a world of difference in how much better it runs and responds.
Splurged on a set of RKA fitted bag liners, and recently had added heated grips.
The 14 really is a tall bike to begin with, and with her new found pizzaz and more dialed ride, I'm having a harder time plotting against her! 8)
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I ended up with a new 2014 BMW 1200 GS. It's really nice, but definitely a change from my Concours.
Any pics?? Ya know, since none of us know what a BMW 1200GS looks like ;) ;)...Ok ok, it's cuz we all love pictures ;D
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Any pics?? Ya know, since none of us know what a BMW 1200GS looks like ;) ;)...Ok ok, it's cuz we all love pictures ;D
Here's on on the showroom floor and one in my driveway.
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Here's on on the showroom floor and one in my driveway.
Congrats! I just took a new 1200GS for a demo ride last week and was very impressed by the power. One thing that I was slightly concerned about was it really felt like it was getting blown around the highway compared to the connie. Did you notice that or is it just something you get used to? I had just driven my connie 30 miles to get to the BMW dealership so it may have just been an initial difference in riding position.
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Congrats! I just took a new 1200GS for a demo ride last week and was very impressed by the power. One thing that I was slightly concerned about was it really felt like it was getting blown around the highway compared to the connie. Did you notice that or is it just something you get used to? I had just driven my connie 30 miles to get to the BMW dealership so it may have just been an initial difference in riding position.
The Beemer is taller and lighter, so more affected by the wind. That Connie heaviness was an asset in a crosswind.
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After owning my Tiger for a year I find myself riding it a lot more than my Concours. So much more I actually put the Concours up for sale. The Tiger has the smoothest gearbox and motor of any bike I've ever ridden.
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After spending the last few weeks testing the BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, and the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC, I decided it was time to let the Concours go and picked up the Triumph myself. I loved the BMW's power, but it just didn't feel right, where I felt right at home on the Triumph. It was sad to say goodbye to my Concours, but it was time for a change and the dealership gave me a trade that was damn near even to what I see some go for on Craigslist and here.
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After spending the last few weeks testing the BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, and the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC, I decided it was time to let the Concours go and picked up the Triumph myself. I loved the BMW's power, but it just didn't feel right, where I felt right at home on the Triumph. It was sad to say goodbye to my Concours, but it was time for a change and the dealership gave me a trade that was damn near even to what I see some go for on Craigslist and here.
First farkle:) Install a Rox 2 inch riser. Enjoy
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After owning my Tiger for a year I find myself riding it a lot more than my Concours. So much more I actually put the Concours up for sale. The Tiger has the smoothest gearbox and motor of any bike I've ever ridden.
:o :'(
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I might go with a Triumph next bike. The Explorer or the Trophy. Quite a bit more money though.
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The only complaint I have about the Tiger is first gear is to tall. If I was mainly riding under 65 mph I would swap out the front sprocket to change the gearing.
The 800 triple is one sweet and smooth shifting motor.
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Here's on on the showroom floor and one in my driveway.
Very Nice! At least you can actually ride your GS, unlike the new RT, in which BMW recently told owners Do Not Ride :o
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Very Nice! At least you can actually ride your GS, unlike the new RT, in which BMW recently told owners Do Not Ride :o
What was that about?
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What was that about?
Rear Shock problem...
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/24/bmw-r1200rt-sport-tourer-long-term-test-intro-review-and-specifications/ (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/24/bmw-r1200rt-sport-tourer-long-term-test-intro-review-and-specifications/)
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Rear Shock problem...
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/24/bmw-r1200rt-sport-tourer-long-term-test-intro-review-and-specifications/ (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/24/bmw-r1200rt-sport-tourer-long-term-test-intro-review-and-specifications/)
Wow! Thanks for sharing. If I had new one of those I would be frustrated and pissed off in the extreme. Not being able to ride it during prime time summer.... :yikes:
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Just saw this in the comments of the Cycle World article, looks like BMW is going to take care of their customers,
"I have one and put on 5k miles before the stop ride order. I like it a lot. It's comfortable, handles nicely, has great weather protection and gets great mileage (54-56mpg at 60mph, high 40's at 70mph). The recall has not been announced yet but BMW has already offered 3 compensation choices (from cash offer to loaner bike to repurchasing the bike). That seems rather generous compared to other manufacturers! And don't forget that the shock problem appears to be a supplier QA issue not a design issue. This is my first BMW but, if they get the repair done in a timely fashion and write me a surprisingly large check, it won't be my last."
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FWIW, we had a 1200 GSA grenade the final drive this last weekend. He got stuck riding my 450 EXC. For some reason he had a ton of fun on the skinny bike :)
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My riding buddy that went with the Triumph instead of the GS may finally be getting his back from the dealer. It's been there almost seven weeks due to a problem with the cooling fan. I believe he said it was a relay that died and he was told by the dealer last week that the part has been put on permanent backorder. That tells me that the're a problem with the part and they're re-engineering or looking for a replacement supplier or something. He told them to pull one off a bike on the showroom floor and put it in his. He was supposed to get the bike back today, but I've not talked with him.
Did anyone see the comparo in one of the bike rags this month (Motorcyclist maybe?) that compared the GSA, the KTM, Triumph, and the Super T? I haven't read it yet, but was told the KTM barely won out, the Triumph was a distant third, and the Yamaha was trash.
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Owned my Tiger XC for a year now and not one thing has gone wrong with it. Consistently getting 50-57 mpg, sometimes more. Strange but I never even had to adjust the chain yet, it is still in spec.
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Did anyone see the comparo in one of the bike rags this month (Motorcyclist maybe?) that compared the GSA, the KTM, Triumph, and the Super T? I haven't read it yet, but was told the KTM barely won out, the Triumph was a distant third, and the Yamaha was trash.
Quite a different tune compared to the articles over the last two years where the Yamaha kept winning the shootouts. I wish Kawasaki would enter the Adventure touring market, but alas, I guess I am going to have to cross over to another manufacturer. I may start by adding a Triumph Thruxton to the stable. If that happens then I am going to have to make room for some Triumph paraphernalia on the walls. LOL!
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Kawasaki has the KLR. They also just revised the suspension so it shouldn't bottom out anymore. You can find a new one for about $6,000 making it one of the best values in the motorcycle world today. There are a lot of bikes on the market that are faster but none more capable for the $$$. You can run them all day long at 70 mph then crawl along at 10 mph for days. If I wasn't such a speed junkie and lived at a lower elevation one would be in my garage as we speak.
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Kawasaki has the KLR. They also just revised the suspension so it shouldn't bottom out anymore. You can find a new one for about $6,000 making it one of the best values in the motorcycle world today. There are a lot of bikes on the market that are faster but none more capable for the $$$. You can run them all day long at 70 mph then crawl along at 10 mph for days. If I wasn't such a speed junkie and lived at a lower elevation one would be in my garage as we speak.
I had a highly modified '08 KLR. Nice bike, but not an Adventure Touring bike. Mine felt most comfortable under 60 mph. Sure it could do more, but it and I didn't feel comfortable with the engine rpms. Besides all the visual enhancements, it had the Doohicky upgrade, thermobob, Racetech GVE and springs, Cogent Moab rear shock.
I have my Versys set up like an Adventure bike, but I am now looking for more electronic aids like cruise control, ABS, and TPS. Als well as places to strap down camping gear.
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I agree, wouldn't want to run 75-80 all day on one. And I am with you about cruise control. I will NEVER buy another street bike without it.