Noobie on board.

[Scotriders]

Hello all.

Names Alan and I come from Dundee.

Came across this site while looking into the possibility of buying a GTR 14.

I must admit I had a test ride on a GS Adventure last year and really enjoyed it. I've always fancied a big trailie since testing a super ten back in the early nineties. But as a bike instructor a big trails bike never offered the weather protection and luggage I wanted until the GSA.

I can be impulsive and the temptation to buy it there and then was almost overwhelming especially with the free panniers and impending vat increase. But I held fast and decided to wait till this year. (probably one of my better decisions of late, considering the winter we just had)

Anyway, so now I'm on the look out for a bike and I'm having serious misgivings about the Adventure, on top of a lot of quality issues which I've heard about, there is the cost of the damn things. Even second hand they ain't cheap.

So being a GTR 1000 rider I looked at moving up to the 14, seems a logical step and looking round I can pick up an unregistered 08ym for under 10k and I've even seen a 10ym going for 10,700 brand new.

I'm waiting on Kirkcaldy Kawasaki getting a new demo bike in so I can have a test ride.

I bought my first GTR in 1990 and my current one I bought and restored about 3 years ago. It's perfect for training, touring and having a blast with the lads (many still don't understand why they can't shake me off on my old bus) but it is 18 years old and I need something more reliable.

My other bike is a Bandit 6 but its not great for training as the exhaust is a tad loud, there's no weather protection and a tank bag ain't great in the wet.

Two things that have stopped me considering a 14 in the past are that gigantic exhaust (really no need) and is 1400cc just too much? What its gonna be like toodling along behind trainees in town at sub 30mph?

Suppose I can always change the can but is anyone else on here an instructor or does a lot of town riding on their GTR?

[Scotriders]

P.S. is the 2010 model worth going for or are the earlier ones just as good?

[Rusty]

Welcome Alan .... I think most of the chaps here rant and rave at how good the GTR is ... there is a thread somewhere ... I think Lonewolf or NB started it .... they cut down and shortened the exhaust and it looked really good ! I am sure when they read this they will provide you with a link and point you in the right direction.
BMW ?  It's all a huge amount of £ isn't it ? You are talking £1000 for alluminium boxes and topbox .... wow ! Go for the GTR !

[Kwikasfuki]

Hi Alan and welcome to the forum.

I too test road a BWM 1200GS Adventure with the intent of buying one. The right hand vibration put me off and I figured I was paying a lot for the name.

The exhaust can be easily sorted out with an after market one.

As for riding it at slow speed, I find the bike perfectly balanced, not top heavy at all. Smoth delivery and obviously it want to go faster, but is quiet happy at toddling along

[Lonewolf]

Alan, a belated Hi & welcome. 
It was I who posted a thread about how to chop down the standard can. It's not a mod I did, personally I like the style of the original can, it suits the bike in a bizarre sort of way.
There's plenty of aftermarket cans you could go for however.
As for the handling and stability of the GTR at slow speeds, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Scotriders]

Well sorry to disappoint lads but I bought a GS Adventure today.

If Kirkcaldy had a demo bike it could all have been very different but the GS was just too good a deal to turn down.

Hope you all keep safe out there, may see you out and about some time.

Check out the Dundee Bikers Forum if your up this way.

[Lonewolf]

Oh well, maybe next time eh? The end game is still biking what ever you use, enjoy the GS.
;D


P.S. I cant get your link to work :(

[Scotriders]

Sorry about that, try the link now.

[Rusty]

Never mind old chap ... but I am sure you will enjoy the GSA.... good luck.

[Ziderman]

Least you get a free Pair slippers with it....oh & some where to keep your Pipe.....!
;D