Got the new BMW R1200GS (LC) about a week ago and within that time , have put on about 1,500 miles of a mix highway/backroads.
Have said it before and it maybe requires saying once again , this is an amazing bike. As a package , its by far the best mc i have ever had the privilege to ride.
now , the GTR : I have tried riding the GTR lately to warm up the bike , etc. And I can't ride it anymore.
Its like a fight with the bike trying to tip it into corners and then followed by a jig trying to keep the bike to a line. Its gotten to a point where its plain dangerous.
now , I used to be able to ride the GTR decently. Ie , can get the pegs down , little chicken strips , etc. She was never an easy handler , but maybe just got used to the heft. Have about 25K miles on her , mainly backroads , very little highways.
but now , the poor handling of the GTR simply shows so clearly now that I have something else to compare it with.
did anyone here experience something along such lines ? How did you resolve it ? If at all.
The reason I am asking is that if it remains like this , the GTR will have to be sold because its simply becoming dangerous to ride.
cheers
.
You find that riding the GTR makes you 'ride the front end' - You tend to learn how to push the front end to steer due to the way it's set up.
The GS isn't so front end oriented and also has the tele/para lever (can never emember which one-lol) which helps keep the bike level through bends.
Learn (again) to counter steer more severely when on the GTR.
ah , was hoping that you'd pipe in.
ok , noticed that I had to be quite aggressive with c.steering to get the GTR's front end down.
.
lol! It was quite noticeable how front end biased the GTR was when we tested against the other big tourers.
I like it, but other folk weren't so enamoured.
Makes it a sportier and more involved ride though!
ok ok , noted. Will try to muscle it more.
.
Quote from: Winston Smith on December 29, 2013, 10:19:23 PM
You find that riding the GTR makes you 'ride the front end' - You tend to learn how to push the front end to steer due to the way it's set up.
The GS isn't so front end oriented and also has the tele/para lever (can never emember which one-lol) which helps keep the bike level through bends.
Learn (again) to counter steer more severely when on the GTR.
:agree: also the GS is a more upright riding position with wider bars, so the sensation of riding the bike will be vastly different. I would also suggest that you have now got used to the GS as opposed to the GTR and so like any new bike/car it will feel the new 'norm'
Pistole also take into account that your GS weighs in at 238Kg against the GTRs hefty 312Kg, that equates to approximately 11.6 stones, which is similar to having a pillion on the GS :shocked:
I found the same scenario when I changed to a Versys 1000 from the GTR, although the Versys doesn't have tele/para lever front suspension
Its interesting to see the comparisons between bikes of different manufacture and how they are perceived by different riders, and good that we can discuss those facts sensibly on this forum, which in my humble opinion is what forums are about :wink:
OC , definitely.
Am sure all here are adult enough to know that all bikes have their good/bad and there is no harm discussing them , even if this is a GTR forum.
Having said that , would like to hear from you about your views between your Versys 1000 vs the GTR ? The Versys 1000 shares the basic platform as the GS (upright rider on wide bars with a tall'ish bike).
Was the transition from the GTR to the Versys anything of a surprise ?
.
Quote from: pistole on December 30, 2013, 08:28:42 AM
OC , definitely.
Am sure all here are adult enough to know that all bikes have their good/bad and there is no harm discussing them , even if this is a GTR forum.
Having said that , would like to hear from you about your views between your Versys 1000 vs the GTR ? The Versys 1000 shares the basic platform as the GS (upright rider on wide bars with a tall'ish bike).
Was the transition from the GTR to the Versys anything of a surprise ?
.
I changed my GTR to the Versys 1000 because of health issues, and a lighter bike was an obvious option, the first thing I noticed after trying out the Versys was that it is a completely different animal, in short it has more bias towards an 'Adventure' bike and as such it met my needs (as we don't tour long range any more), as you know the GTR is perhaps more biased towards long distance touring, although I was more than happy to ride the GTR over many a small twisty moorland road. Interestingly the Big Versys is incredibly comfortable, in fact it's the most comfy bike I have ever owned, both for rider and pillion, plus it has panniers which provide plenty space for touring if required, with a 200+ mile tank range.
The engine of the Versys 1000 is actually an absolute peach, which pulls in 6th gear, extremely well from very low revs, it is simply an absolute joy to ride, of course the riding position is different to the GTR and takes a while to become familiar with, but that's no different to changing to any bike in my opinion.
I think its true that any biker will want to personalise his/her machine, it's what biking is about, and we all like to 'improve' our bikes by adding extras and changing screens, footpegs etc, the Versys is no different in that respect, and I'm aware that BMW offer a vast array of personalisation for their machines, if not directly from the manufacturer then from places such as Nippy Normans.
I loved my GTRs of which I had three over the years, and am still of the opinion that it is an outstanding and very under-rated machine, but my Versys 1000 suits my needs far, far better than the GTR, even though it does have some faults, namely the front suspension is a bit 'cheapish' it has no gear change indicator, the font size on the instrumentation is a little small. there's no span adjustment on the 'cable' clutch lever.........and a couple of other minor shortfalls, but I haven't yet found a production machine that perfectly matches every-ones individual requirements, and I guess I never will.
BUT ....WOW....the engine on the big Versys is just so, so good that its a pure joy to ride and exceptionally comfy too....would I buy another ? OH YES :yes: I would do so in a heartbeat, I consider it to be that good......... and I'm looking forward to future model updates which may materialise for the 2015 model year.
I owned a 2010 pre-water cooled R1200 GS in 2011, and TBH whilst it was a capable machine it just wasn't the bike for us so it was part exchanged for my last Green GTR :wink:
Quote from: pistole on December 30, 2013, 08:28:42 AM
OC , definitely.
Am sure all here are adult enough to know that all bikes have their good/bad and there is no harm discussing them , even if this is a GTR forum.
Having said that , would like to hear from you about your views between your Versys 1000 vs the GTR ? The Versys 1000 shares the basic platform as the GS (upright rider on wide bars with a tall'ish bike).
Was the transition from the GTR to the Versys anything of a surprise ?
.
Pistole, after owning both a GTR and a 1000 Versys, I think that I am well qualified to form a comparison between the two. First off as O C states there is a huge difference in weight, the Versys weighing in at there or there about the same as the BM, with the GTR a bit of a lump at over 300 kg. I used my GTR as a sports tourer, and after using one for 20,000 miles found the sports aspect of the bike a bit unfullfilling, I found that the GTR always wanted to be bullied if you wanted to ride in a sporty manner, and you could never get away from the bulk that it carried. Also the engine was a disapointment to me, for a 1400 cc engine I think it should have loads more low down grunt than it has, and is very fussy regarding what gear it is in, when overtaking on A/B roads I always had to use a lower gear than I really wanted, just to make sure that it was a safe overtake, the engine always felt a bit flat, there would be no such problem with say a ZZR1200, that bike would accelerate past slow moving traffic like a jet fighter and was never fussy regarding what gear you happened to be in. In regard to your question of a comparison with the big Versys, well my take on it is that the Versys has got a fantastic engine, which is almost equal to a ZZR1200, not a bit fussy regarding what gear you are using, and a rocket ship when overtaking. The Versys is also far more comfy than the GTR, both me and my good lady agree that it is by far the most comfy bike that we have ever owned, handling wise it would run rings around the GTR, simply because it hasn't the same bulk to haul around. The big V has ABS brakes but unlike the GTR ( which never felt fully sorted ) are not linked. The Versys also has two power modes, and 3 levels of traction control + an option to switch the TC off. So all in all for me the big Versys will do everything that the GTR will do, mine came with full luggage, so no problem if you want to toddle off abroad, and is far better suited to the kind of motorcycling that I do. Whilst I enjoyed my miles on the GTR, the world has moved on, and the GTR has been left behind. :smiley:
Quote from: 100milesaway on December 30, 2013, 09:55:49 AMWhilst I enjoyed my miles on the GTR, the world has moved on, and the GTR has been left behind
this bit jumped out at me. Totally agree.
the world has moved on.
To make an over 300 kgs machine is simply lazy on the part of the manufacturer. So much has gone forward as far as material and manufacturing tech that to justify making a 3XX kgs machine and selling it as a sports tourer is simply not on.
.
Pistole - you amaze me with your comments, from what i am reading YOU are the problem not the bikes :smiley:. Obviously you have not adapted to the different riding styles of both bikes, How can you compare 300 kg bike with a 234kg and totally different riding position as already stated. To say the GTR is Dangerous is quite silly, but in your defence you have stated you need to muscle it more. i am on my 4th GTR and it is the best bike i have ever rode, the power and low down grunt is excellent, i always have the correct gear for what ever manouvre i attempt, i never labour the engine and always keep it on song ( by thay i mean keeping the revs moderate 4-5k, not high revs) . I have a Ducati Monster for the blast with the boys and believe me a V Twin is a tempremental beast if not ridden corretly, my GTR riding style is totally out of the window when on the Monster at only 170KG.
However i totally agree with 'the world has moved on' comment, ( as much as it pains me to say it ) unless Mr K does something quickly to update the GTR i will be looking else where for my next touring bike purchase. :yes:
I took mine to Kai's suspension ,who do a ride in ride out service , the front end is now sorted with ohlins fork internals and revalve , it now goes a lot better in the braking part of a bend , you do have to muscle it round , I find a precise cornering method works best , also after a pipe and PC fitted it goes more like my zzr12 did , also I love the inposeing looks of the bike it feels like you are aboard something special,,, I tried a bm twin but it felt flat , The versy looks to much like a blown up 650 , which is a great bike , but the gtr looks the part ,, at least with the extra weight you do not get blown all over the road as on zzr11-12 on a windy day , my mate has got a gs adventure one of the last models before the new one , and that feels massive and heavy, ,,,,still a lottery win could solve these problems,,,,,,,, :biker3:
Quote from: zedmeister on December 30, 2013, 01:48:39 PM
the power and low down grunt is excellent, i always have the correct gear for what ever manouvre i attempt, i never labour the engine and always keep it on song ( by thay i mean keeping the revs moderate 4-5k, not high revs)
Totally agree on the use of gears and engine speed, and at just under 5k rpm the cam timing is changing and the bike is then ready to quickly double it's road speed and that's more than enough for the overtake!
P
I want to comment, but I wont.
Most modern bikes including the GTR, will do anything you want it to...... in most cases, its rider orientated - I'm not saying anyone is a bad rider...... its just that we are not "taught" how to ride a bike to "ride" a bike, We are taught to ride a bike to pass a test....
Neil
Agree with what you're saying there Sirtou. I took up biking relatively late in life, late 30's I guess. The Gtr is my fourth bike, but its the one I have had most confidence in to throw around the corners. I guess that's mainly due to gaining experience and putting more miles on the Gtr. I love the way it handles, to me it feels planted, and when it does squirm a little its all part of the fun as it never feels like it wants to let go.
I'm sure I'd probably feel the same way about the other bikes now if I were to ride them again due to experience gained.
I'm a firm believer that there's not many bad bikes or cars for that matter these days, just different ones, and you usually choose one on appearance, riding style and what you want to use it for. I chose the Gtr on its mile munching abilities, its looks, and the way you can throw it around on the twisties for such a big bike. I won't be looking for a replacement for a good while.
My only post on this thread will be that I agree with Zeds, there is no such thing as an inherently dangerous bike, only the limitations of the rider and the ability to adapt to the different riding style each bike demands.
Unfortunately my limitations were not that obvious to me in august when I swapped the ride to work from GTR to my XT660 Tenere. Put it simply I was used to a nice heavy front end with a nice big contact patch,ABS and linked brakes - not the skinny light front end with 2 massive disc brakes and a contact patch the size of a postage stamp.
I grabbed a handful, locked the front, bike washed out and I end up with a seriously broken right thumb, damaged gear ( not the rukka thank god) and time off work. The only good news was the bike only required a single panel ( thanks ebay £10!) my boot at the ankle lost all the ankle protector so imagine what the effect trainers would have had.
The reconstruction of my thumb joint next year won't be so much fun.
I enjoy the diversity (nice wholesome word for this day and age) of owning different bikes but thoroughly respect now their differences and my ability to accommodate them.
I would only seriously compare bikes back to back if they were genuinely comparable - example GTR vs say, K1200/1300GT, Pan, FJR, ST1050, some sort of similarity here I think and probably yes, all behind the times but out of them all I think we bought the best option. Times change but please don't ask me to take seriously a comparison between a GS of any incarnation and the GTR.
Incidentally the XT was sacrificed on the instruction of my wife who now has a nice new kitchen - let's see that spit me down the road! On a plus side the garage is now less packed!
Happy New Year one and all - the plan for 2014 is to revisit Belgium for the centenary - hope the thumb is repaired by then else it's mountain bikes only!
Quote from: SirToU on December 30, 2013, 09:36:37 PM
I want to comment, but I wont.
Most modern bikes including the GTR, will do anything you want it to...... in most cases, its rider orientated - I'm not saying anyone is a bad rider...... its just that we are not "taught" how to ride a bike to "ride" a bike, We are taught to ride a bike to pass a test....
Neil
:goodpost: :agree:
Quote from: shaggs147 on December 30, 2013, 10:54:04 PM
Agree with what you're saying there Sirtou. I took up biking relatively late in life, late 30's I guess. The Gtr is my fourth bike, but its the one I have had most confidence in to throw around the corners. I guess that's mainly due to gaining experience and putting more miles on the Gtr. I love the way it handles, to me it feels planted, and when it does squirm a little its all part of the fun as it never feels like it wants to let go.
I'm sure I'd probably feel the same way about the other bikes now if I were to ride them again due to experience gained.
I'm a firm believer that there's not many bad bikes or cars for that matter these days, just different ones, and you usually choose one on appearance, riding style and what you want to use it for. I chose the Gtr on its mile munching abilities, its looks, and the way you can throw it around on the twisties for such a big bike. I won't be looking for a replacement for a good while.
:agree:
ok ok , guys .
:grin:
am gonna get on a new set of tyres and try to learn to ride the GTR again , do not want to give up on her yet. We've had plenty of good times together.
that and I can (used to anyway) ride this thing :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG288ea-LBI
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC6npGLiZdk
.
that last vid was the scariest. Seriously big speeds on that chase. And my gtr was weaving her head in the turns (which you may just see in the vid) .
.
At the risk of offending the minority I'd like to say that no way whatsoever does the GTR handle poorly, I've never been on a GS, I can't say how it compares to the GTR, clearly if what we are reading is correct, then it is significantly better, that being the case it must be truly awesome...but absolutely no way on this earth can the handling of the GTR be described as poor.
Quote from: The Wolf on December 31, 2013, 02:02:11 AM
At the risk of offending the minority I'd like to say that no way whatsoever does the GTR handle poorly, I've never been on a GS, I can't say how it compares to the GTR, clearly if what we are reading is correct, then it is significantly better, that being the case it must be truly awesome...but absolutely no way on this earth can the handling of the GTR be described as poor.
have to disagree there though.
Every single magazine review of the C14 mentions the handling , and not in a positive way unfortunately.
and imho , any bike's handling is good/poor when compared to something else (of course). If you've not ridden anything that handles "better" , of course you'd not know what "better" was.
cheers and no offence meant since I do own both machines.
.
I know I'm going to regret this but here goes anyway....Pistole, even if the handling of the GTR was not as good as a GS that would still not in my opinion make the handling of the GTR poor, just different.
Hopefully that makes sense.
Quote from: pistole on December 31, 2013, 02:36:10 AM
have to disagree there though.
Every single magazine review of the C14 mentions the handling , and not in a positive way unfortunately.
and imho , any bike's handling is good/poor when compared to something else (of course). If you've not ridden anything that handles "better" , of course you'd not know what "better" was.
cheers and no offence meant since I do own both machines.
:hammer: :hammer: :hammer: :hammer: You are missing the point.
A bike that at its launch was sold as a cross continent missile will need an engine with good mid range torque and top end power coupled to a frame that has a long wheel base for ride comfort and steering geometry that gives high speed stability = GTR
A bike that at its launch is sold as an all round adventure bike will have an engine with good low speed torque and strong power in the mid range coupled to a short a wheel base frame for ease of low speed manoeuvring when used in conjunction with steering geometry with minimum trail for light weight feel and quick turn in = GS
I would not ask or expect a GTR to go off road down a green lane just as I would not expect a GS to sit at 130mph for hour after hour on a German autobahn. The design brief of each machine is poles apart just as is their respective target markets.
"Every single magazine review of the C14 mentions the handling , and not in a positive way unfortunately"
Incorrect statement. Lean how to steer it from your seat not the bars...........Just like riding a well schooled horse. Learn how to set the suspension up for your weight style of riding...then go enjoy :laugh:
I remember a well documented and videoed launch crash of a GTR......................But the GS world launch was cancelled after a fatal accident and several bikes had ripped the steering lock stops off the frames !!!
Handling as a word when used to describe the riding qualities of a bike is very subjective.
Go chase cars down a motorway as in your video on the GS and its high speed (does it do high speed) ride would be interesting to say the least. Just as if you took the GTR off road (now I know that's a dumb idea) to take big air, neither bike would come out well on those tests !!!
You are a lucky man if you have GS and GTR in the garage ....................go enjoy...............but remember the flight envelope of each is very different. :popcorn:
"and imho , any bike's handling is good/poor when compared to something else (of course). If you've not ridden anything that handles "better" , of course you'd not know what "better" was."
Was in the trade for many years and have ridden a lot of different bikes so feel more than qualified to comment. :mfr_lol:
@PISTOLE,
After watching the videos you posted, all I can say is that you have to learn how to ride the GTR mate ! The bike is capable of so much more and in fact, the faster and SMOOTHER you ride ( and in the correct gear ), the better the bike handles.
Deon
sure , lets see the vids.
post them up.
.
Pistole, I must say that having watched your first clip there seemed to be a hell of a lot unnecessary gear changes plus lots of on/off throttle action. That road looked to me like it could have been ridden in lot smoother and flowing style. PS do double white lines in the centre of the road not mean the same in your country as they do here?
Quote from: pistole on December 31, 2013, 12:15:13 AM
ok ok , guys .
:grin:
am gonna get on a new set of tyres and try to learn to ride the GTR again , do not want to give up on her yet. We've had plenty of good times together.
that and I can (used to anyway) ride this thing :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG288ea-LBI
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC6npGLiZdk
.
that last vid was the scariest. Seriously big speeds on that chase. And my gtr was weaving her head in the turns (which you may just see in the vid) .
.
I've got to say you've got some great roads to ride in your neck of the woods countryside looks lush...............love the camera on the bottom of the fork leg :smiley:
Quote from: Charlie747 on December 31, 2013, 05:00:41 AM
:hammer: :hammer: :hammer: :hammer: You are missing the point.
A bike that at its launch was sold as a cross continent missile will need an engine with good mid range torque and top end power coupled to a frame that has a long wheel base for ride comfort and steering geometry that gives high speed stability = GTR
A bike that at its launch is sold as an all round adventure bike will have an engine with good low speed torque and strong power in the mid range coupled to a short a wheel base frame for ease of low speed manoeuvring when used in conjunction with steering geometry with minimum trail for light weight feel and quick turn in = GS
I would not ask or expect a GTR to go off road down a green lane just as I would not expect a GS to sit at 130mph for hour after hour on a German autobahn. The design brief of each machine is poles apart just as is their respective target markets.
"Every single magazine review of the C14 mentions the handling , and not in a positive way unfortunately"
Incorrect statement. Lean how to steer it from your seat not the bars...........Just like riding a well schooled horse. Learn how to set the suspension up for your weight style of riding...then go enjoy :laugh:
I remember a well documented and videoed launch crash of a GTR......................But the GS world launch was cancelled after a fatal accident and several bikes had ripped the steering lock stops off the frames !!!
Handling as a word when used to describe the riding qualities of a bike is very subjective.
Go chase cars down a motorway as in your video on the GS and its high speed (does it do high speed) ride would be interesting to say the least. Just as if you took the GTR off road (now I know that's a dumb idea) to take big air, neither bike would come out well on those tests !!!
You are a lucky man if you have GS and GTR in the garage ....................go enjoy...............but remember the flight envelope of each is very different. :popcorn:
"and imho , any bike's handling is good/poor when compared to something else (of course). If you've not ridden anything that handles "better" , of course you'd not know what "better" was."
Was in the trade for many years and have ridden a lot of different bikes so feel more than qualified to comment. :mfr_lol:
Very well said. :agree: :clap:
:agree:
Quote from: 100milesaway on December 31, 2013, 10:07:32 AM
Pistole, I must say that having watched your first clip there seemed to be a hell of a lot unnecessary gear changes plus lots of on/off throttle action. That road looked to me like it could have been ridden in lot smoother and flowing style. PS do double white lines in the centre of the road not mean the same in your country as they do here?
:agree: :agree:
again : put up your vids.
.
Tommy .... ALL bikes are inherently dangerous ... if you leave them they fall over !!! :wink: :wink: :laugh:
I'd nearly forgotten about that, 2013 was a great year for me and damage! Having said that the GTR came back better than when I bought it! Great testimonial for what Bournemouth Kawasaki and £3.7k can do.
Erm........ Thanks for remembering - I'd nearly forgotten, at least until policy renewal!
Quote from: Rusty on December 31, 2013, 02:18:10 PM
Tommy .... ALL bikes are inherently dangerous ... if you leave them they fall over !!! :wink: :wink: :laugh:
LOL..... :-)
got a new set of Bridgestone T30 tyres on the bike today. Front and rear.
rear is 55 series.
handling is pretty sweet now.
.
I have had the same thing where you think the bike has gone to pot handerling wise , put on some new tyres and all is sweet again , once tyres start to square off it does make it all turn and handle a lot worse ,some times you just do not gell with a bike , I thought my zzr11 was great , flicked left and right easy , the zzr12. I lost my confidence in that even tho it went right to the edge on the tyres , got the 14 and back to confidence of the 11 , I think a lot is all in the mind . :biker3:
Gosh, I can't ever think of what to replace the GTR with, I love it, it gets ridden hard and never moans, its fantastic. The only thing near to it for me is the BMW K1300GT, but they drink oil which has turned me off.
Quote from: trousersnake01 on January 05, 2014, 01:22:58 AM
Gosh, I can't ever think of what to replace the GTR with, I love it, it gets ridden hard and never moans, its fantastic. The only thing near to it for me is the BMW K1300GT, but they drink oil which has turned me off.
I had a Brand spanking new BMW K1300 GT EE in 2010, it had a great engine, loads of farkels, poor panniers, drank oil, poor gear change was an absolute bitch to put onto main/centre stand and had loads of electrical issues resulting in it cutting out and falling over luckily I wasn't injured, I was treat like :shit: at the supplying BMW dealership.
I tried a GS to see if it was any better and it didn't suit me :oops:
My advice would be to thoroughly try one first to see if you like it :yes:
I'll never have another BMW :no: :death:
Blimey! Am I imagining it or is it true that I've seen a post on here actually critical of a BMW! :mfr_lol:
I thought they were immune from a good old slating just like PR3's ! :oops:
Just to add my boot to the fray, the K13 also has much lower mpg, squares off tyres easily and I believe has no 6th gear.
Are they made any more ? - I think not. :banana:
Quote from: tommytool on January 05, 2014, 09:32:55 PM
Blimey! Am I imagining it or is it true that I've seen a post on here actually critical of a BMW! :mfr_lol:
I thought they were immune from a good old slating just like PR3's ! :oops:
Just to add my boot to the fray, the K13 also has much lower mpg, squares off tyres easily and I believe has no 6th gear.
Are they made any more ? - I think not. :banana:
:agree: about sums it up
Quote from: tommytool on January 05, 2014, 09:32:55 PM
Blimey! Am I imagining it or is it true that I've seen a post on here actually critical of a BMW! :mfr_lol:
I thought they were immune from a good old slating just like PR3's ! :oops:
Just to add my boot to the fray, the K13 also has much lower mpg, squares off tyres easily and I believe has no 6th gear.
Are they made any more ? - I think not. :banana:
:mfr_lol: FYI it did have a 6th gear.....................................most of the time :mfr_lol:
I rode a BMW K1300GT in Austria for a few days in 2010. It was a loan bike from a BMW Bike Test Hotel.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mZgd9Zq3KMc/UQG6XR0pJQI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/oXcMzY45UiE/w674-h506-no/alps+2010+pams+pics+228.jpg)
At the time I had only owned my GTR for 2 weeks and was still getting to know the 1400 but I very quickly felt at home on the BMW in no time at all and remember well the end of day run up the wet valley to the hotel, leaving it in 3rd gear balancing it on the throttle through the bends and having a big smile when handing it back to the hotel.
The BMW made me realise that the previous owner of my GTR had the suspension set far too hard and once that was rectified the GTR was just as much fun to ride.
Pam loved the heated pillion seat but in the end she got the message that I wasn't getting a BMW!
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IjRRmYwIftQ/Uss-rOZWI_I/AAAAAAAABK8/RNNCecyQ6v4/w674-h506-no/alps+2010+pams+pics+227.jpg)
There were a couple of build quality issues with the Beemer though:
Those huge mirrors that weren't even colour matched and that annoying section of wiring that hung down on the front nearside of the bike :mfr_lol:
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oSkzKz33fZY/UQG6jmWtYUI/AAAAAAAAAsY/-e_3ffbQKQ4/w380-h506-no/alps+2010+pams+pics+220.jpg)
and... despite a week of wet weather we had a great trip and stayed in a fab hotel
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bFVwODb8LpE/UQG63DGDfuI/AAAAAAAAAso/rYwFKDt1l6g/w674-h506-no/alps2010+collage+1+copy.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-He-tRc4sTwI/Uss-zsm4nfI/AAAAAAAABLE/1oTZrKbgSis/w674-h506-no/alps+2010+pams+pics+245.jpg)
Patrick, that looks like the Hotel Weisseespitze in your pictures. I am booked in there for a few days in July and would be interested in the route that you took to get there, as well as any pointers to the area generally.
It is also possible that my wife may come with me as pillion, because our daughter who usually travels with me is short of holiday next year. As my wife hasn't ridden since 2000, are the access roads to the hotel itself particularly twisty? (I don't want to give her a fright!)
Yep that's the Weisseespitze which is managed by Charlie and his lovely wife. You will be made to feel very welcome there, the food is good too.
A group of us stayed there in June 2009
Quote from: flatfour on January 07, 2014, 08:24:39 AM
Patrick, that looks like the Hotel Weisseespitze in your pictures. I am booked in there for a few days in July and would be interested in the route that you took to get there, as well as any pointers to the area generally.
It is also possible that my wife may come with me as pillion, because our daughter who usually travels with me is short of holiday next year. As my wife hasn't ridden since 2000, are the access roads to the hotel itself particularly twisty? (I don't want to give her a fright!)
Correct on the hotel location. A lovely place to go.
The access roads to the hotel are fine. I ve been twice, once on a bike tour in 08 and in 2010 we went in the car and used the hotel bikes/ cabriolet.
On the 08 bike trip we crossed over night Hull to Zebruger and then had 2over nighters in Germany and used a mix of m'way and non 'way routes.
In 2010 we had and early start from Shropshire to the tunnel and had one over night stop to allow a detour for a short visit to Verdun.
The real alpine roads start o this route with the Fern Pass, a main route into Austria and if you use the Motorway you can by pass Landeck enroute to the hotel.
This google map shows the approx. route taken in 2010. In 2008 we did a detour into the Black Forest to ride some of the B500.
https://www.google.com/maps?saddr=Bd+de+l'Europe&daddr=50.8133024,4.4350531+to:49.6398764,5.8807186+to:Feichten&hl=en&ll=49.525208,5.932617&spn=4.30028,11.612549&sll=49.524763,5.926437&sspn=0.268765,0.725784&geocode=FQpACQMd2s0bAA%3BFXZZBwMdbaxDAClru_xkGtvDRzESP8woK_sPyw%3BFcRx9QIdjrtZACmZodz2W7HqRzFku543Sjh7lA%3BFVajzQIdZPqjAA&oq=landec&mra=dvme&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2&t=m&z=7 (https://www.google.com/maps?saddr=Bd+de+l'Europe&daddr=50.8133024,4.4350531+to:49.6398764,5.8807186+to:Feichten&hl=en&ll=49.525208,5.932617&spn=4.30028,11.612549&sll=49.524763,5.926437&sspn=0.268765,0.725784&geocode=FQpACQMd2s0bAA%3BFXZZBwMdbaxDAClru_xkGtvDRzESP8woK_sPyw%3BFcRx9QIdjrtZACmZodz2W7HqRzFku543Sjh7lA%3BFVajzQIdZPqjAA&oq=landec&mra=dvme&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2&t=m&z=7)
P
Quote from: flatfour on January 07, 2014, 08:24:39 AM
as well as any pointers to the area generally.
Get yourself up to Grossglockner.. The scenery is fantastic if there isn't low cloud like it was for me. +20c in the valley and only +3c up there.... Its €24 road toll charge for a bike to get up to it. I went there all on my own :yes: :clap:
http://goo.gl/maps/WLwtQ
http://www.grossglockner.at/en/
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2810_zps3e245a1d.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2810_zps3e245a1d.jpg.html)
Am going there in July With 3 other lads ,they are on bmw gs adventures , me the lone gtr , so should have a good chance to compare there's to mine , the roads look great am looking forward to it , hope we have good weather , :biker3:
Patrick, many thanks for the information. The last time that my wife rode with me was in the Pyrenees, so if she does come along she will probably be OK after a while, but it is nice to have the option.
Debs, I hope to ride some of the passes whilst there, probably on my own unless it is our daughter who is with me. She did the Grossglockner and other passes on her own bike last year without problems, then went on to Insbruck and Lintz and, whilst her bike was parked for a "City Break" she fell over on a cobbled pavement when walking, breaking a wrist. She had to fly back home, leaving the the bike to be collected later (she told us that she was going in the car!).
Nightrider, when are you there? We are booked for the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th July, so may see you. Will be on the GTR.
We are going on the 11th. Stopping one night near the ring , then on the next day , :biker3:
Chaps ... Have a great time .. Those roads look so good I shall have to make that trip in the next few years when I have a bit more time to play with ... I am sure that you will but please let us know how you get on .... With piccies of course !
Riding the GrossGlockner is fun, but the 107 coming from the north can be very busy with coaches and caravans,.... yes for some reason people drive bloody caravans up there.
The 107 from the top of the pass down past the glacier and on to Heiligenblut (Holy Blood!) is much better with way less traffic.
If you can manage it on dry roads it's a real challenge and you will be competing with locals on all kinds of machinery.
Just Googled it .. Grossglockner High Alpine Road .. loads of info and pictures with a very good live web cam ... deserted and closed up there till May .. and you can see why ! It's a bit chilly ! :yes:
ok.
now with the new T30R rubber (55 series rear , standard front) , I finally found some time to take the GTR out for a 200 mile ride (mix highway and backroads).
short summary : this bike is , sorry to say , lousy compared to the GS. Wanted to like it again , and have spent money on it.
Long version :
1. The suspension is too stiff. Crashy is how I would describe it now.
2. there is simply too much weight. Transitions are slow , and you get the impression that the bike is riding you and not the other way round.
3. mid corner bumps and potholes : better be prepared to be knocked way off your line. Dangerous , this.
4. the stock wind protection is a JOKE. MY gs with that itsy bitsy screen has better wind protection. This I cannot understand. There is so much plastic on the GTR , why doesn't any of it work ?
.
well, thats my honest review. I own both bikes and am not "owner prejudiced".
.
Quote from: pistole on January 11, 2014, 04:38:58 PM
ok.
short summary : this bike is , sorry to say , lousy compared to the GS. Wanted to like it again , and have spent money on it.
Compare a motion with the capital "M" (((Kawasaki GTR 1400))) to a mower (GS) is true .... there is more religion.
MGvalerio. :2guns:
I would take it to some body who is a expert at setting up the suspension , I have took a few bikes to mick grant ,when he has been at Cadwell park for £20 you get his know how and advice , there is always some one who is good with setting up the sag and knows what is better or worse ,at least then you will be sure that it is not some thing that can be put right , if it is feeling crashy then the rear shock must be at fault , I had the front revalved , and is miles better , the front now dives down nice and smooth with no bounce back up ,,,,,,, :biker3:
Hi Pistole, really pleased you are loving the GS, it sounds like you have found a bike that suits all your needs, although, unless you have something wrong with your GTR, I can't disagree more.
I'm a little like you with the GTR as you are with th GS. I absolutely love my GTR and love to throw it around when the opportunity arises, love how it handles, and to me it feels completely planted on the PR3's. I also love the bike's presence on the motorways. I'd never consider myself experienced as I've only ever owned 4 bikes, so can only compare it with what I've ridden before, but for me, the GTR is a keeper for a good time to come. Glad you're loving the GS though, at the end of the day that's what its all about, having fun.
It's surely a case of "horses for courses" it seems to me that Pistole and the GS are well suited to each other.
Its true that we all have differing tastes in life :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on January 12, 2014, 10:29:21 AM
It's surely a case of "horses for courses" it seems to me that Pistole and the GS are well suited to each other.
Its true that we all have differing tastes in life :yes:
:agree: So true OC.................Its that Marmite Moment that makes life worth living :punk:
Quote from: nightrider on January 11, 2014, 09:33:25 PM
I would take it to some body who is a expert at setting up the suspension , I have took a few bikes to mick grant ,when he has been at Cadwell park for £20 you get his know how and advice , there is always some one who is good with setting up the sag and knows what is better or worse ,at least then you will be sure that it is not some thing that can be put right , if it is feeling crashy then the rear shock must be at fault , I had the front revalved , and is miles better , the front now dives down nice and smooth with no bounce back up ,,,,,,, :biker3:
Mick Grant did my GTR very soon after I bought it. I knew that everything was too stiff and he made changes in no time at all and I've been happy ever since
P
I like what you say Shaggs ... I have had my Gs now for 6 months and just love it to bits .. Utterly brilliant BUT I will stress so was the Gtr ... A Devine bike with as you say " presence " on the road. Everything about it was what I wanted it's just that once I tried the BM it was as people say in my line of work " A defining moment " and so a change was made. I love them both for different reasons but even I can't ride 2 bikes at once ! :yes: