After several months of deliberation, I have finally decided to replace the GTR. I got offered a really great deal on a BMWS1000XR with full luggage, not new but only 2,500 miles and on a 18 plate.
The GTR has been (and is) a FANTASTIC bike, I've loved owning the bike and have had thousands of trouble free miles on it .... mostly in Spain, France, Germany etc. etc. etc. I admit I am a bit of an old woman and always over pack on European tours, but that's never been a problem with the huge capacity on the GTR.
I also used the bike for about 12 months commuting when I was working, and again the bike was fault free and really enabled me to enjoy a pretty boring commute.
I've put on 21k miles in 5 years of ownership. Completely trouble free, I've just had to service it and put a new battery on it 2 years ago.
IF Mr K still made it and had upgraded it with cruise control, riding modes etc. etc. ...... then I would have bought another one, no hesitation.
I will REALLY miss the electric screen (especially in this heatwave), and the effortless cruising once she's on a roll.
With a huge top box I have also been the envy of my mates when we've had a day out recently... because when we stop for lunch I just strip to tee shirts, short and flip flops and cool off.
I had been considering spending some big bucks on a big service and changing the seat, but eventually decided on something 'sportier' more upright and lighter (to get in and out of the garage).
Thanks to the members here that have offered some advice and guidance over the years, it has been really appreciated. I have farkled the bike quite a bit over the years of ownership - that was also partly my reluctance to swap.... Because I got the bike 'just right'.... But time moves along.
There will be some items (larger screen + adventure 'crash bars') that I will strip off shortly and advertise here and on fleabay.
So next Wednesday I will ride her to Sudbury for the last time to do the swap. I have LOVED my GTR, I just really hope I have made the right decision......
There are many of us moving to the dark side ... and of course there are mixed views and mixed experiences. For me like you ... I loved my GTR but had to try something different and my GSA is just spot on in so many ways. I just love it. I hope the same goes for you too. Good luck :clap: :clap:
I hope and am sure that you will enjoy your new bike.
It will be very different to your GTR but yo already know that, but I reckon it will tick all your boxes.
Any change of bike means a period of readjustment, so give it some time to get to know your new bike
Ride safe, have fun and enjoy :clap:
:agree:
all good with my bmw 1600 gt experience but , I would strongly recommend anyone moving to a bmw keep up your bmw warranties!!!! I am back on a Kawasaki , (loved my k 1600 but too heavy)
Quote from: keith on July 29, 2018, 11:03:30 AM
all good with my bmw 1600 gt experience but , I would strongly recommend anyone moving to a bmw keep up your bmw warranties!!!! I am back on a Kawasaki , (loved my k 1600 but too heavy)
Yeah funnily enough a couple of my mates have K1600 and have the BMW Warranty. They swear by it - especially as it includes wear and tear, both of them say they always find something every year that needs replacing.....FOC..... is that good or bad???
they do a good back up service , but unfortunately I have lost all faith in the bmw motorcycles , I sold my bike ,with around 5000 miles from new with around 4 months warranty left on it , I feel bad because the person I sold it to broke down in Italy , gearbox requires renewal ,nightmare for him and the bike to get home, another bought a new bike gearbox problem from the off (reverse) bmw exchanged the bike , 700 miles later broke down with a gearbox fault , bmw charge a fortune for the bikes , they should not be breaking down like this , as much as I liked my 1600gt the weight was the issue with me , but after all of the negative feedback I have been reading about bmw bikes I wont be getting another bmw in the future , I would advise a good look around the bmw forums to see what failures different models have been experiencing before anyone buys one ,
There really is no substitute for Japanese reliability :clap:
I too would not go to BMW they do not really have anything that floats my boat at the moment. However i am seriously looking at the Versys, but i just look at the GTR and cant bring myself to change just yet. If Mr K ever does re-vamp the GTR i will be in line for my 6th one.
Quote from: zedmeister on July 29, 2018, 03:45:05 PM
I too would not go to BMW they do not really have anything that floats my boat at the moment. However i am seriously looking at the Versys, but i just look at the GTR and cant bring myself to change just yet. If Mr K ever does re-vamp the GTR i will be in line for my 6th one.
Well unfortunately they are not going to. Hence the H2 an unbelievably expensive H2 SX
I'm not going to say anything!
Well unfortunately they are not going to.
I would put money on they will bring out a GTR at some point in the future.
I came from the BMW S1000XR to the GTR, I have no regrets whatsoever.
The S1000XR was in most aspects a great bike, electronic suspension, rider modes etc etc, all things that went wrong with it!!!
I changed from a Ducati Multi to the BMW for reliability as I usually travel 12,000 miles plus every year, about half of which is 2 up touring with the wife and friends in Europe. Both the Ducati and BMW are on level par as regards the worst period of motorcycle ownership in my life. Had various problems with both bikes, all put right under warranty but it leaves a bitter feeling for me. Hence the move back to Kawasaki for the GTR, having owned the ZZR in various guises I knew what I was getting.
I think owning any BMW without a warranty is inherently dangerous. Everything mechanical can and does break regardless of who or where it is made and put together. The modern bikes of course are precision made but ouchhhhh it would be expensive when things go wrong I,m sure :eek: :eek:
I am ultra happy with my GSA as it ticks all the boxes as did the GTR at the the time ... as we all know the general rule is look after your bike and it SHOULD be ok for many many happy years of riding !
Quote from: zedmeister on July 29, 2018, 03:45:05 PM
I too would not go to BMW they do not really have anything that floats my boat at the moment. However i am seriously looking at the Versys, but i just look at the GTR and cant bring myself to change just yet. If Mr K ever does re-vamp the GTR i will be in line for my 6th one.
Try one Zed... but take your wallet with you,
Yes I know its a C & S bike, both of which have moved on massively since the days of the C15 :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on July 30, 2018, 03:49:35 PM
Try one Zed... but take your wallet with you,
Yes I know its a C & S bike, both of which have moved on massively since the days of the C15 :yes:
Thats the issue OC if i test one and it ticks all the boxes i WILL have to have one. Going to hold off for now and keep the wallet at home ( easy enough being a Yorkshireman )
Quote from: zedmeister on July 30, 2018, 10:12:13 PM
Thats the issue OC if i test one and it ticks all the boxes i WILL have to have one. Going to hold off for now and keep the wallet at home ( easy enough being a Yorkshireman )
I can relate to that, being one myself :smiley: