Why are people moving to the dark side?

[StickyOne]

Is it mainly because of the weight?
Why change if it's not a weight issue?
I know a few have recently downsized because of weight.
What about if the GTR had a reverse gear? Would that solve the problems?

[PRD]

No they believe that BMW is better quality. Unfortunately it is not in my experience.

[O.C.]

It's completely possible to downsize due to weight issues without going to 'the dark side' ya know      

[PRD]

It's completely possible to downsize due to weight issues without going to 'the dark side' ya know      

and yours is a better bike!

[Lonewolf]

No they believe that BMW is better quality. Unfortunately it is not in my experience.

Pete define quality for me please if you will. Do you mean build quality, features, power, handling?

[O.C.]

Pete define quality for me please if you will. Do you mean build quality, features, power, handling?

all those Steve .......oh, and don't forget reliability        

[PRD]

all those Steve .......oh, and don't forget reliability        

exactly +1

[snowy]

It's called free choice!   
Plenty out there to evaluate and try / ride / enjoy if it suits.
Just don't tell good lady!

[keith]

 I did I sell my gtr because of the weight issue. and after a few zzr 1400's decided to go with the k 1600 gt , even though it is heavier than the gtr , I prefer it , everyone has a different opinion,  love the power , ride and comfort ,

[flatfour]

I came away from big touring bikes (BMW K1200, GTR) because when my daughter bought her own "Big Bike" and didn't want to ride as passenger on holiday trips, I could see no benefit to moving an additional 60 kg that I did not need for my own use everywhere.

This is a decision that I have not regretted and from now on, I intend to make sure that every new bike is lighter than the previous, if at all possible.

[Rusty]

I think people chop and change for many reasons. I loved my GTR .. really .. turbine smooth, cartoon quick, and loads of protection for my London commute right through the winter months .. I was happy. Then a friend of mine at work was going on leave for 2 weeks and gave me the keys to his Gs just to keep it ticking over whilst he was away. I left it for a week as I couldn't be arsed. I took it home one morning after "Nights" and by the time I had gone just a few miles I was hooked. A strange quirky looking Gs instead of my lovely GTR ??? You must be insane ! I was and it was chopped in within weeks. Nothing to do with weight or quality or build or range or speed or smooth ( that couldn't be any more different !!!! ) It was just different. The dark side is like Marmite and I love it. 

[O.C.]

  totally agreed, we're all diffrent and have differing likes and dislikes       

[PRD]

I have always liked the GS but with my previous experience of BMW bikes and their dealers would not dare buy one

[virginiajim]

It certainly was a weight issue for me.   I wanted a heavier bike to throw around.  I think my Indian is nearly 900 lbs.  I didn't go out looking for a new bike, you know.  It kinda just happened.  I still have the C14 but it's sulking in the back of the garage for now.

[Rusty]

PRD ... A shame to hear you clearly had bad dealings with BMW  WITHOUT repeating it all ( as I may have missed it ) was it the bike or the dealer .. or both ? ... very briefly