...and loved it. It felt like it was half the weight of my R1150RT, and the engine revs like a wankel on steroids. Soaked up all the crappy pavement around the dealership like it wasn't there. Hopped on the highway, and whoa - we're doing 80+?!? Wind protection was pretty good (needs a slightly larger windshield), and the way it turns... is amazing. I'm WAY interested in one. Of those of you who bought one - any thoughts? Cheers!
I read about the new GS and ordered one before I tested it. My first ride was away from the dealer on mine, NO REGRETS! The only thing better than that ride is owning and riding one every day. You won't regret it....
Besides being so much narrower than the 1150 I ride, I simply could not believe how fast that thing revved. I mean it absolutely snarled when I rapped the throttle. I have a general rule about not buying the first (or may even second) year model of any new motor, and previous to this I have never considered trading up from the 1150 to the 1200-- but demoing that WC 1200 made a man think.
I ordered mine b4 the dealer demo ride... Getting plates this week finally after a long 3 month wait from order to delivery... Can't wait
test drove a new one last week...amazing bike! I got on my 1150 and it felt like the emergency brake was on..
I road it. I loved it but not enough to trade in the 08... Ill wait for the GSA and a couple year shake down before I make the jump. My 08 has been a faithfull friend. The latest and greatest can wait for some more memories to be made
You will find in life not everyone shares your opinion on some things.......... Ive bought new bikes based on no test ride or a 5 minute run around the block. Real hard to tell a lot that way. But new and shiny is good buy it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The GSW is my first BMW and the biggest bike I have ridden. I have not ridden the prev GS so have no benchmark. As a relatively new rider I can say that this is an excellent bike and I love it. I use it mainly for tight and slow city traffic commuting loaded with my work gear and suit and the occasional 'get out of town' run. Pretty easy to handle and great handling and fairly rapid. I love all the adjustments that can be accessed from the handlebars to suit the riding conditions. Is it perfect? Probably not but it ticks all my boxes.
I'd been casually following all the speculation last winter and this spring. Went to the unveiling at our local dealer (with food I should mention) on Sat. Test road one the next Wed. and bought a Red w/ESA the next day. It's an amazing bike and puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. And I've had 08 and '10 GSs and a '13 Triumph Explorer. The most expensive mistake you can make is test riding one
I think I'll hold on for an ADV model. The only thing I have missed on my 1150 is the Adventure sized tank.
Did you trade the Explorer? Just wondering why. I rode 3 hours to the nearest Triumph dealer last week, just for the heck of it. I didn't take one for a ride (essential) but sitting on it, the Explorer pushed all the right buttons with me. I told the dealer I have to go 3 hours to the BMW dealer as well, but at least I can do all the routine service work myself. I took a brief ride on the new GS at an open house. Very nice. I didn't think the power increase over my 2009 would be as noticeable as it was. Very impressed with the bike. But...not enough I'll trade up any time soon.
I agree. I've test rode one 3 times now, and I'm seriously considering selling my 13 K1600GTL so I can get it. Any K1600 to GS converts here, or is it too early?
No it is never too early just too late. Just do the right thang, and sell ur k1600. You know you want the gs!!! Live to ride
No, I sold it to a chap in Houston after I got the GS. I loved the triple motor of the TEX but did not care for the suspension at all. I'm really impressed with the ESA suspension and prior to this bike never was impressed with the ESA. The maintenance schedule is much improved and the valves, because of their design, will probably never need to be adjusted, just checked. Every 12k! I also prefer the lower center of gravity of the LC over the TEX and its lighter weight. That said the TEX is a couple grand cheaper than the GS.