BMW motorcycle

[Tarheelpilot]

I’m looking at the R1250 adventure bike. Anyone on here have experience with these that can share opinions?

 

[Sac Arrow]

I had a 1200RT. I honestly don't get the point of a GS although some people really like them. They handle gravel better than a pure road bike but they aren't dirt bikes either. If I needed gravel/fire road capability, I'd look at a smaller, lighter dual sport personally.

 

[aterry1067]

I had a 1100RT, and later a 1200GS. They were both great bikes, kept within the limitations of the bike and the rider. I hear the 1250GS is an entirely different bike and is supposedly much smoother, but no personal experience.

The GS is a great bike for what it does. It CAN go in the dirt, but when you get it in the dirt you quickly realize it's a 600 pound bike, and becomes a LOT of work off road.

I sold mine to buy a plane. One thing that BMW bikes and airplanes have in common, is that the cheapest thing about them is the owner.

 

[wrbix]

Just as a point of reference that BMW GS’s are heavy off road behemoths, I’ve gone:
BMW R1150GS -> Kawa KLR650GS -> Yama TW200.

BMW GSs are good touring (read: road) bikes, but a substantial handful off road. Depends what your plans are.

 

[Tarheelpilot]

The GS was recommended to me because I’m a tall rider. I will never be off road. Probably see some non paved roads occasionally but never unprepared surface or overland.

what about maintenance and reliability? I have already noticed they retain value better than some others.

 

[Morgan3820]

V strom , 33 inch seat height.

 

[Bill]

I have a '16 R1200GS water boxer, and still love the bike! I use mine mostly as a sport tourer that is great for taller/bigger people as it has plenty of stretch out room. Also, it has less fairing and windshield compared to the RT version of the boxer, and thus flows more cooling air. I like this as I live in the hot, humid southeast, air is good! I like the character of the flat twin, it has excellent torque down low yet will smoothly rev out and has good power on top. If I'm just loafing along, I keep the revs between 2500 and 3500, it will pull nicely out of a third gear corner with only 2500 revs on the clock. The 1250 shift cam version is even better, as the shift cam has both more torque on the bottom and better power at the top. My bike makes 125hp, the 1250 makes 136, on both bikes the power peak is around 7800rpm.

The chassis, telelever front suspension, and ESA adjustable suspension result in a very versatile motorcycle. Combine with the excellent BMW vario bags or the many fine aftermarket luggage options and you have a formidable sport tourer. When the going is easy, I put the suspension/engine management in ROAD/SOFT, set the cruise control, and enjoy soft ride that rivals any tour bike. And I should know, I also do own a tour bike (Goldwing), and the GS rides just as well. When the road gets twisty, a well ridden GS can keep up with most sportbikes, I put it in DYNAMIC/HARD, and the thing flies. A short vid of my friend and I, he's leading, I'm on the camera bike, both are GS water boxers:

The adjustable suspension also makes the bike very stable two up (with the right settings), and one can absolutely fly two-up if you have a willing pillion.

Me at Deals Gap on my GS, acting like a sportbike:



All loaded for tour on the Natchez Trace, bike on the left:

And right:

Offroad, with the right tires, skills, and attitude, it can carry you far off the beaten path. Yes, it's no lightweight enduro, but it is capable. This was on 90/10 tires, basically street tires, and it did fine.

Of the 21 motorcycles I've owned to date, this bike is by far the most competent and versatile bike I've owned, and I'm still absolutely 100% pleased with my purchase! If something happened to it I'd right back at the BMW store to buy another GS. Yes, it's an expensive bike, but good stuff usually costs more. Also, if you're handy with wrenches, the routine MX is quite easy to do, and a big bonus of the flat twin is the valve covers are out in the open making valve checks a breeze compared to in-line bikes.

PM me if you have quesitons.

EDIT: Lastly, I'd stick with the GS versus the GSA unless a 7 gallon fuel tank is a big plus for you. The Adventure version is a good 50# heavier, and carries that extra weight very high on the bike.

 

[FastEddieB]

Just as a point of reference that BMW GS’s are heavy off road behemoths, I’ve gone:
BMW R1150GS -> Kawa KLR650GS -> Yama TW200.

My path is similar: 1990 BMW R100GS/PD -> 2005 KTM 950 Adventure -> 2017 Yamaha TW200.

I think my age has something to do with it - those heavier, more powerful bikes made more sense when I was younger, stronger snd had better balance. At 72, “A man has to know his limitations.” I’m just finding I have more fun on smaller, lighter bikes. Just hope to keep on 2 wheels for another couple of decades. Glad if and when I the need arises, there are Can Am Spyder and Rykers and Polaris Slingshots I could move to, not to mention my sidecar rig.

 

[Bill]

I had a 1200RT. I honestly don't get the point of a GS although some people really like them.

Having owned both an R1150RT and an R1200GS;

1. The GS actually has more stretch out room, especially less knee bend. Good for the big/tall people.
2. The GS has far less wind protection, which is a plus if you live where it's hot/humid.
3. The GS is a little less expensive.
4. The GS has more ground clearance, and can corner a little harder.

 

[Ted]

You can read some of my experience on BMWs here:

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/com...out-a-dual-sport-adventure-motorcycle.132523/

I've not ridden the R1250GS, so I don't know the current generation. I have ridden my friend's R1200GS (I think a '17 model), and I currently have an R1150GS sitting in the shop that is not mine, but I can use when I want.

I really am not a huge fan of the R1150GS. It's not happy on road, it's in its element off-road, but it's too big and heavy to be practical at that. But for the price (keep it in the shop for free and use when I feel like it), hard to beat.

The R1200GS (which is a lot closer to the R1250GS you're thinking about) is really a phenomenal bike to ride. Comfortable, fast, amazing suspension. Incredibly comfortable on road, and handles potholes/bumps very well too. I'm sure it would be just as comfortable off-road. Normally I hate computer-controlled suspensions, but BMW does a fantastic job with it.

Given that experience, I would tend to think the R1250GS is worth considering. I'm 6' tall and was very comfortable with the ergonomics on the 1200.

 

[steingar]

If you want a bike the comfortably does miles get a Goldwing. Nothing tours better.

 

[FastEddieB]

Stumbled across the little video below.

First half is about cruisers, BMW vs Harley, but has a bit of an aviation backdrop.

Second half features BMW GS’s and their history and functionality and comparison with the new HD Adventure bike.

Note: the somewhat intrusive ads can be fast-forwarded. Enjoy!

 

[Bill]

If you want a bike the comfortably does miles get a Goldwing. Nothing tours better.

Depends. One up? A GS is every bit as nice and comfortable. Two-up? Yes, the GW is better as it's designed to be a two-up sled. That's why I own both!

 

[steingar]

Depends. One up? A GS is every bit as nice and comfortable. Two-up? Yes, the GW is better as it's designed to be a two-up sled. That's why I own both!

Might be, I've only ridden one of the modern Wings. My vintage Goldwing was no problem one up. I can't imagine a better bike for the purpose. Can't ride a GSW anyway. Thing is too tall for me.

 

[Sac Arrow]

Having owned both an R1150RT and an

Having owned both an R1150RT and an R1200GS;

1. The GS actually has more stretch out room, especially less knee bend. Good for the big/tall people.
2. The GS has far less wind protection, which is a plus if you live where it's hot/humid.
3. The GS is a little less expensive.
4. The GS has more ground clearance, and can corner a little harder.

Numbers 1 and 2 are a downside to me. I'm not short by any means, but I could not flat foot my RT. In fact, I swapped the factory seat out for a lower one just so I didn't have to stand on my tip toes. And wind protection is a big deal to me, particularly in the winter.

And by the way, the RT was the best bike I've ever owned. Not too heavy, low CG, great handling at all speeds including parking lot, light clutch and throttle pulls, super comfortable. I think that if I had actually been able to do a test ride of the Concours C14 I replaced it with, I would have headed down to the BMW dealership and replaced it with another RT. Or looked for something other than the Connie.

 

[Tarheelpilot]

Thanks for the info everyone. Lots to think about.

 

[charheep]

I am looking to add another bike to the fleet. The wife said it cant be a sport bike since I would look dumb on it. So, what BMW models would I look at for a adult sporty bike? Something used. A k1200? 1150rt? I dont know anything about BMW bikes, so its hard to start the research process.

This would be to scratch that sportbike itch, without getting a CBR/GSX bike. Some storage would be nice, but I can backpack when commuting if needed.

 

[Bill]

I am looking to add another bike to the fleet. The wife said it cant be a sport bike since I would look dumb on it. So, what BMW models would I look at for a adult sporty bike? Something used. A k1200? 1150rt? I dont know anything about BMW bikes, so its hard to start the research process.

This would be to scratch that sportbike itch, without getting a CBR/GSX bike. Some storage would be nice, but I can backpack when commuting if needed.

The S1000R, the naked standard version of the S1000RR sportbike:

If something even a little more upright is wanted, the S1000XR, which is the sport tour version of the S1000RR:

These have been out long enough that there should be a good selection of used bikes, and these bikes are BEASTS!. IIRC, 165hp with a VERY strong midrange.

 

[FastEddieB]

I’d be inclined to recommend a boxer as a first BMW, for simplicity, ease of maintenance and homage to BMW’s roots. Along those lines, I’d be partial to their “Heritage” series, specifically any one of the R nine T models.

https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/m...0xoC8RgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#/filter-heritage

 

[DavidWhite]

And by the way, the RT was the best bike I've ever owned. Not too heavy, low CG, great handling at all speeds including parking lot, light clutch and throttle pulls, super comfortable. I think that if I had actually been able to do a test ride of the Concours C14 I replaced it with, I would have headed down to the BMW dealership and replaced it with another RT. Or looked for something other than the Connie.

Just out of curiosity, what is it you don’t like about the Connie? I’ve had mine for 8 years and now and I still really like it, although my knees have started giving me trouble and I’ve been thinking about replacing it with a lighter or at least lower CG bike just because of my knee issues.

edit: sorry for thread creep but I’ve been looking at the 850GS

 

[Sac Arrow]

Just out of curiosity, what is it you don’t like about the Connie? I’ve had mine for 8 years and now and I still really like it, although my knees have started giving me trouble and I’ve been thinking about replacing it with a lighter or at least lower CG bike just because of my knee issues.

edit: sorry for thread creep but I’ve been looking at the 850GS

I think you just said it. What don't I like about it?

-Heavy. Way heavy.
-Top heavy. Way top heavy.
-Heavy clutch and throttle pull, choppy response
-No factory cruise
-Not super great cornering clearance. Not that ground down pegs are that expensive to replace.
-Challenging slow speed handling. That's putting it nicely.

What do I like about it...

-Fast, nucular powered
-Great high speed handling in the twisties
-Looks cool
-Factory heated grips

Note about factory cruise control - my RT had it, and although I rarely if ever use it on the car, I used it all the time on the bike, particularly on long haul freeway commutes. It's really nice on a long ride to give your wrist a break. I sort of expect it on a sport tourer of that class.

 

[steingar]

I am looking to add another bike to the fleet. The wife said it cant be a sport bike since I would look dumb on it.

I'd show up with whatever I want. My money. Wife doesn't like it she doesn't have to look at it. I'll happily look dumb all day if I'm having that much fun.

 

[Bill]

I’d be inclined to recommend a boxer as a first BMW, for simplicity, ease of maintenance and homage to BMW’s roots. Along those lines, I’d be partial to their “Heritage” series, specifically any one of the R nine T models.

While the RnineT models are nice looking bikes, they're hardly what I would recommend to someone looking to "scratch that sportbike itch." Hence recommending BMW's naked sportbike standards. Another bike to look at is the naked BMW R1200R models:

125-136hp depending on if it is a 1200 or 1250, and good handling/braking.

 

[DavidWhite]

I think you just said it. What don't I like about it?

-Heavy. Way heavy.
-Top heavy. Way top heavy.
-Heavy clutch and throttle pull, choppy response
-No factory cruise
-Not super great cornering clearance. Not that ground down pegs are that expensive to replace.
-Challenging slow speed handling. That's putting it nicely.

What do I like about it...

-Fast, nucular powered
-Great high speed handling in the twisties
-Looks cool
-Factory heated grips

Note about factory cruise control - my RT had it, and although I rarely if ever use it on the car, I used it all the time on the bike, particularly on long haul freeway commutes. It's really nice on a long ride to give your wrist a break. I sort of expect it on a sport tourer of that class.

That sounds about like all of my gripes, sans the clutch/throttle issues. I suppose one could call it a “heavy” clutch but I would never describe it as choppy, quite the opposite. Mine is smooth as butter.

I’ve never done the MSF advanced rider course on mine, partly because I’m afraid of dropping it during all the slow speed stuff due to its top-heavy tendencies. I don’t think I’m a poor rider (no one probably does though) but I recognize the limits of the bike and I don’t think it would be good for that.

 

[DavidWhite]

@Tarheelpilot I think this should become the bonanza analog of the PoA “which bike should I buy” threads.


230hp, all the bells and whistles, looks cool, and it has a supercharger. What more could a guy want? I bet riding that thing on a track is about the most fun a person can have with their pants on.

 

[SoonerAviator]

@Tarheelpilot I think this should become the bonanza analog of the PoA “which bike should I buy” threads.

View attachment 99687
230hp, all the bells and whistles, looks cool, and it has a supercharger. What more could a guy want? I bet riding that thing on a track is about the most fun a person can have with their pants on.

Geez, at least link the one without all of the crap strapped to it, lol. It's still a pretty homely-looking bike.

 

[DavidWhite]

Geez, at least link the one without all of the crap strapped to it, lol. It's still a pretty homely-looking bike.

They have a naked version but I’m partial to the aesthetics of fully-faired bikes myself. The H2 SX SE with luggage is about the only thing comparable to a Concours that is faster, and since it’s 100lbs lighter probably a good deal easier in parking lots and just in general going slow.

 

[Bill]

@charheep , another bike to look at is the sport touring Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, it a really nice bike at a good price, very good bang for the buck!

 

[SoonerAviator]

I am looking to add another bike to the fleet. The wife said it cant be a sport bike since I would look dumb on it. So, what BMW models would I look at for a adult sporty bike? Something used. A k1200? 1150rt? I dont know anything about BMW bikes, so its hard to start the research process.

This would be to scratch that sportbike itch, without getting a CBR/GSX bike. Some storage would be nice, but I can backpack when commuting if needed.

Most the major bike mfgs make nakeds that will give enough of the sport bike itch without making you ride in a full crouch. Maybe even a muscle bike like a Yamaha VMax or Ducati Diavel.

 

[charheep]

My first bike was a KZ, so I always have a soft spot for Kawa's. I was looking at the under 7k price range. That H2 is probably a little more than that..

 

[SoonerAviator]

My first bike was a KZ, so I always have a soft spot for Kawa's. I was looking at the under 7k price range. That H2 is probably a little more than that..

About triple.

 

[Bill]

My first bike was a KZ, so I always have a soft spot for Kawa's. I was looking at the under 7k price range. That H2 is probably a little more than that..

Nice review of the latest Ninja 1000SX, but with bags a new one is going to be double your budget. The good thing is this bike has been out a while, and a nice used earlier version may be available in budget.

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2020/08/08/2020-kawasaki-ninja-1000sx-review-21-fast-facts/

 

[Seanaldinho]

My first bike was a KZ, so I always have a soft spot for Kawa's. I was looking at the under 7k price range. That H2 is probably a little more than that..

I am looking to add another bike to the fleet. The wife said it cant be a sport bike since I would look dumb on it. So, what BMW models would I look at for a adult sporty bike? Something used. A k1200? 1150rt? I dont know anything about BMW bikes, so its hard to start the research process.

This would be to scratch that sportbike itch, without getting a CBR/GSX bike. Some storage would be nice, but I can backpack when commuting if needed.

Not BMW, but I like the Yamaha MT and XSR series bikes. They've been around long enough you might be able to get an older MT-10 or -09 or XSR-900 (or brand new MT-07/XSR-700) for the money you mentioned. They've got more comfortable ergonomics than a true sport bike.

 

[DavidWhite]

Most the major bike mfgs make nakeds that will give enough of the sport bike itch without making you ride in a full crouch. Maybe even a muscle bike like a Yamaha VMax or Ducati Diavel.

View attachment 99689

View attachment 99692

The H2 SX SE is a “sport tourer” and is not riding in a full crouch. It’s not quite as upright as my concours, but considerably closer to the Concours than a ZX10 for example.

 

[SoonerAviator]

The H2 SX SE is a “sport tourer” and is not riding in a full crouch. It’s not quite as upright as my concours, but considerably closer to the Concours than a ZX10 for example.

Right, I didn't intend to imply the H2 SX was full crouch. I meant to tag charheep in my post since he was talking about scratching the sport bike itch but with something a bit more tame, my apologies.

 

[Aviatordoc]

I have both the R1250 GSA and the S1000XR.
The GSA is the one I ride more often and XR is for spirited low to the ground flight.
The GSA has excellent wind protection.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I'd show up with whatever I want. My money. Wife doesn't like it she doesn't have to look at it. I'll happily look dumb all day if I'm having that much fun.

You must have lots and lots of fun.

 

[steingar]

You must have lots and lots of fun.

I do. And I don't give a damn what you or anyone else thinks about it. Never have.

 

[Tarheelpilot]

 

[Tarheelpilot]

The deal has been made. Should be in possession middle of the week.