I potentially have a trip coming up that will be 70% off road, gravel passes etc (french alps to Croatia) If it were only a few trails I would have no problem using my normal 1200s to do them, even on road tyres, but don't want to subject it to so much (or risk breaking it). My mate will be on a GS Rallye, and I'm trying to resist having to buy a GS for the trip (he would have a field day ) It's too far to ride a proper enduro bike (eg ktm excf). So any of you guys properly take your mts enduro off road, and if so what prep & kit did you need, or issues did you encounter ? Anything break (hand guards ?) Cheers, John.
I've used my 1200 enduro here in SA, in the Tankwa Karoo for some pretty good offroading. The stock bash plate is sturdy. I fitted SW-Motech crash bars as they were about half the cost of the Touratech ones from Ducati. These protect the radiator and fairings fairly well. I have dropped it once, and the handguards & mirrors are undoubtedly the first things that hit the deck. I have been contemplating fitting normal LED indicators on the front and fitting proper handguards to the bike instead. It won't look as nice, but definitely better if offroading is a regular thing on this bike. I've run Mitas E-07 and Pirelli Scorpion Rallye tyres on mine for offroad trips. I'd take the Mitas out of those two.
Thank you, that's great info. Do the mirrors and hand guards stand up to being dropped on, or are they fragile like the normal mts ? I did a trip a few years back in and around Lesotho on GSs as it was arranged by a local in colaboration with the dealer. I know how the GS performed on that, so it's great to hear your using the enduro for similar (we broke half of the GSs in one way or another) We were due to do cape town to port Elizabeth this year but wife has pulled the plug on it, so doing alps and Croatia instead
Barkbusters are recommended for protecting the hand guards. I've not fitted a set yet myself, but will be doing so soon, on the recommendation of other forum members. I've also recently fitted SW Motech crash bars and they seem like decent sturdy kit. Might want to add some protective grilles for the oil cooler and radiator too - Evotech are excellent.
The mirrors seem relatively strong, as far as mirrors go, but the handguards are just flimsy plastic held together by a few tiny screws. It definitely doesn't take a lot of force for them to break. The fact that the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs are attached to the handguard assembly makes them breaking that bit more of a pain as well. That said, I've put 30,000km on my Enduro (2017) and I'd happily take it anywhere a 1200 GS would go. It's been super reliable and definitely capable off-road, although heavy like the GS of course.
1200 non adventure, non ESA, air cooled GS. Pref twin cam and if the mileage is @ 50k then get the final drive rebuilt. Your Multi is going to be worth £12-20k. The GS will be £5k, perhaps £7k with all the farkles, meaning you won’t have the same worry about “spoiling it”. Job jobbed.
Thanks. Fire3500 I get what your saying, and 4k for a ~13 year old GS is an option. Probably the sensible option. Not something I'm renowned for Despite what people think a GS whilst very capable is not bullet proof. I could rattle off all the issues I've witnessed. The GS1200 definitely isnt as strong as the 1150 was that is for sure. Another option is to consider something like a 800GS, 650X challenge, or a KTM 690R. Far more capable off road but a big compromise on mile munching comfort. I'm trying to explore the option of using an enduro for the trip, which may be a bad idea but still trying to decide that based on others experiences I'm happy to explore all of the above, so any info gratefully received
Loosen off the mirror screws (right hand one is opposite thread), I've broken two hand-guards doing unpaved roads aka fireroads. Other than that keep some zipties & gaffa tape handy. Remember if you are going over to lift your ankle up & if needed jump off the bike. Replacing bits on the bike is far quicker than mending broken bones.
Agree. Hence final drive suggest to rebuild. I didn’t suggest an 1150 because although hardy they’re heavier. Early 1200 have fuel gauge and abs issues. I’ve had both and am running a Multistrada now and honestly miss the GS. No bike is without fault as you know. Really for balance should also look at KTM and an Africa Twin. Go with your heart as well as your head. Otherwise your inner child will grumble at you. Mine wanted a Multistrada last year, now he wants a GS again. The journey sounds amazing though, so the main advice would be to make it about the ride not the bike or tyres. Watch the YouTube videos of Mototrek (Brett Tcaks). Great prep and instruction for adv riding.
Just read the story in an e-paper and how the rider ‘accidentally’ road off a cliff. Stupidity more like. Andy
