Just got this delivered a few days ago. 1st ride out on it today on wet gravel strewn roads and have to say I am impressed with the confidence inspiring handling in poor conditions. Not going to say anything silly about BMW reliability v Ducati (they all have lemons..) but will say quality of finish and fasteners looks really good. Was never happy with exhaust, chain or cheese fasteners on the Multi. This is a 2014 TE version with ESA etc. Will see how it compares to the Multi two up in the new year.
Interested to hear how you get on with the GS compared to the Multi. I loved the boxer when I rode it but I decided in the end it was out of my price range for a second bike. It gets a lot of stick because everyone and his Mother seems to have one. But there's a reason for that: they're bloody good bikes. Much faster than the bhp figures suggest they're going to be because of the nature of the torque delivery, luxuriously comfortable with great handling. I looked at a lot of GS's when I was thinking about buying one and it seems the finish is excellent as long as they're looked after. I saw some with huge mileages that looked brand new.
A wet head I think ? Hartside must have been a bit breezy yesterday ! The R1200GS is always a possibility but I have to confess a soft spot for the R1200RT, whether that would be alongside or instead of a Multistrada I don't know.
The LC GS is a terrific bike. I enjoyed mine tremendously over the past year having covered about 9k miles on it both solo and 2-up touring. I'll be replacing mine in the new year with another after being unimpressed by the new Multi in comparison.
I had a Honda Crosstourer, before I bought my Multi. What got me into the mood to change the Honda was a ride on a 2014 GS TE. I previously thought it was hype with the GS; but having ridden it I thought it was brilliant. Much quicker than I thought it would be. It was out my price range, so I went for the Multi, without ever ridden one. I cant fault it. Lovely to ride fast or slow.
Yep, as above, much quicker than expected and great torque from low revs. IMO smoother at low revs than my 13 MTS. Gearchange can be clunky if riding steady and lazy, but up the wick and its super smooth. Clutchless changes no issue if timed.
Excellent bike, I've had 2 WC this was my last one. Very confident inspiring, I've been looking @ the new triple black [emoji39]
Great bikes make no mistake, I'm on my second, first one did 57,000 miles in three years, inc two fab track days at Cadwell. I tried a MTS in-between the GS's and could not get on with it at all. Try fitting non-cat headers and take it to Geoff at Hilltop for a remap to the correct air/fuel ratio - you wont believe the improvement. Loads of info on UKGSER website, cheers dp
Many///try none...not in either direction. Very poor weather but thought some one else might have had the same idea.
Dodgy Dave, got a trip to Hilltop planned for next year. Just need to decide on the full benefit of decat pipes as would like to keep the warranty.
That looks good in the blue I'm planning on changing my Triumph Tiger 800 to possibly an explorer 1200 next year, but fancy testing out a BMW 1200GS as I've heard lots of good thing
I've the F800gsa. Different bike, but the BMW GS range are good bikes. After 4000mile in about 4 months, no issues or niggles.
Yep, Geoff @ hilltop flashed, i think it was 121 @ wheel but sadly this was the second bike I had to return to BMW, engine was fubar, porous crank case and could not be fixed without a replacement engine so BMW gave me a refund, I brought the XR after but I still had a 2010 model gs in the garage that also had been Hilltopped [emoji106] The WC gs is a cracking bike they get under your skin and it's very capable when pushed.
Another thing I like about the GS is how easy it is to switch between rider modes on the move. KTM please take note. Stick it in enduro and I can completely see how such a big bike becomes a competent off-roader. Fuelling is perfect and low speed maneuverability is a doddle.
DeCat Headers, better breathing, lot nicer zorst note, and really should fit these to get the best out of a remap. Having said that, the standard mapping runs the bike so lean, so just a remap would give great benefits. Give Geoff a ring to discuss, very approachable guy.
Tbh if I brought another i would not add the akro headers, even with the baffle in the can when touring it was too much even with ear plugs it used to do my head in and there's only 1-2bhp difference with the headers, I've seen standard bikes make 120 @ wheel when flashed.
