DUX

I noticed something amusing on a long trip last weekend.

The GS Adv gives me a temporary flashing yellow light, a "FUEL!" notification, and the mileage remaining.....................







When there are only 110 miles to empty.

SomeStrangeGuy

Glad you finally got the first tank through it, were you on your way to starbucks?

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DUX

Almost 8,500 miles since I bought her at the end of November.

This trip started in southern Vermont (Mount Snow,) went west into southern NY and then went north into Plattsburgh. Around 300 miles.

The second day went north into Canada, southeast back into Vermont to Killington. This leg was mostly in rain, wind, and 48-50 degrees. Around 200 miles.

Day three was a quick trip back to Mt. Snow with some detours along the way like climbing the access road that winds up Okemo Ski area and continues into the Okemo Park.

In all, about 700 miles in 2 1/2 days. I honestly felt like I could have easily gone over another 700. My dad (62) was on his cruiser with an open face helmet, so day 2 in the rain didn't cover as much ground as planned. I give him a lot of credit for covering the distance that we did in those conditions.

As a follow-up review on the GS. I am more amazed by this machine every time I throw something new at it.

Here's a breakdown of my latest impressions, in no particular order:

- Comfort: Heads above anything else I've ever been on. When the 300 mile day was over, I felt no more tired than if I'd done it in a car. Road condition was NEVER a factor.

- Motor: Loaded with gear, pulled the mountains and accelerated with authority on command. I enjoyed having the quieter pipe compared to my cruiser for touring. It was great to just put it in 6th gear and coast down the passes. Overall average 48mpg.

- Handling: No surprise here. I've been saying for months that the beast handles like a bike 1/2 its size. Stable in the rain.

- Weather protection: No problems in the rain. Windshield in the "up" position, gas tank with knee indents and heated grips kept me warm and dry. I put rain gear on after about an hour in the weather just to make sure that I didn't get soaked when we slowed down or stopped. Next time I'll also take the heated jacket for extra comfort.

I really think that the GS and GS Adv have been a fairly well kept secret in the US. I am starting to see more of them up north, so the word is getting out. I am hooked.

Going to throw the knobbies back on for a trip to Vermont in October. We're planning on a lot of dirt/rock road riding. Trip report to follow.


Must hit roads if you are in the area:

30 in NY

3 in NY

108 in VT through Smugglers Notch. (google it and you'll see why)

100 in VT

DUX

PICS

Attached Thumbnails

         

         

Baketech

Great pics Dux...

And ditto on Smuggler's Notch...great road.

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SomeStrangeGuy

Will my experience be the same if I don't get the BMW jacket

In all seriousness, the GS(a?) is leading my "if and when I can" bike choice list. I had contemplated the connie14 as a lower cost machine that would suit us better, but the GS still sticks in my head - awesome machine.

I don't like the porky appearance of the A model though for some reason, and I don't really need the fuel capacity and am not sure the taller suspension would be more good then it is bad. But as we have debated before, it's splitting hairs.

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DUX

The jacket isn't BMW. It's an Olympia that my mother-in-law sewed the roundels onto. I HIGHLY recommend their stuff.

I saw a Connie last two weekends ago and really liked it. You just need to decide between a hi-speed sport-tourer and a go-everywhere tourer.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I like the way the A looks more and more. The bottom line though is that the bike is a textbook example of form after function, which is one of the biggest reasons that I love it.

The standard just didn't feel substantial enough on the test ride to win me over. Again, there's a lot more to it than fuel and suspension. That tank goes a long way when it comes to weather protection, and the other stuff racks up the price of the standard quickly if you add it aftermarket.

SomeStrangeGuy

Twice this week I have heard about solid Olympia stuff, I thought they were cheapies - gonna have to check into that more now . I am in the search for a 'stitch or something when this next bike does occur.

I love the Connie, but after a recent ride around the block, and actually chatting with DrHall (aka chewed his ear off), and some close friends input, a GS or very similarly capable bike is in the only thing I can really consider. It's not just unpaved roads that get me, its unimproved ones - like about 80% of the "nice" ones around me.

I definitely have to check out an "a" again, but as of now I am leaning towards it for the wx protection and also for value. Can't seem to find a standard out here that is kitted anywhere near msrp - yet the Adventures are sitting on the floor for about 1k more.


Did I already ask what you have for luggage?
You're not gonna be pissed if I get the same color are ya?
any idea what big changes are in the pipe for 08?

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SomeStrangeGuy

In case I haven't said thanks lately - thanks btw

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SomeStrangeGuy

Like wow, thats a Zumo 550 under there...

BMW Motorcycles: : Announcements: Rider-friendly BMW Zumo GPS now available

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DUX

The Olympia stuff is solid. In fact, they came out with a one piece that I'm considering buying for the winter commute. Aerostitch is probably still the top, but the Olympia is shockingly close at almost half the cost.

The unimproved road capability is huge. There are tons of roads, even here in Delaware that I've avoided on my sport-bikes and cruiser for years. On the GS I don't even think twice.

Did I give you this website before? Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum Great site!

The Adv is definitely the best value. If you went with the standard, the first thing that you'd want to do is swap the windsield for one like the Adv. That would eat up a lot of the difference right away.

I bought the BMW luggage, which I believe is made by Touratech. I am VERY happy with it, including the top box with optional backrest pad for my wife. It comes off the bike in seconds and carrys all the gear that I could want. Another cool feature of the bike is that when you take the rear seat off, there is a platform underneath with no-skid rubber nubs that you can use to carry more stuff if you don't have a passenger. There are lots of options out there if you prefer a different box. One of the strangest to me is micatech...... If you go to the Touratech website and give them your address, they send you a really cool catalogue (actually a big book) full of aftermarket kit. You also get to see some sweet bikes not available in the US.

As far as I know, the only big change of '08 are LED signals and the availability of traction control.

I don't mind the same color. You can choose from their huge selection of options, as long as you get the grey one or the white one. I almost bought the white, but changed my mind at the dealership. It just looks like a more serious bike to me.

DUX

No sweat!

What's the deal with that KLR btw?

DUX

Sweet on the Zumo! I bought a BMW Nav II (it's a Garmin) with the bike. It was a leftover, so I got a pretty good price. If I were buying one today, I'd get the Zumo.

It would be a tough choice though. I'd love to go to the riding school!

SomeStrangeGuy

Deal on the KLR?

I have one I haven't found a good reason to get rid of it - and honestly don't think I would even with a GSA in the stable. The KLR is mildly off-road modded (taller dirt-only pegs, some aluminum guard pieces and a set of springs waiting to go into it) and I'd probably take it a little farther if I knew I didn't need it for commuting too. It is the perfect bike for the non-aggro single track that I am not likely to take the A onto.

KLR sucks for 2up, it sacks out with just me on it at speed

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BizJetGuy

Mmmmmmmmmmm... GS

If I could afford one, I'd go to the dealership today. I ride with a guy that has one and I just drool over it everytime we hit the road.

As for the Olympia stuff - it's solid. I picked up one of the new Phantom one-piece suits earlier this summer and the build quality is excellent. Venting is good up top but could use some openings in the legs. Being in southeast TX, I don't see where I'll ever need to zip in the removeable liner but it seems like it would keep you warm. My main motivation for getting the Olympia was the price of the 'stich. I have no problems with the fit or quality of this suit and I'll be wearing it for years to come.

Back to the GS - the only thing that might capture my heart (and wallet) faster than a new GS would be the Honda TransAlp... if they ever sold it in the States