Quality Time With the GSA Today

luvtolean · 12-21-2008, 07:30 PM

So, it turns out, the holy relics don't melt.

Between work and travel for work, I have pretty much not had any time to ride. So today, with the important destination of Barnes and Noble, to pick up what I wasn't sure, I headed out on the Bimmer knowing I'd get wet. I will admit though, it's actually the first time I've willingly left the house on a bike in the wet, while having a functional cage.

(though I did ride some in the rain in college when all I owned was a motorcycle)

I did learn that it will lock up the front tire, and it will spin the rear in the wet; the traction controls aren't infallible, so you do still need to pay attention. The electronics don't ride the thing for you.

I got home at 600 miles and did the oil change. Three socket sizes in 2 bolts/2 nuts on the skidplate. Stupid. Otherwise, it was nice not fighting headers to get at the filter. I had also put off my normal new bike "nut and bolting", which I got started on. At this point you realize, if you own a GS, you need all sorts of Torx bits. So a quick trip to grab a proper set of Craftsman 1/4 and 3/8 drive. Then back to doing it. First new bike I haven't found a loose bolt on. Nice job BMW.

Next up, a Touratech oil cooler guard. Everything was on sale at the dealer when I was getting my filter/wrench/oil, so I picked this guy up finally. I know too many people that have punched holes in rads I guess. It's an innocuous little bit, but you get to pull off the front fender, which is quite a few fasteners, two of which are a mild pain. The good news was, BMW used really nice hardware. Much of it actually looks to be stainless.

Then of course, I did have to clean off the muck and drool on it.

After 624 miles, other than price I still don't find much fault with it, more happy than ever.

SomeStrangeGuy · 12-22-2008, 12:33 AM

Nice

Yes, most of the fasteners are ss I have found as well, just hope you don't need to buy them ever

I deplore the amount of tooling required to change the damned oil....its odd. Though not as annoying as the process itself on say, a KTM or something. It's also freaky to see that much oil pour out of a 2 wheel machine, but I suppose with your truck it's not so much to you

.

Did you already buy the E6 and E8 heads? There is a writeup on r1200gs.info about removing/replacing them (shifter pedal and handlebar bolts only) with regular headed BMW fasteners. I haven't done this yet myself.

Ive had mine to the subframes a few times, and although it isn't a racebike it will field-strip pretty fast.

The good part of the rain riding is (at least the metzlers that I do HATE) move the water nicely and the bike (front shield 7/8 of the way up) does a pretty good job of keeping you dry depending on the deluge ,duration and velocity.

Glad to hear it's keeping you happy. Mine is on a battery tender with last years oil in it, glaring at me everytime I walk the snowblower by it. It's gonna be real excited to see the generator on the left getting it's oil changed tomorrow...while the Elka's sit on the 'to be continued' shelf.

luvtolean · 12-22-2008, 12:37 AM

No, haven't bought those, though I had already decided those silly things were going away. (the ones on the skidplate too)

I might just buy stainless Torx in the right size to stay consistent.

Thanks for the point, I'll go check it. I'd planned on putting a folding shifter on it anyway, that'd be a good time to change it.

In motion the screen, winglets and covers all kept me pretty dry, but I wasn't on the freeway.

Also, I have scratches on the bottom of one of my pipes. I still don't know how.

I might buy pipe guards though as the roughest I've got with it is hopping kerbs and off the edge of our loading dock (maybe 1.5').

We've got rain forecast for the next week basically and I don't feel the need to drop a 500 pound bike in the mud, but when it's dried for a few days, I'm going to take it down to: Hollister Hills

I've got a morbid curiosity about how this monster will act on dirt.

DUX · 12-22-2008, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

We've got rain forecast for the next week basically and I don't feel the need to drop a 500 pound bike in the mud, but when it's dried for a few days, I'm going to take it down to: Hollister Hills

I've got a morbid curiosity about how this monster will act on dirt.

She's not a dirt-bike, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

If you've got Tourances installed however, don't go near the mud.

Purpdust · 12-22-2008, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

She's not a dirt-bike, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

If I had to pick up a GS-A as many times as I have picked up my 450, I would be built like Chuck Noris.

Heavy-Dee · 12-22-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

The electronics don't ride the thing for you.

Blasphemer!

slickwill · 12-22-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

I deplore the amount of tooling required to change the damned oil....its odd. Though not as annoying as the process itself on say, a KTM or something.

The process on an XR650R is really annoying...probably about like a KTM I'd think.

Sounds like the GS is fun

SomeStrangeGuy · 12-22-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

I've got a morbid curiosity about how this monster will act on dirt.

It's pretty enjoyable and suprising for certain

but as stated..you don't want to be in mud with Metz's on there

(sorry cant remmber if you had them or not right now)

luvtolean · 12-22-2008, 12:43 PM

Yep, Tourances...

Mojave954 · 12-30-2008, 06:45 AM

Changing the oil on the GS is a lot more friendlier than on a sportbike but not as nice as on the feej.

Now, ya want a PITA, change the oil on an 06' F 650, that is a PITA.

Changing the oil on the WR 450 is no simple task either with the dropping of the pan, taking the oil filter out, blah, blah...

SomeStrangeGuy · 12-30-2008, 08:09 AM

The WR was pretty annoying too...but I had to start a new thread

What is the most annoying oil change you've ever done on a bike?

luvtolean · 12-30-2008, 10:18 AM

Heh, funny this thread got bumped.

Almost on a whim I decided at around noon last Saturday to ride the 460'ish miles on the GS-A down to Sunny San Diego.

Considering most of the trip was at night in the 40s, and the Grapevine cold enough to trigger the black ice warning on the computer, it was still pretty enjoyable. The heated grips were definitely a life saver. I need to remember to wear proper riding socks if I'm going to wear vented race boots though.

SomeStrangeGuy · 12-30-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Heh, funny this thread got bumped.

Almost on a whim I decided at around noon last Saturday to ride the 460'ish miles on the GS-A down to Sunny San Diego.

Considering most of the trip was at night in the 40s, and the Grapevine cold enough to trigger the black ice warning on the computer, it was still pretty enjoyable. The heated grips were definitely a life saver. I need to remember to wear proper riding socks if I'm going to wear vented race boots though.

LTL you put the FU in fun

luvtolean · 01-06-2009, 09:17 PM

To finish the discussion for SSG, especially as I didn't take any pics, and it's probably not a good enough ride report for a full thread, a quick summary.

The homeword leg...

I headed back north and my best friend of the day G-Force found me a bed. After catching up he said he had a good route out to the coast, and just happened to have the time to ride along. The next morning after a quick diner breakfast we headed out through the orange orchards towards Ventura. Then backroads to Ojai, around Lake Casitas (where we briefly got to watch some nutter doing aerobatics in his airplane) and out to the coast. No idea of the names of the roads, I was just a follower.

Many thanks to G-force for showing me his route and going nice and slow as I got used to a 700+ bike with 3 big azz cases on it in the twisties.

We parted ways at CA 154 (a CA Scenic Route), which turned out to be about 30 miles of sweepers (and RVs) in beautiful country to 101 which I picked up and slabbed (though 101 is a nice ride) home in high 70deg temps until about Monterey where it really started to cool down. At every stop people said how much they wished they were on a bike that day.

Just shy of 1000 miles. Mostly slab, but a great learning experience.

A better seat is probably called for.
A throttle locker IS called for.
A better glove solution would be good, but the heated grips mean race gloves with polypro liners work OK down into the 30s.
A heated vest IS on the list for sure.

I liked my Bluetooth helmet, I'll do a full review later.

JimCulp · 01-06-2009, 09:38 PM

One of the nicest looking bikes I've ever seen; I'd love to have one sometime. I've got a friend, though, who's had some serious electronic issues on his after only around 18,000 miles. I sincerely hope that's an aberration.

luvtolean · 01-06-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimCulp

One of the nicest looking bikes I've ever seen; I'd love to have one sometime.

Thanks! I'm planning a ride combining twisties, coast, dirt roads, this coming weekend...I'll take some pics from that one, should be pretty scenic. I can't think of a better bike for a ride like that than this one.

Quote:

I've got a friend, though, who's had some serious electronic issues on his after only around 18,000 miles. I sincerely hope that's an aberration.

Me too. I can't remember if it was 07 and/or early 08s, but I've heard some had issues with the chip in the ignition key. The later 08s are supposed to be sorted.

DUX · 01-07-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

A better seat is probably called for.
A throttle locker IS called for.
A better glove solution would be good, but the heated grips mean race gloves with polypro liners work OK down into the 30s.
A heated vest IS on the list for sure.

- Many people go with an aftermarket seat. It's on my list, but for a stocker it's not bad.

- Throttle locker is on my list too. I've got the paddle, which works well. Even cheaper solution is an O-ring. You put it on the bar weight and roll it b/n the grip and weight to hold the throttle when you want cruise-control. I haven't picked one up yet, but supposedly there's a John-Deere part # that works perfectly.

- Get a set of good winter gloves. I went with leather. Riding into the single digits is no problem. You might also look at snowmobile gloves. Extra protection on top, but lighter weight on the bottom so you can feel the heated grips. Not sure about the protection factor though.

- Vests are good, but I'm still a HUGE proponent of the Gerbing jacket liner. Awesome heat through the arms, can plug into gloves or liners, the collar zips up like a T-neck under your helmet if you want with heating elements in the neck.

DUX · 01-07-2009, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Me too. I can't remember if it was 07 and/or early 08s, but I've heard some had issues with the chip in the ignition key. The later 08s are supposed to be sorted.

The 08's should be ok. There were some problems in '06/'07, but at least BMW did the right thing and recalled them.

I never had a problem with mine, but got the recall done anyway.

DUX · 01-07-2009, 06:15 AM

Great info on the GS at Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum

SomeStrangeGuy · 01-07-2009, 09:31 AM

my lazy ass (ha!) still has a minty sargent rider bumpad that I need to sell...not sure it will fit on an 08 tho.

luvtolean · 01-07-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

- Vests are good, but I'm still a HUGE proponent of the Gerbing jacket liner. Awesome heat through the arms, can plug into gloves or liners, the collar zips up like a T-neck under your helmet if you want with heating elements in the neck.

G-Force and I had a long discussion about this. He has a Widder, but we talked quite a bit about the Gerbing also.

I think for Cali where it doesn't get too coooooold, the Widder is a better option, but I haven't bought yet. I mainly want the thermostat control on the vest, so I don't have layers that are alternately cooking me, and then too thin, I don't think I need all the Gerbing offers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

my lazy ass (ha!) still has a minty sargent rider bumpad that I need to sell...not sure it will fit on an 08 tho.

You have an 07 right? Color? Any "special" options (like tall, heater, whatever)?

SomeStrangeGuy · 01-07-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

You have an 07 right? Color? Any "special" options (like tall, heater, whatever)?

Nothing special, just black seat with silver piping and the BMW tricolor deal on the front. I love the seat actually, but I ended up wanting the passenger so it was cheaper for me to order them both at the same time.

DUX · 01-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

G-Force and I had a long discussion about this. He has a Widder, but we talked quite a bit about the Gerbing also.

I think for Cali where it doesn't get too coooooold, the Widder is a better option, but I haven't bought yet. I mainly want the thermostat control on the vest, so I don't have layers that are alternately cooking me, and then too thin, I don't think I need all the Gerbing offers.

Warranty is an issue too. Isn't Widder going out of business?

FWIW, Gerbing offers a vest too.

It costs extra, but I have a thermostat for my jacket.

evl_twn · 01-07-2009, 05:19 PM

I just got a heated jacket liner from Tourmaster as a Christmas gift, but I've only had the chance to ride with it one time. It was 37 degrees out, and I stayed very comfy, didn't even use the highest setting. Wiring harness and three setting thermostat are included, for $180 retail.

Tour Master :: Heated Apparel :: Synergy Electric Jacket Liner

TCD · 01-07-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

I just got a heated jacket liner from Tourmaster as a Christmas gift, but I've only had the chance to ride with it one time. It was 37 degrees out, and I stayed very comfy, didn't even use the highest setting. Wiring harness and three setting thermostat are included, for $180 retail.

Tour Master :: Heated Apparel :: Synergy Electric Jacket Liner

I just got that one too. I rode in 25 deg weather with it on Monday. It's freakin' awesome.

12-21-2008, 07:30 PM	#1
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 8,546	Quality Time With the GSA Today So, it turns out, the holy relics don't melt. Between work and travel for work, I have pretty much not had any time to ride. So today, with the important destination of Barnes and Noble, to pick up what I wasn't sure, I headed out on the Bimmer knowing I'd get wet. I will admit though, it's actually the first time I've willingly left the house on a bike in the wet, while having a functional cage. (though I did ride some in the rain in college when all I owned was a motorcycle) I did learn that it will lock up the front tire, and it will spin the rear in the wet; the traction controls aren't infallible, so you do still need to pay attention. The electronics don't ride the thing for you. I got home at 600 miles and did the oil change. Three socket sizes in 2 bolts/2 nuts on the skidplate. Stupid. Otherwise, it was nice not fighting headers to get at the filter. I had also put off my normal new bike "nut and bolting", which I got started on. At this point you realize, if you own a GS, you need all sorts of Torx bits. So a quick trip to grab a proper set of Craftsman 1/4 and 3/8 drive. Then back to doing it. First new bike I haven't found a loose bolt on. Nice job BMW. Next up, a Touratech oil cooler guard. Everything was on sale at the dealer when I was getting my filter/wrench/oil, so I picked this guy up finally. I know too many people that have punched holes in rads I guess. It's an innocuous little bit, but you get to pull off the front fender, which is quite a few fasteners, two of which are a mild pain. The good news was, BMW used really nice hardware. Much of it actually looks to be stainless. Then of course, I did have to clean off the muck and drool on it. After 624 miles, other than price I still don't find much fault with it, more happy than ever. __________________ You got to know, you got to know, the winners say GO-GO-GO...I got no patience, so sick of complacence... -Rage Against the Machine Last edited by luvtolean; 12-21-2008 at 08:32 PM..

12-22-2008, 12:33 AM	#2
SomeStrangeGuy Former KLR owner. Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Debt, where else? Age: 2 Bike(s): GS Posts: 5,159 Images: 5	Nice Yes, most of the fasteners are ss I have found as well, just hope you don't need to buy them ever I deplore the amount of tooling required to change the damned oil....its odd. Though not as annoying as the process itself on say, a KTM or something. It's also freaky to see that much oil pour out of a 2 wheel machine, but I suppose with your truck it's not so much to you . Did you already buy the E6 and E8 heads? There is a writeup on r1200gs.info about removing/replacing them (shifter pedal and handlebar bolts only) with regular headed BMW fasteners. I haven't done this yet myself. Ive had mine to the subframes a few times, and although it isn't a racebike it will field-strip pretty fast. The good part of the rain riding is (at least the metzlers that I do HATE) move the water nicely and the bike (front shield 7/8 of the way up) does a pretty good job of keeping you dry depending on the deluge ,duration and velocity. Glad to hear it's keeping you happy. Mine is on a battery tender with last years oil in it, glaring at me everytime I walk the snowblower by it. It's gonna be real excited to see the generator on the left getting it's oil changed tomorrow...while the Elka's sit on the 'to be continued' shelf. __________________ Come find yourself - GPS Discussion Forums Time is the ultimate currency.

12-22-2008, 12:37 AM	#3
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 8,546	No, haven't bought those, though I had already decided those silly things were going away. (the ones on the skidplate too) I might just buy stainless Torx in the right size to stay consistent. Thanks for the point, I'll go check it. I'd planned on putting a folding shifter on it anyway, that'd be a good time to change it. In motion the screen, winglets and covers all kept me pretty dry, but I wasn't on the freeway. Also, I have scratches on the bottom of one of my pipes. I still don't know how. I might buy pipe guards though as the roughest I've got with it is hopping kerbs and off the edge of our loading dock (maybe 1.5'). We've got rain forecast for the next week basically and I don't feel the need to drop a 500 pound bike in the mud, but when it's dried for a few days, I'm going to take it down to: Hollister Hills I've got a morbid curiosity about how this monster will act on dirt. __________________ You got to know, you got to know, the winners say GO-GO-GO...I got no patience, so sick of complacence... -Rage Against the Machine Last edited by luvtolean; 12-22-2008 at 12:48 AM..

12-22-2008, 12:43 PM	#9
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 8,546	Yep, Tourances... __________________ You got to know, you got to know, the winners say GO-GO-GO...I got no patience, so sick of complacence... -Rage Against the Machine

12-30-2008, 08:09 AM	#11
SomeStrangeGuy Former KLR owner. Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Debt, where else? Age: 2 Bike(s): GS Posts: 5,159 Images: 5	The WR was pretty annoying too...but I had to start a new thread What is the most annoying oil change you've ever done on a bike? __________________ Come find yourself - GPS Discussion Forums Time is the ultimate currency.

12-30-2008, 06:45 AM	#10
Mojave954 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Bike(s): 08 FJR, 08 R 1200 GS Posts: 953	Changing the oil on the GS is a lot more friendlier than on a sportbike but not as nice as on the feej. Now, ya want a PITA, change the oil on an 06' F 650, that is a PITA. Changing the oil on the WR 450 is no simple task either with the dropping of the pan, taking the oil filter out, blah, blah...

12-30-2008, 10:18 AM	#12
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 8,546	Heh, funny this thread got bumped. Almost on a whim I decided at around noon last Saturday to ride the 460'ish miles on the GS-A down to Sunny San Diego. Considering most of the trip was at night in the 40s, and the Grapevine cold enough to trigger the black ice warning on the computer, it was still pretty enjoyable. The heated grips were definitely a life saver. I need to remember to wear proper riding socks if I'm going to wear vented race boots though. __________________ You got to know, you got to know, the winners say GO-GO-GO...I got no patience, so sick of complacence... -Rage Against the Machine

01-06-2009, 09:17 PM	#14
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 8,546	To finish the discussion for SSG, especially as I didn't take any pics, and it's probably not a good enough ride report for a full thread, a quick summary. The homeword leg... I headed back north and my best friend of the day G-Force found me a bed. After catching up he said he had a good route out to the coast, and just happened to have the time to ride along. The next morning after a quick diner breakfast we headed out through the orange orchards towards Ventura. Then backroads to Ojai, around Lake Casitas (where we briefly got to watch some nutter doing aerobatics in his airplane) and out to the coast. No idea of the names of the roads, I was just a follower. Many thanks to G-force for showing me his route and going nice and slow as I got used to a 700+ bike with 3 big azz cases on it in the twisties. We parted ways at CA 154 (a CA Scenic Route), which turned out to be about 30 miles of sweepers (and RVs) in beautiful country to 101 which I picked up and slabbed (though 101 is a nice ride) home in high 70deg temps until about Monterey where it really started to cool down. At every stop people said how much they wished they were on a bike that day. Just shy of 1000 miles. Mostly slab, but a great learning experience. A better seat is probably called for. A throttle locker IS called for. A better glove solution would be good, but the heated grips mean race gloves with polypro liners work OK down into the 30s. A heated vest IS on the list for sure. I liked my Bluetooth helmet, I'll do a full review later. __________________ You got to know, you got to know, the winners say GO-GO-GO...I got no patience, so sick of complacence... -Rage Against the Machine Last edited by luvtolean; 01-06-2009 at 10:36 PM..

01-06-2009, 09:38 PM	#15
JimCulp Join Date: 09-06-2008 Age: 58 Bike(s): GL1500 Posts: 152	One of the nicest looking bikes I've ever seen; I'd love to have one sometime. I've got a friend, though, who's had some serious electronic issues on his after only around 18,000 miles. I sincerely hope that's an aberration.

01-07-2009, 06:15 AM	#19
DUX Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 38 Bike(s): '07 R1200 GSadv,'04 RC-51 Posts: 885	Great info on the GS at Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum __________________ Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Reggie Leach

01-07-2009, 09:31 AM	#20
SomeStrangeGuy Former KLR owner. Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Debt, where else? Age: 2 Bike(s): GS Posts: 5,159 Images: 5	my lazy ass (ha!) still has a minty sargent rider bumpad that I need to sell...not sure it will fit on an 08 tho. __________________ Come find yourself - GPS Discussion Forums Time is the ultimate currency.

01-07-2009, 05:19 PM	#24
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 41 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 2,022 Images: 6	I just got a heated jacket liner from Tourmaster as a Christmas gift, but I've only had the chance to ride with it one time. It was 37 degrees out, and I stayed very comfy, didn't even use the highest setting. Wiring harness and three setting thermostat are included, for $180 retail. Tour Master :: Heated Apparel :: Synergy Electric Jacket Liner __________________ Seamus is awesome

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