After 85,000km in two and a half years i've decided to trade my Dyna.

I've enjoyed every minute in the saddle and just as equally enjoyed changing out the various bits and pieces I did along the way.

Unfortunately a few niggles and issues that have popped up recently have made me see that for the sort of miles I do a Harley isn't the best option.

It only took an hour riding the beemer to make up my mind.

Maybe the R1200GSA isn't the best "ultra commuter" option either, but at least I'll have heated grips and can enjoy some offroad.

Curious to know who else has been put off the HD make & left or come back, I could write a list of reasons but for me rebuilding the drivetain after only 80,000km was a bit of an eye opener.

Can't you have both?  Wouldn't be a bad option considering we invest more and take more out of the bikes than they are worth to sell. I envy you having the option. Regards

What ever floats your boat but I know a few of mates have gone that style in the jap bikes for a year or so than have started looking at Harley's again

I just bought an adventure bike  but still have the HD. Nice to be able to turn off the tar and hit the dirt and see something different. Enjoy the new ride and fun adventures ahead , service costs on the Beemer might come as a shock though compared to the Dyna.

Another gone to the Dark side Hey Big Steve?
 

If your going to post rear views of Beemers, make sure they look this good at least.

 

 

I know a few people who have gone down the "duck face" beemer road (or off road) only to come back, or get both. The only complaints (other than price) was trying to sell it again and how it's not quite an off roader, but not quite an on roader either.

Good luck Steve

Steve, the GS1200's are an incredibly versatile bike. Curious as to why you bought the Adventure version ? fuel capacity ?

I have owned my 2003 KTM 950 from new, and have done some serious outback riding, and have ridden with plenty of Beemer's, so I can understand what has drawn you to the big GS .

Not sure how you could pass up the KTM 1190 or 1290 Adventure for one though !!

Enjoy !

 

 

If it looked like this I wouldn't throw it out of the garage " border="0" src="/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif" /> http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-r1100gs

 

Those BMW adventure bikes are a great ride. Enjoy

They don't call you big Steve for nothing, what are you 140 - 150 Kg?, any bike that can cart you around for 85,000 kms has put in a good effort, good

luck and congratulations on the new ride, remember one thing, as you get older it takes longer to get over an off on the dirt bikes, don't ask me how I know.

hey mate enjoy your new ride, looks nice. I reckon you might be back on a harley sooner than you think. take it easy.

can i have the 49mm front fork sliders i sold you please mate

healsville, dood behind the servo

all the best Big Steve keep us posted on the next chapter in your life...thats if you are leaving here?

cheers Jimmy.

Good luck with the new bike Steve. Hope to catch up on the snowy run maybe?

At the end of the day they are all money pits if your doing serious K's.
Good luck with it mate.

At 85000 klm and 3 grand just spent . KEEP IT and buy the Beemer has well ,, your gonna get fuck all for the bob , just use it for the occasional sunday ride with your mates.

I know i'm in the same position , buying a low rider after i get back from Europe in July , decided to keep my other 2 bikes , they have dropped in value that much , i'll still get the same money for them in 5 years .

I can understand why you would opt for a Bimmer GS if you want some flexibility in terms of riding surfaces. A few years back a mate and I rented BMW GS 850's and tripped about the Swiss and surrounding alpine areas for two weeks (late August, so snow at the top). We found the GS to be a great bike and would have taken a GS 1200 if available. Great fuel capacity and mileage, heated grips, comfy for all-day riding, can load lots of stuff on no trouble, good ground clerance, and could go off road too. When we got to the Passo del Stelvio, from Austria to Italy, well just google it and see why I thought at the time my Harley would not make it over it aside from real slow!

In the end, it's all two wheels. We have our preferences of rides but two wheels is still two wheels, and the Bimmer's are good bikes.

I have two Harleys and about 6 months back decided I wanted something more off road capable. Got a Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200. Bloody great bike and the exact opposite of my Harleys. I did look at the BMW's but was just not convinced with their reliability. Either way, if you have your knees in the breeze thats all that matters!