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What Bike Should Doc Get Next? Suggestions?
- Thread starter DocWong
- Start date
augustiron
A firm member
If you're considering the SD, while there toss a.leg over the 890 S and R, if you can find them
I have a 23 890r and a 32" inseam and can tippy toe.
The s model is 1.5" lower I believe.
I am going to get mine lowered to get both feet down more solidly, but I love the heck out of it once my feet are on the pegs.
ThinkFast
Live Long
When the new R1300GS comes out, used R1250’s are going to be plentiful and cheap, I predict. You’ll be able to buy a well-farkled one for not much money.
I’m still riding a 2012 camhead that I’m having a hard time parting with.
As others have said, lots of great bikes out there.
What do you want it to do??
I’m still riding a 2012 camhead that I’m having a hard time parting with.
As others have said, lots of great bikes out there.
What do you want it to do??
ThinkFast
Live Long
They just announced a 9/28/2023 release date in Germany. Not sure when they’ll be available in the US, though. The new one will have adaptive cruise and a few other new things, so likely some people will be in a mad rush to upgrade.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/bmw-r1300gs-r1400gs-m1300gs/
That doesn’t really help you now, though, I guess, as it sounds like you need a bike now. If it were me I’d probably look for a low mileage 2012 GS - say, under 30-40k miles. Ride it until the new one comes out, and then if you’re hankering for the shiftcam, sell the 2012 for probably close to what you paid for it and get the newer one. The Camheads have been holding their value pretty well last I checked.
ThinkFast
Live Long
Here’s one in LA. The seller listed it as a GSA (Adventure model - larger tank, a few other differences), but near as I can tell from the pics it’s not an A, just the base model, which means a bit lower and smaller gas tank, so less bulky and lighter weight.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2012-BMW-R+1200+GS+ADVENTURE-5026633303
Things to check on them:
- clutch (can’t remember whether you can check plate wear without removing tranny or not - I measured mine when I had the bike apart).
- drive shaft - you know about this, I expect.
Other than that, the usual stuff. Maintenance records are a big help - how often oil change is the big one there. Brake life remaining, tires, etc.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2012-BMW-R+1200+GS+ADVENTURE-5026633303
Things to check on them:
- clutch (can’t remember whether you can check plate wear without removing tranny or not - I measured mine when I had the bike apart).
- drive shaft - you know about this, I expect.
Other than that, the usual stuff. Maintenance records are a big help - how often oil change is the big one there. Brake life remaining, tires, etc.
moto-rama
Well-known member
The Ducati Pikes Peak V4 should be on the list, too. See Budman for glowing reviews. Bring cash...
You seem set on a dual sport but have you been boonie crashing in the last 5 years?
Seems like a GS is a gigantic bike.
If you're not doing off road , or are you?
You seem set on a dual sport but have you been boonie crashing in the last 5 years?
Seems like a GS is a gigantic bike.
If you're not doing off road , or are you?
larry kahn
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 7, 2006
- Location
- Morro Bay
- Moto(s)
- Scrambler 1100 Duc, 1970 Bonneville,
Honda S90, NORTON!,
Pah! Sissy bikes. This fits the bill...
Attachments
ThinkFast
Live Long
Looks about like a horse apiece between that and the GS… lol.
Seriously though, Adventure Touring Dual Sport bike is pretty much an oxymoron, I think. Some of the new 700s (Tenere, AT, KTM) are trying to fill the gap. But the compromises are almost too much to make them any good at anything except for a few people.
Caddywumpus
4N631
People have already been mentioning the KTM 890. no need to beat a dead horse.
Doc, you can test ride the Harley Davidson Pan American for free, its a pretty capable adv bike.
Joezilla916
Speed Acquisitionist
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2022
- Location
- Bay Area
- Moto(s)
- Daytona 765, BMW S1000RR, BMW F650GS Dakar, Ninja 500, dirt bikes, etc.
- Name
- Joe
After agonizing over this for seconds: BMW GS 1300.
NoobCorpse
Active member
Here's a vote for the Multistrada V4S. The V2 is nice, sure, but the V4S has all the bells and whistles and the motor's there for power if you want it.
The DES adaptive suspension and riding modes are amazing, the motor is amazingly fun, and the V4S has GS comfort but keeps the character of previous Multistradas.
The Pikes Peak Multi is functionally the same as the V4S, major differences being the 17" front vs. 19" on the V4S, the Ohlins adaptive suspension, and the "race" riding mode which is 100% track/street focused, losing the Enduro mode found on the V4S. Also it's important to note that the PP is not cheap, being more expensive than the V4S, and comes with no touring gear (V4S comes w/ panniers and usually spec'd with touring accessories), so adding panniers, center stand, heated grips, topcase, etc, will all be extra.
The Adaptive cruise control is a game changer for touring, and the Blind Spot monitoring is something we should all expect to see on motos in the near future, as these features are useful and actually work well. ACC allows you to focus more on riding and paying attention to surroundings without having to micromanage the throttle & follow distance when on highways.
The only downside I've seen so far is that heavy throttle usage in sport mode will suck up some gas, and hypermiling it in lower-power modes will help but it won't ever have the range of a GS or a GSA, I think.
The DES adaptive suspension and riding modes are amazing, the motor is amazingly fun, and the V4S has GS comfort but keeps the character of previous Multistradas.
The Pikes Peak Multi is functionally the same as the V4S, major differences being the 17" front vs. 19" on the V4S, the Ohlins adaptive suspension, and the "race" riding mode which is 100% track/street focused, losing the Enduro mode found on the V4S. Also it's important to note that the PP is not cheap, being more expensive than the V4S, and comes with no touring gear (V4S comes w/ panniers and usually spec'd with touring accessories), so adding panniers, center stand, heated grips, topcase, etc, will all be extra.
The Adaptive cruise control is a game changer for touring, and the Blind Spot monitoring is something we should all expect to see on motos in the near future, as these features are useful and actually work well. ACC allows you to focus more on riding and paying attention to surroundings without having to micromanage the throttle & follow distance when on highways.
The only downside I've seen so far is that heavy throttle usage in sport mode will suck up some gas, and hypermiling it in lower-power modes will help but it won't ever have the range of a GS or a GSA, I think.
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88blitzRR
Everyday is an Adventure
Hi all. New to the Forum… couldn’t resist the chatter on the new ride/suggestions. How about an Aprilia Tuareg 660? $13k LOADS of fun on the streets (yet will keep you in check being it’s just a 660 
and super capable off-road when do hit it. Jam up 90mph with ease on my daily commutes (on private roads of course)).
Of course long term reliability is the only question, but hey it’s $13k, nothing to lose for the action pack/sporty competence and sound. Aprilia’s hit it out of the park with this baby. Am 5000mi in at the moment and have absolutely nothing to complaint about other than having to tiptoe when not in motion (at 5’ 6”). It’s only 450lb wet/ no nannies/ got the basic necessities… cruise, heated grips, 4.7gal tank, 10.5k-redline fun for when fun calls.
(With the other $13k left over, can get yourself a 2nd bike, that’s a more dirt-oriented, dual-sport or not/330lbs or less… that’s more manageable and fun to live with in serious/technical off-roading fun. That’s just me, at 5’6” and 50yo; anything north of 450lbs on serious dirt becomes more about bike management than about fun.)
Good luck with your decision Doc. Ah, that new bike smell…
and super capable off-road when do hit it. Jam up 90mph with ease on my daily commutes (on private roads of course)).Of course long term reliability is the only question, but hey it’s $13k, nothing to lose for the action pack/sporty competence and sound. Aprilia’s hit it out of the park with this baby. Am 5000mi in at the moment and have absolutely nothing to complaint about other than having to tiptoe when not in motion (at 5’ 6”). It’s only 450lb wet/ no nannies/ got the basic necessities… cruise, heated grips, 4.7gal tank, 10.5k-redline fun for when fun calls.
(With the other $13k left over, can get yourself a 2nd bike, that’s a more dirt-oriented, dual-sport or not/330lbs or less… that’s more manageable and fun to live with in serious/technical off-roading fun. That’s just me, at 5’6” and 50yo; anything north of 450lbs on serious dirt becomes more about bike management than about fun.)
Good luck with your decision Doc. Ah, that new bike smell…
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anytwowilldo
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2012
- Location
- Marin
- Moto(s)
- KTM 525 (Plated), KTM 990 Adventure,
Husky TE300, R1200RT
- Name
- Tom
Buy a KTM 890R or a GSA of a vintage you like and be happy.
Busy Little Shop
exponential thinker
I can build you a copy... remember T-Hill???
"Thanks for letting me ride your RC45. The bike was pretty amazing. It
was deceptively fast and very light. How big is the motor on that
thing? I was pretty impressed with how comfortable the bike was even
on the track. Your foot peg, handle bar and seat mods made it easier to
circulate around the track! My 996 felt like a tractor-tank compared
to MrRC45."
Doc Wong
"Thanks for letting me ride your RC45. The bike was pretty amazing. It
was deceptively fast and very light. How big is the motor on that
thing? I was pretty impressed with how comfortable the bike was even
on the track. Your foot peg, handle bar and seat mods made it easier to
circulate around the track! My 996 felt like a tractor-tank compared
to MrRC45."
Doc Wong
Attachments
artyom666
orange
Get 2016+ 1200 GS, nice bike, better than older generation. 1250 is fun also but dont get low version , I didnt like suspension on low 1250 GS
I have 890 adv but I am getting 1200 or 1250 GS as well for two up etc
I have 890 adv but I am getting 1200 or 1250 GS as well for two up etc
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2002
- Location
- Walnut Creek
- Moto(s)
- Monica Sweetheart!!!!
- Name
- Berto
- BARF perks
- Barf Racer
Multistrada Pikes Peak. 2022 and up. Ducati's electronics are second to none...best in the biz IMO. Even in race mode, the bike is super compliant and friendly. Total pussycat of a bike. I was blown away by how competent and composed they are at full bore.
When I get into ADV riding and if I'm not doing much off road (which is likely), that Duc MS Pikes Peak is the one I'm aiming for. Bud knows...that's why he's got his!
DocWong
Well-known member
Cool, brings back such nice memories. That was when I was a wee little kid. 
I can build you a copy... remember T-Hill???
"Thanks for letting me ride your RC45. The bike was pretty amazing. It
was deceptively fast and very light. How big is the motor on that
thing? I was pretty impressed with how comfortable the bike was even
on the track. Your foot peg, handle bar and seat mods made it easier to
circulate around the track! My 996 felt like a tractor-tank compared
to MrRC45."
Doc Wong