Maybe I Made A Mistake

[huntly2]

Hello,

I am the short term owner of a 2005 R1200GS. I have only experienced ownership for 1,000 miles because with living on the southern Oregon coast sunlight and dry roads are at a premium. I made the move to the GS after selling the two bikes I had owned for 3.5 years. My former bikes were a Honda ST1300 and a KLR 650. I never liked the Honda for too many reasons to list, but it's shear bulk was my main objection. I loved the KLR and called it my mule, a bike I would take on all the roads that would make me panic if caught on the Honda. On the coast, RT 101 will take you north and south, but if you want to go east and explore into the mountains you have to plan on hitting unmarked dirt and gravel roads. I had no trouble with either when riding the KLR, except for those gravely mountain roads where the gravel was the size of large rock chips and then I would be very nervous. The KLR was like a little tractor, put it in 1st gear and you could go anywhere and tackle the steepest of hills with ease. The KLR has so much engine compression that I rarely needed to touch the brakes. Anyway, my thinking was I would get two bikes in one with the GS. I remember my ride bringing the GS home. It was a revelation. I couldn't believe it, all the things I hated about the ST1300 disappeared and the lost joy of riding a bike was back. The ability of the GS to take curves was just poetic. I love the bike, but for unexpected reasons. It is the road bike I've longed for........but I am fearful of riding the dirt and gravel roads I want to. The GS simply feels too top heavy and the gearing in 1st seems all wrong. I feel this great mass of bike around me and while I am singing to myself on the highway, I am reluctant to go exploring. I don't think I could pick up this bike alone. What I need to know is what recommendations can be offered so that I can get my grove back. Is there some kind of practice routine to gain some skill that I can try. Don't get me wrong, I really do love the bike. I just want to ride it on dirt and gravel roads and explore rural Oregon.

[marc]

http://www.bmwoffroadacademy.com/home.html

Google may find similar training closer to you.

[pdxrmccgs]

You might want to join BMW Riders of Oregon. Great club, friendly and
active and informational.

http://bmwro.org/

PM me and I will send you the latest news letter although I think
they are also on line.

[Wiley]

Huntly2, I don't believe you made a mistake at all. When I purchased my 05 GS I also had an 08 KLR. After just one ride on the GS the KLR was seldom ridden anymore (so I sold it).
I feel the GS gearing could be spread out a little more; lower 1st, and taller 6th. The GS is a little heavier than the KLR, not as much as I originally thought though. On dirt/gravel roads the GS works just about as well for me as my KLR did. The GS is *so* much better and more enjoyable than a KLR everywhere else it's not even close. Power 100HP vs 36, brakes, suspension, oil consumption (lack of), and no chain to lube.
As far as single track riding through the woods and mud I'm not doing it on my GS, and didn't on my KLR either. They're both just too heavy for my ability and the tires I use. I wouldn't want anything heavier than my DR650 and even it's too much for me to handle in some conditions.

[Pastor Passum]

Huntly, I'll concur with the rest of the gang. Time and practice should erase your doubts about having the right bike. So far as picking up the bike if (when) you drop it, it's really not that bad. Check out Skert's site http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...QGxW7QbITCtdEA for a pretty good video. She's about 5' and 100 Lbs and makes it look easy.

Jim

[huntly2]

Thanks everyone.

I won't have the money for training, too far away from all clubs, but am inspired to push myself a bit and try some tame dirt. Trouble is, all the dirt and gravel roads around here are rutted and not tame. I will try though.

[marc]

Before you go out in the dirt put some cardboard down on your lawn and gently lay the bike down with the help of a friend. Now practice picking it up. Figure out which way works best for you.

I, for example, have terrible luck using the Skert method. It just doesn't work for me. I find it quite easy, though, to lift from the lower handlebar. The technique is demonstrated in a video on this page:

http://www.thebikergene.com/how-to/v...-dropped-bike/

The wide handlebars of the GS and the fact the cylinders keep the bike from laying flat make the technique easier than shown in the video.

Figure out which method works for you.

[multiplu]

you have to be a very experienced rider to keep this bike up offroad

its is very top heavy and dropping it when you are out on your own can be a problem

I love my GS but there are many better choices for on and off bikes!