New GSA owner comments and request for advice

[cycleguy64]

After 40 years riding touring bikes and always wondering what majestic scenery was down that gravel or dirt road, I traded my R1200RT for a 2008 GSA. My miles so far have been limited but I can already say it is the most fun bike I have ever ridden.

Even though I have put many miles on a motorcycle (I did a 15,000+ Iron Butt Silver in 2008) I do not consider myself an expert rider. I want to learn to ride off road. I do not anticipate doing anything too extreme but I do want to be able to ride to Prudhoe Bay when I retire in two years and I want to take that dirt or gravel road I have always wondered about.

Other than the schools that I have read about I'm looking for suggestions. I am kinda a crawl before you walk type person so I want to start easy and build on a base.

Suggestions?

[GuyTimes]

I would crawl around on a used $2000, 250cc 4 stroke dirt bike for awhile, before you take your $20K GSA in the dirt. I started on dirt bikes before I ever rode on the street, and I think riding in the dirt gives you a lot more skill than on the street.

[pdxrmccgs]

Pretty impressive credentials. Some schools will allow you to
just watch for awhile before you jump into the full monte. If your
a book person Amazon has a pretty good list of off road stuff.
08 seems to be a fantastic bike.

[malmac]

Hi and congratulations on the 2008 GSA ( just happens that is our year and model as well)

I bought an 1100GS back in 1996 and owned him for 12 years. Had no dirt experience before the 1100. For what it is worth, get out and enjoy your new bike, take some of the seconday roads, some will undoubtedly be dirt / gravel. Take it slow and enjoy the ride - you will then find out the bits you feel unconfortable with ( I bet sand and loose surfaces will be on the list). Then when you have an opportunity to do a course you will have some experience to accelerate your learning experience (thats 13 years as a motorcycle training instructor speaking).

REally enoy your new bike and the best of luck.


Mal

[cycleguy64]

I spoke to the owner of Atlanta Motorcycle School to day about a course. Anyone ever use them?

[brumbackkid]

Schools?? Maybe, but my money is on getting out there and ride...stop worrying about the small stuff. I rode to Inuvik last year and one of my companions was on a GS with Contis...with little dirt experience... We watched his six and he did just fine. I did like the comment about working out on a 250 trail machine...the best school you will ever find. Just remember...it is a 550+ lbs motorcycle...a man's got to know his limitations if you catch my drift. There is lot of dirt road riding that isn't off trail but close as you need to get to the scary stuff. No heroes when riding big machines.

[Quanto12]

you might want to check at Adventure designs ,they have a video with tips on how to ride a GS off road! I'm planning on buying it for myself as I'm in the learning process also. I think they sell it for around $29 plus shipping. No off road riding school around my area that I know!

[wvm005]

Hello,

In UK BMW/Touratech run off-road courses - I'm not sure if you have them where you are...
I too would suggest learning on a cheap 2 or 4 stroke dirt bike first. And depending of the off-road level you intend to ride I would consider investing in some protective hardware for your BMW.

Have fun!

[TomDac]

congrats on your new bike... I was in much the same situation as you a couple of years ago.. always wanted to take the gravel road to see where it went... So, i bought a used GSA and have loved every minute of it.

I recently took it offroad for the first time with a group of other dual-sport noobs and had a GREAT time (see my website for trip report).. We got some instruction from a local guy who knows a thing or two about DS riding (he's a GS owner also) and that was very informative.

Aired down the tires to 25 psi and was very surprised how agile and at home the bike felt on gravel, mud and dirt. Like most BMWs, the GS is so easy to ride, and that includes taking it off-road. Of course because of it's size, it's hard to turn around on a narrow trail, takes some finesse and strength to pick up and you can't always go where the smaller bikes can...

My advice to you is to find someone who knows what they're doing offroad and can show you some stuff.. Locking up front wheel, back wheel, how to position yourself on the bike when offroad, etc.

Don't be afraid to drop your bike. It's meant to happen and it's all part of the adventure..

Safe riding,

Tom.

[ssgp2]

I'm trying to get my hands on this video;

BMWGS Off-Road Riding « Noren Films – Adventure Travel Films and Video Production by Sterling Noren