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Why am I ( we? ) never fully satisfied with a bike?

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#21 ·
On the weight topic I agree—I think the Ninja 1000SX/Versys 1000 or GSX-S1000GX+/GSX-S1000GT+ would be worth looking at over a FJR.
 
#22 ·
Lively discussion.
I think you have a case of MBS. Multiple Bike Syndrome.
Sorry to say, it's incurable.

In my case, I think its the thrill of the chase. Finding a new bike, then the work-over etc.
Happens to me all the time.
Don't fight it bro.
 
#23 ·
My bike needs have changed as I’ve aged. I‘ve been riding 53 years, raced flat track, motocross, rode enduros, travelled extensively, etc. I currently own a BMW R1250GS, a KLX300, a Super Tenere, and a VStrom 650. During my riding career, I’ve owned 89 different motorcycle…….some of the same bike numerous times like the KLR650, Honda ST 1300, Yamaha Super Tenere, and the early model Honda CB750K/F.

I don’t expect to purchase any motorcycle in the future that weighs over 600 lbs fueled before accessory weight, My BMW GS just feels huge to me and I will be selling it upon my return in two weeks from the BMWOA National rally in Redmond, OR.
There is nothing wrong with the bike….it just isn’t a good fit for me. I prefer my Super Tenere over the GS hands down. My KLX300 is just for messing around at low speeds on local back roads.

My current favorite do it all motorcycle is the Suzuki VStrom 650…..lighter, lower, comfortable, and fast enough for me.
 
#24 ·
Surprised you feel the GS is huge and S10 better. as the S10 is 40 lbs.heavier with the weight up high. But, each person's perception is different. Does your GS have the sport suspension?
 
#25 ·
Toter said:
Surprised you feel the GS is huge and S10 better. as the S10 is 40 lbs.heavier with the weight up high. But, each person's perception is different. Does your GS have the sport suspension?
Click to expand...
The GS is standard height/suspension but feels less compact to me than the S10. The S10 carries the weight well and is slightly more roomy for me at 6’4” with a 35” inseam. It has better wind protection than the GS and sort of splits the difference between the GS and GSA with the 6.1 gallon fuel tank + gets up to 10% better gas mileage. The GS does have horsepower! I owned a 2007 GSA and my current 2022 GS……I guess I’m just not a German motorcycle person.
 
#27 ·
Last summer, just prior to a trip to eastern Canada, my up-til-then trusty '18 GSA's engine pooped the bed with just over 40,000 miles on the clock. I had an extended warranty and, eventually, the engine was replaced after five months. Faced missing the best part of the riding season, I bought a Ducati Multistrada V4S. Now, I know the real meaning of Peter Egan's quote, "...bikes serve as a kind of compensation for putting up with everything safe and mundane in this world, a thumb in the eye of caution. All motorcycles do this to some extent, but Ducatis are the image on the recruiting poster."

The GSA is still in the garage with 493 miles on the new engine and, frankly, it has been difficult for me to accumulate the miles for the first service. I've been looking at a Ducati Desert X but that's all. My wife has said, "No more bikes." Wimmen can be so unreasonable.

Mike
 
#28 ·
mikec said:
Last summer, just prior to a trip to eastern Canada, my up-til-then trusty '18 GSA's engine pooped the bed with just over 40,000 miles on the clock. I had an extended warranty and, eventually, the engine was replaced after five months. Faced missing the best part of the riding season, I bought a Ducati Multistrada V4S. Now, I know the real meaning of Peter Egan's quote, "...bikes serve as a kind of compensation for putting up with everything safe and mundane in this world, a thumb in the eye of caution. All motorcycles do this to some extent, but Ducatis are the image on the recruiting poster."

The GSA is still in the garage with 493 miles on the new engine and, frankly, it has been difficult for me to accumulate the miles for the first service. I've been looking at a Ducati Desert X but that's all. My wife has said, "No more bikes." Wimmen can be so unreasonable.

Mike
Click to expand...
If I tell my wife I'm looking at or inquiring about another bike she'll ask me if she needs to put in a leave slip for work and when are we going to pick it up.
 
#30 ·
mikec said:
Whatever you do, don't make her mad!:)

Mike
Click to expand...
During the height of the pandemic for one reason or another we had an argument were not talking. Im forget if I made her made or vise versa but were were like 2 or 3 days in and no talking. Earlier that day I found a bike GS about 2 hours from home, emailed the seller and went back and forth until we struck a deal in the early afternoon. I told him I would be down to pick up the back that evening. Poked my head into the wife's home office and said I bough ta bike are you going with me to pick it up. She said yes and a few minutes later we were on the road going to get the bike and the argument was behind

Funny I cannot remember the argument but the bike was a yellow 2005 R1200GS with failed ABS and the sellers name was Gustavo. His driveway was long and narrow on a steep angle. BIke was parked in the right side of the garage. He smoked, had on some potent cologne and look like a cast member on the Soprano's.
 
#32 ·
Your experience Mike is why I like to try different bikes. I still enjoy my GSA like an old comfortable pair of shoes but switching to my Versys and DRZ is always a fun change up. They each have a unique personality. Good to have options and I’m fortunate Iowa is only $15/yr to register a bike and insurance is reasonable too.
 
#34 ·
FuzzyDan said:
If I have MBS, will my health insurance pay for my motorcycles?
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Here is the problem. They won’t pay for it right away, first they’ll do a topical ointment, then an oral medication, then outpatient surgery. All for the hopes to wear you down before they pay for the bike.
🤣
 
#35 ·
GSAInTheSun said:
Allow me to take a seat in the forums therapy chair...

I rarely keep a bike more than 2 years. I've had amazing sport bikes, beautiful touring bikes ( Goldwing, K1600 ), perfect commuting bikes ( ST1300 ), adventure bikes ( KTM 1290 SA, R1200 GS LC ). For no good reason at all, at some point during bike ownership I get the itch for a different one, often as quickly as one year into ownership.

Right now I have a 2015 GS LC that I love, I've had it for a year, spent quite a bit of time making it exactly the way I want it, learning how to do all the various maintenance tasks ( valve clearances, oil, driveshaft, etc ). It occured to me one night this week that I had some time on my hands and could work on the bike, but I had literally nothing to do on it/to it, it's done and ready to ride.

I ride my bike everyday, it's my primary mode of transportation to and from work ( thank you California weather ), so I ride more than most. For whatever reason the itch is starting. No clue why, I'm super happy with the bike, does everything I want ( on and off road ), runs perfectly ( thanks to the hours I've spent working on it ). I wonder if I like the process of getting a new bike, learning it, working on it, making it what I want, and when that's done...I'm on to the next one. What strikes me as odd here is that this pattern is unique in my life, I don't do this with anything else, just bikes. :)

I'd love to be that guy that keeps a bike for 20 years, I see you all the time! What's the secret?? Am I alone in this wandering eye when it comes to bikes? :)
Click to expand...
I did that with Women, often changing out of boredom. :)

Having owned an LT, GSA, RT and a K1600 GT. I can say this:

The RT I still own is a 1999 bike. It is by far the most reliable BMW I've owned. The GT is a rocket but I may keep it for a short while, rebuild the shocks and sell it. What I don't like is all the tech on that bike that is un-reliable.

The GSA had the well known Gas gauge issue. It was replaced once by the dealer then again, it failed. So I sold it. Great bike otherwise.

The LT is a great bike but it is very heavy. I dropped it many times. It had the well known rear drive issue.

So out of all of them, I am more and more inclined to just keep the old 1999 RT. Zero issues, everything works on it, minimum needed upkeep. Runs and handles great.

Would love to hear what others think.
 
#36 ·
I tend to get a new motorcycle every 4 years, and now I have just acquired a very pristine 2017.5 R1200GS in Lupine Blue. I have always wanted a GS, and told my pal when he sells his......I get first dibs. Well she is in my garage now and I have my 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT listed on that associated forum, and will also be listing it here. THAT has been my favorite motorcycle to date and I still love it, but Mama says I cannot have 2 bikes, plus I wouldn't be able to get both cars in the garage with 2 bikes. That Yamaha has been dead reliable, makes beautiful engine noises and is FAST and smooth. I am stoked about my GS however, and sincerely hope it gives me many fun and reliable miles and smiles over the years.
 
#37 ·
Across three years, I have had three bikes...

I bought a used Ducati Desert Sled. Air cooled 800cc L-twin, 2-valve. Low tech but fun ride...a little bit hooligan. But too small for my 6-3 frame. Very reliable but terrible rear suspension off road.

Traded it for Suzuki's new 800DE adventure bike. New motor is really good and it's a lot of bike for the money. But was missing tubeless tires, cruise and very little after market support at that time. Suzuki did a great job on this bike.

Traded it for a 2017 R1200 GS Exclusive. Great fit for my height and has all the missing stuff I wanted. Keeper!
 
#38 ·
Krons said:
Your experience Mike is why I like to try different bikes. I still enjoy my GSA like an old comfortable pair of shoes but switching to my Versys and DRZ is always a fun change up. They each have a unique personality. Good to have options and I’m fortunate Iowa is only $15/yr to register a bike and insurance is reasonable too.
Click to expand...
$15 a year to register a bike? Can I move to your house please so I can register mine in Iowa ?
 
#40 ·
mikec said:
Last summer, just prior to a trip to eastern Canada, my up-til-then trusty '18 GSA's engine pooped the bed with just over 40,000 miles on the clock. I had an extended warranty and, eventually, the engine was replaced after five months. Faced missing the best part of the riding season, I bought a Ducati Multistrada V4S. Now, I know the real meaning of Peter Egan's quote, "...bikes serve as a kind of compensation for putting up with everything safe and mundane in this world, a thumb in the eye of caution. All motorcycles do this to some extent, but Ducatis are the image on the recruiting poster."

The GSA is still in the garage with 493 miles on the new engine and, frankly, it has been difficult for me to accumulate the miles for the first service. I've been looking at a Ducati Desert X but that's all. My wife has said, "No more bikes." Wimmen can be so unreasonable.

Mike
Click to expand...
I'd like to know more about your engine failing at that low mileage.....and why?
 
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