LOVE my FJR but thinking of adding some "Adventure"

[Canadian FJR]

Everybody needs a winter beater.

Go for the KLR

Canadian FJR

 

[Karl]

I've not had a R1200GS or ADV. ,but here is my take on what you asked. Even a used one of those I mentioned is still gonna be a bit expensive. If'n I want to play on trails or dirt, I personally want a bike I can have fun with and not be too concerned with the cost of repairs when you get some dings, dents and trashed tupperware. If I wasn't gonna take the bike to the off road site in a pickup or trailer, I'd get a decent road bike that can do off road pretty well and not very expensive to buy or fix. That would be 1. KLR 650 2. DRZ400 3. DL650 and whatever floats your boat . I'm no expert, but just saying.
doctorj

I with ya.... This is what im thinking... im not jumping or "racing around".. and if I load the crap out of it, not sure a 650/400 is going to do what I want... I would rather have a bit more power... Any of these 'type' bikes im not looking to keep it show room condition.. One trip is to Alaska Artic Circle.. its about 12K miles... Dont really want to do that on a "dirt bike",,,,, I want "dirt" FJR..... LOL

Or I can put dirt tires on the feeger ! and take off the front fender..... LOL That might be my ticket! LOL

I think a DL650 (non abs for off road) would be just fine and a bit lighter. Neither are dirt bikes due to weight, but neither are the 1200GS or ADV. for the same reason (weight). The GS and ADV. have better suspensions for it though, but at more than double the cost.

Agreed. For my money, the DL650 is the ticket for all but the most extreme stuff. In the muck, the light 650 will be appreciated and that little twin is not going to be far behind out on the road either unless you're heavily loaded and scaling huge grades. If so, just chill and enjoy the scenery. Great MPG vs. the 1000-1200cc bikes too.

 

[No One]

Really love the FJR and not dumping it, just thinking (dreaming) of adding a new bike to the stable... What the wife calls all the bikes.. Anyone have a GS 1200? I'm thinking about maybe a used GS Adv 1200... I know there are a few guys that own both the FJR and the GS 1200.... Can you give us some info on your thoughts on the pro / cons of the GS.... I know its a WHOLE different animal but just some insight would be great. Wanting to do allot more touring as I do with the FJR, but wanting to go back up some fire roads in AR / TENN / CO / Etc and do some good O'l camping and exploring... Not sure I want to take the FJR down some damp/muddy fire roads and cross some water with the bike loaded with camp gear.... good luck picking that up................... LOL
Any info would be awesome ! ! !! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFA7lQx0Aq4

So, your a fan of BMW.... you love them ? BBbbbwwwwaaaahhhhhhhahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[No One]

Everybody needs a winter beater.

Go for the KLR

Canadian FJR

Doesnt your legs get beat to death by wind and rain if your on the High-way for 10-12 hours ? How is the over all wind protection?

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Everybody needs a winter beater.

Go for the KLR

Canadian FJR

Doesnt your legs get beat to death by wind and rain if your on the High-way for 10-12 hours ? How is the over all wind protection?

I may be mistaken, but you have now mentioned wanting a bike that will do some fire roads, then a trip to Alaska, and then more extreme dirt/trail and now 10-12 hours on a highway.all cheaply but with ensured reliability. The bike doesn't exist, any more than the FJR can do everything on pavement. Pick your poison. Sounds like you need several bikes or a more defined mission.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I refuse to wear it.

Whiny, as with so many things that are posted on this forum.........................It's just NOT about YOU

So YOU say **** Barb !

 

[No One]

Everybody needs a winter beater.

Go for the KLR

Canadian FJR

Doesn't your legs get beat to death by wind and rain if your on the High-way for 10-12 hours ? How is the over all wind protection?

I may be mistaken, but you have now mentioned wanting a bike that will do some fire roads, then a trip to Alaska, and then more extreme dirt/trail and now 10-12 hours on a highway.all cheaply but with ensured reliability. The bike doesn't exist, any more than the FJR can do everything on pavement. Pick your poison. Sounds like you need several bikes or a more defined mission.

Not sure I need or want the extreme dirt/trail... probably more fire roads..... Didn't say cheep, Ill probably end up with the GS, I was just thinking out loud typing that it was probably a better financial choice to look at maybe a vstrom..... just trying to talk myself out of getting what I really want... Its just stupid expensive even used. And as you and I know and MANY other people, its doesn't really come close to a Japanese reliability....... With all that said I (one day) would like the GS... I wanted to bounce some questions off people that might have a GS, as I asked in the first post...... Being interested in the 'Adventure' motorcycle scene I think its really cool to hear from others that own different things to learn what people like and dont like... When I get one of these type bikes im going to get involved with 'Adventure' groups as I do with the FJR groups EOM , Etc.....

I like to learn from other cyclist and I think a little off road will be just another fun thing to do on a bike.....

Thanks for all your input... !

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Get what floats your personal boat, otherwise you'll always wonder, "What if..."

I always wanted the old GS800's of the 80's. I still regret not having the money at the time, or now for the updated versions, for that matter.

All the bikes you are seriously considering have gone around the world. Buy your dream and adjust the bike to your needs and wallet.

 

[doctorJ]

No One, it sounds like you really are wanting the GS and just trying to justify the cost. I'd suggest going to the adventure riders forum and read up in G spot and Beasts and Orange Crush and then decide (maybe thumpers too but kinda sounds like they aren't really in the running for you). I've ridden a 1200GS a while, and I'm sure it is a great bike overall. But to be honest, compared to the DL1000 and DL650 (have had two of them in past ABS and non ABS), it felt to me like a tractor motor. I just like the smoothness of the L twins more than the opposed boxer engine--although the cylinders are right out there for servicing. Motorcycle buying isn't a rational thing often. If it was, I'd still have my 07 DL650ABS in stead of the FJR. Both are great bikes.

doctorj

 

[El Toro]

But to be honest, compared to the DL1000 and DL650 (have had two of them in past ABS and non ABS), it felt to me like a tractor motor. I just like the smoothness of the L twins more than the opposed boxer engine--although the cylinders are right out there for servicing. Motorcycle buying isn't a rational thing often. If it was, I'd still have my 07 DL650ABS in stead of the FJR. Both are great bikes.
doctorj

Judging smoothness in a test ride is really difficult for two reasons. One is that you don't know the status of the wheel balance on the test ride bike. This can have a huge effect on perceived smoothness. The second is that any bike with more than one cylinder may need a throttle body synch, and you can't know the status of this issue on a test ride bike. My V-Strom 1000 felt like a tractor engine until this little bit was taken care of.

The other thing in play is that if you bought an 05 V-Strom, and then compared it to an 09 V-Strom, you're pretty much still comparing apples to apples because there were no really significant changes during this period. If you bought an 05 R1200GS and then compared it to an 09 R1200GS, there were actually a lot of changes (engines evolved toward more torque and power, final drive ratio changed, final drive maintainability improved, and others). Next year's R1200GS is another in the evolution as they are replacing the current 105 hp motor with a detuned version of the dohc boxer that they've been running in their HP-2. So if you compared a V-Strom to an 05 R1200GS, you might draw different conclusions than if you compared a V-Strom to a later model GS.

At this point, I'm inclined to think that most bikes are probably pretty good, and can be tweeked to be even better during the first few months of ownership. No matter what you choose, you'll probably have some fun. I liked my V-Strom until I traded it on a Moto Guzzi Norge. I liked my Norge.... for a month or two. It got traded more quickly than any other bike I've ever bought new. Most of the Japanese and German stuff is pretty well thought out.

 

[scubatech]

Hi No One,

I am a big 1200GS-A fan too. I have several customers who have them and overall they don't have many of the issues you read about on Adventure rider. I have a WR450 for the dirt so I don't need a GS for that purpose,but I would buy one just to ride. I spent a week on one in Europe and loved the handling and riding position. I would have to have both in the garage for a year or so with (FJR),to make my mind up on which one to keep. I think just get what you want,they have a good warranty,3 years on them and have fun. Merry Xmas!!

 

[user 6393]

I'll stick to a KLR I think.

I've heard this lil issue happens more than people know...

I still haven't quite fugured out why this rider thinks checkin' the pressure in his tires is gonna help.....*LMAO*

 

[No One]

I'll stick to a KLR I think.
I've heard this lil issue happens more than people know...

I still haven't quite fugured out why this rider thinks checkin' the pressure in his tires is gonna help.....*LMAO*

LMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to somewhat agree.... If this "new" bike was going to be my only bike then no way.... But I love bikes and have a few. I will say this, Ive seen guys get the "GS" bikes and ride them like they are a CRF450 dirt bike.. Makes me wounder more than once why there BMW broke trying to jump ten feet off the ground... LOL I guess more money than brains... IMOP, I think then people show pictures like this (who knows what this dude was doing) with broken bikes that do dumb things with them.

I think for the most part its a good bike, but who knows, maybe that's why it comes with a three year warranty! LOL I think there extended warranty is five years.... LOL

 

[No One]

Hi No One,
I am a big 1200GS-A fan too. I have several customers who have them and overall they don't have many of the issues you read about on Adventure rider. I have a WR450 for the dirt so I don't need a GS for that purpose,but I would buy one just to ride. I spent a week on one in Europe and loved the handling and riding position. I would have to have both in the garage for a year or so with (FJR),to make my mind up on which one to keep. I think just get what you want,they have a good warranty,3 years on them and have fun. Merry Xmas!!

Your in Littleton, cool... My friends are in Denver and Boulder... Ill be up there more than once this summer to ride. Ill have to shoot you a PM if ya want to go..... Several in the group have WR450's

 

[scubatech]

Hi No One,
I am a big 1200GS-A fan too. I have several customers who have them and overall they don't have many of the issues you read about on Adventure rider. I have a WR450 for the dirt so I don't need a GS for that purpose,but I would buy one just to ride. I spent a week on one in Europe and loved the handling and riding position. I would have to have both in the garage for a year or so with (FJR),to make my mind up on which one to keep. I think just get what you want,they have a good warranty,3 years on them and have fun. Merry Xmas!!

Your in Littleton, cool... My friends are in Denver and Boulder... Ill be up there more than once this summer to ride. Ill have to shoot you a PM if ya want to go..... Several in the group have WR450's

Sounds good to me. It is snowing here right now and cold as well. Dirt riding seems like a dream!!

 

[No One]

Hi No One,
I am a big 1200GS-A fan too. I have several customers who have them and overall they don't have many of the issues you read about on Adventure rider. I have a WR450 for the dirt so I don't need a GS for that purpose,but I would buy one just to ride. I spent a week on one in Europe and loved the handling and riding position. I would have to have both in the garage for a year or so with (FJR),to make my mind up on which one to keep. I think just get what you want,they have a good warranty,3 years on them and have fun. Merry Xmas!!

Your in Littleton, cool... My friends are in Denver and Boulder... Ill be up there more than once this summer to ride. Ill have to shoot you a PM if ya want to go..... Several in the group have WR450's

Sounds good to me. It is snowing here right now and cold as well. Dirt riding seems like a dream!!

Ya got a picture of your dirt scooter ?

 

[No One]

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

I can see why she needs the protection by looking at her avatar.

Hey No One do you have any experience on dirt?

Do you know anything about that KTM 990 Adventure ? Thanks

 

[CHRIS_D]

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

I can see why she needs the protection by looking at her avatar.

Hey No One do you have any experience on dirt?

Do you know anything about that KTM 990 Adventure ? Thanks

Great bike, it's more like the super bike of the big DS. :yahoo: She weighs in around 460 lbs dry. Knowing what I know now I would buy the 950 (carb version) instead because KTM FI still needs a lot of tuning (can be real jumpy at low speeds). Other than that the bike can pretty much handle what ever you can dish out to it and she's much more dirt oriented than the GS.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Here is a video of one going across an Australian Dirt Road:

Over 100 mph

 

[scubatech]

Hi No One,
I am a big 1200GS-A fan too. I have several customers who have them and overall they don't have many of the issues you read about on Adventure rider. I have a WR450 for the dirt so I don't need a GS for that purpose,but I would buy one just to ride. I spent a week on one in Europe and loved the handling and riding position. I would have to have both in the garage for a year or so with (FJR),to make my mind up on which one to keep. I think just get what you want,they have a good warranty,3 years on them and have fun. Merry Xmas!!

Your in Littleton, cool... My friends are in Denver and Boulder... Ill be up there more than once this summer to ride. Ill have to shoot you a PM if ya want to go..... Several in the group have WR450's

Sounds good to me. It is snowing here right now and cold as well. Dirt riding seems like a dream!!

Ya got a picture of your dirt scooter ?

Sorry I missed your post. No I don't have any pic's of the WR. It's a typical blue and white one.