BMW 2022 GS test ride.

[phil]

I have been thinking of trying a GS for quite a while now, my taste in bikes has certainly changed over the years but there is still one factor that is a must when deciding what bike to buy and that factor is exciment.
I currently own a KTM Superduke GT which is the bike that I pxd my S1000RR for back in early 2018.
I rode to my local BMW dealers in Essex where I was greeted by a member of the sales team.
Before I got on the GS the sales guy put the seat in low position. The seat was a little too low for me in this position but in the higher position it was too high ?.It felt that I was sitting in the bike with the tank and front upper fairing seemingly quite large in front of me (totally different to the GT). Moving off the first thing I noticed was how soft the seat and suspension was ( road mode), it felt like I was riding a boat ! The clutch was snatchy but ok once I had got a few miles done. Throttle response was ok but lacked any excitement. The gear box felt very agricultural and unless on full throttle the quick shifter was *****!!!
I was impressed with the brakes at this stage.
The suspension felt a little odd but for only about 10 miles. The bike was eager to turn in at any speed. It started raining after only half an hour into the ride and the tyres were good (little off road biased) for the conditions. I went down a couple of muddy lanes and one of which where I nearly had an off! Proper foot off the peg foot down to save it (few,) . **** that was close.
Anyway, after a coffee at the Snug @ high Easter I decided to try dynamic mode, this was more like it, a bit stiffer and throttle response was more to my taste. After 70 miles I was getting used to the bike , pushing on a bit and found some dry roads. I was riding it as fast as I could but kept 10% in reserve. The bike handled this well but was no GT (KTM), it was quick and easy to ride but as I was pushing on I realised that the bike was limited to a certain blandness, it could not offer more power!
Now when I tried the brakes at the higher speed they were disappointingly just ok, lacking in real power at really high speed. Guess it's the weight of the GS that didn't help oh and the ugly square top box.
I returned the bike after riding just over 100 miles. Sales guy asked for my thoughts? At that moment I found it hard to sum the GS up, it is a very capable comfy bike but doesn't excell at any one thing when moving or stopping.
To my surprise when I got back on my GT I realised just how very good the GT is. I know I should not compare it to the GT but
the GT is a far better bike in almost every way. Riding home I knew I would not give ?18k (?11k to swap) for a new GS.
I guess I'm just not ready for the farmers life. ?

 

[bananaman]

Not changed much from my 2010 I had then.....

 

[phil]

Not changed much from my 2010 I had then.....

I didn't know you had owned a GS Kieth, would you buy another ?

 

[bananaman]

I didn't know you had owned a GS Kieth, would you buy another ?

Had the GSA, bit more cumbersome loaded. Was a 2010 so maybe being a bit over critical. Bought it to do some 'touring' with the wife as the RR was a bit compact for her :congratulatory: . Lasted all of 4months then traded for the zzr14. Like you, felt a little jaded and vague, probably not having the RR would have helped lol. ZZR did everything in between, touring, scratching and 3rd gear roll on was wicked !
Can't see me ever having another gs, just not me....

 

[Tattoobob]

I have a 2019 GS and absolutely love it, I had a R1200RS first, traded it for a 22 XR which lasted 2 month because I hated it and now have to GS.
I can't compare it to other big adventure bike as I haven't tried any other brand. I'm a BMW man so that's all I buy.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

 

[phil]

Had the GSA, bit more cumbersome loaded. Was a 2010 so maybe being a bit over critical. Bought it to do some 'touring' with the wife as the RR was a bit compact for her :congratulatory: . Lasted all of 4months then traded for the zzr14. Like you, felt a little jaded and vague, probably not having the RR would have helped lol. ZZR did everything in between, touring, scratching and 3rd gear roll on was wicked !
Can't see me ever having another gs, just not me....

One of my reasons for the test ride was comfort for my pillion on long trips, I had been told that from a pillions point of view the seat was very comfortable, but I still need to like the bike.
Any other GS owners on here?

 

[alex]

@soofsayer loves his...

 

[toiletduck]

I've got an 1150GSA which I use for duties and it's probably the best bike I've ever ridden. So agricultural, fast enough, supremely comfortable and very nimble in traffic.

I had my heart set on a 2018 1200, but after being given an 1150 as a loaner while the RR was being serviced, my eyes were opened. I love them, but not at ?18k... ?3k for an 1150 which gives almost all the thrills and benefits of a GSA but without the tarty look makes it an utter bargain. Then you have the RR for willy waving on the weekend. (?70 insurance too)

I've had a go on a 1290SAS too, and whilst it is a real wild ride, it doesn't feel as relaxed as the GSA. Also it's chain, and for a bike like that I can't see anything past a shaft... I want to get an 1150RT for the odd weekend jaunt where you want to take luggage but want to cruise at higher speeds.. (GSA comfortably sits at 100, but there's a lot of wind noise at that speedd)

 

[phil]

@soofsayer loves his...

Is The GS soofs only bike?

 

[alex]

Is The GS soofs only bike?

Yes, back injuries were forcing him off Sports bikes. GS being more upright suited him more. Fast across the moors on it.

 

[phil]

@toiletduck
?3k for a 2nd bike albeit a GS is good value and worth having.
Have you tried removing the screen to get rid of the wind noise?

 

[toiletduck]

Agreed! And don't get me wrong, I see why people get the new ones. If you want something nice for photos, need (italicised because does anyone need) an up and down quick-shifter, etc etc. But I bought mine to commute into London, and at 260kg it's value/weight is less than a lot of cheese (which means you can leave it and not spend the day worrying whether it's been nicked).

I've not bothered tinkering with it is the truth, it's had a major service and once over by a specialist just so I know it's good. I've got some of those Touratech hand guard extenders as the cold wind is brutal when it's freezing outside. The wind at 100 really isn't that bad, it's not like being on the RR... But more than enough for commuting (although some evenings when I'm coming home at 10pm and I do wonder how much faster the RR would be door to door...

 

[alex]

2022 Tiger 1200 seems to be a hit with the testers, might be worth waiting and testing one @phil

 

[phil]

2022 Tiger 1200 seems to be a hit with the testers, might be worth waiting and testing one @phil

Agreed, I will be taking one out for a test ride. I will also take the New Speed Triples for a test.

Looking forward to the warmer weather.

 

[Sneldog]

One of my reasons for the test ride was comfort for my pillion on long trips, I had been told that from a pillions point of view the seat was very comfortable, but I still need to like the bike.
Any other GS owners on here?

I am on my second R1250 GS. I can really relate to what you are saying about your test ride as I remember thinking the same, coming from a very different bike to a GS at the time. However, after riding them for 4 years, I can safely say they are the best bike I have ever ridden. They grow on you as you come to realise that they are very good at almost everything and with the right rider on board (not me I hasten to add!!), can keep up with just about anything on a twisty road.

I have just got back from a 6 day trip with mates to Normandy on mine. 1750 miles and it never missed a beat. So comfortable and capable on all kinds of roads. They look after you too with all the electronics and weather protection. I love mine but am aware that they are not everyone's cup of tea.

Definitely a bike that takes a couple of weeks to fully appreciate, that is my view at least.

 

[RMD80]

I picked up my GS in March. I?ve always had sports bikes (except a brief stint with an XR) so I?ve struggled to get used to the GS as it?s just so different to what I?m used to. That said, the more I ride it, the more I realise it can just do about everything - and pretty well. It?s also about as fast as you?ll need on the road once you get used to riding it, and the torque is great for such a big lump of a bike! I bought it with the intention to cover big miles and I have a few UK trips planned this year. If I can?t fully gel with it by next year then I?ll look to see if the Gen 5 is out!

 

[Sneldog]

I picked up my GS in March. I?ve always had sports bikes (except a brief stint with an XR) so I?ve struggled to get used to the GS as it?s just so different to what I?m used to. That said, the more I ride it, the more I realise it can just do about everything - and pretty well. It?s also about as fast as you?ll need on the road once you get used to riding it, and the torque is great for such a big lump of a bike! I bought it with the intention to cover big miles and I have a few UK trips planned this year. If I can?t fully gel with it by next year then I?ll look to see if the Gen 5 is out!

If you are like me, you'll love it by the end of the summer.

 

[RMD80]

I hope so. I also don?t like the stigma that goes with a GS but I don?t think that will ever change! Maybe the M1300 due next year will turn that around.

 

[Sneldog]

I hope so. I also don?t like the stigma that goes with a GS but I don?t think that will ever change! Maybe the M1300 due next year will turn that around.

I know. I never thought I would ever have one for that reason. I nod at everyone but a few don't nod back!

M1300 - Yes, I am really looking forward to that and if it is a significant step up, I will be changing mine for one. Not sure I want to let this one go though as it has been perfect really. Had it 13 months and done 7000 miles with no drama.