Please help this disillushioned GSA rider find his next ride...

[GSDonovan]

So I've been riding a GS and then a GSA for the last 6 years. My GSA has been plagued by on and off again quality problems...particularly since my warranty ran out just a few months ago. Since buying my '08 GSA in early '09, I've had the "EWS" key ring antennae wire problem, a bad fuel pump, 2 bad primary ignition coils, brake lines replaced as part of a recall, the entire final drive assembly replaced due to a blown input shaft bearing, and I've had the clutch replaced (worn to the rivets and a very rusty spline). The last three items happened basically all at once just a few weeks ago....I was able to get BMW to cover the final drive assembly. Needless to say, I've lost a lot of confidence in the bike. So I'm researching what to get next.

I ride about 15K miles a year in all kinds of weather...weather protection is important to me as is the ability to power heated gear and a gps. I'd prefer to have ABS and traction control. Like most on here, I ride 90% pavement, but want a bike with a good athletic ability to handle dirt/gravel/poorly maintained roads. I'm on highways/interstates quite often....half my daily work commute is at 60-85mph speeds. I love a bike that is sporty and great in the twisties, but at the same time don't wnat to get blown around on the interstate or feel like I have to stop riding when the temps go below 50 degrees F. I only do week long (or longer) trips maybe once a year, so I'm not sure I need the level of pack-horse capability that my current GSA has.

I've been researching and considering the Triumph Explorer, Duc Multistrada 1200 and the Super Tenere....I'd love to hear other's opinions based on my needs and wants.

What about the Tiger 800? I haven't considered it much yet...do you think its too small for extended interstate runs? What about an FZ1?

I understand I need to get out and try to do some test rides...I plan to do that, but I still would love to hear whatever random thoughts/questions you might have.

Thanks for the help and advice!

[tsunamichop007]

would suggest you look at the Kawasaki Versys... I sold my 03 1150rt to get it...its a great bike, will run those speeds all day, even two up is no problem, it'll do gravel ok, yes the 17 inch wheel limits it but, still does a good job.. i bought a 08 new and have had zero issues with it, and it cost a 1/3 the price of a gs..my 2 cents

[pluric]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

So I've been riding a GS and then a GSA for the last 6 years. My GSA has been plagued by on and off again quality problems...particularly since my warranty ran out just a few months ago. Since buying my '08 GSA in early '09, I've had the "EWS" key ring antennae wire problem, a bad fuel pump, 2 bad primary ignition coils, brake lines replaced as part of a recall, the entire final drive assembly replaced due to a blown input shaft bearing, and I've had the clutch replaced (worn to the rivets and a very rusty spline). The last three items happened basically all at once just a few weeks ago....I was able to get BMW to cover the final drive assembly. Needless to say, I've lost a lot of confidence in the bike. So I'm researching what to get next.

I ride about 15K miles a year in all kinds of weather...weather protection is important to me as is the ability to power heated gear and a gps. I'd prefer to have ABS and traction control. Like most on here, I ride 90% pavement, but want a bike with a good athletic ability to handle dirt/gravel/poorly maintained roads. I'm on highways/interstates quite often....half my daily work commute is at 60-85mph speeds. I love a bike that is sporty and great in the twisties, but at the same time don't wnat to get blown around on the interstate or feel like I have to stop riding when the temps go below 50 degrees F. I only do week long (or longer) trips maybe once a year, so I'm not sure I need the level of pack-horse capability that my current GSA has.

I've been researching and considering the Triumph Explorer, Duc Multistrada 1200 and the Super Tenere....I'd love to hear other's opinions based on my needs and wants.

What about the Tiger 800? I haven't considered it much yet...do you think its too small for extended interstate runs? What about an FZ1?

I understand I need to get out and try to do some test rides...I plan to do that, but I still would love to hear whatever random thoughts/questions you might have.

Thanks for the help and advice!

My FZ is a little buzzy. I like the bike but the buzz gets to me. It is the carb model. Maybe the
FI are better?

As a Tenere owner I have to give that a thumbs up. I can easily slab in great comfort. Even, for me,
bettter than my FJR. So far the dependability seems exactly what you would expect from Yamaha.

You might want to look at the Guzzi Stelvio too. That seems to be getting high owner praise.

[kirb]

Lots of gents turned to the Guzzi Stelvio NTX for a lot of reasons. Myself included.

[precarious]

The Explorer has OE heated grips and cruise control. Add a triple which sounds ungodly, and it looks like a win for the more road oriented.

People say good things about the Tiger 800, but chain service gets irritating for some people.

[CafeRacer99]

I researched the bikes you are looking at and decided on the Tenere. No regrets. Does everything you say you want to do in a cost effective package.

But the Explorer would have done it just as well, I'm convinced. I haven't read of anyone really expressing regrets on either of these bikes.

You are in the middle of the best of all possible "problems" - deciding what new bike to get! Go test ride everything and enjoy. I envy you a bit!

In the end, pick the one that your gut tells you is best. There are no losers in this pack.

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by kirb

Lots of gents turned to the Guzzi Stelvio NTX for a lot of reasons. Myself included.

worth a look

[George_B]

Hi,

I just posted on another thread. I rode home my new Triumph Explorer on Friday, I couldn't be happier. It comes standard with Anti-lock brakes, Traction control and Electronic Cruse control. Lots of torque more like a Multistrada then the targeted GS.

I would say without a doubt have a look at this bike ! you will be pleasantly surprised . As someone else commented there is not a bad one in the bunch.

Regards,

George

[Forseti]

I don't think any of the mentioned bikes are bad... it will be a matter of what strikes you and what your comfortable on. That is what will matter.
If at all possible ride them. BUT be aware that the triumph and guzzi in particular take a while to get a feel for. I would actually recommend finding a bike with some miles on her and that will help get a feel for what these things become once they run in.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

[MurphCO]

I did the same comparo for about 6 months, took a rental Explorer on a 2 day trip and determined it was more like a street bike that *can* go off road. Handled great in twisties, had great throttle, but on the dirt it seemed slightly out of place, fire roads? No problem, anything more and meh....

Bought a Super Tenere and have no regrets, it's more like a sportbike motor in a dirtbike. Twisties in sport mode? Terrific! Highway in Touring mode? Comfy and powerful....dirt? Eats it up, and feels better clearance-wise (to me) YMMV


I commute 60 miles each way 75 - 85mph typically as many times a week as I can and have not been disappointed in the comfort, EXCEPT for the stock seat on the Tenere, it was designed by Nazi insurgents with a sleepypeepee agenda....bought a Corbin and have no problem with hundreds of miles in a day


Rode about 6 hours today and my butt feels terrific, you can feel it if ya want, or not your choice

Good luck

[GSDonovan]

Thanks, everyone, for the comments so far...keep 'em comin'...

Originally Posted by kirb

Lots of gents turned to the Guzzi Stelvio NTX for a lot of reasons. Myself included.

I hadn't thought of the Guzzi....I'm a bit nervous about it being a bit of an exotic (ie, possibly gremlin prone) and not having a large dealer network here in the States. However, an initial glance shows that people like 'em and the reviews look good....so I'll add this one to the list.

Between 2 dealers in my immediate area in RI, I should be able to test ride the Yamaha, Triumph and possibly the Guzzi. I have ridden the Multistrada already....it was amazingly fast, comfortable and sounded like a dream....BUT the plastic-y bits seemed pretty chintcy or cheap for such an expensive bike (felt fragile) and the weather/wind protection was pretty awful (and I rode the touring model) although I could likely fix this with some aftermarket mods. Also, I just couldn't imagine riding such a pretty bike off pavement or riding it on salted roads in the winter as I can with my GSA. I've looked closely at the Triumph, but haven't ridden it yet. It really impressed me in terms of the look and feel of the build quality. I'm hoping to ride them this coming weekend.

[GSDonovan]

Originally Posted by MurphCO

I did the same comparo for about 6 months, took a rental Explorer on a 2 day trip and determined it was more like a street bike that *can* go off road. Handled great in twisties, had great throttle, but on the dirt it seemed slightly out of place, fire roads? No problem, anything more and meh....


Good luck

Thanks Murph...what was it about the Triumph exactly that made you feel like it was out of place in the dirt? Does it feel heavier than the Yamaha? Or???

[llamapacker]

The Super Tenere has the best UBS/ABS and non-intrusive TC out there as far as I know. Great wind protection and you can ride in the rain all day. Gets about 42 - 48 mpg depending how you ride. I have 24,000+ miles on my one year old S10.

I had the Multi12 standard for 13 months and 9000+ miles. Fun bike and I might get another one, but it will not be my only bike. Gas tank range is longer on the S10 and the Multi12 does not have the wind protection offered by the S10.

They both work very well 2up.

[9.5isCanadian]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

Thanks, everyone, for the comments so far...keep 'em comin'...



I hadn't thought of the Guzzi....I'm a bit nervous about it being a bit of an exotic (ie, possibly gremlin prone) and not having a large dealer network here in the States.

hi guys. I'm not a super serious off roader but the only comment I can offer of any value is in regards to dealer network.
My bro rides a V7 and during our White Rim trail ride he broke his front break lever and needed his clutch cable replaced. None available until we got home some 4000 miles down the road.
Props to Moab Motorsports for Fixing his clutch cable though.
So the network is a legit concern.

Peace
Owen


"Missing a few pieces."

[levain]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

What about the Tiger 800?

We're looking for the same bike it sounds like. I don't do as much high speed as it sounds like you do, but it sounds like we want the same thing out of a motorcycle. I love my 800! It's hard to say, but I want to say it is everything my 05 GS was and more. It'll never do distance work like a GSA, but that isn't its intention. However, I can easily sit on the freeway all day and drone if needed. Great bike. Happy to let you take it for a spin sometime.

Jim