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

[GSDonovan]

Originally Posted by levain

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

Hey Jim! That's awfully nice of you to offer...I might just take you up on that. I'll send you a pm....

[high dangler]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

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'll jump in because i own both the fz1 and 800xc.
The triumph is a most excelent road bike . Suprisingly comfortable for the long haul.
Plenty of power too.
Im not a dirt guy more of a twistys guy . The tiger does those with ease also.
Can you tell im very impressed with my Triumph ?

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by llamapacker

The Super Tenere has the best UBS/ABS and non-intrusive TC out there as far as I know.

The Stelvio NTX has the very well regarded Aprilia ABS/TCS (and it's switchable).

I wouldn't worry about the Guzzi being an exotic. The dealers are fewer and farther between than many like to see though.

[Lobby]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

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???

The latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News reports that the bike is very top heavy.

[leafman60]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

I hadn't thought of the Guzzi... (ie, possibly gremlin prone)

Lol, you're concerned about gremlin-prone and you are riding a BMW !? lol

I had a GSA too but now on a Guzzi. Check out my review thread and you will see why.

(No offense intended to BMW people. I still have 4!)

[bloodline]

S10 owner here.

85 mph is no problem on the interstate.

I think the wind protection is better than the other bikes you posted.

The 800XC sounds awesome and I'm sure it's fun, but don't race a S10....

My wife got her finger in the pic. I will excuse her this time. Crossing Kansas.

[madeouttaglass]

I had a GS a few years ago. My latest ride is a Buell XB12X Ulysses. I don't think it fills in too many of your requirements, but I thought I'd throw it out there. I'm having WAY more fun both on and off pavement than I did on the Beemer, plus I'm not worried about major breakdowns or expenses. A few other plusses are they can be found quite cheap for near new ones, the internet doesn't show any major issues, it has heated grips and two factory power outlets.

[GSDonovan]

Originally Posted by leafman60

Lol, you're concerned about gremlin-prone and you are riding a BMW !? lol

Ha, riding a BMW is WHY I'm concerned about it.

[Sock Monkey]

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!

I'll chime in here since I've owned or ridden all of your contestants except the Tiger Explorer (sure wish the local shop(s) would get one in for demos ).

GS/GSA - sounds like you're sorta done with them. Good bikes, but quality and reliability have suffered over the years....which is a shame, because they used to be some of the most reliable bikes on the road. Now I think BMW is just riding on that reputation.

Tenere - I did a review in the Tenere thread. Seemed like a good bike, and Yamaha has a great reputation for actual reliability vs. reputed reliability. Good wind management, good ergos, nice torquey motor. I can see why folks like them so much for off-road...good low end, very tractable power delivery. It felt like that bike could be ridden for days on end in complete comfort. It was also very "planted" and stable everywhere (turns, higher speed, you name it....very reassuring).

Multistrada - Define your off-road needs a little better, because that is where the Multi may not be what you want. Dirt roads? No worries. Gravel roads (as in deep gravel)? Now it gets a bit scary w/ the 17" front wheel (and there are no alternatives....a 19" won't work even if one was available because of clearance issues with the radiator....yes, I measured it because I was seriously considering it). Also, define your sporting needs better. If you want an upright sports bike that can be ridden hard on REAL roads (you know the ones....pot holes, undulations, cracks....REAL roads, not tracks), scrape pegs, scare the local squiddies, then look no further than the MTS12. Light (420lbs dry), precise handling (with or without the Ohlins), and oh what a motor. In gears 1-3 the front will come up in Sport mode if you whack the throttle open, no pulling on the bars needed. In fact, you need to get your weight forward to PREVENT it if you really need "warp speed NOW Scotty!!!!" acceleration. If nothing else, you owe it to yourself to test ride one, just be warned.....that power/acceleration is totally addicting (DAMHIK).

Tiger 800 - I really wanted to like the little Tiger (note I rode the XC), but the buzz in the bars at highway speeds totally killed it for me. Some people don't even notice it, others say it numbs their hands in minutes (I'm the latter). Could it be solved with bar end weights and/or vibe isolating mounts? Maybe, but I'm not willing to risk $12k to find out because if it didn't, it would be a deal breaker for me. Like you, my bike is my daily driver and I have a 60 mile round trip commute, half of that is on the slab running 70mph +. My hands would be numb in 5 miles. I also wasn't a fan of how the motor spooled up (heavy flywheel, which makes for great low throttle plonking, but not so great for a quick pass until you get to higher revs, sort of like a sport bike). Some people love that and love running it at 6k+ through the twisties and just howling at the moon (and scaring some sport bike guys in the process ), but that's doesn't really fit with how/where I most enjoy riding.

Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX - Nice bike. Guzzi's aren't for everyone, and dealer network issues are real. If you have a GOOD dealer near you to handle any "big" issues (warranty claim, etc), then you're set. It's a big bike like the BMW GS (non-A), Super Tenere, Tiger Explorer, etc., but they still managed to stuff an 8.5 gallon tank on it. You'd never guess that by looking at it or riding it. Impressive. My one big gripe with it is my left knee rests on the left valve cover, and it gets a bit toasty, even though that part of the valve cover has a plastic plate bolted to it. It seems that a 32-33" inseam is just the perfect length to have this problem. Both myself and the sales manager are 6'0" w/ 33" inseam, and we both had the same issue. The service manager had a 30" inseam, and it was not a problem at all. Another sales guy had a 35" inseam, and again, no problem. We're going to see if the heat shield from the 2012 Norge will fit the Stelvio. If it will, problem solved. If not.....hmmmm. The motor is such a charmer though, it may we worth a little heat. Their V is absolutely unique, and if you've never ridden one, again, you owe it to yourself to at least give it a try. That bike has character by the boatload. You will quickly find out why they are sometimes referred to as "Italian Harleys". Get it above 5k rpm though, and it goes like no (stock) Harley that I've ever ridden.

Sorry for the long post. I hope some of it is helpful.

-SM

[eye.surgeon]

I bought a multistrada and love it. Test ride one, it's a revolution in adventure bikes. I also think the Tenere would work well for you.



I can tell you for a fact that BMW is losing sales to the multistrada. They lost mine.

[Peashooter]

It just depends on what you want to do with the bike, how much money you can afford to spend, etc. I happen to love my V-Strom. It is a great touring bike, especially 2-up, does fine on dirt roads or gravel. Dependable as hell and easy to work on or get parts for. On a trip out west, my wife and I did some passes in Colorado, including Ophir, 2 up and loaded, dirt riding around the Moab area, etc. No, it is not a dirt bike, but then neither is a GS, Tenere, or others. I have 2 pals who both got rid of their GS's because of reliability concerns. One bought a Multistrada and the other a V-Strom. If you insist that you need ABS, then of course the Suzuki is out. I don't feel the need for it, but that is just me.

[eye.surgeon]

The V-Strom 650 has ABS. I had one before my Multistrada, a fine bike and a reasonable consideration. For 3 times the money, my multistrada beats it though

[pluric]

Originally Posted by Peashooter

It just depends on what you want to do with the bike, how much money you can afford to spend, etc. I happen to love my V-Strom. It is a great touring bike, especially 2-up, does fine on dirt roads or gravel. Dependable as hell and easy to work on or get parts for. On a trip out west, my wife and I did some passes in Colorado, including Ophir, 2 up and loaded, dirt riding around the Moab area, etc. No, it is not a dirt bike, but then neither is a GS, Tenere, or others. I have 2 pals who both got rid of their GS's because of reliability concerns. One bought a Multistrada and the other a V-Strom. If you insist that you need ABS, then of course the Suzuki is out. I don't feel the need for it, but that is just me.

Dem is fightn' words. You need to get out more.

Ex Strom rider.

[2tallnwide]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

Thanks for the help and advice!

I'd probably go with the Tenere, mainly because it's a shaft driven Yamaha. It passed my sit test as well.

The sit test on the new Triumph didn't fare too well, but I think the seat was as low as they could get it. The salesman didn't have a clue how to take it off, and I didn't have the time that day to fool with it. I hope their service dept is better informed/experienced when I take my '05 Tiger there. Perhaps then I can take the new Tiger, and Tenere for a spin.

The Stelvio NTX I sat on was a beaut, didn't care for the location of the cases though, and the dealer situation is as bad if not worse than BMW. That being said the lack of dealers never bothered me the four years I had my GS. Of course it was damn near flawless, had I had a lot of problems then it certainly would have been a PITA.

The Duc, and Strom are good bikes I'm sure, but if buying new I want a shaft driven bike. In '05 when I bought my GS it was the only shaft driven option, thanks to BMW y'all have more to choose from now...

If you're gettin' rid of the GSA cheap holler at me, reckon I need to have the lemon experience with them at least once in my life too...

Good luck with whatever you decide on...

[GSDonovan]

Originally Posted by 2tallnwide

If you're gettin' rid of the GSA cheap holler at me, reckon I need to have the lemon experience with them at least once in my life too...

Good luck with whatever you decide on...

Thanks, I am going to sell my GSA....I just got back from a 5 day trip to the Shenandoah Valley, so I need to clean it up first before taking some pics. Its got new primary ignition coils, a brand new final drive assembly, AND a new clutch...so maybe it would be lemon-free for you!