Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
1150GSAdv 1150GSAdv
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Stefan Thiel of Mark Hammond crossing a river in NW Mongolia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Stefan Thiel, of
Mark Hammond crossing
a river in NW Mongolia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Sep 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Posts: 22
1150GSAdv
I sat on one for the first time today. What I noticed immediately was the weight, and this one didn't even have the luggage. My question is, as I plan my RTW, is this the way to go? If any of you have taken this ride out into the world, what has been your experience with the bike loaded? I understand it weighs in over 600 lbs, with me and gear, I will be pushing 900. I'm not a newbe to riding, been up on 2 wheels for 40 years, I'm in good health and fit. I favor BMWs, have a 99RT (for sale-15K miles) now and have ridden many air heads in the past. I've also ridden many enduros and M/C as well as Trials. I also looked at the F series Dakar. Seems small, but it has been recommended. My only other possibility is a 90's GSPD. Thanks to all, Dan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Sep 2005
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,286
I've probably said this a million times - and BMW hates me when I do - but if you're going RTW, an 1150/1200GS is way overkill. Save your money and your back when you try to lift it and get a 650. A 650 is more than just adequate, it's BETTER for 99% of what you'll be doing.

You are NOT riding in the USA on interstates, you're riding in grotty dirt roads in the third world, crowded streets, and in no hurry.

When you go to pick up your fully loaded bike for the sixth time that day, it's not "small", trust me!

For TWO up touring, the 1150/1200's are great, but for solo, they're not needed - or wanted.

have fun!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Sep 2005
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,286
By the way, elsewhere on the HUBB people are debating whether a 225 Yamaha Serow is big enough, or pay the price to get the 250 version...
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Posts: 22
Grant, thank you for this advice. As I said, many years and many 2 wheelers, I've dropped enough in the mud to know I don't want to hire a crane. Cheers, Dan

[This message has been edited by Dan Koch (edited 01 October 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Back in UK, planning next escape
Posts: 60
Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
I've probably said this a million times - and BMW hates me when I do - but if you're going RTW, an 1150/1200GS is way overkill. Save your money and your back when you try to lift it and get a 650. A 650 is more than just adequate, it's BETTER for 99% of what you'll be doing.

You are NOT riding in the USA on interstates, you're riding in grotty dirt roads in the third world, crowded streets, and in no hurry.

When you go to pick up your fully loaded bike for the sixth time that day, it's not "small", trust me!

For TWO up touring, the 1150/1200's are great, but for solo, they're not needed - or wanted.

have fun!
Grant's right. I dragged a somewhat over-loaded solo GSA across the Sahara and it was not easy to pick up in the sand, although when you are on your own and contemplating walking, the adrenalin kicks in and up she comes... The rear shock should be upgraded for serious loads. Mine seized but apart from that and some minor teething troubles when new the bike gave me no problems whatsoever.

On the other hand, it has a ride like a magic carpet, the ABS saves lives (..mine AND the goat's) when on-road and it requires zero chain maintenance. It also commands a lot of respect from officials at road blocks and border crossings.

On hard roads and tracks, it's virtually unbeatbable and I also got 6000 miles out of tubeless TKC-80s over a mixture of tarmac and dirt
__________________
Life is... the gap between one big bike trip and the next
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Posts: 22
Rick, thanks, but right now I'm looking at the F650 Dakar. The consideration is chain maintenance or hernias?-chain maintenance or hernias? Seriously, as Grant says, you can go anywhere on anything. Dan
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22 SOLD OUT!
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:09.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top