Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By tremens

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Sep 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Posts: 71
BMW R1200GS Rallye vs GS Adventure

Hi,

I currently own a 2017 Triumph Tiger Sport, which I love, apart from the damn screen. I cannot seem to fix the wind noise on this bike and it's driven me so mad lately that I have started looking at other bikes.

As I want to do longer tours both on and off-road I'm eyeballing the new 2017/2018 GS Rallye right now. It's gorgeous and will obviously go both on and off-road.

I also have plans to drive from Amsterdam to Cape Town in 2019 or 2020 and want to do it on this bike. Yes, I know it's a heavy beast but it has been done before and others are currently driving through Africa on a GS as well.

What I am torn about is wether I should get the GSA instead of the Rallye. AFAIK the only big difference is the size of the tank. Should I get the GSA for it's increased fuel capacity (10L extra) over the Rallye? It's heavier and more expensive and I could always carry a fuel bladder with me on the Rallye I figured.

Any insights from you guys? :-)

Cheers,

Bento
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
very good looking bike indeed, standard changes are small like
a one-piece seat fitted as standard, a smaller sports windshield, plastic radiator and frame guards, wider enduro-style footpegs, and cross-spoke wheels.
Anything else is extra like sport suspension etc. which are available for both version of GS.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Sep 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Both GS's are very expensive bikes. Both will take quite a beating doing long tours that involve OFF ROAD riding, value will drop fast!

Granted, BMW's GS bikes are better off road than your Tiger (17" front wheel) BMW's 19" far easier to handle off road on such a heavy bike ... but you will still struggle in deep sand and mud.

Tiger
Noisy Wind Screen? YES! I had a '07 1050 Tiger, which I believe has same screen as your Tiger Sport? I tried 3 different wind shields, (GIVI tall touring, Triumph Touring ... even one from UK that was totally adjustable)

NONE worked to stop or reduce wind noise! Terrible!!!

My solution? I cut the stock screen down all the way to faring level. DONE!
No more wind noise. Nice quiet ride after that. The Tiger is a great bike on road, IMO, not good at all off road.

If you like the Triumph character, sound and feel, I would buy the less expensive Tiger 800 XC (or other variation of that model). If for travel, I would buy a nice used example ... and save your self 10,000 Euro.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
here is mx track test of this bike again, people watch something like that and think R1200GS really can do it LOL



look how nose heavy it is.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Sep 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Posts: 71
I am getting the GS as stated, just torn between the Rallye and GSA. I am not taking my GS over a Motocross track nor will I be trying to do the Paris-Dakar rally.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Dec 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bento View Post
I am getting the GS as stated, just torn between the Rallye and GSA. I am not taking my GS over a Motocross track nor will I be trying to do the Paris-Dakar rally.
Hello Bento
Just my suggest. I have been living in Dubai UAE and have BMW R1200GS adventure 2012.
This bike is heavy for sand and mud.
Many times I was in Oman where you can find many thousand km of gravel roads. No any problems, just fun.
I got the training in Hechlingen endure park for two times , and can recommend this for safely ride.
And if you have the plan make the long trip by bike, I sure, every day you will be have very comfortable and stability motorbike.

About your question GS vs GSA - I like both new models, for Europe a size of a tank does not matter, but for Africa/Mongolia where do not available a petrol station every 50 km, I still like big tank.


Cheers, Stas
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
if you aim for on and off-road I would take personally rally version.
They both weigh the same BTW 244 kg so a lot for soft terrain so good luck with that if you're riding alone. Most big GSes you see in Africa ride either in bug group or have land rover assist
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Dec 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Posts: 71
Totally forgot about this post. I got the Rallye 2 months ago :-)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Dec 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by tremens View Post
if you aim for on and off-road I would take personally rally version.
They both weigh the same BTW 244 kg so a lot for soft terrain so good luck with that if you're riding alone. Most big GSes you see in Africa ride either in bug group or have land rover assist
I think maybe heavier with full tank, racks, loaded panniers, top box,

Some riders with a lot of talent can actually manage the big GS in Sand and other tough off road situations ... but a bit rare in my experience. With enough practice though they aren't horrible but deep sand and mud ... IMO are pretty much a NO GO zone for a fully loaded GS. As always ... YMMV.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Dec 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3
Bento, congratulation!!!
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

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 19:40.