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 Tree20Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Jan 2015
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
what we need to be aware of when buying new bike today?

1- companies are saving money on everything
2- safety of rider is not that important any more
3 -what else???

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
More of the same.







Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jan 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,523
I love the lowering kit on the 1200 GS.....
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jan 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by robson View Post
1- companies are saving money on everything
2- safety of rider is not that important any more
3 -what else???

Is that your bike? What happened there?
A few XCountry swingarm have bust ... jumping! They're not made for it!
Do the same thing on that Honda of yours and you'll end up in a similar situation.

How are your long distance test rides on the KTM 690 and Triumph Tiger 800 going?

If you wanna play rough on rough terrain ... you gotta have:
The Right Tool For the Job!







Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
If you wanna play rough on rough terrain ... you gotta have:
The Right Tool For the Job!
Well whilst watching the Dakar the other week & in every single commercial break there was an advert from BMW with guys blasting through the Australian outback on their GS`s with flashy music & a voice over man telling us how good they are in the rough stuff.

The parting clip shows a guy pulling a monster wheelie on dirt, that would suggest to me that the bikes they are showing are capable of that particular feat, no?

From the pictures above it would suggest using caution when pulling such wheelies that are endorsed on BMW`s official TV advert.

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Jan 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
I have to admit, those BMW ads are quite impressive! But you could put a pro stunt rider on a Honda Gold Wing and get similar antics I guess.

I think the big GS's are tougher these days and I think BMW are doing more actual off road R & D work. Younger crew of guys working there now ... guys who ride. Ride a new one ... impressive bike.

But the fact is ... and BMW freely admit it ... only about 10% of GS customers will ever ride their GS beyond it's limits off road ... and most will stay on the road.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
But the fact is ... and BMW freely admit it ... only about 10% of GS customers will ever ride their GS beyond it's limits off road ... and most will stay on the road.
But the advertising still suggest "off road adventure" and like this one it says "UNSTOPPABLE"



Oh wait, the bike split in two again.



And another fail !!



Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
C: "What do you reckon Ewan? they are really shit eh buddy"

E: "Im saying nothing Thingy"



OK so im bashing GS owners, but hey you fell for the BS not me.

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
And why stop with the two "actors" who made your decision in the showroom, a few more pics of epic structural failures.













OK you GS owners will say im just bashing BMW`s, this is not the case.

I would gladly own an old school airhead any day, but i would never own or ride a modern GS POS.

I own a few XT600 Tenere`s (30 years old) go anywhere & do anything without the bloody thing snapping in two.

Don`t fall the the marketing crap you see on the Gogglebox, its there just to make some other ***** rich, not for your safety or enjoyment.

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
I have to go along with the general flow of this thread. In the way of. I would never buy a BMW. So many people have said either they have had trouble with them or, it was the best thing they done when they sold it on.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
Quote:
Originally Posted by John933 View Post
I would never buy a BMW.
Nothing wrong with the older Beemer`s John, as ive said id own one tomorrow but the modern stuff is total junk, some more epic failures.

F650`s.











There are so many pictures out there of BMW structural failures its beyond a joke now, its plain dangerous.



This stuff should never happen on any motorcycle let alone the market leader.

Mezo.

Last edited by Mezo; 30 Jan 2015 at 08:39.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
I must say, one of the older BMW's. Think it was/is a K1000? has the big block shape engine. Look's more like a large house brick. Always have a second look at one of them. Some how they kind of appeal to me.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_K100
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Jan 2015
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
Want a BMW with street cred? build yourself a HPN, it will go anywhere without snapping in two or the front wheel falling off, more importantly you will get utmost respect & god like worship wherever you park it.



Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Jan 2015
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mezo View Post
Want a BMW with street cred? build yourself a HPN, it will go anywhere without snapping in two or the front wheel falling off, more importantly you will get utmost respect & god like worship wherever you park it.

I find that most people don't notice the difference between a HPN and a GS so they leave you alone. Might have something to do with the colors, mine is a bit more discrete.

BMW is the most common brand used by people on the HUBB, so I guess they are doing something right
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Jan 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,523
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
I find that most people don't notice the difference between a HPN and a GS so they leave you alone. Might have something to do with the colors, mine is a bit more discrete.

BMW is the most common brand used by people on the HUBB, so I guess they are doing something right
The sure do they marketing thing right......
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
BMW-F800GS -adventure Snakeboy BMW Tech 71 19 May 2015 19:29
Buying a Bike in east Asia the to travel back to Germany(Japan, Korea, Russia,China?) Andrethetraveller Northern and Central Asia 2 10 Jun 2014 06:16
My experience buying US California titled bike in South America vertical_c Trip Paperwork 0 22 Apr 2014 00:09
Buying US-registered bike in Uruguay, will have title, can I leave with it? SenorBoludo South America 8 16 Apr 2014 07:27
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15

 
 

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 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 02:16.