bmw gs

[Shane]

I'll check in on this, I own a R1100RS. I can say that those WIDE cylinders do get in the way on the street, so I wouldn't consider that layout for the dirt. As a mechanic I Love the boxer motor, as well as the 90 deg. twin. So I also own a Moto Guzzi & Ducati. The main reason I wouldn't consider the GS is the level of techno trash on it. I don't know if you are one of us who does his own work, but you will NOT be working on that GS! You can't even bleed the brakes without BMW's computer. That means you are off to the local dealer twice a year for fluid flush, which is required maintenance by BMW. The ABS is fantastic, the older versions of it are terrible. Still there is just way too much which one can't do on the roadside with these bikes. Last year I rode to NV. this year I rode to AL., the BMW was in the garage as I ONLY trust the KLR for distance. I will NEVER ride the BMW farther than I can trust a friend with a trailer to come get me. There are issues with BMW transmissions. These are made by Getrag, they also build transmissions for Ferrari, & Moto Guzzi. I have not yet heard of trans problems with a Moto Guzzi. My BMW came into my shop with a blown out trans input shaft, with only 23000 miles! This is a one owner bike, and a VERY conservative rider. I bought the machine for $2000.- and rebuilt the trans myself for $650.- The job would have cost the owner $2700.-, so he elected to unload it instead. I have to say it is a very comfortable machine though. Mechanically though, you couldn't run fast enough to give me another one! Price is another factor. One of the ideas I love so much with the KLR is that it is so cheap. I don't use any bags when I travel on the KLR, only a backpack which I strap on to the seat, and go. If it won't fit in the pack, it doesn't go- simple. I worked in Kenya for three months in '99. I took that same backpack- only. That included my tools for my work there, spares, camping gear, cooking gear & clothes. With the KLR, if it breaks and I can't fix it there, I can put on my pack and start walking. I wouldn't dream of leaving a GS sitting by the roadside! If you come back to a broken KLR- great fix it. If it's gone- well back to e-bay! I don't think many of us here would think that way with a BMW GS. It is a great street ride, but there are MUCH better. It is a horrible dirt bike, the KLR is far better. Try one out in the sand and see how deep you can bury it! For me, I wouldn't even consider the GS for any reason. I could have one if I wanted, I have 3 KLR's instead! Kawasaki's quality hasn't really changed in the years of the KLR, I really do WISH I could say the same for BMW. I would pay what they asked for a R1150S if I could get 1980's quality, with today's handling!