The GS has naff all winter protection, and is an off road bike (been there, done that). Unless you're planning a few off road trips, get a sports tourer instead of an adventure bike
The GS has naff all winter protection, and is an off road bike (been there, done that). Unless you're planning a few off road trips, get a sports tourer instead of an adventure bike
I've had a GS, an early 1100, good bike, handled very well, but a bit slow and agricultural, unless you are going to do some proper adventure stuff i would rather have a Honda Varadero as a winter hack, despite what the press say.
You won't get a GS for £3k, whereas you will get a Varadero, i did 20,000 on mine and Honda build quality is very close to BM's and thats after riding both thru winter. Varadero is quicker, and better in town thru traffic.
I owned an 1150 version prior to the Ducati. It really was a great bike for touring - You could do 800 miles a day and have no aches across your shoulders or back. They are quite a heavy bike to move around but once you get going that disappears. The front forks and painted yokes are a weak point and will corrode badly over winter. I had mine powder coated to a much more durable finish. The brakes are excellent but again are very prone to seizing if used through winter youll need shares in brake cleaner or have to strip the calipers regularly. I found the engine to be really sweet - it's not the fastest out there but is extremely useable. Two top sites are
Mate had a GS as his only bike, all year, commute every day, hosed off at the weekends, no probs. As for handling, hmm, the 996 that tried to follow him round Rocky ended up in tne gravel. I know, it was probably the 996 riders faulat, but they are a seriously underrated bit of kit.
I am also very tempted with a GS, but I fancy the new R1200, will go and test ride one on a couple of weeks methinks. All this talk of it's better than you could imagine has got me curious.
11-Sep-2005, 10:02 
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