No point in the GS1100--Roadster rules!

Yellowjacket Charlie · Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:31 pm

I have been tempted. Don't get me wrong, I love my Yellowjacket R1150R.

But after a year of 12k miles and some decent trips around the country, I'm wanting for some off road. I had my yellowjacket off on dirt roads and gravel only briefly, twice, and I could go for some more. But I figured I start looking for a GS.

Test drove a 1999 R1100GS today, Alpine White. Pretty much stock. Wasn't as fun as I thought. The GS is...very utilitarian... I guess is the word. My roadster just seemed better. Somethings I noticed right off the bat:

1)high center of gravity, and I felt like I was perched wayup on a the bike. really different from the sporty feel of the roadster.

2)hydrolic clutch where are you? Ahhh, the comfort of the roadster clutch...the lap of luxury. GS had standard clutch, and I worked my hand in a way...well, I only work late at night with Cinimax on.

3)very disconcerting when you turn the enduro handlebars and the front of the bike points straight ahead. On the GS the beak is attached to the tank and or where ever, and the wheels turn below you somewhere. Not sure I'll ever get used to that...

4)servo assisted ABS brakes/integrated brakes on the roadster. Roadster wins.

5)the price. Dealer wanted $7500 for the GS with 28k miles and no options. The Yellowjacket didn't fair well as a trade in.

Bottom line for me, I will keep the Yellowjacket, get some crash bars, a skid plate, and the knarliest tires I can fit for the brief off road encounter. The best bike is a free bike, or the one already paid for that can do it all.

The Roadster Rules!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:35 pm

Sounds good to me...

DJ

Post by **kbc68** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:38 pm

I put mine away in mid November for the winter. I store it at the BMW dealer down the road . I asked for some $$numbers on mine with a trade for the R1200ST ,with ABS Bags the whole nine yards . The numbers just didn't add up to the value and not to mention all the extras I have purchased over the last 2 years My R1150R has way to much going for it just to hand it over . There's lots of great bikes to choose from ,but this bike sure fits my needs and it will for years to come . Stick with yours I'm sure it will do you well !

soggybottom · Post by **soggybottom** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:39 pm

Take a look at a Kawasaki KLR650, coolest most versitile bike I ever owned. About $5000 for a new one, loads of aftermarket, in 20th year of production. I've owned a gs1150, nice bike, to much $$$ to take a dive, a git off on the KLR is guilt free.

BMW Fan · Post by **BMW Fan** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 12:43 am

I second soggybottoms comments on the KLR 650. It's a great bike with a HUGE (almost cult-like) following, tremendous aftermarket support, and a big extended KLR family on the web at klr650.net.

soggybottom · Post by **soggybottom** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:54 am

I think what we're trying to say is at 5 g's you can afford to keep your BMW like me and BMW fan did

Post by **wncbmw** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 12:58 pm

high center of gravity, and I felt like I was perched wayup on a the bike.

Which, coupled with a high seat, is why I am on the Roadster not the 1100GS I did have. Too many 0 mph fall-overs!