BMW Motorcycles

[coolcat]

You guys have long legs. On my roadie I get the light at 300 km, and that freaks me regardless the fact that there is another 5 litres there. My take is that there is no way all of the remaining 5 litres can be used.

 

Consumption in Singapore is 17 km/l, up north it hits 21 km/l.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[mamat]

You guys have long legs. On my roadie I get the light at 300 km, and that freaks me regardless the fact that there is another 5 litres there. My take is that there is no way all of the remaining 5 litres can be used.

 

Consumption in Singapore is 17 km/l, up north it hits 21 km/l.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

Which roadie?

[spyder8850]

21km/litre?! Amazing! At what speed?!

[dinosaur]

Last sunday, the 21st of June, I wanted to ride up to KL to say hi to my girlfriend who was attending a church camp and make it back by evening for Fathers day dinner. Naturally 2 bikes came to mind- the K1200GT and the R1200GS. Both are excellent bikes for this trip, comprising of mainly the NS highway, as they are both comfortable stable and pretty swift. In terms of speed and range the K1200GT is superior, with 150hp at the crank and an alleged >400km range on one tank of fuel. The GS has a more mellow 105hp and perhaps 300+km range? In the end i decided to draw lots, and the R1200GS was picked.

 

 

The all NEW R1200GS isnt really so new actually. It was launched in 2004 to replace the R1150GS. After going through a face lift in 2008, the 1200GS was tweaked to give a little more power, a new ABS II as a standard as well as the usual options such as On Board Computer (OBC), Tyre Pressure and Anti Skid Controls (TPC/ASC), Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA). A waste of money? Thats what i thought at first, but i realised the On Board Computer kept me sane when the journey got boring on the NS highway. I was toggling between the "Range" and "Fuel Consumption" screen to see how they variate at various speeds. I figured the most fuel efficient speed will be about 100kph. But the most butt efficient speed is about 150.

 

The huge screen of the R1200GS offers very good wind protection, too good actually. It can get quite stuffy if i dont sit upright. The windscreen worked well as a fly trap too, sparing my helmet's visor from the carcasses of hundreds of insects.

 

 

Now to the ride. The R1200GS is considerably smoother than its predecessor the 1150GS. The boxer engine inevitably causes the bike to sway left and right when throttled hard. However with the 1200GS the swaying was hardly noticed. The GS may look like a giant, but I tell you once it is on the move, it feels light as a feather. Inexplicable. Even my girlfriend's parents were suprised at how agile the giant was when they drove along side. Top speed is about 210kph? perhaps faster, as i ran out of road. anything below 180kph is quite comfortable.

 

 

The return trip I was alone. To be honest i regretted taking the R1200GS. I was desperate to reach home in time for Father's Day dinner and the 1200GS wasnt giving me the speed i wanted. I met a FJR along the way and struggled to keep up with this 1300cc inline four machine. Darn...should have taken the K1200GT. Just when I had negative thoughts about the GS, a tin can rolled onto my path. Its about the size of a small NIPPON paint tin. Too fast for me to react! So i braced myself for an impending crash/skid. To my suprise, the 1200GS crushed it as if the tin was made of styrofoam or something. My bike wobbled quite a bit, but if it were ANY other bike, Im quite sure I will be typing this story from a hospital. The 1200GS's superb duolever suspensions saved my life!

 

 

Anyway good news to all 1200GS riders. This bike can run on air! I rode from KL to singapore on one tank of fuel non-stop. When i reached e border, the On Board Computer read 18km range to go. On e way home, it read 0km to go, yet the bike was still moving! I suspect the bike has a reserve reserve tank, so after the warning light comes on and the reserves are exhausted, theres still more reserves somewhere. Average Fuel Consumption is about 17km/Litre. Another thing that impressed me was that i rode for almost 3hours non-stop and I could still walk after that. That is how comfortable the 1200GS is. With other tourers, I'll usually take rest stops every 1.5hours or so.

 

 

All in all, the R1200GS has to be ranked amongst the greatest touring motorcycles of all time! Wonderful.

Edited July 4, 2009 by dinosaur

[coolcat]

21km/litre?! Amazing! At what speed?!

Between 0 to 150 km/h (GPS) max, R1150R. With side-boxes, small flyscreen. I reckon that it was the Shell F1 fuel with addictive

 

Great review, Dino. Not many GT around, right?

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[ezkhairy]

I am using Laser... Interested?

 

ons bro, give me a buzz 81181244

 

cheers

[Guest ben_ten]

Top speed is about 210kph? perhaps faster, as i ran out of road. anything below 180kph is quite comfortable.

I struggled to get my needle touched the 200km/hr mark. At most... only 190++km/hr. All these with 3 boxes fixed.. and some moderate load in them.

 

U manage to hit >200km/hr with boxes? Or naked?

[bowler]

Hi Guys, i looking for R1200GS 2nd hand Top Case (BMW).

Hp 93635719.

 

THANKS !

[spyder8850]

I believe the GS is capable of going speeds upto 200km/h or more, esp on a GS as it is much lighter than GSA. But the design of the GS is not aerodynamic unlike its compatriot the R1200RT which is capable to speeds upto 220km/h with the same engine.

 

I personally would not want to stress / expose my bike to such speeds esp fully loaded eventhough sometimes I really got no choice trying to keep up my STX and FJR frens. 6000rpm is usually my max.

[dinosaur]

Side Vario boxes unexpanded and about 1/3 full. No top box as u can see from e pic. Exhaust and everything else stock. maybe its because i did it on an almost empty tank! haha.a full tank of fuel is almost 25kilos.

 

 

 

I struggled to get my needle touched the 200km/hr mark. At most... only 190++km/hr. All these with 3 boxes fixed.. and some moderate load in them.

 

U manage to hit >200km/hr with boxes? Or naked?

[LuckyThirteen]

Collection of TNP dollars for charity

 

Just take some time to check it out bros thanx.

[currypuff]

Anybody interested in doing simple servicing on their own bikes?

I am thinking of learning how to change the brake fluid myself. I have read about it in magazine but dare not try it alone. If we can get a small group together, we can help one another out. Just need to buy some brake fluid from Ah boy. I have a thin hose for draining out the old fluid.

Anyone here has done this before and is willing to show me how? The rest will treat him to a nice dinner.

[mamat]

All in all, the R1200GS has to be ranked amongst the greatest touring motorcycles of all time! Wonderful.

 

great ride review.keep 'em coming.the gs12 is in my wishlist.a question,you took the bikes for a full-day test ride? had no idea they can be taken across the causeway.and by what time did you drop them off? maybe one morning i'll drop by pml and zoom off with a gs to Mersing.

Edited June 27, 2009 by mamat

[mamat]

the black rubber loop that holds the speedo cable is broken. is attached to the fender. donno what it's called. Does pml have it?

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/05/!BVEj!Yg!Wk~$(KGrHgoH-CcEjlLlzSkuBKQpK6M0fw~~_1.JPG

 

 

and one of the circular black plastic caps that covers the telelever frame is missing too.Does pml have it?

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/20/!BVEiPsQCGk~$(KGrHgoH-DwEjlLl)fO9BKQpIFZWqQ~~_1.JPG

 

mine's the 1100.got these pics frm ebay coz they're clear.sorry donno how to circle out the items in the pics.hope u know which

[speedjpop]

Hi all, 1st time reading and posting in this thread. Have I have lots of chance in the future!

 

Check out my new GS...........some fine day.....

[coolcat]

Currypuff, I think that a few of us knows what to do (roughly at least) to bleed brakes. Find the place and we can have a meet up. It's not difficult, just tad messy. Bring loads of rags.

 

Mamat, the black cap for the telelever is available at PML, not too sure the price for that; I reckon less than $5. Need to renew the O-ring for that, I think that non-BMW one can be used provided that the size is right. A permanent fix is to glue the cover in, after greasing the inside nut first to prevent rust. Part numbers:

 

Cover Cap - 31-42-2-314-304

O-ring - 31-42-2-314-981

 

Wunderlich has nice replacement ones that cost a bomb

 

The speedo cable’s holder part number is possibly 61-13-1-388-727.

 

Hi all, 1st time reading and posting in this thread. Have I have lots of chance in the future!

 

Check out my new GS...........some fine day.....

 

Welcome and saying "Hi", IMHO not difficult to own a beemer, good luck.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

Edited June 28, 2009 by coolcat

[fz0123]

hi ther bros, just wana check wats the normal FC for a 1150gs??? mine is abt 360km before fuel light lights up... N how far can i still go aft fuel lights lits...??

 

And anyone out ther intrested in selling their ohlins suspensions..heheh or know wher selling it cheap??? or is buying online cheaper...??

 

Please bros help me... thankz

[dinosaur]

Yesterday 28/6/2009 a trip was organised by the 1DTO team to a Durian Plantation. What an excellent opportunity to put the all new F800GS to test.

 

Every nook and cranny of the 800GS was designed for the offroad, starting with its large 21" spoked rims(vs 19" on the 650gs and 1200gs), high ground clearance (Higher than the R1200GS!), underseat fuel tank (lower centre of gravity), high exhaust (to cross rivers), upside down telescopic forks and a torquey parallel twin engine to conquer all obstacles. I suspect the 800GS was also designed with shorter gear ratios than the 650GS for offroad purposes. It generally revvs higher at all gears for similar speeds. For example at 140kph 6th gear the 650GS is doing 5000rpm, while the 800GS is doing 5500rpm.

 

The ride on the NS highway was good up till 150kph. Handling was light and the bike felt nimble, even with 2 huge aluminium sideboxes. However above 150kph i felt slight vibrations throughout the bike and my helmet would start shaking a little if i dont hide behind the tiny windscreen. I reckon a larger windscreen would help improve comfort for those intending to purchase this bike. When fitted with the aluminium panniers, one should not exceed 160kph according to the user's manual, and it is not difficult to understand why. At 160kph the bike vibrates quite a bit due to air resistance. I think the plastic vario sideboxes might solve the problem as they dont stick out as much(hence trapping less wind). Due to the dangers of speeding in such a large group (about 30+ bikes), I did not have the opportunity to find out the top speed.

 

Once we reach the trunk roads leading into the plantation, it was a different story. The F800GS dominates. Whilst others were avoiding potholes, sand patches, gravel, I purposely sought them out and rode over them with glee. It was almost too easy to handle this bike in such conditions. We encountered some twisties on the way out of the plantation. These roads were kinda sandy/rocky/holey. I must say the 800GS took them very well, much better than the italian/japanese bikes i own/owned, but not as good as the 650GS. This is my personal opinion.

 

How does it compare to the F650GS? Well power wise it is definately up! However when it comes to handling, the 650GS gives me much more confidence. So it all boils down to what kind of roads you use more often. City riding,winding trunk roads, i'd use the 650GS. Where road conditions are a little more harsh i.e steep rocky slopes, rivers, sand etc I'll use the 800GS.

In the looks department, the F800GS definately wins hands down. This is very subjective. However when u get more compliments from strangers about the looks of the 800GS than the 650GS, I tink it is fair to conclude that the F800GS is a handsomer bike. When we arrived at the plantation, the owner's family were all so excited to see the bike and they all wanted photos. The F800GS is definately a headturner.

 

A few minor complains about the 800GS though. Firstly, the seat is quite hard so theres no way I could ride 3hrs straight unlike the 1200GS. This is easily resolved by getting an aftermkt seat or changing the cushion. Secondly, I'll put a taller windscreen so that highspeed blasts through the NS highway will be more comfortable. With this two changes, the F800GS can be a serious rival to the R1200GS for the King of Tourers crown!

[currypuff]

Hi all, 1st time reading and posting in this thread. Have I have lots of chance in the future!

 

Check out my new GS...........some fine day.....

 

Wah, never know the 1100 series is so outdated that they remove the engine internals, stick an extra wheel and 2 pedals, then sell them to kids!

Or did the Chinese buy all the scrap GS from Europe, made the above mod, and re-export as "toys for kids" instead of "toys for men"?

 

My coolcat, never imagine bumping into my JC dragonboat schoolmate after more than 20 years in PML! Singapore really is THAT big.

 

OK, if anyone is interested in some hands-on, please indicate here. Lets arrange for a weekend afternoon for Master coolcat to demonstrate the art of changing brake fluid. After that, dinner on me.

 

I think its important to replace the fluid once every couple of years as it absorbs moisture and its quality slowly degrades (can't remember that scientific term for this). As far as I know, not many workshops take the initiative to change the fluid when you bring your bike in for servicing. I even had shops tell me "brake fluid no need to change one, top up can already" in the past.

 

Hey coolcat, please let me know which weekend (Sat or Sun) is convenient for you. Also, any place that is convenient. How about a MSC near your home? Thanks for your generous help.

[mamat]

Wah, never know the 1100 series is so outdated that they remove the engine internals, stick an extra wheel and 2 pedals, then sell them to kids!

Or did the Chinese buy all the scrap GS from Europe, made the above mod, and re-export as "toys for kids" instead of "toys for men"?

 

haha yeah and dont be surpri$ed if they stick a pretty premium on it too.soon the other kids in the neighbourhood with their 'little tykes' bikes r gonna start pleading and tugging their dads for one.

 

My coolcat, never imagine bumping into my JC dragonboat schoolmate after more than 20 years in PML! Singapore really is THAT big.

 

OK, if anyone is interested in some hands-on, please indicate here. Lets arrange for a weekend afternoon for Master coolcat to demonstrate the art of changing brake fluid. After that, dinner on me.

 

I think its important to replace the fluid once every couple of years as it absorbs moisture and its quality slowly degrades (can't remember that scientific term for this). As far as I know, not many workshops take the initiative to change the fluid when you bring your bike in for servicing. I even had shops tell me "brake fluid no need to change one, top up can already" in the past.

 

Hey coolcat, please let me know which weekend (Sat or Sun) is convenient for you. Also, any place that is convenient. How about a MSC near your home? Thanks for your generous help.

 

brake fluid bleeding and changing is a skill i feel i should learn.i think the workshops will do it if you tell them loud and clear:"I WANT TO CHANGE BRAKE FLUID." i believe they'll charge a diffrent price.'Servicing' is usually commonly understood as changing of fluids and filters.

[coolcat]

I think its important to replace the fluid once every couple of years as it absorbs moisture and its quality slowly degrades (can't remember that scientific term for this). As far as I know, not many workshops take the initiative to change the fluid when you bring your bike in for servicing. I even had shops tell me "brake fluid no need to change one, top up can already" in the past.

 

Hey coolcat, please let me know which weekend (Sat or Sun) is convenient for you. Also, any place that is convenient. How about a MSC near your home? Thanks for your generous help.

 

Anywhere is fine. However, I will be away from Singapore for a while, and that means clearing prior work and clearing backlog later. Let's play by ear and update when something is fixed up?

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[vintage]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz Edited July 16, 2009 by vintage

[twisticles]

I finally found enough time to make my first Malaysia trip on the F800GS I imported.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3671007097_456c43d966.jpg?v=1246358217

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/3671847648_c273fdefdb.jpg?v=0

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3671886474_0ac1ed2278.jpg?v=0

 

Full ride report HERE

 

This bike was made for Malaysian roads

[coolcat]

Great report, nice bike, twisticles ... (i cringe whenever i see that word!)

 

There is actually a lot of nice spots in Malaysia yet to be explored, and people in those places are generally nicer than the city-folks. I know quite a few places for food, can pass you some waypoints for that.

 

Just did valve clearance on my roadie, changed oil, so once work clears up will take to the road. Does the F800 actually need strict adherence to valve clearance schedules?

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[twisticles]

Great report, nice bike, twisticles ... (i cringe whenever i see that word!)

 

There is actually a lot of nice spots in Malaysia yet to be explored, and people in those places are generally nicer than the city-folks. I know quite a few places for food, can pass you some waypoints for that.

 

Just did valve clearance on my roadie, changed oil, so once work clears up will take to the road. Does the F800 actually need strict adherence to valve clearance schedules?

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

Hey coolcat, always on the lookout for places to go and roads to ride. Especually looking for a 'morning run' of about 4 hrs that I can do and not upset the other half

 

Valve clearance schedule for the 800GS is every 2 yrs or 20,000km, whichever comes first. i.e. that is every other service. Nobody had a 800GS for 2 yrs yet and not many people done 20,000 on one...so we don't know how 'strict' the schedule is yet!