Rode a GS Today - Thoughts

[lovetomotor]

I have a trip planned this June to Switzerland, Austria and Northern Italy. Have been thinking about renting a GS while in there. I was talking to the folks at Ride West BMW this morning about my trip and they offered me a test ride on a new GS. Wow, great sales people.

Having been a previous RT owner, I can say the GS motor was very famaliar. The GS had much more oomph combined with less weight. The GS and LT really can't be compared because every thing about the two bikes are different. First I'll say the GS is no LT. Don't think I'll ever be able to go back to the boxer engine after riding the LT for the past 3 years. However the GS is one fun bike. So much torque in a light weight package is just plain fun. The BMW expandable bags are awesome and offer tons of room. The itsy-bitsy windscreen is not much protection compared to my LT, but hey it's not supposed to be.

I wonder if my impression will be any different by the time I come back from Europe after 3 weeks on a GS. I'll let you know.

[HarvRead]

My European riding has been confined to England, Wales, Ireland, and Norway. I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed my LT on those Itty-bitty roads. The GS would have been perfect, a RT was good. Back in the US, I'm still happy with my LT.

[simoncharles]

Joe, presume you are talking about the 1200 ?

Harv, what "itty-bitty" roads ?

[meese]

I lived in Wales for several years, and rode the LT all over Western Europe and the Alps. Sure there are lighter, more nimble bikes, but the LT was comfortable enough to ride to the Alps, all over those stunning mountains, and then ride back to Wales. I also hit most every Motorway, A-road, B-road, and sheep trail that I could find in the UK and never had a problem. If you're comfortable on the LT at home, then you'll be fine with it in most any terrain (except for maybe deep sand in Baja California-don't ask).

Then again, it might be fun to try something completely different for a couple of weeks. But don't discount the LT just because it's "too big."

[PODMAN]

I have toured Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. French and Swiss Alps, autobahn etc. Did Motorcyclists Alpine Challenge Tour two years in a row. All on a GS. That's what I would recommend you ride. The bike is perfect for the roads over there.

Mike Perez
Dublin, Ohio