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It was great riding w ya Ryan! Fyi, we are doing another Trans -Florida in Oct.....#justsaying

Call it what you want I say!! I've been riding my entire life, an ADV bike is just normal progression as far as I'm concerned and a much MUCH better and cheaper form of therapy trying to move past those CRAZY X's ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Great article. I'm 56 and never thought about having a mid-life crisis. Everyday seems as new to me as the day I moved away from home. I enjoy remembering the good times from years gone but have no desire to live in the past. I want to ride down new trails and roads!

Preach it brutha! Com on! What Eric is saying is that if you're an XLADV facebook "fan" and reading this, click the "Create Account" button in the upper right and help us build something special, a place of our own! 👍 Our vision is a community that is fun, interesting, inspiring, and full of valuable info. But, with a commitment to keeping the place respectful, classy, and devoid of Internet pissing matches, defending our choice of what we ride. That is just useless "noise" and if you're like us, you want something better. We've created tools, features, and organization that make it easier to find and consume only what you're most interested in. And, we've also created things like the "Garage" where you can showcase your rides, your mods, and others can learn from what you've done. You can even rate your bike and each mod, again, helping those around you learn from your experience. When they do the same, it benefits you and so on.

Thanks for reading and responding. This is exactly why I wrote the piece; to get riders talking about it. I found the various write ups out there not very enlightening on the topic. I think Touratech's comparison was probably the best but that was for the GS, not the GSA and that was prior to the new heavier flywheel. No one, except for you, has really addressed why a longer swing arm would function better off road. That's good to know. BMW's shift in marketing focus was also driving my skepticism. Aside from the GS Trophy, it just seemed the GS brand was becoming more "gS." KTM's 1190 R gave it a 21/18 option and with the new GS/GSA still limited to 19/17 and then on top of that making the wheel wider, I was just left a bit disappointed. I have ridden the new GSA, but not off road and not really set up for my height with proper risers and foot pegs. I will probably end up replacing mine with a new GSA eventually, but would probably be happier on a smaller bike off road, like you said. Perhaps a 990 R is in my future.

That's a great testimony there! I like to see when riders speak up and recognize the good work out there whether it's from people who work on our machines or make the stuff for our machines. It's sadly too common that you hear nothing but complaints from so many whose expectations are sky high and patience razor thin. I want XLADV to be a community where people like Alex are welcomed and in return, they get the proper respect and recognition that's due. I have heard many good things about Alex and was lucky to get to ride with him in Death Valley in December. I will have to do a similar entry for a mechanic here in my area, Lior Elbaz of Liorsmotoride.

I think you answered the reasons, it's a business, and 90% don't ride dirt,Demographics & Sales first. Selling a dream, dreamers don't necessarily live it, but somewhat an illusion of a lifestyle...... On the flip side, if you compare to KTM (or other) they are race focused. The range of bikes they offer proves it. I'm Beemer bias but not into the new water cooled for one simple reason, the lack of low gear in them. HP2 is my enduro ride and oil heads (05-13)are still the best GS's.But hey, whom am I to judge, the market speaks for itself. My complaint would be the cheap crap they sell the bikes with i.e skid plates. 25k $ and tinfoil protection. That's not just Beemer.....

The higher the risers the shittier the handling, specially in technical terrain.

Adding to your comments on the depth of the X-Lady community, we also seem to have a group of really dedicated and active core users that have and continue to push this platform ahead of all else. I say thanks to those guys (and gals) who direct new users to the community and consistently participate in not only XLADV events but at similar get togethers as well. Last thought; I've always felt that the proceeds raised for charities by this Big Bike family go a long way to establishing our identity as a like minded community of enthusiasts. Carry on - 👍

It depends on the chick! I get excited about bikes and cars alike.... especially when it's obvious that the rider/driver has put effort into their vehicle. I realize I'm also part of a very small percentage of women who feel that way. I was also accused of having a midlife crisis when I bought my Triumph Tiger even though I had been riding street 8 years prior. It's like the people who are afraid of trying something new want to scoff at those that do...

I drilled straight through the tube and into the top fitting. Then I ran a bolt and nut through that hole. To seal it I used large diameter shrink wrap to keep it from leaking oil. There's no way it'll separate now.

Are you ready to go at the time agreed upon for "kickstands up?" (Always, and have already checked out link-up and entry point to ride if not the ride itself.) Is your bike packed with all the right tools and gear? (As much as I think I need, but yes, I did need a jump once and did NOT have cables...I do now.) Is your bike in good working order? (Always) Do you have GPS and know how to use it or do you just hope to follow someone who does? (Pretty damn well, but I am awed at some peeps skills.) Do you know how to change a tire or perform routine trailside maintenance? (Yes) Do you ride too fast? (Guilty, sometimes) Do you ride too slow? (Guilty, sometimes after a long layoff) Do you ride recklessly? (NO) Do you bring riders on trails way above their ability? (Guilty but lesson learned) Do you show up for rides you know are way above your ability? (Guilty but how do you learn your limits? I've gotten in WAY over my head and have been very underwhelmed) Do you stop to help a fellow rider lift his/her bike? (Always because I know I'll need it) Do you thank someone who helped you lift your bike? (Fxxk yes) Do you space out? (I have in long rides and almost it on a turn into the oblivion) Do you get hangry? (Very Guilty but try to plan ahead) Do you not post up at turns? (I've missed a few and got my arse chewed just as I've chewed some. Should know because I ride bicycles too and the etiquite is the same) Do you pass unsafely? (NO) Do you roost others? (I'd love to but still learning how to roost!) Do you ride too close behind others? (Guilty sometimes but try not to)

Being genuine and the "no BS" aspect of this site is what attracted me at first. I like the honest reviews, the thoughtful dialogue and the minimal amount of 'flame wars' that are part of this community. I have been on plenty of forums where the primary objective to any asked question is to point out what a dumb-ass you are for not using the SEARCH BAR and wait for a dozen others to take a dump down your neck until someone potentially gives you some assistance. That does not happen at this web site. (unless I started it by accident) This site is also not shoveling advertisements at us with sponsor driven agendas. Example: an older forum used to harass you if you mentioned any other tire than DUNLOP. Why? Sponsors were footing the bill for the website. So far no one here has told me to Eff-off as of yet, so I am sticking around. Keeping it honest and consistent, right here at XLADV.

Thanks for letting me join you! I might have to make another pilgrimage for that

Dude, great write up. You totally had an epic March of moto madness as well

Like dirt being roosted from a torqued rear hoop , it winds up behind us in an instant just like the long strange trip our lives travel. Moving forward ,ever forward to see what's up around the next bend. Midlife crisis ? Bullshit I say. Daring ourselves to be in the wind in the now , if for only a moment , getting all of our senses nourished. So says I.

Pointing out hazards for the guy behind you, I feel like this is not done by most people. Can be done with either a leg or a hand, and is greatly appreciated by those of us who break the following too close rule.

Eric:I get the feeling that you're afraid to ride the new adventure because you probably understand that once you did- either on or off road- you'll want it. My 'old' '12 GSA was, and still is, a great bike. Just, as I wrote, the new one (a '14 GSA-LC) is better. The offroad handling is better - noticeably better- due in no small part to the the longer swing arm. ( Back in the day, the first thing we did to the 70's Huskys was to take them to a shop and have the swing arm lengthened an inch to make them into desert bikes instead of twitchy European motocross machines). The slightly higher gearing on the LC was a concern ito me at first, but the additional torque and heavier rotating mass more than compensates. (The '13 GS has a lightweight flywheel that I found did, indeed, stall easily; the newer GSs have the heavier unit.) I actually like the newer GSA gearing better now than the Enduro gearing after 18,000 miles of use including some pretty technical stuff. On tight fireroads with ruts and switchbacks, the higher first gear keeps me from having to hunt between first and second and I did on the '12. As for your gripe about different tires on the two bikes, the pavement, fire roads and single track we did the photos on were firm enough that tires would not be significant enough the the professional riders couldn't differentiate. But had we tested in mud, we'd probably find what I learned in sand: The Enduro mode adjusts the traction control (and ABS) sensitivity to work to your advantage; you don't spin rooster tails digging yourself in nor does the front wheel lock up descending steep grades. On the old bike, those features are either all on or all off. The new bike allows that on/off mode in Enduro Pro mode. As for radiator vulnerability: I can attest that the stock bars do a fine job in a the couple of 'naps' that I've given the bike. I guess if you hit a projecting rock hard enough you could do some damage, but if it were that hard a hit, you'd have plenty of other issues to deal with other than a radiator. Finally, as for the wider wheels and sand... I don't know about you, but to me, a slightly wider footprint reduces the propensity for digging in during my experiences with sand. (However, too big a tire/wheel combo and the bike won't want to go around corners well because of gyroscopic forces.) In summary, note that the R1200 GS and GSAs are not dedicated dirt bikes. I've ridden them back to back with the KTM 1190 and when the going get really tough, both the KTM and the GSA will get through, but you'll be happier getting there on the BMW. If you only are riding fireroads, sand, single track, etc; use a smaller bike. I've ridden the GS through the toughest parts of Death Valley. It made it. But I also did the same routes on my DR-Z 400 and the little bike was more fun in the tough dirt.... but I did trailer it out there! I suspect you'll find some more nits to pick to keep this tread going and your site growing. but I'll end by saying my comments are based on actual evalluations by me and some riders much better than me, and not by guessing or suppositions. Let the responses begin in 3....2....1....

Thank you for this post! Didn't know anything about this ride at all until now. I'll be gearing up for this next year. The prices look fair! AltRider is truly an awesome company.

You may want to add Endure Pro Mode to the LC GSA. ABS disabled like you said to the rear wheel, but the ability to use the front brake and not wash out is amazing. I feel the ability to control the bike while standing and maneuvering is a lot better than fumbling with the back brake foot lever. I actually don't have stalling issues with this motor. Putting around, doing ensane technical riding on the side of a mountain, I don't even have the clutch pulled in a smidge. Hasn't been a problem for me. I do agree on the radiators being vulnerable. Something else to worry about when taking a tight single track.

Not looking back. The new one is all that and then some...

I had thought at one time that I would be buying a water-boxer as soon as they started to hit the used market. But a couple of things bothered me, as mentioned above. Why no lower enduro-type gearing? And why would they switch to a wet clutch, when the dry clutch was very good, with a big friction zone? I've decided to get as much life from my '06 as possible. And after a ton of mods and upgrades, I'm kinda stuck with it anyway (unless I want to take a bath selling it). That's fine, I'm committed to it. It really does seem as if BMW is moving away from the real off-road scene, especially racing. Kinda sad. The GS was once the "go-to" bike for world adventure. The new GS could be that, too, but it doesn't seem as if BMW is promoting it that way. And it's true, more than 90% of riders will rarely, or never, see any serious dirt. That doesn't mean the bike shouldn't be built for it. It SHOULD mean a more agressive design and marketing strategy. That 90% figure was shrinking in the past couple of years, but I'm not so sure if that trend is continuing. It's kinda like the big SUV's. Very few people take them off road. And if BMW pushed harder for their clients to ride real adventures, then the feedback they received would hopefully push them to go back to the drawing board and reintroduce the dry clutch and enduro gearing, and maybe lose some weight. Or at least revive the other bikes that are more dirt oriented like the HP2.

I think it's relative to what one is used to. The last bike I owned was a big, monstrous, 990 lb behemoth of a fully dressed cruiser - and that was without rider(s) and luggage. That bike easily pushed over 1150 pounds 1 up with gear (I did drop it once - two of us were able to pick it up adrenaline induced). Get off that bike onto my 570 lb Super Tenere and the Tenere feels like a bicycle under me. Ok, I'm exaggerating a little bit, but the point is that relative to my experience my XLADV bike doesn't really feel that XL. I did have a couple dirt bikes as a kid, but that was sooo long ago it's not really relevant. I can cruise down they highway in perfect comfort, hit the trail without skipping a beat then cross a stream and bounce over some rocks. When I see a nice camping spot I can stop, set up camp, enjoy some fine culinary delights over a fire, then get back on the bike the next day, bump over some more rocks, and then hit the highway and head home! What's not to love!? I've picked up the bike solo in the mud with panniers, and no it wasn't a cinch, but doable. To be honest I found the hideous panniers made it easier to pick up as they provided a fulcrum to assist in the lift. Just my .02

Not long ago I was getting into my Boxster and parked next to it was a minivan with a family still inside. I got in it, started the car and put the top down in it’s little technological show of engineering. “That’s so sick,” said the goth teenage girl who watched along side her dad. Her dad said to me, “So, is that your midlife crisis?” I tried not to be indignant. “Do I look like I’m having a crisis?” and I pulled out and away. Not me. I’m different. What I feel is different. Who I am, what I believe, what I value is different and that qualifies me to promote Dos Equis, not suffer some crisis of identity or happiness. I’m grounded, can’t you tell by my vanity plate? A failure in perception, in judgement, in sense is enough to set me back and bring me down many notches, confirming what my gut has been whispering all along; you’re not good enough, smart enough, handsome enough, faking it all along until you set yourself up to some litmus test of character that confirms all those suspicions. And that, I believe, by definition must be what is meant by midlife crisis. I’m not superhuman after all.

Great update on this question answered by Jimmy Lewis here at Dirtbiketest.com. Short answer is "it depends." What may work for me may not work for someone with a different proportion of torso/leg length. His answer seems to be risers are overdone, "don't drink the high bar Kool-Aid," and do what feels right for your riding stance.

This is my fix until my name comes up on the recall list. My local dealership is small and doesn't get parts as quick as others.

Every time I look at this suspension I think what an over-engineered Lump! I had an R1100RS with this design. They already have "Forks" in place but have added significant weight with the shock, links and a-arm. The advantages with anti-dive can be worked out now with electronics manipulating fork action. BMW really needs to phase this design out, it was a good (but still heavy) idea years ago. Yes there are TONS of bikes out there without an issue, the fact that some of these are now failing may be another reason to do so. My 2c rant. RPM

I appreciate both your comments. I am now looking at both, w/a history w/BMW but also a long history on smaller DS bikes that include KTM. I really want BMW to ditch the Telelever and just go all out on the Rallye and Adventure and stop fxxking around. As to the stalling, I have just witnessed it on the 13 I was looking at and was not happy, but recitified. The longer swingarm I was happy for and understand the rationale behind it. From a early adopter of BMW in the smaller GS range, I have only wished they have taken the capabilities of the bikes seriously and pushed the envelope as KTM has (specifically offroad). Even if BMW meets KTM at the 90th percentile on capabillity and handling offroad w/the same tires/wheels/suspension they have met the mark (IMO) in what the GS brand should be and is capable of. Still on the fence w/both vendors for my next big bike.....loving the dialog.

All I heard is the change in fork design from the previous generation (oil head) was to save weight.

Hi all! not sure if everybody heared, but if you tanslate http://www.motorradonline.de/vermischtes/bmw-r-1200-gs-service-aktion-telelever.836856.html you'll see that BMW writes: "BMW don't call it a recall, but: Worldwide 168.500 LC BMW K50/51 have to visit a shop because those telelevers can loosen up......If there is a space smaller or equal .2 millimeters between pipe and the plug then those pipes will be strengthend by pressing some security socket on it. if its wider than .2 millimeters you'll get NEW Pipes. Those are different, the upper Plug is completely secured 360 degrees instead of four 90 degrees caulkings." not sure if pipes or fork tubes is the correct translation here

Didn't the oil cooled bikes also have a few of these same issues as well?

I appreciate the XL community and the matter of fact delivery I've experienced. Be nice, be kind but don't bullshit and be direct. Sadly some will take offence and be offended, hopefully they can figure out how to pull their big boy/girl panties up and deal with reality. Sorry I've never had a filter and can't be offended

congratulations guys! keep up the good work and ride easy! \m/

We stopped there while doing the IDBDR but didn't stay because they #1 had no beer and #2 had no wifi

I need to do this

too funny! I walked in to a local dealer to test ride a couple of sick bikes and folks sitting in front of the sales rep were asking him "how many folks come in here that are having a midlife crisis purchase?" So true, but so stero typical! ha! I dig our moto head community, it made me snicker

That ride/ability thing is more for the larger rides where you have an A, B and C rides and the C guy chooses the A route and then the A riders are pissed because they're waiting all day and can't finish the route.

I'm usually the one waiting, Probably too much, Tip top, I invented it, know how - yes / done it - no, No, If the scenery is awe inspiring - yes, No, I have but have learned from that mistake, I have but have learned from that mistake - Sand is my Kryptonite, I watch and take pictures, I yell at them for scratching it, If the music in my helmet is really good maybe, I bottle it - sleeping in and making me watch you get ready while I twiddle my thumbs is my pet peeve, Don't you know how to use GPS? (No - double negative), Absolutely not, Absolutely not, If they want me to for some good video otherwise no. A note on the "Do you show up for rides you know are way above your ability" question. I feel that I have a decent skill set, and can handle some fairly gnarly terrain; although, an "expert" I am not. It is, however, tough to judge if one is entering into a ride on a trail that is above their ability when they have never ridden the trail before. When in that situation do your homework in advance! In relation to this specific adventure I believe we have all done our due diligence - watched the movie (not just the trailer), read ride reports, looked at pictures, and spoken to others that have done the entire trail. With that information you can make a decision base on your knowledge of your own abilities, and you willingness for it to go wrong.

perfect timing. I was nearing the point of "eff it and ride alone" then I read your post. Going to wait for a group ride and cooler weather. Most of the dirt here is unfamiliar to me, better to have a tour guide at this point. Excellent write up.

I've ridden extensively in Utah and never heard of the internment camp, very cool story!!

No questions that all dirt bike skills don't translate. I still find it difficult to corner fast in the dirt. I haven't learned to really trust the front end and most of all, I can't just sit down, get up on the tank and grab a handful of clutch and throttle. But then again, I have to retrain my brain that ADV riding includes taking in the scenery, both while riding and when you stop. Hard to see much when you're in the zone, riding mach III. I still like to do that, unlike how I used to ride my dirt bike. When I did, it was all about going as fast as possible, everywhere.

The GS is a masterpiece of design and engineering. The only real negative I can see in the BMW range is the insanely high dealer servicing costs, purchasing price and the relative unreliability. That's why I was singing this song to myself on my way to pick up a Tenere ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEmJ-VWPDM4

If you really want to know what the heritage is about, try an R80G/S. Smaller, lighter, simpler... purer. But I remember my first reaction to riding my 1986 when I bought it back then... good GOD, this thing is big!!! (XLADV) Now I call it my "small" bike. Progress is inevitable, but the big GS has gotten rather BIG... which is what spurred the idea for the name "GS Giant." ;^) What I'd like to see in a GS is along the lines of my HP2e, but with a few more amenities. Maybe the new Honda CRF1000 / Africa twin will shake things up.

The big GS motorcycles certainly keep getting better with time. The frame is stronger now than ever before, and the stock Dynamic ESA is much improved over the ESA on my previous 2011 GS offering better damping and bottoming resistance. The ride modes are a plus for dirt roads/tracks and on and on. But, yes it is not a step back in any way from it's predecessor.

The "big vs medium vs small" bike debate, like many "debates" on the internet, is one that quickly devolves from a debate to passionate disagreement to a fanatical argument that defies logic and excludes consideration for other's opinions or even their freedom of choice! It's been said that one person's trash is another one's treasure, and I think that applies to one's choice of motorcycles for their own "adventure" rides and travels. My personal experience is that the two 1000+ cc bikes I've owned (V-Strom 1000 and BMW R1150GS Adventure) were too big - for ME - to comfortably take off-pavement for extended rides. Now, I realize and agree that this was not the fault of the bike and has absolutely no bearing on whether they can handle offroading. It's simply that my riding skills, style and preferences resulted in an unpleasant and somewhat nerve-wracking experience for me, and that I was focused more on not falling than I was on enjoying the ride. So, I sold the 2004 BMW R1150GSA and for the same amount of money bought a 2012 Honda NC700X, and given it's list of options, it is turning out for ME to be a great "adventure" bike. I have crash bars, risers, off-road pegs, skid plate, dual sport tires and Givi Trekker bags and more. It feels "light" to me, with it's lower center of gravity, and the torquey engine and low red-lining engine (what some would call underpowered or wimp) has just the right amount of power for me and my gear. It's top speed is around 100 MPH, which is faster than I should go anyway, and plenty of top end. 60-70 MPG gives me a 200-mile plus range, which again is plenty for the adventure riding that I choose to do and enjoy. An adventure bike is, I believe, the bike that fits the rider's desires and inspires them to be more adventurous! An adventure can be a ride of a few hours, a day, a weekend, a month or a year or more - it's all dependent on what "adventure" means to each of us individually. So I think that most of the ranters and ravers should simply relax, enjoy and promote the bikes that they want to ride, but also respect other's rights and pleasures in not riding the biggest, latest and "best" bikes according to their opinions. As for me, my adventures are limited for now to the twisty two lane backroads of the Appalachian Blue Ridge and single lane gravel roads and National Forest tracks, and I'm having fun, increasing the distance of my rides, and improving my handling skills on the "right Adventure bike for me".

Agree 1000 percent. Bring the Hp2 back plz. Orange is not my color but the 1190 is sweet!

I think that's a pretty good idea especially if the second rider has a camera getting footage of everyone. Then if it's good to pass, that also makes good video, but passing may not be an option on tight or dusty trails. It all depends on the group.

Eric, we're jazzed to see where this goes! I'm looking forward to helping you create a resource that is fun, valuable, and with a high standard in terms of code of conduct. And, as long time dirtbiker turned ADV nOOb, I look forward to learning a lot from everyone and hopefully increasing my circle of riding buddies.