I love my GS1200. In most respects it has been a perfect machine for me. But as I am doing more off-road lately it makes sense to get a smaller bike, mainly because I can't pick up my own bike . And it does like to fall , especially in thick sand . And it likes to get stuck in sand when I try and pull away. Admittedly if I was more experienced this would not happen so often ! And I really hate spoiling other people's fun by them having to push my tractor out of thick sand or pick it up.
And of course a smaller bike would make more sense in technical terrain . As Michiel said in " Dans met Dusty se rooi rok " referring to riding the GS1200 at Atlantis sand dunes : "To ride heavy DS bikes in this sort of unusual terrain is like getting f***ed up the arse. If you're into that sort of thing it can be really pleasurable, thrilling and rewarding but if you're not it will be extremely painful, awkward and unpleasant."
hehe I love this quote because it so accurately describes riding a big bike in heavy technical terrain, like thick sand , for me ,especially with me not being very strong . There are guys who ride the GS1200 well in technical terrain , but I lack the skill , strength and stamina to do so.
I had a very good run with the GS1200 have done 83,000 km on it in 3 years , and not even been on a really long trip , the coming EC Bash will be the longest trip , but I think it is time it goes ....sadly ! I would hate to break up with him, but I think the time has come....
Any suggestions? I was thinking maybe a KLR ? As the KTM's 690 is awesome , but so expensive....
The bike must commute well , and be fairly comfortable, but mainly it must handle technical terrain well and I must be able to pick it up myself. Also the top speed must at least be 130 km /hr . Oh and I must fit on it! I am 6 foot tall ( i,82 cm ) and have long legs.
And of course a smaller bike would make more sense in technical terrain . As Michiel said in " Dans met Dusty se rooi rok " referring to riding the GS1200 at Atlantis sand dunes : "To ride heavy DS bikes in this sort of unusual terrain is like getting f***ed up the arse. If you're into that sort of thing it can be really pleasurable, thrilling and rewarding but if you're not it will be extremely painful, awkward and unpleasant."
hehe I love this quote because it so accurately describes riding a big bike in heavy technical terrain, like thick sand , for me ,especially with me not being very strong . There are guys who ride the GS1200 well in technical terrain , but I lack the skill , strength and stamina to do so.
I had a very good run with the GS1200 have done 83,000 km on it in 3 years , and not even been on a really long trip , the coming EC Bash will be the longest trip , but I think it is time it goes ....sadly ! I would hate to break up with him, but I think the time has come....
Any suggestions? I was thinking maybe a KLR ? As the KTM's 690 is awesome , but so expensive....
The bike must commute well , and be fairly comfortable, but mainly it must handle technical terrain well and I must be able to pick it up myself. Also the top speed must at least be 130 km /hr . Oh and I must fit on it! I am 6 foot tall ( i,82 cm ) and have long legs.
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