New Member Introductions » Hello from Poole

Hi guys

1st newbie post so please be gentle :)

I've just taken the plunge and commited to trading in my 2018 R1200 GSA Rallye TE for a new R1250RS after a lot of research which included some very helpful posts from this Forum.

I only bought the GSA 3 months ago as we came out of lockdown with a view to touring with my wife both in the UK and abroad when things become easier - sadly/fortunately a planned trip to Italy in early August was shelved in exchange for our first "overseas" tour to Jersey two weeks ago which led to my change of bike decision.

I love the GSA and its riding position and have covered many miles on it with my wife on the back but our recent long weekend away was the first time two up with full panniers and top box and it was just too top heavy. There are a lot of narrow hairpins on Jersey and even now I dont know how I got up some of them in one piece and so for the sake of marital harmony a change of bike was on the cards.

As I said above, I looked at lots of alternatives and even rode a 1000 Versys which wasnt a bad bike but was more akin to taking off a pair of trainers and puttin on some slippers but then last weekend my local BMW dealers (Bahnstormers in Alton) lent me an RS for the weekend and even as I pulled away and accelerated up in to second I was sold - what a machine, the balance and power delivery were absolutely perfect - slow speed handling was a doddle and suddenly my braking was spot on (Telelever suspension sounds good in principle but for accurate stopping the feedback is a bit too hit and miss for my liking).

My wife gave the RS her final seal of approval saying she felt as though I was more in control and because of the "sports" riding position with better foot placement on the ground she felt more confident, didnt feel too close to me and could see so much more ahead.

So yesterday morning I reluctantly took the RS back to Bahnstormers, bit the bullet on the rather large trade in hit after only 3 months of ownership and ordered a brand new R1250RS which is arriving in the UK in the next couple of weeks.

This Forum has been a fantastic source of information which helped me in my decision and has already provided food for thought for modifications and upgrades going forwards. I'm sure I will have many questions in the early days and look forwards to recieving the wisdom of the other members in due course.

Ride safe folks

Cheers

Mark

Welcome Mark. You wont regret your change to the RS.

Mark, welcome. Great decision. Might see you around as I’m also in Poole!

Thanks, I will keep an eye out for you

Mark,

I share your excitement. I purchased lightly used late June and courtesy of Covid-19 I am only now making proper use of the 1250RS. I am currently half way through a European tour and having a few days on Lake Como. The RS has been a real pleasure throughout and handles tight Alpine hairpins like it is on rails. Loaded like a pack-horse it behaves with equal aplomb. Enjoy!

P.S. When will yours arrive?

Chris

Thanks Chris, its good to know the RS likes hairpins - the ultimate test for my wife will be the Ramsey Hairpin on the IOM TT Course which always gets her a bit tense

Mines due in the UK in about 2 weeks time and I cant wait.

It sounds like youre on a decent trip, I cant wait for the restrictions to lift and get out to Europe next year - still at least I can plan with confidence now.

Out of interest, what luggage have you got on yours?

Cheers

Mark

Zitat von Yorkie im Beitrag #6

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.... Out of interest, what luggage have you got on yours?

Cheers

Mark

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Cheers Chris

Every bit of info helps at the moment

Ride safe

Mark

Wenn Sie hier auf Links zu eBay klicken und einen Kauf tätigen, kann dies dazu führen, dass diese Website eine Provision erhält.

I bought some really good inexpensive pannier liners off Ebay. This trip is the first time I have used them. They work really well and were dirt cheap. Will post a link to them on my return.

As I have said in other posts which you might have read I strongly suggest you acquire cylinder head guards asap. Mine are Givi but there are lots of makes out there ranging from £99 to about double that for the BMW ones.

Chris

I bought some great liners for my GSA off Ebay which were only £50ish for 2xpanniers plus top box - all brand new.

I did briefly consider engine bars but had already decided the head guards were probably a better way to go - thanks for the push, I'll check the Givi ones out and add them to the increasing list of accesories I need/want to buy - whats your view on Mudslingers?

Mark

A definite thumbs up for the Mudslinger. Very easy to fit and it has got to make sense to protect that expensive shock from water and crap. Actually I think that that which fits the R1250RS is called something else. Again I will need to check when home next week.

I take it you have clocked the penchant for moving the SatNav mount to over the top of the TFT? MotoMate gets a definite seal of approval from many on this site. Again easy to fit.

Chris

A +1 for the Mudslinger here. I read that Motomate are having supply issues and there might be a wait for the nav relocation bar

Zitat von Yorkie im Beitrag #4

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Thanks, I will keep an eye out for you

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Hi Bunter, I emailed Motomate last week and apparently they’re expecting new stock in next week