[ZX7/VFR800 guy]

Greetings……new member here.
The time has come where I’m thinking/wanting to move on from my current ‘98 VFR800…at 60yrs old the longer rides take a toll on my wrists so I don’t do them anymore. Gone are the days of 600 mile runs.

I have started to contemplate getting a 1250GS or RS, used or new, but the entry fee is a little startling as I hadn’t bought a bike since 2002. Test rode the GS and RS and really liked it.
I did not know about the GSX-S1000 until recently and it looks to have everything I’d want in my next bike plus it’s about $8-10k cheaper!
SO - has anyone an opinion on the GS vs the Suzuki? Price is a no brainer but how about the riding experience?

Thanks in advance….

 

[hugojose]

....to be fair, you should also post same question in the BMW forum and weigh the answers.

......and age changes perspective........ Because of the demographic of this type of motorcycles, most people answering your question will be younger always asking for more power, and more speed.....which may not be what you want .....as opposed to relaxation and confort.....(..am older than you are).

 

[Redlinez]

Those BMW's have over 100 ftlbs of torque and really pull out of turns. I would definitely say this bike is more on the sporting side, but those bikes handle quite well. I just couldn't swing spending that kind of money as well as paying the BMW parts/service premiums.

 

[pilninggas]

I got to ride a good friend's 1250RS a few weeks ago. They are lovely things and it is exceptionally accomplished. It handles well, is smooth and agree with previous replies torquey in a way a IL4 cant possibly be at low revs. The electronics suite is amazing too. Loved the shaft drive too.

The GT is a cheaper option, but both could do serious touring.


It'll almost certainly be down to your own personal preference and willingness to spend an amount.

 

[SparkyPhil]

I had a 1250gs and now I’ve got a 22, GSXS.
The reason I swapped to the Suzuki was health issues, the BMW just became to heavy for me.
I’ve had loads of different bikes over the years and love the sound and the way an inline 4 rides and performs but on reflection I do miss the comfort of the BMW and if my health wasn’t an issue I wouldn’t have swapped. I’m 55 by the way

 

[Navy Boy]

I've owned a number of BMWs over the years. My last was a 2008-model 1200RT which was a fabulous bike but not as reliable as I'd expect from a BMW bought new from a dealer.

The GT isn't as sophisticated but does give you a lot of smiles for your Dollar. The BMWs are at the cutting edge in terms of what electronics they offer - Whether the GT's more basic package is good enough for you is something only you can decide on.

 

[ZX7/VFR800 guy]

Thanks for the input gents……I’m not looking for the latest and greatest electronic wizardry but I’m sure it would be great. It’s a hard pill to swallow paying that much $$ for BMW and yes, the service costs will be much higher when that time comes.
I’m an older rider as well (60) and not the biggest build either….so maybe the Suzuki would be a better fit.

Obviously I need to go and check out the GT and see how I like it…..just gotta find one in stock somewhere.

 

[LanghamP]

I don't know why motorcyclists feel they have to get heavier bikes as they get older. It's as if once you hit forty you need to add 100 pounds for each decade above that on your bike.

Anyway, I feel that if Suzuki is the Walmart of motorcycles (Great Value!), then BMW is the Costco equivalent. If you want a cheap motorcycle, BMW has you covered. If you want a scooter or a $30,000 gizmo, BMW also has you covered. BMW has such a diverse selection of bikes that there's surely something for everyone. Yeah, their service cost is higher but their bikes, unlike their cars, cost about the same as the Japanese brands these days. If a BMW bike is advertised as MSRP + freight then that's what you pay for it.

Have you checked out the F900XR or the F750? Both those bikes are a hundred or more pounds lighter and about half the price of the GS.

 

[Navy Boy]

I recently had an almost new BMW RNineT as a courtesy bike. This was at the other end of the BMW spectrum - As in it was about as basic as bikes come nowadays. I have to say that I really enjoyed it - And then I looked at the price tag which was still some $2-3k more than the GT before you'd added any of BMW's extras.

The GT does what I want at a price I can get my head around. Plus it makes me smile

 

[Navy Boy]

I should add that my Stepfather owned a '98 model VFR800 a number of years back. I got to ride the bike on a number of occasions and really enjoyed it. It was Honda at their best IMHO as in it just worked - And worked well.

The GT is very much a modern day VFR or Triumph ST/GT (Which I've also spent a lot of time on). Those bikes also didn't have the weight and expense of the touring machines at the time but they gave you plenty of sporting loveliness whilst being comfy enough for longer distance work. They were also physically manageable and could carry two at a push.

Is the BMW a better machine? Looking at it clinically then the answer must be yes however they don't make me a happier rider. Plus if I'd bought a 1250RS I'd always be wondering the 'What if?' of having bought a GT instead.

 

[ZX7/VFR800 guy]

Hopefully I’ll be able to test ride a GT….

 

[Jagsman]

Hopefully I’ll be able to test ride a GT….

Think thats all you can really do - if it meets your needs, then you are onto a winner and you may have saved some cash.
I tested a GT, coming from a Naked and loved it.

 

[Bruce00]

I too was looking at the BMW, the sticker price was something I was not ready to spend, but took one for a test ride. Nice bike, but the seat height with the weight of the bike made me nervous. Ended up buying the Suzuki, and had to make some changes to fit me better (But thats all bikes Ive owned).
I'll add that the BMW service had me nervous too, but just took the Suzuki for its first service and the dealer shop rate was/is $175.00 hr......LOL, thats BMW territory!

 

[CanyonDweller]

You might want to consider a Kawasaki Versys 1000. I own both the Versys and GSX S1000GT+ and split my rides between the two. I also owned a 98 VFR and the Suzuki compares favorably with the VFR. You might prefer the lower, lighter and more relaxed fit of the Kawasaki if you are considering a BMW GS. By the way I’m 70.