New GSA Iconic Owner

Hi Everyone
After years of wondering what all the fuss was about a mate let me take his GS out for a spin and I now get it completely.

I've been riding a 1999 Blackbird for the last few years and have been around Europe with friends on GS's, V-Stroms and similar bikes and it's only now that I understand how uncomfortable I've been! Maybe at 47 years old I've finally got to an age where the cramps have got to a stage I'm willing to compromise, but time will tell if I still want to ride the Blackbird for shorter journeys or not.

So it only took one 20 minute ride for me to express my interest in buying my mates bike, which is a R1200 GS Adventure Iconic with just 1,200 miles since April 2016. Being a mate, I got a deal (I think), but it's hard for me to judge as I can't find any others for sale. I see a few GS Iconics for sale and there was briefly one GSA Iconic up for £16,995 (from memory) but any advice on how the price should compare to similar GSA TE's etc would be very welcome. I paid about GSA TE money, but got genuine panniers, topbox, Navigator V and BMW helmet with Bluetooth all in for the price, so I'm guessing I haven't been fleeced at the worst.

First impressions are great, I love the way it goes and stops and it's remarkably agile for such a bike. The information from the Navigator is awesome although I haven't figured out all the features yet. I'm a big fan of cruise control in a car but this was my first experience on a bike. Is it normal that it feels like it's surging some of the time. The speed isn't changing noticeably but I can either hear or feel it seeming to accelerate slightly whereas in a car I'd only expect to hear that if coming to a hill etc. I wonder if it was the wind either affecting my ears or maybe slowing the bike therefore making it open the throttle slightly? It was quite a blustery ride home so maybe I'll find it different next time.

The bike is due it's first annual service having only had it's running in service so far. Any ideas what I'll expect to pay for that? Does it need to go to BMW or can an independent BMW specialist do the same job?

I'm sure I'll have numerous questions next week, but I'm probably not able to play with my new toy this weekend as I haven't mentioned to the girlfriend that I've bought a new bike yet!!! It'll be frustrating knowing it's in the garage waiting to be ridden but better than listening to the lecture I'm bound to get

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Brian

Welcome Brian and congratulations on your new GS. Others will be along to answer your questions soon after they have sobered up (well it is Friday night).

I have a 2017 Rallye and have used the cruise control a fair bit on a recent 2,700 miles jaunt. I don't recall any surging. I found it behaved exactly like a cars cruise would.

If it is a 2106 bike it should still have some warranty so if your worried about it get it checked out. Use it a bit more first though to be sure there is an issue. Put some posh petrol in it too. It will thank you for it.

Neil

Thanks Neil, I saw it runs on 95 unleaded and was quite pleased as my 2003 M3 (that I'm selling to pay for the GS) and my Blackbird both need 98 unleaded and I was looking forward to a cheaper fill. I guess with the much better fuel economy of the GS it's not such a big deal if it runs better.
Cheers
Brian

I personally think they run better on a fill of 98 Ron however I don't use it all the time. I treat it to a tankful every now and again. try a tankful and see what you think.

The cruise does tend to back off slightly when cornering and your speed will drop slightly and then resume once upright. I guess it's some sort of safety feature-- you (or bmw...)don't want it trying to accelerate whilst tipped over.

Thanks Steady Steve, I'll see if I can identify when it happens.

I use cruise extensively and it is somewhat less rock solid a speed setting than that in my 5 series. My view is that it's an inertia/momentum issue due to the bike being so much lighter and having a higher power:weight ratio. It is pretty good though whether for a relaxed motorway blast or as a speed camera stress reliever.

Thanks Sea Dog, I took my bike out last night to experience it in the rain and played with the cruise control some more. I didn't notice any surging this time so I going to put it down to the gusting wind.

I took the Navigator V off the cradle and I see lots of exposed terminals underneath. Is there supposed to be some kind of cover to keep the rain out that the previous owner hasn't passed on to me?

Cheers
Brian

Yes the bike comes with a cover like this. Should be able to get one from your local dealer.

Thanks JerseyNeil, the previous owner is a mate so I should be able to get that from him.
Brian

You need an anti-glare film on those clocks...

(If you find a supplier, let me know!)