Thanks Kevin...I was thinking about access to sparkplugs, valves, injectors
more than anything. I believe you can access bottom end and pistons without
removing the engine too. My GTS drinks oil when sitting at 80+ mph. Sounds
like you must be one of the lucky few.
Cheers Joe.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Hawkins [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 2:58 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: GTS & K1200RS smackdown, verdict is......
Let's see....
I always thought it would be nice to have a shaftdrive, but with my
ScottOiler that advantage is certainly minimized. Factor in the
complexities and "possible" maintenance cost (remember the spline problems
they had a while back) and the chain is actually a bit more desirable in my
mind.
Yep, the smaller hard bag on the left side is another BMWism. Although, the
bags are still more attractive than anything available on the GTS.
My GTS is oil tight! Seriously! At 60K miles this engine is only getting
better! It did consume some oil in it's earlier years, but the rings seem
to be seated very nicely now. Compression is actually on the higher end of
the acceptible range and it is consistent across all four cylinders. Did
you see the most recent Downtime files in Motorcycle Consumer News? A K12
owner was complaing about excessive oil consumption. In fact, of the
research I've done reveals this problem to be MORE prominent in K-bikes
that our GTSs.
I'm not sure what maintenance access your thinking of Joe. Everyone on the
I-BMW list seems to begrudge the fact that they have to remove the gas tank
for a simple air filter replacement or remove the fairings for other simple
access.
Both fuel injections seem to work VERY well. The GTS, of course, displays a
cold, off-idle surge but this goes away after warm up. Both setups run like
scalded frikkin dogs! :^)
Steering was almost identical for these bikes! Both have long legs and love
to run through long sweepers at high speeds. Quick switchbacks require
skill, but are not difficult to perform.
Wind buffeting on my sport screen is NOT a problem. It's wonderful! The
K1200RS was acceptible too until you raised the adjustable screen to it's
upright position.
Yes, their weights were comparable and both carried it with equal grace
once underway. Very slow speed maneuvers require your full attention. :^)
Yeah, I guess the price differential is to be expected. It wasn't a
deciding factor anyway.
Kevin Hawkins // Greensboro, NC
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.livin4.com/raddboy
Y2K Kawasaki ZRX1100 //'93 Yamaha GTS1000 //'85 FZ750
Good decision Kevin...I must admit I've been tempted by the K12RS
myself...I
think some other considerations you didn't mention are:
The BMWs slick (maintenance free? and clean) shaft drive.
The BMWs silly smallish exhaust side pannier.
The GTSs silly oil consumption at high speed.
The BMWs better maintenance access.
What was your opinion on the comparable:
Fuel injection operation?
Steering? (the BMW wheelbase is over 60 inches)
Neutral to 1st gear clunk?
Wind buffeting/noise behind the fairing?
Both weigh about the same. Which carries the weight best?
The pricing difference is not that significant IMO considering you are
comparing a brand new bike to a 8 year old bike with considerable miles.
Cheers Joe.
