R12R not great on dirt roads

[Paul-from-VA]

Yes I know..it should be obvious, but from my viewpoint, I've been riding for over 40 years and have always expected every bike to be functional at anything I want to do, tour, commute, sport and dirt/logging roads. We ride 2up up 90% of the time and the only bike that has been a big dissapointment in the dirt was the ST1100 Honda, but that did not keep it from performing dirt duty. We once met a tourist in California who had ridden his 883 Sportster across the country using dirt almost exclusively (he was seeking a replacement for his cracked fuel tank at the time) so it's not too much to ask of the R12.

We were on the Blue Ridge Parkway today and I decided to take one of the many dirt roads down. This was the first time on dirt for the R12, been too fussy about getting her dirty previously. I have to say it is a real workout on this bike, it wanders a bit much, the tall seat which is a pain in any circumstance really shows it's shortcomings with lots of bad road, the pegs could be positioned a bit lower and forward and the driveline slack which is easily ridden around on pavement is a major pain in the butt on loose stuff.

Guess I'll push up the schedule on replacement seating and try to ride up instead of down which should keep driveline slop controlled better.

By the way, I still think it has to be just about the best all round bike on the market and if you have the oppoutunity to get on the Blue Ridge in the next week or two be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. It is a spectacular ride at any time but this time of year makes me realize I probably take it for granted since I get up there at least weekly during the summer.

[ka5ysy]

Probably why the R1200GS/A is in the lineup

[OlyVR]

I somehow have a feeling that Joe will disagree with you on that.

Have you seen some of Chitown's trip reports?
Besides the breathtaking photography it also makes me feel like a wuss not wanting to take my R12R off road.

[Dan-A]

Small front wheel (17") and short suspension travel do not make this bike dirt friendly, with all due respect to Joe, (who continues to amaze me).

[Lost Rider]

I do not disagree.
The R is by no means well suited for riding off road, or any of the crazy places I've been...
Will it do it?
Yes.

Does the small front wheel, fork angle, gearing, high HP, limited DS tire choice, ABS, and low handlebars make it more difficult to control on loose roads, climbing mountains, or riding trails?
You bet.

I am still happy to deal with the challenges riding the R presents off road because I enjoy exploring/riding/camping in very out of the way places and will take the risks to do so.
Also when I get back to wonderful, smooth pavement after hours off road exploring I'm able to go from a poor handling yet competent dual sport to a very capable sport tourer, going through the gears, fighting to keep the front down, accelerating to 100+ in seconds, then being able to drag the pegs in the twisties, all while fully loaded for 500+ miles day after day if want. The best of one world and good enough for me in the dirt.
Even if it's hard, and at times very scary, it's still quite fun on the 1200R even if it's not the best bike for it...
I found that standing up to ride it like a dirt bike, and riding faster to go over the top in loose stuff works better for me, along with lowering the tire pressure by 5 psi off road.


There's compromises to get to ride on roads like this:



A little air in the tires and then to this:




If you don't mind getting a little dirty I say go for it!

[gibbo111]

I do not disagree.
The R is by no means well suited for riding off road, or any of the crazy places I've been...
Will it do it?
Yes.

Does the small front wheel, fork angle, gearing, high HP, limited DS tire choice, ABS, and low handlebars make it more difficult to control on loose roads, climbing mountains, or riding trails?
You bet.

I am still happy to deal with the challenges riding the R presents off road because I enjoy exploring/riding/camping in very out of the way places and will take the risks to do so.
Also when I get back to wonderful, smooth pavement after hours off road exploring I'm able to go from a poor handling yet competent dual sport to a very capable sport tourer, going through the gears, fighting to keep the front down, accelerating to 100+ in seconds, then being able to drag the pegs in the twisties, all while fully loaded for 500+ miles day after day if want. The best of one world and good enough for me in the dirt.
Even if it's hard, and at times very scary, it's still quite fun on the 1200R even if it's not the best bike for it...
I found that standing up to ride it like a dirt bike, and riding faster to go over the top in loose stuff works better for me, along with lowering the tire pressure by 5 psi off road.


There's compromises to get to ride on roads like this:



A little air in the tires and then to this:




If you don't mind getting a little dirty I say go for it!

just spectactular what you do on it

[Paul-from-VA]

There's compromises to get to ride on roads like this:




If you don't mind getting a little dirty I say go for it!

Now that is my kind of road! I'm jealous, roads off the parkway have way too many tree's blocking the view.

[Dan-A]

I do not disagree.
The R is by no means well suited for riding off road, or any of the crazy places I've been...
Will it do it?
Yes.

Does the small front wheel, fork angle, gearing, high HP, limited DS tire choice, ABS, and low handlebars make it more difficult to control on loose roads, climbing mountains, or riding trails?
You bet.

I am still happy to deal with the challenges riding the R presents off road because I enjoy exploring/riding/camping in very out of the way places and will take the risks to do so.
Also when I get back to wonderful, smooth pavement after hours off road exploring I'm able to go from a poor handling yet competent dual sport to a very capable sport tourer, going through the gears, fighting to keep the front down, accelerating to 100+ in seconds, then being able to drag the pegs in the twisties, all while fully loaded for 500+ miles day after day if want. The best of one world and good enough for me in the dirt.
Even if it's hard, and at times very scary, it's still quite fun on the 1200R even if it's not the best bike for it...
I found that standing up to ride it like a dirt bike, and riding faster to go over the top in loose stuff works better for me, along with lowering the tire pressure by 5 psi off road.

Great pics! I wanna go!

By the way Joe, I rode a 08 R1200GS, now lighter and with 105 hp and it is very very satisfying to ride, feels almost as fast as the R1200R. Handles great, not as quick to turn as the R but not slow.

I have decided since I already own a boxer twin (my R1200R) I am going for the F800GS, and it is here at the dealer being prepped, and I am due to pick it up tomorrow AM after breakfast, I am so excited! Sorry.

[Lost Rider]

I have decided since I already own a boxer twin (my R1200R) I am going for the F800GS, and it is here at the dealer being prepped, and I am due to pick it up tomorrow AM after breakfast, I am so excited! Sorry.

The 1200GS just doesn't do it for me... even if it was better at everything. No Soul.
Now the 800GS is another story.


Congrats on the 800gs !!! I'd be very excited too...
I am not even really looking let alone test-riding the 800GS for fear of falling in love again. I just keep looking at my R saying "it's all I need, it's all I need, it's all I need, it's all I need"....

Have fun with your new ride!

[Dan-A]

The 1200GS just doesn't do it for me... even if it was better at everything. No Soul.
Now the 800GS is another story.

Congrats on the 800gs !!! I'd be very excited too...
I am not even really looking let alone test-riding the 800GS for fear of falling in love again. I just keep looking at my R saying "it's all I need, it's all I need, it's all I need, it's all I need"....

Have fun with your new ride!

Thanks!. I'll post a pic or two.

[cheelleebutt]

I agree. It's not the best dirt bike, but it does fine for me also. Taking my cues from Mr. ChiTown, I've also installed some Scorpion Syncs and taken the 12R off road. On pumice in Mammoth Lakes, CA for that fact. I don't know if you guys have ever experienced pumice, it's not quite like riding dirt. It's in between sand an dirt and really loose. I drop it once while I was on the trail, but this is because I picked a bad line and ended up in some really deep stuff (about 5-7 inches deep). Hey! That's my fault for picking the wrong line... "Bad line, bad bad line..." Other than that, baby did fine. Yeah the 12R can be a bit to handle but you develop your own off road riding method and deal with the situation. In the end you're reward with beautiful panoramic scenes that you normally can't see from the tarmac. I'm planning a Death Valley Devil's Race track ride next year. The only way to get there is by dirt roads. Yeah!

[indigoid]

Scenery like the above-posted is my main reason for keeping my Dakar. Got an invite today for the 2009 BMW-Australia GS Safari in Tasmania. 2000km of beautiful wilderness in 6 days. Got a few things to sort out first, mainly new knobbies and finishing my Pro-Oiler install but should all be easily doable by kick-off time next April. Tasmania is stunning.

[Dan-A]

Here is the new ride: http://gallery.me.com/dan.albertson#100 ... lack&sel=1
It should be good in the dirt, it feels like a dirt bike, but handles well on the street.

It is really quick with 85 HP, the motor revs very quick, and it makes a really nice growl. This bike has plenty of character, so Joe, do not ride one. It does not however have the solid feel and quick turn in of the R1200R on the road, but it still feels GOOD!

Have not had it in the dirt yet. Almost 400 miles so far. As soon as crash bars and bash plate are installed, I will go in the dirt.

[Lost Rider]

It is really quick with 85 HP, the motor revs very quick, and it makes a really nice growl. This bike has plenty of character, so Joe, do not ride one. It does not however have the solid feel and quick turn in of the R1200R on the road, but it still feels GOOD!
.

(hands over ears)
LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA

I'm not hearing you..... not listening....... how bout' that last baseball game...... LA LA LA.....






My 1150R had 85hp and was much heavier.... I bet she's fun. I would expect the GS to be as solid in the turns, but with this bike I wouldn't even need roads!


Nice bike, I look forward to your comments about the 800GS since you drink the same tasty Roadster KoolAid as I.
I'm going to be in your town on 11/15 with TSO, if you're free I'd love to check it out and chat...

Cheers!

Joe

[cheelleebutt]

I was this close to getting that a week ago. Unfortunately, the other half of me had more balls than I did and won the argument. As a result, I had to settle for what I have right now (e.g. 12R) and not get a second bike. She said, "how often are you going to ride it? You're already paying insurance for two vehicles, and your car is sitting there collecting dust." I keep on telling myself, I need those partially linked brakes. There aren't any linked brakes on the 800gs. That's a really good reason for not getting the 800gs. Yeah! That's it. It has to be. Right? Please tell me I'm right...

[Dan-A]

[
My 1150R had 85hp and was much heavier.... I bet she's fun. I would expect the GS to be as solid in the turns, but with this bike I wouldn't even need roads!


Nice bike, I look forward to your comments about the 800GS since you drink the same tasty Roadster KoolAid as I.
I'm going to be in your town on 11/15 with TSO, if you're free I'd love to check it out and chat...

Cheers!

Joe

As of now I am home that Saturday. Who is TSO?

The bike is solid in the turns, but consider, telescoping forks, no tele-lever, and a 21" front wheel.

[Lost Rider]

As of now I am home that Saturday. Who is TSO?

The bike is solid in the turns, but consider, telescoping forks, no tele-lever, and a 21" front wheel.

http://www.trans-siberian.com/intro.html

15 semi trucks of light's, lasers, video, sound, set, pyro, robotics, and band gear we're setting up for 69 shows in 65 days in 21 states and 3 provinces.
You let me ride the GS and I'll let you shoot the color flame cannons...
just kidding...

[Dan-A]

As of now I am home that Saturday. Who is TSO?

The bike is solid in the turns, but consider, telescoping forks, no tele-lever, and a 21" front wheel.

http://www.trans-siberian.com/intro.html

15 semi trucks of light's, lasers, video, sound, set, pyro, robotics, and band gear we're setting up for 69 shows in 65 days in 21 states and 3 provinces.
You let me ride the GS and I'll let you shoot the color flame cannons...
just kidding...

DEAL!

[icecave]

15 semi trucks of light's, lasers, video, sound, set, pyro, robotics, and band gear we're setting up for 69 shows in 65 days in 21 states and 3 provinces.

Interesting how the show can be on both coasts on the same day e.g Seattle and Richmond.

[Lost Rider]

There are two completely separate productions with two identical shows. On 26 of the 66 days we will be both doing 2 shows in one day with a matinée = 4 shows in one day in two time zones.
Right now we are in rehearsals with both stages (east and west coast tours) set up facing each other in an arena. The amount of gear we have and power we use in this room is staggering. (14 - 400amp 208v 3-phase services)
After we start the tour I'll post some photo's in Off Topic. If any members are already planning on going to the show on the west coast send me a PM and maybe I can show you around. I can't help with tickets...






How's that GS Dan?...

I can't wait to get my R dirty again....