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BMW R 1250 RS vs. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX | Comparison Test

> The sport-touring class of motorcycles was once robust, with manufacturers offering a variety of touring bikes that were faster and more agile than yachts like the Gold Wing and Road Glide. But then the adventure-bike segment flourished when long-haul riders learned to appreciate the sporting...

www.roadrunner.travel

 

What would that be like to filter through traffic into the city?

 

Mark down what you need in a Bike vs what you want. Then go ride as many things as you can that fill your criteria with whatever compromise works for you.

Sticking with BMW, aside from the GS range you got the normal R series, from the naked series, to the partially faired and fully faired versions too.

Oh, and the Multistrada - you'll have to carry the rear wheel nut with you - or go to a dealer. If the tyre needs removing for a new tyre, or to check & properly repair a puncutre, no one has the right size large nut (usually). A friend found that out when away on his, many miles from home in a fairly remote part of the UK.

 

ill definitely do this, getting what you want/need/makes you a little excited everyday is a challenge and a half!

 

I have been happy with my 2016 BMW R1200RS and I understand that the 1250 models are even better. There have been almost no reliability issues mentioned on the RS forum.

 

Do you commute on the bike? If so it’s it easily manoeuvrable through traffic? I understand it’s quite a bit heavier than the f800v

 

I bought my RS long after I retired so I don't commute on it. But the RS is really great on the open freeway and does well on back roads. However the bike does weight 550 pounds, so I wouldn't exactly call it flickable.

 

a friend of mine has the 1250 RS, he is happy with the choice.

You just have to enjoy the search.
I really like this: Triumph Tiger Sport 660

 

Much depends on if you have to buy "new", or if you can live with slightly used.

Personally, I look at most of the newer bikes and they don't fill my needs as well as the F800GT does. Unlike cars, you can generally find slightly used motorcycles for half the price of a new bike. My 2014 GT has 94,000 miles on it, and runs like new. If something happens to it...I'll just look for another.

Chris

 

I also find my FGT perfect, difficult to replace..

 

I've used mine for commuting before I retired. When I retired, I told my wife that I may find on my post-retirement ride that the bike wasn't what I was looking for. (I had my eye on the R1200RS.) But all the way through that ride that covered almost every state west of the Continental Divide, I never wished for anything more. In fact, I was amazed at how well it did everything.

I've ridden the RS and the RT. While riding them, I couldn't help but think about what I'd have to add to the bike to get it up to the level of my GT...and how much that would cost. And I really don't want the extra weight either of them bring.

Just because the newer bikes are new...doesn't mean they are better. I'd have to spend about $12K to get a new bike to do what my 2014 F800GT does today. I can...but that seems kind of dumb.

Chris

 

If you like the way the GT handles you should test an R1200 or R1250 RS. The big boxer has a lot more torque to go along with it's weight, but it's very well balanced, like the GT.

 

I did Jeff. My dealer was looking to put some miles on his new bikes so he could discount them as "demo" bikes and get the price competitive. So when I would go in for a tire change, they'd let me take the bikes out. I did a two hour test ride on the RS twice, and a two hour test ride on the RT once. (I ride a lot of miles and go through a lot of tires.)

The RS was great and if I was closer to 6 ft, I'd probably have gone for that. I'm short though, so while I could fit on the RS or RT, the GT fits just right with the lowered foot pegs and handlebar risers.

The electronic wizardry on both bikes is cool...but it didn't thrill me. The Dynamic ride mode on the RS seemed like it made the bike's ride way too rough. I preferred the ride on the GT. The RT's suspension felt disconnected and vague to me. I didn't find it confidence inspiring. I could get used to it, but I didn't care to. I took both bikes out to a really twisty section of road in the area to have something comparable. The RS did well...but in the end, I wondered how much better it was than my GT? In other words, though it had the more sophisticated suspension, it didn't feel any better or faster on those corners than my unsophisticated GT. The only way to really make a valid comparison would've been to make a timing run of each bike. And it seemed the unsophisticated GT might just beat both.

The RT had a great cockpit with the adjustable windshield. The RT's windshield felt great for wind management...but no better than I already had on the GT with an 18" Madstad windshield. And since I didn't think I'd be constantly adjusting the windshield up and down...that wasn't a big advantage.

In the end, that's why there are so many different bikes out there. For me, the GT ticks all the boxes. If I hadn't already had the GT, I could easily see myself on an RS. It's like the big brother to the GT in many ways. And the RS and other bikes like them...they are there for other people, just not me.

Chris

 

I haven't replaced My F800S (its still in the garage resting) but I have added a previously enjoyed Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro.
Its a very different bike to the F800s. I don't commute any more so I was able to get my next bike as more a tourer.
So the Tiger has panniers and is a more comfortable riding position.
After riding the Tiger the F800 feels small and cramped but the F800 is so much more flickable around.

 

I agree, my GT is quicker from side to side than the RS I rode. I like the brake feel on the GT better than the RS as well. I haven't ridden an RT yet, maybe I should once winter is over.

I really like my GT and find it to be a very good fit for me and my riding preferences. Here in Minnesota it's too cold and slippery to ride right now, so I sometimes wonder what the next bike will be.

Thanks for your insight on the RS and RT.

 

Having ridden a larger opposed twin before I bought (used) my 2014 GT, my thought is it is too big, too tall and too heavy. I believe the larger BMW loses out in comparison, at least if one references the 2014 Michigan State Police testing. The F800GT is faster, stops more quickly and corners better than its big brother. The larger opposed twin does accelerate slightly faster than the F800, but we're talking tenths of a second.

My next bike will be smaller not larger. I am looking at the BMW G310R, or if BMW decides to bring it to the U.S., the G310RR. The G310RR, at about 375 pounds, is 100 pounds lighter than the GT. It will go 100mph and has all the moderen safety features, ABS and an assist/slipper clutch, riding modes, etc. I would miss my F800 heated grips, but they are available after market.

These days, the small bikes are amazing. Look what Itchy Boots does with her 300 Honda, which is actually 286 cc. Not that I have any plans to ride off road, but just an example.

 

My next bike will be smaller not larger. I am looking at the BMW G310R, or if BMW decides to bring it to the U.S., the G310RR. The G310RR, at about 375 pounds, is 100 pounds lighter than the GT. It will go 100mph and has all the moderen safety features, ABS and an assist/slipper clutch, riding modes, etc. I would miss my F800 heated grips, but they are available after market.

I'm a fan of smaller displacement bikes as well. I have a 2018 G310GS that I picked up last fall. It's quite buzzy at speeds over 65 mph and makes my hands and feet tingle. Below 65 though, it's smooth enough to ride all day comfortably.

 

I'm going to retire next year, I really like the RS1200 and I wanted to give myself this gift, but I won't, my poor knee has many problems, so why a heavier bike?
I love my FGT, I chose this bike after a lot of research, it's perfect!
With a friend who has an old Guzzi 350 we travel once a year for three/four days without problems, just slower...but it's nice even like this!
P.S. This conclusion I came to also thanks to this wonderful forum…

 

My KTM 390 Duke is also pretty impressive. It has plenty of power and will cruise easily at 80 mph, where it is quite smooth. However, it doesn't like to run below 4K rpm and will surge and vibrate below that engine speed. But above 4K it really takes off and you can't beat its 5" full color TFT display in its displacement range. Plus, moving between various layers of programming is very easy, quick, and intuitive. The retail cost of the bike is about the same as the G310GS, but I will admit that BMW has better and more knowledgeable dealers and service technicians in my opinion. I have weighed my bike and it weighs an actual 380 pounds with a full tank of gas.

 

Check out the Yamaha Tracer 9GT sport. Seems like the perfect package to me. Everything you could want in a bike at a reasonable price.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

Yamaha Tracer 9GT sport. Approx $16K plus accessories, taxes and any other fee the dealer can find.
F800GT with low miles approx $7-8K.

What would the additional $8K on the Tracer get you over a GT? Likewise, what could someone do with the $8K?

 

Yamaha Tracer 9GT sport. Approx $16K plus accessories, taxes and any other fee the dealer can find.
F800GT with low miles approx $7-8K

There are half a dozen one year old F9 GT for sale here with 2-8K miles on them for $10-12K. That bike is superior to the F800GT in almost every measurable way. Electronics, comfort, safety, performance, etc. Mileage is about the only category the F800 can beat it in, and even then, not by much. My plan is to wait a couple more years and pick up a low mileage one for about $8K. That's what I paid for my used F800ST back in 2013.

 

I'd get on riders-share.com or twistedroads.com and rent a bike you're thinking about for a week or at least a few days to see what the fit is like for what you do on a bike. I'm in the same boat, been trying to talk myself into the S1000XR but when I have moments of clarity on it I think it is something I'd buy, run for a year or two, and go back to the F800ST. Only real way to tell is to rent it for a week and get a feel for it sans excitement from being on a different bike.

If you live in the US and get on US freeways for the commute the G310GS is out. It is a party and wholly unsuitable for freeway speeds.

 

I took my bike to BMW for a service and prebooked an s1000XR as a demo bike whilst they had mine. I am looking to change from the f800gt this year or at a push next, I had my eye on the s1000xr or the Ducati multistrada.
Test rode the s1000xr, what a beast! A totally different bike and power in bucket loads, but it’s not the bike for me, too revvy in the lower gears and when tested for the commute (I ride everyday to work into the city) it’s just too big to filter safely as the handle bars and wing mirrors are at the same height as cars and vans wing mirrors. It’s also quite uncomfortable on the inner thigh when you have to stop and put feet down as the seat is so wide and flat.
I’m guessing as I haven’t tried it yet but the multi will be the same?
So folks where do I go next!? I can’t stand the look of the 900xr and don’t fancy anything GS,
Tbh I’m really gutted as I thought I would have an exiting time choosing between the multi and the s1000xr but feel a little lost in it all now…..

Not sure your size, Ducati Multistrada is a Tall bike! Beautiful bike, Power, ride top notch bike.
Having a Dealership to help maintain the bike is key to owning any Ducati! Maintenance cost are probably in the Top three.
Sounds like you want a Naked bike? With power to let it rip on the back roads after a long day at work.
Enjoy your search.

 

Here is my .01$ no one asked for. Take it for what it is worth.
One thing that no-one has mentioned is, with most of those bikes, chain maintenance. As we get older, unless you are lucky enough to have a lift and are not on a trip, you will be down on your knees mucking with that blasted chain. Get home from a 200-300 mile day ride, wipe down the rear wheel and the luggage, if you have it, then spray the chain, and probably half the wheel you just cleaned, with the chain lube of choice. Next ride, clean everything again but now also clean the chain, with kerosene, then spray with lube. Now on a trip you need to carry chain lube AND something to clean the chain with or risk pissing off the maids at the motel or pack it out, if camping. On a longer trip you may need to adjust the chain. In 25-30K miles you'll need a new chain and sprockets,or sooner if you were lazy about chain maintenance, if you can't or don't want to get down on your knees to do it than you're paying a shop to do it. ETC, ETC, ETC. The cost of all that chain cleaning supplies and lube adds up also. The biggest reason I choose the ST/GT is the rubber band drive. Why don't all motorcycle manufacture do this? Chains suck. If an electric motorcycle, that puts out goobs (tech term) toque can run a rubberband most ICE motorcycle surly can use one instead of a chain. I'm 64 and have been on multiple chain driven motorcycle since I was 17 and I have also tried multiple chain lube systems. They suck almost as much as chain cleaning and lube. They did a great job of lubing the wheel and the bottom of the luggage along with the chain! In 2019 I got my GT used with 7K on the clock for 6500$USD, it now has 26K on it. I don't have room for a lift and on a trip of more than 2 days you'll be down on the tarmac or, god forbid, gravel: on your knees screwing with that chain...........yeah I really do not like chains. When I get home from a day ride, or at end of the day on a trip, I give the GT a stroke along the upper fairing and a pat then thank her for keeping me safe all day. I wipe the bugs off her, if it's summer, then I go on about the rest of my night thanking mother nature I no longer have to deal with a chain at the end of the day when I'm tired and so are my back and knees.
Just something else to consider.

P.S. A lot of those new fangled motorcycles don't have, nor can one be added, a center stand. Think how much fun being on the chain gang will be these days without one.
Have the best rest of the day you can,
James.

 

Here is my .01$ no one asked for. Take it for what it is worth.
One thing that no-one has mentioned is, with most of those bikes, chain maintenance.

My GT was bought for commuting, OK unforeseen circumstances (COVID and the fall out were we are all working from home) has meant the bike gets a lot less use now than it did in the first 12 month ownership however I would really not want to revert to a chain driven bike, it would either be belt (not a lot of choice if you don't want a Harley), shaft (plenty from BMW but all are bigger than I want) I've even considered the possibility of belt conversion, (kits available for a small number of bikes but I've also got lathe/milling machine in the workshop and an engineering background so a possibility of converting something to fit another bike but a lot of work) so until the GT gets to the point of being too unreliable for the handful of outings to the office each year I'll be sticking with it.

 

Hi boys. In the same boat as many of you in a way. 2016 F800GT with only 25,000km, sorted the engine/breathlessness/vibes with Dyno-tuning and Power Commander - such a great bike about to be made better with Cogent DDC valves about to be dropped into the front.
BUT
Even with 20mm bar risers I am finding my wrists are suffering on long rides - I can’t get a refund on my arthritis unfortunately.
SO
When I recently sold my DR650 here in Australia, I got silly money for it. For an additional $1500 I have a new Honda CB500X on order with a new front fork/ brake setup that people are raving about. The added extras I want will probably be another $1500 and I will have a very sweet handling bullet-proof bike with some potential for dirt roads (lots in Australia) - sure, no real fancy tech other than ABS (other electronics can just add complexity for a smaller bike) . My right hand is still pretty good traction control. I can chat to my dyno man about a bit more power.

For less than a GS etc I will have two sweet bikes and maybe one day my F800GT will become a collectors item - approaching 70 years - no complaints.

 

Unfortunately, it seems as if BMW has given up on belt drive and their new GS and performance models are going all chain-drive, with shaft drive for the boxers and touring bikes. I bet it had something to do with manufacturing costs.

I really like the belt drive on my Zero electric motorcycle. No problems, no adjustments, no maintenance and a clean rear wheel.

 

Review of the kawi 1000sx after 1 yr and 8k miles.
Not mine. I own 2016 F8GT with 26K miles that I put 20k of on.
Interesting view on not having a centerstand nor one being able to be equipped.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Wrap-Up Review

The Ninja wins on paper, but in reality I’m not so sure… So; the Ninja has been sold. I’m forever shopping for new bikes, but don’t actually take the plunge and buy one all …

boymeetsbike.com

Enjoy,
James.

 

Great honest review. Just because something is "new", doesn't mean it is better. Sometimes the engineers behind the scenes...who do not ride motorcycles...make design choices they wouldn't make if they actually rode what they are designing.

Chris