Anyone seen MCN this week....

[MacP]

Big Bike show pull out!

AND!!! on pages 4 & 5 BMW pull out all the stops and launch their new / updated all singing all dancing - lets go round the world - twice - 1200 GS Adventure!

I know it's a GS and build quality may be a bit suspect - but it does look fantastic (and expensive...)

What makes me laugh is that Honda seem content to leave BMW and KTM to this part of the market.

I can't help feeling Honda are missing a trick here by not having a newer @ style bike to compete - I know this subject has been done over and over again but it's crazy!

Then again they could surprise us all yet...

[Whealie]

According to the stats at http://www.mcia.co.uk/_Attachments/382_101CMS.pdf adventure bikes are the fifth biggest selling category in the UK (and nearly fourth). Honda's 125 Varadero is in the top five but that's all. BM has the GS and the Adventure in there, with Suzuki's VA-Strom and Triumph's Tiger. So yes, Honda is missing out.
Whealie

[icenian]

http://www.insidebikes.com/news/arch...ls.asp?id=4217

[Chad]

i totally agree honda either seem very complacent or have somthing up their sleve though all the signs are not pointing to the latter. the BM does look good and im sure it does what it says on the tin . but and its a big but £9500 before add ons . i cant ever see me being able to afford one
ive never spent more than £2700 on a bike all the usual luggage see's to that

[LaughingBob]

It may look the business but, personally I wouldn't want to do a long overland trip on one without a a Motorad mechanic and diagnostic computer in a back-up truck following me. My 12GS had a problem with the ignition and it still took two weeks to sort out at a main dealer. There have been loads of well documented mechanical and electrical problems with the bike on UKGSer. The problem with BMW is that they let the customer do their development and testing. Honda will have already seen there's a market and will have plans to bring out a lighter version of the Varadero, I'd put money on it. I'd also bet it has shaft drive. It maybe late arriving but, when it does appear a least it should be built properly LB.

[MacP]

I hope so LB! I've only had my @ for a little while but it is a fantastic bike - does everything I need it to and some!

In fact I'd be lost without it now - Saying that I've been lost on it already but that's another story...

[LaughingBob]

Just had a look over on www.ukgser.com and there are some stunning pictures of the Adventure. Having slagged BMW off, it'll take alot of willpower not to phone Wollaston BMW at 0900 and put a deposit down! What worse is I have tikets for trade day at the bike show today so in a few hours I will be looking at one in the metal! Still I have a mobile with me, so I can phone them from there..... Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Help me somebody..................

[MacP]

That's not fair! I have to wait until next Friday and by then the place will be in a right state all the new bikes will be covered in drool! Have fun at the show - let me know what you think of the new CCM!

[Simon]

can one of you guys or all of you who are going, take lots of pictures as i won't be there but would love to be.

Must say those pictures of the new GS1200 Adv are class. Couldn't justify the money though. i would rather have 3 or 4 bikes than one really expensive one.

[jvaughan]

Looks the buisness but I like the bullet proof reliability of the AT.

this bit was interesting though ...

"Long Way Round adventurer Charley Boorman is currently training for his next motorcycle challenge – competing in the gruelling 2006 Telefónica Dakar Rally – on a BMW F650 GS Dakar alongside BMW Off-Road Skills Instructor and experienced Dakar competitor Simon Pavey, and accomplished enduro rider Matt Hall. Visitors will be able to meet Charley on the stand during the first weekend of the show where he will sign autographs and pose for photographs."