Your original idea was to have a second option for touring, besides the 300 L. Now i heard she is going for the big adventures. So cool, can't wait, congrats and have fun, she's a beautiful beast!
Witam. Posiadam GS 1200 wersja rally z 2012r i zamontowałem w nim najwyższą półkę amortyzatorów touratecha trackactive, mam obecnie przejechane około 4-5 tys. kilometrów i każdy następny utwierdził mnie że zmiana jest kolosalna. Po pierwsze wzrosła pewność jazdy w terenie oraz na szosie po drugie czuć że możliwości zawieszenia znacznie przewyższają te standartowe choć nie wielu wie że stare zawieszenie pochodzi od producenta WP. Następną sprawą jest długi okres oczekiwania na towar ale za to nie trzeba nic w komputerze przeprogramowywać i na montaż trzeba zarezerwować 1-2 dni czasu. Sam stałem przed tym pytaniem 4 miesiące temu i teraz mogę potwierdzić że warto. Pozdrawiam z Polski Jacek
Dziękuję za komentarz. Właśnie taką opinię chciałem usłyszeć. Rozumiem, że na dostawę amortyzatorów upłynie okres oczekiwania i jestem przygotowany na to, aby otrzymać rower i zawieszenie, jakie chcę.
@@ShonkyProductions Na amortyzatory czekałem około 3 miesięcy ( jestem ciekaw czy zapytają Cię czy do tak starego motocykla jesteś pewien że chcesz kupić), przygotuj się również na rozpinanie z przodu televera. Na koniec mogę jeszcze wspomnieć że według mnie zawieszenie touratecha jest lepsze od ohlinsa ( sprawdzałem na moto z 90 tys. przebiegu) gdyż jest to zdecydowanie nowsza konstrukcja technologiczna.
Well, Shonky, it's all your fault I've bought an "adventure" bike; you and all the other ootoober's; after 40 yrs of no motorbikes at all so it's only right that you spend thousands on suspension. 😂😂😂 Besides that, if you're keeping the BMW for a few years, change the suspension. I followed your 300 Rally videos especially the big bore and cams with great interest. So I bought a 2013 Ninja 300 in March to relearn riding and 2 weeks ago a Versys 300. I'm 67yo and have to do it while I can. A bigger bike/s will come later for off tarmac and highway touring. Loving it.
Well, that's one argument I didn't consider. Now you've guilted me into new suspension. Congratulations on getting into adventure riding, you're never too old. 👍
If you have the money do it. I have an old 2007 r1200gs and I’m contemplating the same thing. Or just trade it in for a husky 901 expedition. I fitted hyperpro progressive springs.
Mate go with the moto scan application as it is better than the 911, used both. The moto scan option has a few more features and cheaper. If you change the suspension go with Wilbers from Suspension R US, 5 year warranty and totally serviceable.
Thanks. The build is actually pretty simple now I know what's involved. The hard part was figuring out what screen/fairing to use. It's almost just bolt on, except for the rally tower support bracket that I welded to the front subframe. I could build another one in a few days if I had all the parts. Maybe "Shonky Custom Motorcycles" could provide conversion services...?
@@ShonkyProductions it's the first BMW boxer you've ridden? They're pretty nice. Should I do a dirt bike conversion on my 1995 R1100RT (owned from new)?
@@ShonkyProductions ahh probably nothing ... I like the RT the way it is. It's fine on gravel roads (I live on one) and putting around on farm tracks and paddocks from time to time. I do wonder about replacing the stock shocks (which have 130k km on them) and wonder whether it's possible to increase the travel somehow.
Thanks, and good questions. 1. I don't see any issues with the 21 inch wheel as it is an option on other BMW bikes (and lots of other adventure bikes) and runs road legal tyre. 2. My low beam has a good "cut off" so it doesn't blind other drivers. That means the light is focused down at the road ahead and doesn't "spill out" into the eyes of on coming drivers. High beam is a spot light that punches straight out. Hopefully, with low beam not annoying oncoming traffic, I'll never have to have a conversation with police about the legality of them. But.... The lights are sold for use on road. Low beam anyway.
Sean the suspension upgrade is clearly an essential safety upgrade and you would be irresponsible not to do it. Plus if you don't now you will eventually do it anyway, as the bike will always seem incomplete.
Suspension Wise- take it out and see how it goes in the out back, you can always spend the money later. At 227 KG's that is one heavy beastie. I don't get the obsession with having a heavy Adventure Bike if you are planning a lot of off road and desert type riding. Weight makes it tiring on you. I rode an XR600 RK for 32 years in bush and single track and that was 127 KG with the 10.5 L tank and when you tipped it over you felt every bit of that , add another 100 KG and I reckon that would prevent you from enjoying the more challenging single track and bush. but for long highway I could see how the heavy weight would make it more stable at speed.
I understand what you are saying, but the suspension is already bottoming out and harsher than I would like. I wouldn't want to hit a big hole on a high speed outback road and have a big incident just to prove what I already know. And this bike will be used for adventure touring with off road, but not single track... hopefully. I have another bike as a lightweight Adventure bike for more off-road focused rides.
As the owner of a 2007 1200 GS with the Tracktive upgrade: it's a very nice change, but a bit pricey. I am concerned over the lack of protection for the cylinder heads. As much as I drop mine, I would have destroyed mine multiple times without the lower crash bars. 😅
But it's just the valve cover, right? Or at least it is on my 1100. They're cheaper than crash bars. Ask me how I know.... It does potentially immobilise you if you grind through one and leave it exposed though I imagine you could bodge it in the field.
No, the CRF 300 Rally will be staying. The BMW will be for adventure touring not so much adventure exploring or harder tracks. I have a Mid North Coast exploration ride coming up in a few weeks and I'll be using the CRF for that.
Great video! Can you share where you got your new wheels from and what was involved in doing the wheel changeover, I have the same model bike. Cheers, Alex
Hi Alex, the 21 inch wheel is simply bolt on. I did slide the forks through the bottom triple clamp a little further for more clearance and added a KTM front guard. Woodies Wheel Works in the USA are an option, but I got mine from a bike shop on Queensland, Australia. JRE Motorcycle Accessories. Talk to Jon and tell him Sean sent you.
She's a lot of bike but you're a good strong lad who has others w/ you most the time..... lol, and you're accomplished more than enough but even you will tire of picking her up in you get into that area you don't expect. I hope you never do & I'm no expert but I say these based on my own lack of experience. That said, I like the bike..... how's that? peace man
I'm still saving for a bike & my answer to these heavy arse'd bikes would be to carry a ratchet strap & tiny pulley to grab to any tree or strong place to help hoist. No, I've never seen this done but I do know there are powerful small pulley's & thin line that can pick a bike up out of the mud, if ya have a tree or higher spot to hook into. I do believe I'd carry something like it along w/ an extra tube & basic tools. Especially if I were out more than 1 day from help. I've just thought of this as I type back to you but I know there are small devices to pull heavy things up in certain situations & I think I'm going to find one. Thanks, you sparked the idea & it may prove valuable.
I did think of that, and it may happen in the future. But it would be a complex operation and the low front fender is hiding the fork brace that the Tele-lever attaches too.
@@ShonkyProductions keep with the low mudgard.. its not a dual sport.. its an all terrain tourer.. now known as a standup "Adaventure" bike 🤧 .. high guards on paved or gravel wet roads for hundreds of miles is 😵😨😤 .. genZ riders.. i wont call them bikers.. can't grasp the concept of adventuring.. vs offroad - dual sport
Has the CRF become the first born in this family? All attention on its newborn sibling? 🤣 Seriously though, what is the fate of the CRF now that it's yesterdays news? As for the suspension question - you mind's already made up. You're getting it. Justify it to yourself by saying that even if you bought a new bike you'd probably be doing a suspension upgrade anyway... at least that's what I'd tell myself... 😉
@@2000jago the CRF300 Rally is staying to perform its intended role... A lightweight adventure bike. Heading out on it in a couple of weeks to explore the Mid-North coast. And suspension... It's very close to being decided.
@@thebudgetadventurer1879 yes, I could but I went for the Adventure model for it's 33L fuel capacity. Don't need to fill it up for every ride, but when I need it... It's there.
I have a mint condition, last of the 1150GSA’s. Fitted the Tractive suspension to it. Made a massive difference but those bikes were known for there poor OEM shocks. It’s to nice to beat up or butcher, but I have done some long high speed days in the dirt & it is uncanny how good it feels sending it sideways around long open corners. A question for you though is dose your bike have a wet clutch. I know Bemmer did go that way eventually but the dry clutch’s have to be treated with respect. You can burn one up real quick if abused.
Your Tractive suspension sounds just what I'm looking for. Controlled high speed manners. My bike still has the dry clutch, but I am fairly easy on clutches. I don't plan on abusing the clutch too much as I am aware of its vulnerability.
Your original idea was to have a second option for touring, besides the 300 L. Now i heard she is going for the big adventures.
So cool, can't wait, congrats and have fun, she's a beautiful beast!
Yes, the Beast will be going on some big adventures.. but hopefully not too much single track!
Love it. Never thought I would ever even consider a BMW but here I am looking on marketplace
Haha... Sorry about that. You'll need to look past it's stock appearance to see the Beast that lays beneath.
Congratulations on building the prototype BMW Mega Moto Enduro Touring Sports, Love The New Look 👍.
Thanks. I love that name... I'm using it 👍
@@ShonkyProductions Your welcome 😁
Nice video. I've got a 04 GS and am just looking on updating. Now in thinking of trying a 21 inch front wheel on it.
Definitely worth trying if you are wanting to use it more in the dirt.
Good update Sean!
Thanks 👍
Track Active all the way. Working well on my 2018 African Twin.
Total transformed.
Only you know benefits It's going to bring you.
You have to
Thanks, I think that's the feedback I was hoping to get.
Witam. Posiadam GS 1200 wersja rally z 2012r i zamontowałem w nim najwyższą półkę amortyzatorów touratecha trackactive, mam obecnie przejechane około 4-5 tys. kilometrów i każdy następny utwierdził mnie że zmiana jest kolosalna. Po pierwsze wzrosła pewność jazdy w terenie oraz na szosie po drugie czuć że możliwości zawieszenia znacznie przewyższają te standartowe choć nie wielu wie że stare zawieszenie pochodzi od producenta WP. Następną sprawą jest długi okres oczekiwania na towar ale za to nie trzeba nic w komputerze przeprogramowywać i na montaż trzeba zarezerwować 1-2 dni czasu. Sam stałem przed tym pytaniem 4 miesiące temu i teraz mogę potwierdzić że warto. Pozdrawiam z Polski Jacek
Dziękuję za komentarz. Właśnie taką opinię chciałem usłyszeć. Rozumiem, że na dostawę amortyzatorów upłynie okres oczekiwania i jestem przygotowany na to, aby otrzymać rower i zawieszenie, jakie chcę.
@@ShonkyProductions Na amortyzatory czekałem około 3 miesięcy ( jestem ciekaw czy zapytają Cię czy do tak starego motocykla jesteś pewien że chcesz kupić), przygotuj się również na rozpinanie z przodu televera. Na koniec mogę jeszcze wspomnieć że według mnie zawieszenie touratecha jest lepsze od ohlinsa ( sprawdzałem na moto z 90 tys. przebiegu) gdyż jest to zdecydowanie nowsza konstrukcja technologiczna.
Well, Shonky, it's all your fault I've bought an "adventure" bike; you and all the other ootoober's; after 40 yrs of no motorbikes at all so it's only right that you spend thousands on suspension. 😂😂😂 Besides that, if you're keeping the BMW for a few years, change the suspension. I followed your 300 Rally videos especially the big bore and cams with great interest. So I bought a 2013 Ninja 300 in March to relearn riding and 2 weeks ago a Versys 300. I'm 67yo and have to do it while I can. A bigger bike/s will come later for off tarmac and highway touring. Loving it.
Well, that's one argument I didn't consider. Now you've guilted me into new suspension.
Congratulations on getting into adventure riding, you're never too old. 👍
If you have the money do it. I have an old 2007 r1200gs and I’m contemplating the same thing. Or just trade it in for a husky 901 expedition. I fitted hyperpro progressive springs.
Thanks, that's the encouragement I was looking for.
Mate go with the moto scan application as it is better than the 911, used both. The moto scan option has a few more features and cheaper. If you change the suspension go with Wilbers from Suspension R US, 5 year warranty and totally serviceable.
@@robpinter5431 thanks, I was just looking at Moto scan. I'll have a look at wilbers and talk to Suspension R us.
Love this bike. I so want to copy thet build.. Save the 10k and use it for adventures. Rear STD shock isn't bad. Tourtech do alot as well.
Thanks. The build is actually pretty simple now I know what's involved. The hard part was figuring out what screen/fairing to use.
It's almost just bolt on, except for the rally tower support bracket that I welded to the front subframe.
I could build another one in a few days if I had all the parts.
Maybe "Shonky Custom Motorcycles" could provide conversion services...?
GSA turned into a GAS!
It certainly is a GAS to ride!
@@ShonkyProductions it's the first BMW boxer you've ridden? They're pretty nice. Should I do a dirt bike conversion on my 1995 R1100RT (owned from new)?
@@BruceHoult I've had a 1150 gs previously.
What do you have in mind for that conversion?
@@ShonkyProductions ahh probably nothing ... I like the RT the way it is. It's fine on gravel roads (I live on one) and putting around on farm tracks and paddocks from time to time. I do wonder about replacing the stock shocks (which have 130k km on them) and wonder whether it's possible to increase the travel somehow.
@@BruceHoult From what I understand, GSA shocks will increase travel on a GS, maybe on yours too.
I have been considering converting my 2006 gs to 21inch front wheel. Could you let me know where your front mudguard came from
@@terrydrew6245 it's a KTM 1090 front guard, but extensively modified.
Very nice.... few question on legal point of view... 1 are legal on the road the 21 inc wheel and 5he lights? Thanks for the answer
Thanks, and good questions.
1. I don't see any issues with the 21 inch wheel as it is an option on other BMW bikes (and lots of other adventure bikes) and runs road legal tyre.
2. My low beam has a good "cut off" so it doesn't blind other drivers. That means the light is focused down at the road ahead and doesn't "spill out" into the eyes of on coming drivers. High beam is a spot light that punches straight out.
Hopefully, with low beam not annoying oncoming traffic, I'll never have to have a conversation with police about the legality of them.
But.... The lights are sold for use on road. Low beam anyway.
Sean the suspension upgrade is clearly an essential safety upgrade and you would be irresponsible not to do it. Plus if you don't now you will eventually do it anyway, as the bike will always seem incomplete.
Sounds like very wise words. Thanks.
Suspension Wise- take it out and see how it goes in the out back, you can always spend the money later.
At 227 KG's that is one heavy beastie.
I don't get the obsession with having a heavy Adventure Bike if you are planning a lot of off road and desert type riding.
Weight makes it tiring on you. I rode an XR600 RK for 32 years in bush and single track and that was 127 KG with the 10.5 L tank and when you tipped it over you felt every bit of that , add another 100 KG and I reckon that would prevent you from enjoying the more challenging single track and bush. but for long highway I could see how the heavy weight would make it more stable at speed.
I understand what you are saying, but the suspension is already bottoming out and harsher than I would like. I wouldn't want to hit a big hole on a high speed outback road and have a big incident just to prove what I already know.
And this bike will be used for adventure touring with off road, but not single track... hopefully.
I have another bike as a lightweight Adventure bike for more off-road focused rides.
As the owner of a 2007 1200 GS with the Tracktive upgrade: it's a very nice change, but a bit pricey. I am concerned over the lack of protection for the cylinder heads. As much as I drop mine, I would have destroyed mine multiple times without the lower crash bars. 😅
I'd be interested to know which model of tractive shocks you have.
I may upgrade the cylinder head protectors.
@@ShonkyProductions I purchased from Ted Porter and based on his advice, I fitted the excite unit on the front, and the extreme on the rear.
@@chadpowell595 great, thanks
But it's just the valve cover, right? Or at least it is on my 1100. They're cheaper than crash bars. Ask me how I know.... It does potentially immobilise you if you grind through one and leave it exposed though I imagine you could bodge it in the field.
@@BruceHoult yeah, that's my thinking. I carry metal putty.
Where did you get the 21 inch rim from, from what bike?
@@antonvandermerwe3680 I bought a custom made KKE wheel set.
you may have mentioned this in another video but does this replace your CRF? if so, what does the CRF lack that makes you want to run this?
No, the CRF 300 Rally will be staying. The BMW will be for adventure touring not so much adventure exploring or harder tracks.
I have a Mid North Coast exploration ride coming up in a few weeks and I'll be using the CRF for that.
Great video! Can you share where you got your new wheels from and what was involved in doing the wheel changeover, I have the same model bike. Cheers, Alex
Hi Alex, the 21 inch wheel is simply bolt on. I did slide the forks through the bottom triple clamp a little further for more clearance and added a KTM front guard. Woodies Wheel Works in the USA are an option, but I got mine from a bike shop on Queensland, Australia. JRE Motorcycle Accessories. Talk to Jon and tell him Sean sent you.
Thanks Sean, he’s sending me a quote and I’ll go from there, may I ask what size front tyre did you run?
@@alexmorton8659 Pirelli Scorpion Rally Race MST M/C 90/90-21 54R TT Front
Curb weight used to mean something once.. 1/3rd of a tank!
@@Errol.C-nz yes, it's very hard to get a definition of what is "wet weight" is is just oils and coolant, or is it with a full tank of fuel.
Good recap. A 1200 is too much bike for me off road!
Thanks. This bike hides its weight so well once you're moving. Haven't had to pick it up yet....
She's a lot of bike but you're a good strong lad who has others w/ you most the time..... lol, and you're accomplished more than
enough but even you will tire of picking her up in you get into that area you don't expect. I hope you never do & I'm no expert but
I say these based on my own lack of experience. That said, I like the bike..... how's that? peace man
The plan is to keep it out of unpleasant situations... but as you say, there are always things you don't expect.
I'm still saving for a bike & my answer to these heavy arse'd bikes would be to carry a ratchet strap & tiny pulley
to grab to any tree or strong place to help hoist. No, I've never seen this done but I do know there are powerful
small pulley's & thin line that can pick a bike up out of the mud, if ya have a tree or higher spot to hook into. I do
believe I'd carry something like it along w/ an extra tube & basic tools. Especially if I were out more than 1 day
from help. I've just thought of this as I type back to you but I know there are small devices to pull heavy things
up in certain situations & I think I'm going to find one. Thanks, you sparked the idea & it may prove valuable.
@@diggy-d8w that's a great idea.
Get rid of the low front fender & replace it with a conventional high fender if it's possible. Would look like a real dual sport bike!
I did think of that, and it may happen in the future. But it would be a complex operation and the low front fender is hiding the fork brace that the Tele-lever attaches too.
@@ShonkyProductions keep with the low mudgard.. its not a dual sport.. its an all terrain tourer.. now known as a standup "Adaventure" bike 🤧 .. high guards on paved or gravel wet roads for hundreds of miles is 😵😨😤 .. genZ riders.. i wont call them bikers.. can't grasp the concept of adventuring.. vs offroad - dual sport
Hi Sean, did you have a video of the Worthington ride from last week? This is Mark on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
ua-cam.com/video/QyCu14Q3IrE/v-deo.html
James posted it up on the Worthington Facebook page.
I think this should have a NSFW warning given the sounds you're making.
Maybe just stay away from single track and enjoy the bike for what it is for imo - open country 😎
Yes, wise words.
Maybe spend a third of that tractive money locally to have the stock shocks improved for your riding.
That is a good option. I will look into that also.
Has the CRF become the first born in this family? All attention on its newborn sibling? 🤣
Seriously though, what is the fate of the CRF now that it's yesterdays news?
As for the suspension question - you mind's already made up. You're getting it. Justify it to yourself by saying that even if you bought a new bike you'd probably be doing a suspension upgrade anyway... at least that's what I'd tell myself... 😉
@@2000jago the CRF300 Rally is staying to perform its intended role... A lightweight adventure bike. Heading out on it in a couple of weeks to explore the Mid-North coast.
And suspension... It's very close to being decided.
Take your tank back to a GS tank. Loose another 12kg just in fuel.
@@thebudgetadventurer1879 yes, I could but I went for the Adventure model for it's 33L fuel capacity. Don't need to fill it up for every ride, but when I need it... It's there.
@ShonkyProductions I'm looking to convert over to gsa tank on my gs for that reason
I have a mint condition, last of the 1150GSA’s. Fitted the Tractive suspension to it.
Made a massive difference but those bikes were known for there poor OEM shocks.
It’s to nice to beat up or butcher, but I have done some long high speed days in the dirt & it is uncanny how good it feels sending it sideways around long open corners.
A question for you though is dose your bike have a wet clutch. I know Bemmer did go that way eventually but the dry clutch’s have to be treated with respect. You can burn one up real quick if abused.
Your Tractive suspension sounds just what I'm looking for. Controlled high speed manners.
My bike still has the dry clutch, but I am fairly easy on clutches. I don't plan on abusing the clutch too much as I am aware of its vulnerability.
1st!! 🫣