Stevens wrote:i'd like to know more. i'm addicted to dirt, but the KTM640ADV seat is too small for a pillion rider.
i'll send a PM in a few days, unless you beat me to it.
Stevens
Well, what do you want to know? I took my old R1100GS on a KTM Offroad Adventure course, as a new-to-dirt rider, and by the end of the last day either the guys on 640's were wearing out or I was getting better. And before I get flamed, the 640 is a great bike off road. The Big Pig can be if it's strengths are exploited and it's limitations are understood.
The R1200GS is a lot better in the dirt; this one has also completed a few KTM and BMW courses. It's remarkably survivable from being dropped - this bike has been on it's side in the dirt - although you couldn't tell by looking at it. When it touches down it rests solely on the engine protection - the plastics don't touch. It also keeps the bike at a fairly manageable angle for righting - around 25 or so degrees, and makes it less of a deadlift. Combined with the low center of gravity the bike feels about the same as a 640 to right.
If I wasn't dying to race RallyMoto I'd likely keep it, but I need to pay for a wedding in July and this bike would not be the bike to compete against a fleet of 500cc KTM's. It's been great for dual-sport rides (ride to the ride, swap wheels out ~15 minutes, ride the ride, camp, swap wheels out, ride home), and always brings a smile to the hardcore dudes when they see it in their mirrors.
2-up is a dream on this bike, the frame is stiff, the suspension is tight, and shy of throwing an NFL center on the pillion seat you should be fine. Until recently this was my work vehicle, and I'd probably deliver 2-4 PC's daily (the Jesse's are big enough to lock closed with a mini-tower in each side). The biggest load, I removed the top case, strapped the monitors (19" LCD's in boxes), and put the PC's in the side bags (Lenovo slim-profiles towers), and safely and easily delivered an entire office's IT - 4 PC's, with peripherals, power cables, router, etc. from Bethesda to Alexandria. The bike could easily handle a two up trip from here to Russia with everything you'd need.
Mechanically the bike is perfect.
Maintenance wise, I've done everything but the warranty work:
- camshaft tensioner cap leak
I'm an experienced mechanic, no certifications but I worked at Battley Cycle in Rockville (Authorized BMW Service/Dealer) and I'm no casual wrencher. All work was done according to the official BMW Service DVD-ROM (which is unofficially included), and I'm crazy about the use of a torque wrench. Mine are almost worn out.
Feel free to call me with any questions, or to stop by and check it out. 3 oh 1-678-32 eight 2
