GS is almost stock. Accessories on the bike as of now are - lower crash guard, headlight protector, fork sliders, shaft slider (all from SW Motech) and TFT guard (from BMW).

BHPian prasanna_indaje recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Motorcycles double the enjoyment quotient of any journey. But, they are also a trap. More one tries to come out, the more one gets sucked into it unknowingly.

I started doubling the enjoyment quotient of my journeys in 2013, with a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. While it doubled the enjoyment, it also doubled the worries of being stranded on a lonely highway. However, it took us to Leh and back successfully, with some drama and struggle !

Sold the Thunderbird off in 2017 and thought that's the end of motorcycling for me !

But, NO. I was slowly getting sucked into the art of motorcycling deeper and deeper.

Years rolled and we were in 2021, and the lust for a motorcycle slowly started creeping in. Started search for a pre-owned motorcycle and ended here 

Tiger 800 XRx introduced me into the world of reliable touring with the bonus of agility, comfort and safety. It stayed with me for slightly more than a year and ~6000 kilometres.

Sold the Tiger off in mid 2022 and thought that's the real end of motorcycling for me !

But, I proved myself wrong faster this time. It was mid 2023 and I already had a booking for a Duke 390 Adventure in hand. Further analysis and company of good biker friends led me to JSP Motorrad and there was no turning back !!!

An auspicious day in November 2023 saw us taking delivery of our GS 1250 and riding 380 kilometres back home !

The first ride was, of course, home. But, this time, home was 380 kilometres away!

We took an early morning flight to Bangalore. Reached JSP around 10 AM, after a quick detour to Malleshwaram for breakfast at Veena Stores.

All requested accessories were fitted well in advance and the bike was ready for delivery when we reached JSP. Delivery formalities were completed by noon and we started our maiden ride on this motorcycle. Managing the motorcycle of this size with a pillion rider in streets of Koramangala bustling with mid-day traffic (all-day traffic, rather) was a task.

Took E-City flyover and then NICE road to exit out of Bangalore and the GS started growing on to us by the time we covered our first 100 kilometres. Initial 'psychological' feeling of difficulty in riding vanished and things started feeling natural.

My wife voted the pillion seat as best in comfort (compared to Tiger 800 and TB 500 that we have used in the past). Kept pace below 3 digits and reached MTR near Yediyur by 2.30 for lunch !

After a good 'full' meal, we continued our journey and stopped again at Sakleshpura for some rest and refreshments. It was almost dark by the time we started from there and the remaining 3 hours of the ride home was a test for the lights and suspension. While the suspension was excellent, I felt the need for a good pair of auxiliary lights for any night rides in future.

We reached home at around 9 PM.

Took the GS to nearby temple and prayed god to bless us in abundance.

The motorcycle is an attention seeker ! A group of enthusiasts will surround it within 5 minutes of parking it, anywhere.

There was a small group of people armed with questions by the time we finished formalities inside the temple and came out. Completed the pooje, answered all questions and returned home.

Service intervals for GS are very simple : First one at 1000 kms (or 30 days) , second one at 10000 kms (or a year) and thereafter at every 10000 kms interval (or every year). To keep things further simple, there are no 'free' services.

Odometer reached the 600 kms mark by the time I finished a couple of short spins and the motorcycle was ready for first service. Rode the motorcycle to JSP Bangalore on a Friday morning and left there for first service with odometer hovering around 950 kms.

Ride took about 6 hours. Had a couple of pit-stops for breakfast and some fresh tender coconuts.

Had to ride inside the city for about an hour and the heat was very manageable and so was the ride and handling. Collected the bike next day from JSP and the cost was around 9500 rupees. Included oil and oil filter change.

JSP had apparel and riding gear on sale and I picked up GS Adrar riding jacket at a little over 30% discount. This jacket has excellent fit and finish compared to my old Alpinestars. And also better ventilation.

Started from JSP by 11.30 AM, navigated out of Bangalore via Electronic City flyover and NICE road.

Reached first 1000 kms mark on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Followed by stupendous lunch at MTR

And a pitstop for tender coconut water.

Reached home around 7 PM.

I love good food. Saw a video featuring Annapoorna Restaurant in Coimbatore a few years ago while casually browsing YouTube.

This video made such an impact on my palate that I decided to visit this restaurant sometime in future.

Years rolled by and now that I had a good means of munching miles, I decided to do a solo ride to Coimbatore, just to taste the vegetarian food options and to visit G D Naidu museum. Planned to travel during the Christmas weekend and booked accommodation in advance.

Day 1

Started early on Saturday, the 23rd of Dec, and stopped at a small hotel, Prakash, on Mangalore - Mysore highway, near Sampaje. This hotel serves simple and homely South Indian breakfast and my choice of the day was, no prizes for guessing, a plate of idlis.

Continued my ride after breakfast and it was fun to ride through Sampaje ghat and gain altitude. Reached Madikeri in no time and continued towards Mysore. Its is from here the long weekend traffic started showing its true colours. Had to encounter 2-3 lanes of oncoming traffic of 4 wheelers from the opposite side, on a 2 lane road. Managed to filter out slowly and crossed Mysore around 12 noon and stopped on the outskirts for some tender coconut water.

Continued my ride towards Nanjangudu, Chamaraja Nagara, Dhimbam Ghat and Coimbatore. Reached Coimbatore by 6 and checked into the hotel. Selecting dinner venue was very simple.Annalakshmi next to my place of stay was the default choice !

Dinner consisted of some free munchies, rasam vada and a super sized masale dose.

Dose was irresistible, and I remembered to take photograph only after nibbling a corner !

Day 2

First stop of the day was Annapoorna. And the breakfast lived upto the expectations. Sambar - Vada, Sambar - Idli and ghee roast masala dose made up my breakfast, along with filter coffee which carried its own calibre !

Continue reading BHPian prassana_indaje's report on his BMW R1250 GS for more insights and information.

The ride was something I had been looking forward to and preparing for a long time, and this sudden setback was indeed a shock.

BHPian praruaaa4 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

As I was preparing for an extreme ride that would cover 7000 kilometers, a mix of both perfect asphalt and extreme off-road terrains, the anticipation was high, but little did I know that a surprise was waiting for me.

The Unexpected Hurdle

Just when I was gearing up for the ride, I encountered an unexpected hurdle. The front ESA strut (Telelever front suspension) of my bike developed a leak. With only 20 days left for the trip, procuring the part on time turned into a stressful race against the clock. The ride was something I had been looking forward to and preparing for a long time, and this sudden setback was indeed a shock.

Fortunately, the required part was already in transit from BMW Germany. A rush order was created to expedite the process. The wait was nerve-wracking, but luck was on my side. The part arrived exactly 6 days before the start of the trip.

The Relief

The new part was promptly installed, replacing the faulty one. Thanks to the extended warranty from BMW, the replacement was covered under warranty. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

With the major issue resolved, I decided to go a step further to ensure my bike was in perfect condition for the tough journey ahead. I opted for a full annual service for my bike. The service cost me Rs. 17184/-, which included an oil change and air filter replacement.

Ready to Roll

With all hurdles crossed and my bike in top-notch condition, I am now all set for the ride. It’s going to be challenging, but with my trusty bike by my side, I’m ready to conquer both perfect asphalt and extreme off-road terrains covering 11 States, 1 Union Territory and 1 country (Nepal). I will write a separate post regarding the trip.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

It has exceeded my expectations in every possible way. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a versatile, comfortable & capable motorcycle.

BHPian praruaaa4 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My Bikes Over the Years

A small brief journey through my Two-Wheel World

Coming from a transportation business background, riding a bike is not just a mode of transportation for me, it's a passion that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I have had the privilege of riding some amazing bikes, each of which holds a special place in my heart. My journey through the two-wheel world and an introduction to the bikes I have owned and ridden over the years.

My First Bike: Yamaha RXG

The first bike I ever rode was a Yamaha RXG, and I still remember the thrill and excitement of my first ride. This was during my school days and this bike introduced me to the world of motorcycling and gave me a taste of the freedom that comes with cruising on two wheels. Yamaha RXG was the perfect starting point for me. I learned how to handle the motorcycle, control its speed, and most importantly, develop my passion for riding.

RX135: A Step Up

The next upgrade was a Yamaha RX135 as my dad was also a bike rider and loved Yamaha and Royal Enfield brands. This bike was more powerful and faster, which made it more exciting to ride. The RX135 was a great bike to learn on, as it was still relatively easy to handle and provided a more exhilarating riding experience.

Bajaj Pulsar 150: A Game Changer

The next bike I owned was the Bajaj Pulsar 150 which was used for my college commute and it was a game changer for me. This bike was the first bike I owned that was truly my own, and it was an incredible feeling to have complete control over a motorcycle. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 was a reliable bike, and it gave me the confidence to take on longer rides and more challenging terrain. This bike was my faithful companion for many years, and it will always hold a special place in my heart as this was the bike I rode for both my UG and PG college days.

Bajaj Avenger 180: A Cruiser

While I had the Pulsar 150, Dad decided to try something different and purchased a Bajaj Avenger 180. This bike was a cruiser, and it was a completely different riding experience. The Bajaj Avenger 180 was much more relaxed and comfortable to ride. I loved the laid-back feel of this bike, and it became my go-to for weekend rides in home town whenever I came home from Hostel.

Yamaha R15: A Sport Bike

After a few years of cruising, I decided to try my hand at a sport bike, and I purchased a Yamaha R15. This bike was unlike anything I had ever ridden before, and it was an incredible experience. The Yamaha R15 was nimble and incredibly responsive, and it allowed me to push my limits as a rider. This bike was a lot of fun to ride but the sporty position was too painful for me during long rides. I still have the Yamaha R15 but barely see any miles.

Kawasaki Versys 650: An Adventure Bike

When the Kawasaki Versys 650 was launched I immediately jumped the gun and booked the bike without any test ride in 2016. This bike was designed for long-distance touring and exploring new roads, and it was the perfect bike for me. The Kawasaki Versys 650 was comfortable to ride, had plenty of power and was incredibly reliable.

I spent many hours exploring new roads and experiencing new sights on this bike, and it will always be a special memory for me as this was the bike that got introduced me to a lot of like-minded friends and the Riding Gear that is needed for safe riding. If I go more in detail then this bike alone will need a separate thread. The bike is now sold to make way for my current bike as I can't manage two Adventure Tourers in the same garage.

Many of my fellow Versys 650 riders disagree that Versys 650 is a very capable off-road bike but I had the maximum fun with my Versys 650 off-road.

Somewhere in Chikkamagaluru

This picture was taken during my Solo ride to Dhanuskodi

Few Pics from the Annual TN Versys meet in Kodaikanal and Yercaud

On the way to Goa for 'Versys India Riders' Meet

This picture was taken before handing over Versys 650 to the new owner

My Current Bike: BMW R1250GS

The bike was brought home last February and this is my one-year ownership review with approx 12500 kilometers on the saddle.

There was an itch to upgrade my Versys. A few bikes that were on my radar were Tiger Rally Pro 900 and BMW F900XR. During one of my visits to the BMW showroom got to know there was a relatively new low-mileage GS that is going to come up on sale. Did some research on the bike and the maintenance history and immediately mobilized funds and took delivery of the bike.

Nothing comes close to BMW R1250GS (Except maybe my Versys 650 (I know I'm going to be bombarded. A topic for another time)). After riding this beast for a year now, I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations in every possible way.

First of all, let's talk about the design and build quality. The BMW R1250GS is a formidable motorcycle with its robust build and sleek design. It features a classic boxer engine design that gives it a distinctive look, and the attention to detail on the motorcycle is exceptional. From the moment you sit on it, you can feel the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship that went into building it. The seat is comfortable, the handlebars are ergonomically placed, and the overall design is practical and stylish.

When it comes to performance, the BMW R1250GS is a powerhouse. The 1,254cc engine produces a massive 136 horsepower, which is more than enough for any adventure. The motorcycle handles like a dream, and the suspension is top-notch, which makes for a smooth ride even on rough terrain. The Dynamic ESA system allows for quick and easy adjustments on the fly, so one can adapt to any road conditions with ease. The BMW R1250GS is also equipped with the latest in safety technology, including ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control, which adds peace of mind while riding.

One of the best things about the BMW R1250GS is its versatility. Whether you're riding on the highway, in the city, or on backroads, this motorcycle is up to the task. The adjustable windscreen provides excellent wind protection, and the heated grips make for a comfortable ride even in colder weather. The ample storage space makes it easy to carry everything you need for a long trip, and the TFT display is easy to read and provides all the information you need while riding.

In conclusion, my year with the BMW R1250GS has been nothing short of amazing. This motorcycle has exceeded my expectations in every possible way, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a versatile, comfortable, and capable motorcycle. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, the BMW R1250GS is the perfect bike for any adventure. So, gear up hit the open road, and see where the journey takes you!

Continue reading praruaaa4's ownership experience for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Now if you like to keep any good Canbus enabled bike like the BMW, the Cansmart is just essential to enjoy a host of features that you do with the accessories.

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Updates:

Sorry for not posting updates for sometime now. Here are a few updates and recent trips:

Denali Cansmart Gen2 and B6 Brake Light:

So my daughter came from Ireland in last December and bought me some goodies. Now if you like to keep any good Canbus enabled bike like the BMW, the Cansmart is just essential to enjoy a host of features that you do with the accessories. It seamlessly integrates with the original BMW switches and you can turn your lights on/off, adjust the light intensity, enable flashing on horn and control flashing with the dipper switch and host of other functions. I already had installed the Denali Sound Bomb Horn, with which this seamlessly integrates. The wiring for the soundbomb horn and the fog lights (and it's switches) were removed and replaced with this new set.

Product features:

Kit contents:

The Denali B6 Brake Light which can also be programmed for intensity and flashing. Even flashing on high engine braking, sudden obstacle braking, sudden deceleration braking, activation only after a certain speed etc. is also possible. Costed me around 8k:

Cansmart Kit alongwith Wiring Harnesses for 2 sets of lights, a horn and a brake light. All can now be seamlessly integrated with the original BMW canbus and controlled at your whims without the need for additional switches, wiring or relays. Costed me around 16k from UK (without duty). It's available around 20k locally:

Since I was going to install the Cansmart, also decided to change the round local fog lights, which I had previously installed, for a 2nd set of HJG FOG Lights with Twin Focus Lens. This is exactly similar to the Baja Squadron Pro Lights which I had mentioned earlier and which costs upwards of 25-20k now. As is visible in the photo, this one comes with a dual focus lens which is reversible. The lower diffused portion is for 'spread' while the upper clear portion is for 'spot' focus. This also comes with a detachable yellow fog light cover. Costed me 2.8K:

The B6 light attaches to the rear license plate with 2 sets of bolts. Can also be taped on with 3M high strength tape. But I opted for the former option:

The Cansmart installation starts:

Final resting place of the Cansmart and the wiring harnesses highlighted here. The Cansmart piggybacks inline on the original canbus connection taken from the TPMS system on the bike. No wire cutting:

Final programming in progress with my laptop:

The 2nd pair of HJG's installed lower down. The cover was later reversed after taking this photo so that the diffused side was on the lower side:

Night view of the new lights head on. I have programmed such that the 2nd set of lights only turn on while the high beam is on. And that too is fully controllable by the OE turn indicator switch whether I want to keep, either light, on or off:

Night View of the B6 Brake Light. This is at 10% intensity!! Yes, you read it right. It is so bright that I had to set it at 10% on riding mode and 50% on braking mode. Blows the stock brake light out of the park. Higher Visibility = Higher safety on two wheels:

Alsisar, Rajasthan trip - 712 kms - 24th to 26th December 2021:

As my son and daughter both were here in December from Ireland, where they are now employed, decided to do a nice family trip with our group. We were a total of 41 people with 12 bikes and several four wheeler.

All set to embark:

The property Alsisar Mahal. It's quite a remote location at the edge of the Thar desert:

Few of the bikes:

712 kms round trip with average fuel economy of around 18kmpl with some enthusiastic riding:

All washed and ready for the next trip back home:

Got a friend a pre-owned F850GS Adventure recently. Done only 11k kms and in brand new condition at quite a good deal. The weight and bulk of the bike, however, is nearly as much as my bike:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.