I purchased my 2002 1150GS Adventurer in August of 2002. Prior to buying the bike, I extensively test drove a 1150GS. When I carried the bike back to the dealership, I noticed the Adventurer and commented how tall the bike was. The owner of the dealership told me to test ride the Adventurer and make a back to back comparison of the two bikes. I'm only 5'9" tall, but once mounted and rolling, I fell in love with the bike. I liked the gear ratios of the transmission better than the regular GS and the overall handling suited me better. It had better wind protection, better suspension, and even though it is a mountain of a bike, I liked the seat better. I bought the bike and 11,000 miles later, I have installed a Corbin Seat, bar backs, motolights, throttlemiester, magnetic tank bag, SP III, Givi top case, Aeroflow windscreen, and a radar detector. I have owned several bikes in the past 8 years, sometimes as many as 5 at one time. Harleys, Hondas, Aprilias, Yamahas, Suzukis, and other BMW's, but I have never owned one bike that I liked or enjoyed more than this wierd looking bike. If I had 4 bikes in the garage, I would ride the Adventurer 90% of the time. The power and torque is fine. It's suprising how well it cruises on the interstate, how long it will go without refueling it's 7.9 gallon tank, how well it handles in the twisties, how much time you don't spend washing the bike, and how easily you can wander down a dirt road you are curious about. It's not a dirt bike, but the bike will not have any problems with most fire roads. I have gone with my ridding buddies on long distance rides and it seems they are forever stopping for fuel. When we finally arrive at our destination, I have no particular aches and pains above what you would normally have after 12 hours in the saddle on a Goldwing or Road King. I know, I've owned them both. While traveling down the interstate you can stretch your legs over the top of the engine guards and have the same feeling of highway pegs on a cruiser. The BMW luggage in conjunction with the Givi trunk provides more space than I will ever use. The heated seat and heated grips are so nice to knock off the early morning or late evening chill. The 3 year warranty is also nice. BMW's are expensive to service, but the GS is one of the least expensive to maintain. I don't notice any engine surging, the transmission is BMW clunky, the bike is stable at speed, and it uses about 1/2 quart of oil between 6000 mile services. I have not had the first problem with this bike. In my opinion, this is an excellent motorcycle that can truly do it all, if you can handle the seat height.
Reliability
Quality
Performance
Comfort
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