I ride a Vstrom to places it shouldn't go. I'd advise others to concentrate on getting longer suspension. No point having a front wheel that can get over stuff the rest of the bike can't.

The lighting in this video is so gorgeous! Everything is extremely clear.

Another great video Brett. Like the two camera approach. My F650 GS Dakar comes stock with a 21" front and I love it.

I did de 21" conversion on my 1200GS LC a year ago (as on my 1150 many years ago). Really like it. Now upgraded with Touratceh suspension as well. Only have to do the rear rim as the 170 rear and 90 front is a bit unbalanced (using Bridgestone AX41). But bottomline, the 21" is great. Still have the 19-17" alu wheel set as well.

@Rover4387

2 жыл бұрын

Did you have to upgrade your suspension also to fix the ride hight? Or did you just run the preload in the Max height setting (or two passenger setting) ?

So Bret Tkacs gets down to brass tacks 👏 I love the honesty, most of us feel the need to justify the expense and argue blindly that yes, it's worth it. Rather than, is it worth it? Not really, unless, for you, in your situation, it's what you want and can afford. Great content Brett.

Love the video and drone footage. I will keep it stock for now!

Fixed sound! Nice :)

Good commentary for sure. A couple of years ago I bought an ‘08 GS with about 7,000 miles on it for $7250. It’s now got 22,000 miles (I have other bikes too), just recently I added GSA Tractive Extreme shocks to it from Ted, as I’ve done with my 1150GSA and RT. I’ll probably leave it at that. I’d love a set of Woodys Wheels for the bling factor…Xmas is coming. I enjoy every one of your videos!

Hey Bret! Love your channel! Thanks

Good presentation indeed , such beautiful, well conceived gadget😎

Amazing video as usual.. many info to think about.. here.. thank you so much..

This is the constant debate around the campfire for this v-strom rider. In the end, for me, the magic is the flexibility of the machine. I find the best traveling is meandering back and forth along the border between the two worlds. Making targeted investments to extend that flexibility, in one direction or another, makes sense, though maybe not at that price ;-). It's not fundamentally different than replacing windscreens, or seats or other modifications one might do to make their v-strom into a highway touring machine. (Okay, yes, technically, there is a fundamental difference between changing suspension parts and modifying a fairing, especially in terms of safety. But, we're all making our own calculated risks). Thanks for sharing your opinion on the topic! Having invested in my v-strom suspension, I can attest to the gains available on some of these bikes for playing around on fire roads over on the other side of the mountain range. Cool to see the wheel upgrade reviewed like this.

I see that Skydio is rockin'!

I don't understand why only 122k subscribers 😕 your channel one of the best hopefully you will hit 1M soon

@BretTkacs

Жыл бұрын

I would love that but I am not holding my breath. 😜

Hey! I'm now an excited BMW owner haha. Grabbed a 2013 G650GS as I wanted something I could actually reach the ground on and this works very well for me. I love how much power this little thumper can dish out. It was a pleasant surprise when I test rode it last week hehe. I wanted to know if you can recommend some forums I can pop into to bombard questions about maintenance and the like. Since it came from a Triumph dealership, I want to do all the maintenance it needs to make sure everything is good. Its at 11k miles (rolled over on the way home from Seattle) so it's coming due I believe, for another oil change at least. Anyway nevermind my rambling. Just excited to discuss and learn. Thanks for any help or suggestions! I am a sponge ready to absorb!

Very interesting 🧐. I went the exact ultimate route that you point out. Woody’s 21” Super light hubs, Stainless Steel Spokes & Nipples, Supersized & Superlaced (in for a penny, in for a pound.) Then I got Ted Porter involved and went soup to nuts with the Touratech Extreme manual shocks front & rear. I can’t remember where I read that (and I’m paraphrasing) “There is no magic to suspension tuning, but when you get it right, it’s magical.” After adjusting the sag that suspension setup completely changed the ride of the bike bliss. To be fair, though, it took a quite a bit of tinkering with a lot of other components to get the bike to where it felt like heaven.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Did they change the shock heights? The front needs to be 20mm shorter than the rear to be back to the stock attitude

@sumporfuk

3 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs Up until now I was never aware of the need for shock height adjustment. The idea was always to have a set of wheels for the pavement and a set of wheels for the dirt. Therein lies the rub.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

@@sumporfuk I get it... I considered the same but then decided to go all in. After all I don't carry extra wheels when I travel.

Its what I like about my ATAS. Already comes built that way :)

Awesome! Thanks!

Sound rocks 👍

good video brett....bottom line, I think we've learned that bmw needs to put out a GS/GSA with a 21 in the front...been thinking this for years. Sure you could go to an 850, but lets be honest, those motors arent nearly as exciting as the boxer. Release an updated HP2 and they'd sell like hot cakes!!!!!

Got a tractive shock on my F800. Wish they had a trick solution for the forks like that. Ted @ Beemershop is a good man in my books.

@chrishart8548

2 жыл бұрын

Can anything be done with the WP forks on the 2013> model ?

@outty77

2 жыл бұрын

@@chrishart8548 They do make cartridges for the forks, I might pick some up over the winter.

KTM already has a 21 front on the 1290 SAR, just saying! Give one of those a shot Bret!

@corecass

3 жыл бұрын

990 adventure has as well. older

@veiledallegory

3 жыл бұрын

He has a 790! First time watching his videos? The 1290 and 990 are very top heavy that’s why guys like him and most other off-road instructors (not sponsored by KTM) choose the BMW. The boxer engine keeps the center of gravity low making it more stable and a lot easier to pick up!

@germaniack

3 жыл бұрын

@@veiledallegory Settle down there internet stranger. I've been a fan of Bret's for a while. Hell, it's partially his fault my ass is on a KTM (790R vid). My comment was just hoping he'd do a little video on the 1290. It's what I'll be schlepping on when i do the guys classes anyways. Keep the good stuff comin' Bret! Don't mind us down here in the cheap seats! ;D

Thanks.

Unless you are a pro, better of keep your adventure bike stock. Buy a dirt bike for the money you save. Bonus: You will learn to ride off road way better.

@peterbrophy9442

3 жыл бұрын

7K gets you a new 2021 KLX300 or CRF L or Rally and to me, that’s a better investment and is what I’m doing to add to my current ADV CRF1000 DCT.

@ClinttheGreat

3 жыл бұрын

Short sighted blanket comment. You’re assuming that all modifications are done to turn an adventure bike into a dirt bike. This isn’t true and many modifications either address issues from the manufacturer, tailor the bike to a particular rider or a particular purpose. For example, many ADV bikes come with a suspension that is insufficient when loaded with camping and other gear for long trips. Also, better exhaust and/or a proper tune can add extra horsepower, which is beneficial when loaded down.

@AdventuresOnTheRoad

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you!

Rims for my bike are pretty well the same cost. I already have the 21 front. Just wanted sealed spoke wheels to ditch the tubes

All true, except it depends on the rake angle of the headset. On the 2008 model, I converted to Woody's Wheels 21" Front 18" Rear and the bike handled amazingly well on and off-road. BMW changed their rake angles slightly in 2008 on the GS and GSADV versions. Other years, this change does not work so well as the bike tends to wallow in the turns on the road. At the end of the day, I sold my 2008 R1200GS with 90,000 miles and shifted to a KTM 790 Adventure R which after many minor modifications is considerably lighter and far better across the board.

insane price to lace up a 21" rim to the BMW hub. Old school , buy a 36 or 40 spoke rim (same as the rim) and spokes of proper length and lace it. few hundred $ at worst. Getting the rake and trail right on the steering head is what your talking about on the rest of it. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍/10

Bret, would you post a parts list? Why stay with a 17” rear? Increased height and tire choices with an 18”. What rim widths did you select? What tire widths and heights? Need new front brake lines? Speedo recalibrate? ABS still works the same I suppose? What is the benefit that extra $$ spent for Woody’s wheels? You’re an awesome teacher, I really enjoy and appreciate your infectious, positive attitude.

@sumporfuk

3 жыл бұрын

Unless you are on some next level competent rider, stay away from changing the rear wheel on the BMW 1200GS to an 18” wheel. Not that an 18” wheel wouldn’t be preferable off road, but on the GS that size wheel will dramatically change the gear ratio to something that won’t likely be to your liking. Unlike chain drive bike that have interchangeable sprockets driveshaft bikes don’t allow for ratio changes.

@Elskins

2 жыл бұрын

@@sumporfuk There are folks that complain about 6th gear being too short on GS. So 18" rear wheel is probably the way to go for them.

Hey Bret. Love your work!! Just had a thought, BMW did make the HP2 Enduro, which is essentially a GS1200 with 21inch front wheel, high front fender, slimmed down in all the right places.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Yes they did... And it was under 400lbs

@dinoraven6289

3 жыл бұрын

I have one. It is an amazing bike😊

Just raising the fender 1.5 inches on a DL1000XAL8 presents issues. Do-able, with a new 3-4" longer crossover brake line. But if you did the upgrades on the forks, shocks, and increased both front AND rear wheels to 21" and 19", you still only have 7.2" of ground clearance, the front tire will clear your radiator by less than a half inch if you bottom the front shock and how it would handle at speed on a road while on stilts, I don't have the $$$ to discover. I'll just keep treating it like a late '70's scrambler and save the $$$ for repairs.

Steering and suspension are the most misunderstood aspect of setting up your ride, if you have someone make changes seek out a "suspension" expert. If you have ever ridden something with 12" wheels like a scooter or a monkey, or a yammy TW200 you know it feels different. One of the easiest things to change to gain stability off road is add a set of slightly longer handlebars with a size or two narrower tires, it will decrease your micro steering while digging in off-road. It seems counterintuitive but slightly slower steering off-road is much more stable. That's why sport bikes have short radius bars to quicken the steering which is great on the road. Friction coefficient is much greater on the street and wide tires can be pushed to much faster reaction times, off road you increase friction coefficient by digging in but because terrain can vary so much off road you want your steering to be slower and have more micro control.

I told that my Beamer Shop over 4 years ago that they should have a 21" front wheel option or two different bikes. Sadly they don't really care...

@peterbrophy9442

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a shame really. Maybe de German engineers will give it more attention with Brett pioneering the way for them 🤞

Honest 👍🏻😊

Bret...where are you buying your graphic kits for that Rallye from?

Hi Bret, since I saw this video I was thinking about a 21 inch convertion. I'm now sure that I want to try it. To stay in a quite low budget, it's possible to go with a 850 GS front wheel, a GSA stock rear shock and a sidestand (all of them can be found second hand for quite cheap). It's plenty of detail on advrider forum BUT I notice that you managed to raise the front fender quite high in comparison of what I see elsewhere. How did you do that ? Usualy what I've seen is : raising the brake line and drilling a hole in the stock fender but clearance is lower than on your setup. Did you use the same technique ?

Now this bike needs a name because you will keep her for a while with such investment.

Let's get down to Bret Tkacs.

Bret, are you running tubes or did you go tubeless? Thanks.

A 90/90 21 inch front tire has a lower load index than 120/70 19 inch tire. Do you think running the bike with tires with lower load index might be a problem?

@chrishart8548

2 жыл бұрын

A lot of harley Davidson and the ktm1290 adventure R have a 21" front and many others.

When you went to the larger rims, did you notice any difference in the brakes? I would expect they would feel a little weaker due to the road having a larger lever in comparison, but I don't know if you would notice it.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

No difference

How do u like the skydio, I had the mavic 2 pro but I sold it because I wasn’t using it like I should!

Am I seeing double ? This looks a lot like yesterday’s video. Was there something wrong with yesterday’s version that I missed ?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

The sound was wrong and only worked on one side, this is a reload with the sound fixed

Just another reason I went F800 over an R1200.

@nathanboeger978

3 жыл бұрын

I did that but ended up hating the F800. It's kind of a dull bike that does nothing well.

@courtlenfout5260

3 жыл бұрын

@@nathanboeger978 I completely agree the F8 is a dull dull bike. Like beige carpet on taupe drapes on tan paint. It serves my needs well and it was cheaper used. Like way cheaper than a used r1200. Epic name by the way.

@superflycatchermtb

3 жыл бұрын

Yep F800 = Boredom. Recently sold my F8 and got a KTM 790 R. Big time upgrade on every level.

Thanks for the video, but dose the ABS stil work its not for that dia

Why not throw an 18 on the rear instead of changing the suspension?

So, you changed the front rake by adjusting the front shock? Any idea how to do that with the Touratech Extremes?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Ride height and attitude not rake

I never understood the "Necessity" of a 21" wheel. dont have any problems on my vstrom off road with it's stock 19". converting never crossed my mind until i saw some youtube video titles today including this one

Nice transformation! Anyway, here in Europe they are really strict with these kind of mods and the police can seize your bike. Can you legally do that in the US?

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

Yes we can

Two bikes is best. $7000 buys a really nice dualsport and then you keep a touring bike.

Ciao Bret. Is that your bike right? I mean you still have the BMW? I am asking because I also would consider a BMW GSA to take a lot offroad. Thank you

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Yes this is myl BMW GS

I’m seriously considering this conversion for my 2017 GS Rallye. Ive heard of someone that had an issue with the ABS/speed sensor not working with the larger diameter and thus throwing off the traction control and ABS. Bret Tkacs, have you experienced any issues with the sensors or electronics?

@chrishart8548

2 жыл бұрын

The difference between a 90/90/21 and a 110/80/19 or 120/70/19 is not all that much in terms of outside diameter. It's more wheel less tyre for the most part. The f800gs seems to have no issues with a 110/80/19 up front instead of the OE 90/90/21 the abs etc doesn't even notice.

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

No problem at all

Would adding an 18" rear be an option? Did you explore that route?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Not enough room

What front guard have you fitted?

So an Africa Twin Adventure Sports with Ohlins suspension 😂

First/ GREAT vid covering adding a 21” wheel on a 19” bike. Because covid hit our family hard early, I have one do it all bike. I have my Vstrom and have had it since ‘14 updating it to run better on dirt and real well on slab. Looked into a 21” wheel- WAY too much money for what you would get out of it. The changes to tires, suspension, protection and 50 years in the dirt riding makes this bike go all the places a 61 year old with broken everything’s not take a bashing sustained ride but get to those great ADV places most people only see in photos. With the weight, clearance, and power it has to be ridden a certain way. The weight makes it go through about anything at a reasonable speed with feet on the pegs, that fine line between fun and terror. With the weight clearance needs a good SLIDE plate as that is what it does-like a big flat rock skipping across stuff. There is no prob w/power. A little lower torque range with sprocket change does that well. So in most ADV riding it will do just fine with you staying in that fun/just in control feeling that always makes a smile show up. So within MOST ADV riding a prepped Vee will get you there and back- knowing it is not a dirt/DS bike. The BEST use for an ADV bike I have ever seen is you stopping forbthe night and cooking up a big steak! You said it’s ADV, it’s about enjoying yourself. I always thought that was a perfect definition on this kind of riding. SO a 21” wheel is just an option. Love your series my friend. Be safe in your travels.

So you throw another $7k on an already expensive bike? It was already questionable to trash a $22k machine into the outdoors, make it $29K-$30K and all you are getting is a divorce filling!! LOOOOOOL Well, honestly, for $30k I can have almost two KTMs 1290SAs... I own one and after I rented a GS in Japan all I can say is "great bike!!!" but I prefer my KTM. :))))))) Great video B!!!

Is this not the same video that was uploaded yesterday?

If the GS has ESA, could you not just use the "passenger"-setting (which raises the rear also)? that way, if you have a second set of rims you can go from 21inch to 19inch and just adjust the esa setting?

@Rover4387

2 жыл бұрын

I am also looking for a answer to this question. Did anyone respond to you?

@adventuremulemoto

2 жыл бұрын

Any response to this yet?

How did you solve fitting the front fender with the 21” wheel?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

F800GS fender

Bret could you have mounted an 18" rim at rear and not having to balance out the suspension (front vs back)? Also what width of rims are you using?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

There is no room to install an 18" wheel. If that would have been possible it would have offset the difference some. The front is a 1.85, the rear is a 4.25.

@Davfon23

3 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs Ok understood. Thanks a lot for responding.

@Elskins

2 жыл бұрын

@@Davfon23 There is actually room for 18" rear. But not with every tire. I mounted 18" rear wheel running Goldentyre GT823 150/70-18 on my R1250GS and there is still some room left. But Dunlop 908RR 150/70-18 has clearance issues.

@Davfon23

2 жыл бұрын

@@Elskins Cool. Thanks for letting me know. ✌️

Doesn't changing front wheel.. Change or hamper with reading on the odometer?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

No... The speedo reads off the final drive

Hi bret. What if I change only front to 21”. Is it still okay or I need narrower rear as well.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

You can run a 150/70-17 on the oem rear. If you want to keep the tubless set up an F850GS rim fits with new spacers. That's a 2.15 front and would pair well.

@eirenemcmani5087

3 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs But the original rear wheel of LC is a wide 170/60-17 is it need to get narrower 150/70-17

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

@@eirenemcmani5087 here is an online resource ridewrightwheels.com/pages/motorcycle-tire-wheel-fitment-chart You will find most will fit the widest possible tyre for the rim from the factory. This has to do with sales more than ideal performance. It is based on the myth that wider tyres have more traction and compounded by a preference for many riders on the look of a wide tire vs a narrow tire

@eirenemcmani5087

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Love it👍👍👍. Keep great content. I’m your big fans

Is that a stock fender? I have a 1250 and the fender is very close.

@BretTkacs

Жыл бұрын

F800GS fender

maybe I miss it but how do you fit a 21 on the telelever? to me looks it does not fit between the front axe and the triangle of the teleelver.

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

You do have to remove or modify the lower fender

@pierluigiippoliti5534

2 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs thanks

@El_simoon

2 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs thanks!! Any video or link about how to modify the front fender? Thanks a lot in advanced!!

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

@@El_simoon I just started tweaking stuff and hacking away at an old F800GS fender until it looked right

Is this why a lot of bikes have different travel front and rear?

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

Bret, you need to watch the videos before uploading them :D

The day I feel I need to start modifying my GS I’ll simply buy another bike

The reason I’m hesitant to buy an Africa Twin is because of its 21” front wheel . . .

@scldma114

3 жыл бұрын

If you are thinking about buying it to keep it on the road, just don’t. It is stupid to get the disadvantages of a 21 (tubed tyre) over a 19 or a 17 without being able to benefit from 21’ advantages that are mostly enjoyable offroad (not really on well maintained gravel roads, but surely on something more... “crispy”) I am telling you coming from a crf1000 and now on a crf1100. Excellent bikes, wonderful to ride on and off. Are there better road-only bikes? Hell yes. It all comes down to what you want the bike for...

Honda CRF1100 AT good option

I would say it looks cool. Not sure if that is worth the 7000 dollars

Done with the KTM?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

This was the (KTM) video just before this one... kzread.info/dash/bejne/mmiuqpSJipu2eZs.html

And I wonder why BMW didn't build a Waterhead HP2

at the end.. the bike still too heavy.. 😂😂

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Hard to argue with facts.

@deanshaw2128

3 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs I get a bit tired of all this “too heavy” business. Too heavy for what ? Yes it’s too heavy to be a nimble dirt bike but that’s not what it is or is meant to be. As a long distance touring bike with substantial off-road capability it’s not too heavy. As you indicated with the 21” v 19” debate, you simply can’t have the best of both worlds in one machine, no matter what you do. If you want a light bike, buy a dirt bike. If you want the ultimate tour bike with the capability to hit the dirt when the pavement runs out, then you buy a “heavier” GS/GSA Perhaps the big KTM is a bit better off road, but it’s a similar beast really (though I would never give up my shaft drive). Last year I rode the Great Central Road through the middle of Australia and I kept up easily on the dirt with all the smaller 660-800cc bikes out there. Not an overly technical ride but challenging. The GSA took it all in and even made me look good ! But the few thousand kms ride home was far more comfortable than on those dirt bikes - not too heavy then. As you well know, on the pavement the GSA is light as a feather to handle. Thanks again for the great videos.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

@@deanshaw2128 I would rather pick up a GS instead of a 1290 or Africa Twin Sports anyday. The 790 is too heavy too... I WR450F was also too heavy :-) All these bikes are great until they are stuck. Weigh it relative to the riders skill, terrain and as you have pointed out how you want to ride it. If it is too heavy in a riders mind then it is in fact to heavy. I never argue with that. 😉 "Attitude matters"

@germaniack

3 жыл бұрын

@@BretTkacs Gah! The coup de grace! Any chance you are considering having more East Coast seminars? ( I see GA is full)

@deanshaw2128

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Bret, whilst I agree that attitude matters, the problem is where do many of these attitudes come from ? So many are ill informed and lack experience or knowledge of the bike to be valid (though I think your point is - however formed, if that's what's in his head then that's what counts). I'm an overweight, 62 yr old short arse and I've never not been able to right my GSA by myself. But lifting it is only one aspect of "heavy". Cheers.

What did he make two of the same video?

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

One had sound issues... This was a reload with the sound fixed

I understand why you made the video but if you want a bike that has a 21 inch front wheel buy one that comes from the factory that way. My came with a 21 but in all honesty the way I ride it a 19 would have been fine. On my dirt bike a whole different story which is why I have a dirt bike.

That thing is a behemoth.

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it is

Just get a 1290 Super Adventure R, and call it a day.

Can someone please explain me how this guy riding through tough weather conditions, tough terrain always manages to have is jacket in immaculate condition... Is it Photoshop or he has a jacket for each video? for real tho

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

It turns out video hides dirt pretty well. Also this suit washes up very well. Because I can remove the Goretex (truth is, it is seldom in the suit) I can wash with fairly aggressive detergents.

Whay not a F850GSA all the comforts of a 1250 plus a 21" front with less weight...

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

That would be the logical choice...

Sir, you need to keep your lapel mic in the same direction as your mouth is. The volume is fluctuating and this is inconvenient for me to follow. If you want to move your face around and therefore, your mouth, in relationship to the lapel mic, keep the lapel mic in the centre near the breast bone.

Buy an Africa Twin. Comes with 21’’ front and far better than a GS.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

Not going to argue with that logic

Most of us watching are not very logical. Bret points out many ways not to do this , but we didn't hear any of that. Personally I like the get a dirt bike too, idea but for those far away BDR's this seems LOGICAL.

@BretTkacs

3 жыл бұрын

It wasn't free to me either e

U

Well could be worse. Could waste thousands on another KTM ;)

@BretTkacs

Жыл бұрын

🤣

Just buy a KTM 1290 SAR

Trade it for a Africa Twin, there you have a 21 inch front wheel.

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

Or an 850GS, or a KTM 1290/890, or a T700, or a KLR, or a.... What fun is that? 😂

Just get an africa twin

@BretTkacs

2 жыл бұрын

That makes too much sense... Even better is a CRF450