1150/1200

[kbada]

Keep reading the expression that the 1150 ’is more planted’ than the 1200 – why does this remind me of my ol'dero ??

I’ve just traded my Varardero for a 12 and am having a ball getting to know the beast – my first BMW by the way.

Have never ridden an 1150GS so I risk being shouted but who cares - here goes…..

What’s ya point I hear….well….in retrospect, the Varadero also gave the impression of being ’more planted’ than the 1200 - why should this be, well….

The answer is obviously a combination of many things but basically 245kg versus 199kg, chain drive and a lower power/weight ratio are high up amongst main reasons. The heavier things are, the better they ‘plant’ – read slower to react and therefore slower to ‘scare’ the rider.

I have a mental picture from many years ago (1980) of a BMW being ridden hard in front of me. The picture is of extreme torque reaction and frame windup at each gear change - the very reason why its taken so long for me to buy one I guess. The 12 still has a torque reaction (albeit very much reduced) when gearing either at high revs or in conjunction with a bend. However, once allowed for, then.....

One of the many bends that I know and love very much, was usually exited - under hard acceleration - at an indicated 100-105kmh on the ‘dero. The same bend was exited the other day – for the first time - at an indicated 120 on the 1200….bloody ‘ell..…

I experience the 1200 as ‘less planted’ than my old bike – but hard facts say that it perfoms better…..

Maybe the 1150 people should continue with their ‘slugs’ and leave us ‘modernists’ alone…..he he

 

[Panzer Patrol]

Could not agree more Well said that man !
PS: Tin hats on.....incoming!!!!!!

 

[Paul Wakefield]

The heavier things are, the better they ‘plant’ – read slower to react and therefore

Its much more than that. In fact I don't think its that at all. But equally its difficult to put ones finger on and damn difficult to reduce to writing.

Weight is undoubtedly part of the eqaution.

But compared to the 1200, the 1150 (and 1100) feel like nothing will move them off the chosen line in a corner which is strange as the 1200 undoubtedly tracks a corner in a more assured way (I don't mean faster). An 1150 can corner pretty quickly and the leverage on the bars will get it into the corner quickly - it just takes effort. This applies on any surface within reason .

I also found it much easier to place precisely where I wanted it on on the road. It gives the feeling of being able to ride through granite.

Not sure any of the above captures that "planted" feeling but at least I've tried.

The other thing is that it actually varies between bikes. An early R1100RT and an 1100 GS stand out in my memory but there is quite a variation. I rode a GSA the other day and it just did not have that feeling. On the other hand, my 1200 is beginning to develop it up to 75/80 mph.

So this feeling exists, its partly down to weight but also, I think, to suspension settings, tyre pressures and how well everything is bolted together.

I still love both bikes but am more than happy I changed to the 1200 but I can quite understand why others prefer the older model for the "planted" feeling. And a well ridden 1150 will run rings round me (actually, tbf, a badly ridden one will do as well).

Paul

 

[Reggie]

Hi Everyone,

I can't comment about the 1150, as it was just too big for me, however I can compare the performance of the 1200GS against my old R1100S. The 1200 is a faster A to B machine, in my average ability hands, the riding position is now perfect (after adding a set of bar risers) and the bike leaves me grinning.

Now, sorry to point out the obvious, but isn't the point of having a bike that it simply makes you happy? It doesn't matter what you ride as long as it suits you. I've never ridden a cruiser type bike that I've liked but there's many a person out there that does. I can't stand the smell of two stroke oil ,or the ring ting ting noise they create, but you try and get my 71 year old father off his beloved RS125 Aprilia. I think trikes are a waste of time and offer the negative points of the width of a car and weather protection of a bike but I've got mates that wouldn't swap them for the World.

Lets just enjoy ourselves, appreciate our bikes and be happy that we can still ride machines before the Pleasure Police ban them altogether!

Regards

Reggie (AKA The Cameraman)

 

[trev]

In respect of comments that individual bikes can feel less planted. My old 1150 was excellent in this respect, my new adventure not so good to start with. Dropped front shock preload & raised back preload slightly, steering sharpened up & felt as planted as previous bike. So is it more a matter of set up than weight?
Back to you gentlemen.
Trev
PS after 3 test rides I allmost bought the 1200 but the 1150 wasn't out of my system yet.

 

[snave1]

Well said Reggie,cant have put it better myself..
Lyndon