1150GS handling

[ChasF]

I test rode a 1200GS before I bought my 1150. I was very impressed with the 1200 but bought the 1150 as at the time the 1200 was on 6 months delivery. I've never really been happy with the 1150s handling, it seems reluctant to turn in and always runs wide at speed. Also the front end seems harsh with quite a bit of the road shock transmitted back through the bars.

I went to my local dealers open day today and rode the 1200 again. I was surprised at how much better it felt than my 1150. The riding position is better with the swept back bars although the low seat was fitted making my legs a bit cramped. The steering and the general feel of the front end was much better. I did notice that the 1200 was fitted with Tourances and my 1150 came with T66's which are nearly shagged now. Could it all be down to the tyres?

Incidently, also had a go on the 1200R - great fun for a quick blast but I won't be buying one. I'm hoping to test ride a KTM 950 this week before I decide what to do so would greatly appreciate your comments on my 1150s handling

 

[Steve]

I did notice that the 1200 was fitted with Tourances and my 1150 came with T66's which are nearly shagged now. Could it all be down to the tyres?

Definitely.

My 1150 came with T66's, which I changed for Tourances after about 4 weeks. First thing I noticed was how much quicker it turned in.

 

[SilverFish]

My experience of T66's were that they were awful and I swapped to a pair of Tourance's just as soon as I could which are loads better, and defintely improve the handling.

The real factor though would be the suspension set-up. It sounds like maybe the bike was set with a high preload on the front which could present you with the handling your experienced. I guess the 1200 is a demo bike and is probably better looked after.

What works for one person could be awful for another.

You're right about the 1200R - mad bike! Id love to have one, but just couldnt live with the 3000 mile tyre life.

Mike

 

[Schtum]

Could it all be down to the tyres?

No. The 1200 feels very different to the 1150. The 1150 feels more like a Panzer tank, smashing the bumps under its wheels.....ok, so that's where the Panzer simile breaks down .....whereas with the 1200 you can just about tell the size of the pea gravel you're riding over.

The 1150 feels more stable and planted whereas the 1200 feels significantly lighter, faster steering and more chuckable.

 

[Warthog]

Well, I'd agree with the responses about tyres. Tyre choice will make a difference on any bike. I found that when I replaced the Tourances (part worn) the bike came with with some Michelin Road Pilots (part worn), the handling was transformed: I now have a lot more confidence in the bike's handling (sorry to all the Tourance faithful out there, but its true!). I've rimmed the rear, something I would have worrried about on the tourance, particularly as it has about 30% less tyre contact on the outside edge as in the middle . Another big improvement came when I finally got off my fat @rse to adjust the suspension to cope with said fat @rse!!

I've not ridden a 12, and I can well believe a bike 5 years newer, lighter and redesigned will handle better, but I disagree with a statement saying that the 1150 handles badly...

 

[Colt]

1150 with tourance and ohlins is great.

 

[Firegus]

I've rimmed the rear,

 

[Barrie]

French Tom,
I might upset everyone here with 1200's but I prefer the handling of the 1150, I have always ridden on Tourances, so can not comment on the other tyres, I found the 1200 suspension much to hard, skitting over the bumps rather than absorbing them, it was one of the first 1200 so maybe they have improved the springing now, but it was too firm.

I did see the 1200 Adv. looked very nice.
Good luck,
Barrie.

 

[smilee mark]

my 1150 has tourances ,and i reckon it handles "beaut."
Allways beem suprised how well it does, used to own an R much prefer this one.

 

[wolfboy]

FWIW

The first time I tried a 1150GS was when I test rode it from the dealer, it was a non adventure, blue and white (tourances) and I was amazed how accurate I could be on it. The wierd thing was that I had been riding a yamaha fz6 with BT-020, which were fabulously grippy, but for what ever reason i justs didn't connect with the bike so I had little 'feel', the 1150 after that was so confidence inspiring, just hold a line, balanced on the throttle, lovely, that was within half a mile too. Still smile when I think of that bike. Just thought it was a BFG. It actually handled sweeter than my Adv.

I test rode the 1200 the same day, it was lighter, more agile, nice bike but I didn't connect with it.

Could be worth swapping to Tourances and reset the shocks to factory, the 1150 I rode had a very nice front end. oo er...

 

[ChasF]

Thanks everyone for the replies. The general consensus seems to be that Tourances are the best of the trailbike type tyres for the 1150. I have also noted the comment about having too much pre-load dialed into the front spring and yes, I did. I dropped the pre-load down to one stop off the bottom as opposed to one off the top and it is much better. Also dropped the tyre pressures a tad (I tend to use the pillion and luggage setting all the time)which seems to help. I have ordered a pair of Tourances which I'll get fitted at the weekend.

 

[Big Lee]

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