1200 > 1150

[steve16]

Read loads of people knocking 1200 and vice versa about 1150 etc etc etc.
Just wondering has anyone gone back from the 1200 to 1150. I started with the 1100 then 1150 and now enjoy the 1200,all the bikes have been great and I would not change the 1200. I would'nt knock any of the others as I feel each one had its strenghts and weakeness.

Steve
blue 1200GS..bars/noisy horn and smile

 

[MIKE R]

When I picked up my 1200 about a month ago I kept hold of the 2002 1150.

I now love them both because although they are both GSes they are so different. Both give me pleasure in a different way and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite. If I had to chose one I'd probably go for the 1150 simply because my immaculate 2002 model which I bought new could not be replaced new. A bit excessive I know but I intend to keep them both (I sold an FJR to get the 12).

Mike R

 

[Steady Eddie]

FJR

Mike,
Just out of interest - was that a new FJR1300 - if so what did you make of it ?

Steve

 

[Mike Peers]

When I picked up my 1200 about a month ago I kept hold of the 2002 1150.

I now love them both because although they are both GSes they are so different. Both give me pleasure in a different way and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite. If I had to chose one I'd probably go for the 1150 simply because my immaculate 2002 model which I bought new could not be replaced new. A bit excessive I know but I intend to keep them both (I sold an FJR to get the 12).

Mike R

It seems you are considerably richer than me.

 

[Mike Peers]

Read loads of people knocking 1200 and vice versa about 1150 etc etc etc.
Just wondering has anyone gone back from the 1200 to 1150. I started with the 1100 then 1150 and now enjoy the 1200,all the bikes have been great and I would not change the 1200. I would'nt knock any of the others as I feel each one had its strenghts and weakeness.

Steve
blue 1200GS..bars/noisy horn and smile

Make that a VERY loud horn Shrek, you noisy git.

 

[MIKE R]

Steve

Every few years I get a craving for a four cylinder rice rocket. Usually buy one and then regret it and sell. This was much the case with the FJR.

Here's my asessment of the FJR

Beautiful to look at, very comfy and economical with good brakes (mine was the abs model). The power is awesum and very reliable.

But on a 3000 mile tour of Spain I not only missed the GS but found the engine heat to be a problem (yes I realise it's hot in Spain, but on a 60 mile trip in the UK the frame gets very hot). The handling did not inspire confidence although it is rated in many magazines (may be its me or a poor set up), but in the mountains I could not keep up with a friend on a 900 Diversion! Whilst he's a good rider he really has to push to keep up with me on the twisties when I'm on the 1150 taking it reasonable easy (a testament to the GS handling more than my skill). Thirdly, whatever I did to the screen the noise was terrible. But finally it never gave me the GS buzz. All the time I was away I was wishing I'd taken the GS.

In conclusion the FJR is a good bike, maybe a great bike for some but not for me. Eventually I bit the bullet and sold it. Depreciation on these bikes can take your breath away. Enter the 1200 and loving it.

 

[Steady Eddie]

FJR

Mike,
Thanks for that - I went for a little test ride on one and boy do they fly !!
Couldn't put my finger on it but just not right for me personally - the only previous negative comment that was common place amongst those who have ridden it was the heat produced - just like you said.

Steve

 

[Fenlander Strasse]

I had a test ride on one and the thing that struck me was that it only had 5 gears. Nothing wrong with that as such, but it felt like top was geared for acceleration, not relaxed cruising.

 

[MIKE R]

Fair comment!

 

[Captain Scarlet]

Demo'd the FJR in a processional ride with another guy demo'ing a Mille R and the shop bloke on an R1; it was erm, a quick ride!

Really liked the FJR except for one annoying thing and one unbearable thing. Firstly I ground out the peags around roundabouts (I'm 14st/198 lb) and secondly, like the previous posting, whatever height I put the screen it caused annoying turbulence (I'm 6ft 2"). Obviously many screens do, but the stock GS for instance is better and with a Cee Baileys it's even better. Afterwards I rode the Pan STX1300 and it was quality. Should have bought one but fears of depreciation saw me order a K1200GT prior to release. What a mistake!

Owned an R1150, ridden Adv and own an R1200GS. The 1150 is a great bike, especially compared with 80/100GS; but it's well balanced weight can still be felt and it lacks power on occasion. The Adv is the most comfortable if you can handle the extra height and for my money has the best stock screen. Another quality bike. The best, as they say, is left to last. Not quite as light and power compared with it's predecessor as BMW claim, but a decent stock screen, decent comfort and handling and brakes to leave any bike of similar ilk either present or before.

I like the idea of owning a MKII Jag, but I drive the latest Audi A3. You can't stop looking back with fond affection, but equally you can't stop progress; and the new R1200GS is a quantative and qualitative evolution over the 1150. If you own an 1150 you'd be crazy to upgrade, unless well healed, otherwise it's a no brainer.

STX1300, R1200RT, R1200GS - Quality; and I'm a Quality Manager!