1200 GSA Light steering advice please

[diplomaticdanny]

Hi everyone

Picked up a lovely 2006 GSA last Saturday, after two years on an 1150 it felt superb, only one thing that's not quite as I was expecting. When I lean into a corner the steering feels really light, the bars want to turn more, doesn't feel as sturdy and reassuring as the 1150, is it just me, is there something I can do with the front shock or does it need a steering damper, maybe I'll get used to it, anyone got any tips.

Thanks in advance

Danny

 

[RickG]

Errr..yes, they all do that. Once you get use to it you'll discover how much more fun twisty roads are on a 1200 as it steers much quicker than a 1150. I think your only solution (short of going back to a 1150) is to check that the tyres, suspension settings and tyre pressures are Ok (like what it says in the handbook), then just relax and trust the bike. After a while you'll adjust to it and wonder what all the fuss was about. One other thought - if your new gsa has new tyres and the ones on your old 1150 were clapped you'll find they feel they want to turn into a corner much faster which is simply due to the different profile of a worn tyre compared to a new one. The make of tyre will also affect the handling.

 

[cookie]

it's a side effect of losing the barge like steering properties of the 11**s.

it's actually how properly designed, fun to ride bikes should be. just stop thinking about all that *planted* bollocks and you'll be fine.

 

[POG]

Go down the local bakers and order a dozen pies and a dozen buns. After a couple of weeks, the steering wont feel so light

 

[diplomaticdanny]

Thanks guys

I knew it was me being a muppet (still trying to achieve tosser status)

 

[Captain GSA]

I had an 1150 GSA and now I have had a 1200 GSA for nearly two years.

If your bike is set up ok this is the main difference between the 1150 and the 1200.

At first I thought Nooooo wtf? The same as you. After a couple of rides you notice that you can do a lot more hardcore on and off road riding that wasn't possible with the 1150.

I play with sports bikes-on my 12GSA no problem.......

Check this out...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zX3B961Zio

 

[shedracer]

Definitely not a cheap option, but fitting ohlins front and rear really makes a big difference. With these fitted, you get the quality handling (not that the standard shocks are not OK, just Ohlins are better IMHO) and the bike feels nicely planted.

 

[hibee]

.................................pies!



David

 

[EasySushi]

Hi everyone

Picked up a lovely 2006 GSA last Saturday, after two years on an 1150 it felt superb, only one thing that's not quite as I was expecting. When I lean into a corner the steering feels really light, the bars want to turn more, doesn't feel as sturdy and reassuring as the 1150, is it just me, is there something I can do with the front shock or does it need a steering damper, maybe I'll get used to it, anyone got any tips.

Thanks in advance

Danny

The new 1200GS and GSA are even worse, so much so that the test ride I did on the 1200GSA felt like there was something wrong, like the tyre was massively over inflated. Both the new bikes felt the same, thats why I'm sticking with my 06 1200GSA

Ty

 

[Phil Clarke]

Its all perspective, after my super moto the 12 felt extremely stable and planted by comparison.