1200 or 1150ADV Dilemma - Psychiactric help needed?

[The_Pilot]

I've raised this before but I cant get the looks of the GS ADV outta my head.

I have an 04 1200GS one of the first, its done 13k mls, has never had any problems, apart from a sensitive dip/beam switch (changed under warranty) does 48mpg at 90, handles great and is smoother than ever, I can see whats behind me at 90!! Can't remember that on my last 1150GS.

I've not ridden an ADV but had a standard 1150 in 2000 for 9K mls. The only issues I had were, buffetting (Tobinators - I know that NOW!) and a bit of a thrum between 75 and 85, which unfortunately was where I spent most of my time! However it was not a major issue.

The main reason for the 12 over an ADV was the theoretical improvement in smoothness, it is smoooth, and the weight reduction/fuel consumption being a 12k a year commuter + tours.

Now, I am slowing down a bit and not really using the extra power of the 12 (although I like the way it revs) and my a and b road cornering has taken on more of a smooth 75-80 gait than razor supermoto style, 12 handles great though. I can't see the extra weight being an issue on the ADV anymore.

I am also a classic bike buff and a bit of a traditionalist in that I like metal and things I can fix like normal wiring etc. The ADV could provide that 'link' between the look and feel of 'real' biking with modern practicality and reliability enabling me to keep the bank balance in check by not lusting after thet Vincent Black Shadow! I haven't had any problems but I do wonder if in 6 years after a few winters whether the computer will still be as happy as it is now.

So I suppose my question is will an ADV cruise relaxed at 80-90 in a similar manner to the 12, what sort of fuel consumption (31ltr tank range?) and tyre wear could I expect?

Buffetting on the ADV with tobinators (I have them on my 12 with a tall screen and its great) a problem or ok?

Is there a 'real' difference on the road or are they THAT different a bike (I know they're different!) given my 60mile a day round trip 75% on motorway/dual carriageway (I know its a bit boring but the traffic spices it up and its my ticket to keeping a bike)

Obviously feedback from those who've had both appreciated and whether if you switched to the 12 and COULDN'T go back or whether 'the 12s great and better but going back wouldn't wreck my life'.....

I just LOVE the looks of the ADV!

 

[GSAde]

GSA for me

I've had four GSs' 1100, two 1150's & now an Adventure. I have never owned a 1200 but I did order one before they came out, however after a couple of good test rides on the demo model I decided the bike was not for me. There were lots of things I liked about it, but also lots I didn't - so I went for the GSA. Less revvy, better midrange grunt & the latest version of the twinspark 1150 is much smoother than the older one. It will never be as smooth as the 1200 tho'.

I've "Tobinated " mine & it works brilliantly, better than the "Tobinated" std 1150 screen.

Cruises effortlessly @ an indicated 90 (83 on the GPS) would easily cruise faster but this speeds fine for me.

Std seat very comfortable - did 580 miles last Sunday - no num bum - 10 hours of riding time.

Usually get an an orange fuel warning light @ about an indicated 300 miles (bit less due to odometer inacuracy)

Very different bike to ride - I found 1200 encouraged hooliganism I was just going too fast due to the revvy nature & very sharp handling & my licence would have been in danger!

Also like the simpler nature of the bike, mines non ABS & hence non servo & I'm expecting mine will become classic with me as I intend to hang on to it - probably forever.

Takes more input to ride, which is probably why I find it so satisfying - it really is great fun & if you don't want balls out speed (as you say you don't) I dont think you'd be disapointed - but get a long test ride & judge for yourself - but make sure it's a pretty new bike as they have altered the fuel mapping making it smoother than the older twinsparks even. And if you're thinking of buying new get a move on as there aren't likely to be many more GSA's made

Whatever you do ride safe & have fun

Ade

 

[Number 6]

I've not ridden an ADV but had a standard 1150 in 2000 for 9K mls.




So I suppose my question is will an ADV cruise relaxed at 80-90 in a similar manner to the 12, what sort of fuel consumption (31ltr tank range?) and tyre wear could I expect?

Buffetting on the ADV with tobinators (I have them on my 12 with a tall screen and its great) a problem or ok?


I just LOVE the looks of the ADV!

Firstly, see if you can get a demo ride on an Adventure, that should give you the best info.

Secondly, the Adventure will cruise happily at 90 mph on knobblies and fully laden, so no problem there. Fuel consumption, well that varies depending how you ride etc but I doubt that there would be enough difference between the 1150 Adv and the 1200 to be an issue. Tank range is up to 320 miles.

Buffeting, no problem for me, I'm 6' 0".

The looks? well you said it, the Adventure looks like nothing else, the 1200 looks like a toy to me The most apt description of the GS 1200 I've heard was that it's a 'Japanese GS' . Get a real bike

 

[GSAde]

Tyres

Forgot to mention this, well mine has over 4k on now and the buggers are hardly worn - which is a real pisser as it came with O/E T66's - and Im going to have to get some Tourances on before the weather really turns as T66's are crap in the dry & bloody scary in the wet Troule is being a tight Yorkshire git it goes against grain scrapping tyres that aren't worn out

Ade

 

[The_Pilot]

Appreciated guys, I think I will have to test ride, or maybe see if someone in the area want's to swap for a week. I'll speak to my dealer first and see whats about.

You're right about the hooliganism which is a blessing and a curse, recently since the arrival of my first child I am finding that I have curbed it alot, hence my thoughts drifting to the ADV.

I purchased the 1200 with my head, and don't regret the choice as I think it does the job admirably, but my heart says ADV and if I don't try one I will regret it.

 

[MikeP]

When I bought my Adv I test rode the 1200GS and a demo 04 Adv back to back.

I would have found it impossible to explain why I chose the Adv then and still can't now.

All I can say is that when the 1200 Adv is launched (soon now) I can't imagine how it will be better than the1150 Adv (but it probably will be).

Why not wait a few months and (possibly) have the best of both worlds?

 

[sn1p3r]

Same here. I test rode the 650, 1200 and then the 1150Adv. I knew immediately that the 650 wasn't for me but had to go back and ride the 1150GSA and 1200 3 more time until I settled on the 1150GSA.

Also keep in mind that I 'upgraded' from an R80GS.

What a bike! I love the fact that it's a rougher tougher looking and feeling version of more or less the same thing. It still reminds me of my R80GS in some ways, not mechanically but the way it makes me feel when I ride it. The 1200 didn't do that.

Very happy with my choice after 6000 miles but I might be tempted by the 1200GSA when that finally hits the showrooms. Will have to wait and see.

I recently did the BMW level 1 off road course and I rode both bikes (1150GSA and 1200) there and felt the 1150GSA was in it's element where as the 1200 felt like a heavy dirtbike. Make no mistake, I think the 1200 is an awesome machine but the 1150GSA is closer to my heart.

 

[Commuter]

Same here

Same here. I test rode the 650, 1200 and then the 1150Adv. I knew immediately that the 650 wasn't for me but had to go back and ride the 1150GSA and 1200 3 more time until I settled on the 1150GSA.

Also keep in mind that I 'upgraded' from an R80GS.

What a bike! I love the fact that it's a rougher tougher looking and feeling version of more or less the same thing. It still reminds me of my R80GS in some ways, not mechanically but the way it makes me feel when I ride it. The 1200 didn't do that.

Very happy with my choice after 6000 miles but I might be tempted by the 1200GSA when that finally hits the showrooms. Will have to wait and see.

I recently did the BMW level 1 off road course and I rode both bikes (1150GSA and 1200) there and felt the 1150GSA was in it's element where as the 1200 felt like a heavy dirtbike. Make no mistake, I think the 1200 is an awesome machine but the 1150GSA is closer to my heart.

So I have just spent the day doing the exact same thing over here. I have a Ltd Ed GSA on it way to the States as we speak, but I have seen some pretty cool reports on the 1200 since being here so I thought I should have another go.

I spent the morning on the 1200 out on the open road, enjoyed the power and postion, no numb arse etc. The bike is nice and light, flicky and great on the rough fire roads. However, when I got back to the dealer and took out an 03 Adv, it was like getting back in the saddle with old faithful, yep she was noiser, buffered a bit and was less flicky and powerful, but she felt PLANTED on the road and I was very comfortable.

Looking forward to getting the GSA in 3 weeks....and it will be a little different to everyone else at least

 

[yellowisfriedegg]

I only recently joined the ranks of GS'ers , I wanted a bike that would be good 2-up , would be fun and completely different to the sportsbikes I have ridden for the last 20 years or so.

I'd seen Long way round and thought "one of them would be a laugh" , at the time I didn't realise that the adventure was the only 1150 still going and that the 1200 had superseeded the old bike , I just thought all those big ugly beemers were the same

A trip to the local dealer and I got a test ride on a 2nd hand 1150 and then a 1200 demonstrator , the 1200 was obviously a much newer bike and rode nicer but it felt a bit "plasticky" compared to the old bike.

I was told a ltd edition adventure was arriving soon (days) so I waited , the moment I saw it I knew that was the bike I wanted , bigger , uglier , Khazikstan here I come

I know the 1200 is probably a better bike and sometimes I feel like a wifie taking the kids half a mile to school in a Range Rover as I will probably never use the adventure for the job it was built for but it just said buy me........so I did

 

[Pukmeister]

I have the 1200, a good mate has the ADV (affectionately called the 'Tonka Toy') and we went touring together for nearly 3000 miles. On the road mine was the better handling and quicker bike so he rode up front and I kept to his pace, due to being able to easily overtake and catch up. On the really bad roads, the 1200 wasn't a problem, and recently offroad he dropped his ADV 3 times whilst I stayed on mine, though that was more than likely due to rider experience but his weight penalty can't have helped.

Here's the advantage of the ADV though. I had all I could carry in my plastic system cases and a dry bag strapped across my pillion seat. Mateys ADV could carry loads more, and seriously I mean heaps more gear strapped on top of his metal BMW panniers and topbox. I've never seen so much kit on a bike, and it still thundered on effortlessly. An impressive machine.

You can either buy the 1200 with spokes and Touratech panniers to get close to the ADV, or just buy the real thing. I will stick with my 1200 as it is reliable for me (touch wood) but I do envy the Tonka toy ruggedness of the 1150 ADV. I just hope I can afford to buy some goodies for my 1200 in the future for serious offroading like a set of spokes with knobblies, metal luggage etc. as it will be cheaper than buying a new bike.

 

[demito]

A couple of weeks ago I got a 1200 replacement for my '04 1150GSA while it was serviced by my dealership. I took it out for a spin and I must admit that it is a great bike. The engine is so smooth, has lots of power and the bike is lighter than the GSA.

However, I was so happy to be back on the GSA in the evening. It feels so much more like a "real" bike between the legs. I cannot really explain why that is. It's certainly not only the looks (I think the 1200 looks pretty cool btw), but also the feeling as a rider on an impressive heavy beast the GSA is.

Cheers

Demito

 

[mikeh501]

You gotta go and see if you can do a back to back ride of both bikes really

For me, well its gotta be the Adventure. BTW dont put the Adventure in the same pot as the standard 1150GS, they are a completely different kettle of fish. I had a 1150GS loaner when mine was in for service..... Jeez, I would have never have bought one of those. The buffeting was ridiculous on it, and it didnt feel anywhere near as good as the Adventure. You realise the adventure has a different screen

 

[Tobers]

Depends what you want really. The Adv is definitely "rufty-tufty" looking and there's no denying that it has a lot of road presence - more than the 1200.

Having ridden an 1150, Adv and owning a 1200 at the moment, I personally prefer the 1200. This is because I found the 1150 and the Adv both too heavy. The Adv is stunningly heavy with a full fuel tank compared to the 1200. Again for me the 1200 handling is more precise and flickable than the 1150 or Adv. Others however want the bike to feel "planted" which a tanked up Adv certainly will be.

The additional fuel capacity of the Adv is not an issue for me - the 1200 does 240+ miles on a tank which is more than enough for my arse.

I do know what people mean when they talk about getting back on an 1150 or an Adv after a spin on a 1200. The older bike definitely feels more "solid" but I think this is due to 1) the fatter grips 2) the additional weight and 3) the "body's memory" as it settles into the same position it's been in for the last 100 rides.

However, if I now get on an 1150 or an Adv from my 1200, it feels sluggish, unresponsive, heavy and old.

Oh - and I had an Adv screen on my old 1150 which was of course Tobinated. The Adv screen gives more protection than the 1150 one and gives a smooth airflow with the Tobes on. Do note that, as it is a bigger screen, it takes longer to set up as even small adjustments make a big difference to the airflow.

 

[Arthurwg]

I'm hoping that I will be able to retrofit some of the new ADV stuff to my R12.

 

[The_Pilot]

Thanks guys,

and hi again Tobers, thanks for the replacement bits for the 12's tobinators.

I expect the ADV to be heavy, I don't recollect imprecise cornering on my 1150 so I imagine the ADV is similar.

The fuel capacity is not so much a one shot thing for me, its about my weekly commute, I would much prefer only to fill up once a week rather than twice as I have to at the moment, I can get about 235 to 8miles and fumes left, which is undeniably good on a 20ltr tank (20.7 actually with 8mls left) but the extra 20 mins filling up either on the way home or going to work always catches me late for something!!

I was waiting for the ADV12, BUT my wife and I are expecting again and 'we' only have one income, by choice, but only one. I don't think I will be able to justify the £2-£3k difference between my, by then, 18k mls 1200 and a ADV12, no matter how good it is, how light it is or how far it goes on a tank. I guess my 12 will be worth about 8k then.

But I could change now for an 03/04 ADV for little or no extra outlay, probably kitted out., its just a constant nagging in the back of my mind, except of course when my toe sliders are sparking and my mouth is fixed in a permanent grin on the 12, but I feel its a bit like I imagine an affair to be, amazing for a year or so but, I've been married for 10 now so maybe I should have to pull something large and heavy around with me!!!

I'll try and search out a loaded ADV at a dealer and see if he'll take me seriously when I ask for a test ride after rolling up on the 12!!!

Friendly dealer recommendations within a coupe of hours ride of Leicester, with an ADV of course?

 

[Piggers]

Every time I look at an 1150 ADV I think, shit I should have bought one of them and then every time I ride my 1200, I think shit! I am glad I bought one of these

I am sure you would be happy with either

Looks or performance
Looks or performance

Piggers

 

[Rob Farmer]

Pilot,

I'm not far from you, if you fancy a back to back comparrison you are more than welcome to take my Adventure for a Spin.

 

[The_Pilot]

I would really appreciate that Rob, where exactly is LuugaBaruga?

Do you want to e-mail me some potential dates/times that would suit you?

I live in Hinckley.