1200GS or 1200GSA?

[BBB61]

Glad you didn't take too much offence to my reply Alan, I was in "say it like you see it" mode last night, not a very diplomatic state to be in. I wish I could afford to have your dilemma

Is that a euphemism for pissed by any chance?

 

[nadeem]

I thought long & hard about changing mine but can't justify it for a bigger tank, bigger screen and different panniers...when my bike is only 12 months old. Maybe next year when the warranty finishes but I'm not sure I'll do so even then if the bike is running good...I've spent a lot of money getting this bike to the way I want it and I'm happy with it.

 

[Rollo]

Interesting how so many replies to the various threads on this subject of the new 1200 Adventure are from riders of the 1200 GS and not riders of the 1150 Adventure. Why?

The new bike has presumeably been designed to replace the existing Adventure and will shortly supercede it and the owners of the GSA are the ones who most likely need the attributes of the new variant.

1200 GS owners obviously chose not to have a big tank, tall bike etc so why all of a sudden has their preferred choice suddenly become redundant when the Adventure is replaced? Is the 1200 GS meant to be the low volume niche model? Are the majority of 12oo GS riders not satisfied with their bikes, 'cos in the main Adventure riders seem to be.

Many GSA riders, including me, reviewed the 1200 GS and decided it was not the tool for the job and are now considering whether the new model will meet the requirements.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

Cutting my teeth

I went to the NEC yesterday, and had to stand in line waiting to sign up for the ride out, and all the time I could see the BMW stand, knowing the 1200GSA was just out of sight!

When I started riding 20 weeks ago, I wanted something small, so bought the Cityfly as a run about and to get some practice in

When I passed my test 14 weeks ago, I new the Cityfly suddenly felt a little small

When I bought my R1200GS 13 weeks ago, that was bloody big

Getting the hang of that one now... the HP2 didn't seem that tall to me yesterday

Perhaps by the time the 1200GSA is on sale I might be upto trying it out

Of course, the bank balance won't let me but one, but I can always dream

 

[IainMac]

Being an ex 1150GSA owner I must admit the 1200GSA is the first BMW thats come close to tempting me back. I had sold my GSA as it had given me too much grief (basically a lemon) . The 1200GS wasnt available at the time even if it had been wouldnt have appealed as its appearance was a little to anodyne when compared to the GSA.
So its with some amazement (IMHO) that BMW have turned the 1200gsa around with what is in reality a styling makeover. But all the good for BMW (blimey never thought i'd say that) as it would appear they given the 1200 some much needed beef to enable to match the 1150(GSA) at least in the visual stakes, and in theory should address the old 1150 issues of wieght and power (too much and too little?).

Hopefully they've managed to iron all the other 1200 niggles too, and not introduced any GSA specific ones , though they do seem have a "good?" track record in the latter, what with recent ABS and Servo brake issues.

The doubters need to take this bike at face value , ie mid model life cycle update to boost sales, its hopefully no worse than existing 1200gs and should be better (due to development) , and imho looks a lot better, even though the changes are minimal.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Interesting how so many replies to the various threads on this subject of the new 1200 Adventure are from riders of the 1200 GS and not riders of the 1150 Adventure. Why?

QUOTE]

I'm not sure I agree with you there, having read the multitude of threads re. the GSA12 on this forum my impresion has been the majority of GS12 riders are happy with their choice and sticking with it.

IMHO it seems to be the 1150GSA owners that are considering changing up on the whole.

Me? I bought my GS12 as a road bike that has the ability to go down the odd dirt track when I'm in the mood. As such the lightness (relative!), low(ish) seat height, powerful(ish) engine and superb handling are why I bought it and not an 1150. For these reasons the GSA12 does not appeal to me. If I want to go off road or even go RTW then a 650 thumper or similar would be my choice, not a lard-arse BMW.

Still think the GSA12 looks bleedin' cool though

Andres

 

[ktmmark]

Thats why i got mine perfect for the roads round wher i live & more than good enough to travel anywhere in europe (i dont get the has to be metal & a fuel tanker thing) i got my bmw because i love riding bikes & i use it insted of a car (sold it ) Last year i did 1500 mile in 12 months this year with the bmw 9000 since march .

 

[Steptoe]

Thats why i got my bike perfect for the roads around where i live, and more than good enough to travel anywhere in europe (i don't get the "has to be metal & a fuel tanker thing" ?).
I bought my bmw because i love riding bikes, and i use it instead of a car, (which i sold).
Last year i rode 1500 miles in 12 months, this year with the bmw, i've ridden 9000 miles since march .

........ ''''''' " " I was out of breath reading your post .

 

[birdseye]

" I was always worried about the overall weight/bulk of the 1150GSA and therefore enjoyed much more taking my old 1150 down tracks than I did with the GSA."

I think you've already answered your own question. You fancy the GSA because its new, but you'll get just as much fun if not more out of a 1200GS. You're just frightened of going out, buying the GS, and then feeling you've not got the latest all-bells-and-whistles ride

 

[G.C.]

BBTR said "the bloody seat height?"

What is this in practical terms ? To those of you that have had a leg over the 12 GSA. I have read the spec and it tells me that its, what 88/93 cm but does this not exclude the majority of mere mortals who are a normal height. ??

I'm 5 foot 11 and don’t consider myself short, but with that weight and at that height it would/ shall make me think more than twice about the GSA.

So what height would you need to be to consider the R 1200 GSA an option ?

Good thread btw, rational well thought out arguments/ questions even when in "say it like you see it" mode

G C

 

[BTBR]

Having taken a second visit to the NEC this afternoon, and after a good long chat with one of the techincal guys about various bits and bobs, it would seem that "maybe" there will be a low seat option as well.

After all, at 895mm in the low seat setting it must limit the market place somewhat, of which he agreed 100%?

That said I had a look at the KTM 950 Adventure as well today and it has the same 895mm seat height, so it gave me a little insight as to what it would be like................answer.............feckin' tall!!!

It may also be that the low seat from the normal GS will not fit? He could not see any reason as to why not, as both bikes share the same seating subframe.

He also suspected that the first demonstrators would be in the UK much sooner than we expect....fingers crossed then ah?

BTBR

PS
And I got to sit on it again....................

 

[DrAlf]

Well I was the NEC too today and couldn’t help but laugh as I overheard two of the BMW tech’s talking. Apparently a member of the public had handed in a detailed report which contained a number of recommendations for improving the GSA. Now I’m pretty sad but that’s truly special. Got to be you right BTBR

 

[BTBR]

Well I was the NEC too today and couldn’t help but laugh as I overheard two of the BMW tech’s talking. Apparently a member of the public had handed in a detailed report which contained a number of recommendations for improving the GSA. Now I’m pretty sad but that’s truly special. Got to be you right BTBR

Only joking...........no it was not I

 

[BiG DoM]

Yeah what a joke! Bet they binned it without even reading it ... the definition of futility! ... maybe the guy thought it was a prototype?

 

[The Machine Cat]

Waaaaaaaay too big, and waaaaaay too heavy.
I like the look, but I mean, guys, if you live in a city, how do you expect to move around with such a large beast ? No way in Paris. And I am not even talking of parking the thing on a parisian sidewalk
When I think that I have already dropped my bike 3 times in a little more than a year, I don't want to know how many times I would drop such a biggie !

As soon as I am no longer convinced that I am real man, I may consider buying one instead of Viagra. So far, so good hehehe

BTW my girl says hi to all the people we met at Lahinch, she gets her bike (a 650CS koubalinked to death) next week !

 

[nadeem]

Nice to see you around Bert, been ages..

 

[Paul Mac]

MMMMMMMM loadsa plastic - after buying the 1200GS heap of Crap last BMW I buy - hate the new bikes and all the plastic and unreliable and dangerous bits that fall off - What a shame BMW have "upgraded" the GS from its ultimate incarnation in the 1150 ADV. "1200 ADV" cant stop laughing in anticpation of RTW travellers being standed in the middle of nowhere with ................. ahg the list is so long of faults on the 1200 - has to be the most over hyped bike ever, and I for one aint falling for it again !!!

 

[GAG]

I am a new recruit to BMW and originally 2 years ago I wanted the 1150GSA. After a test ride of the 1150GS I decided that the jump from my Kavisaki was too great. One year later and after a test ride on the new 1200GS that was it, the improvements were great. If I was honest my passion after 35 years of biking was starting to wane, that has all changed :
After seeing the excellent pics from Zmegol the first reaction was lust, but after 3 days reality has taken hold. The new GSA even if it does look cool would not be as practical for me as my 12s, for commuting or travelling.
I like my boxes that shrink so i can get down my narrow path, and as I have to stop every 100 miles to have a fag and stretch, the tank size is not an issue, and at the end of the day it is the same bike as mine with added extras

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

Interesting how so many replies to the various threads on this subject of the new 1200 Adventure are from riders of the 1200 GS and not riders of the 1150 Adventure. Why?

The new bike has presumeably been designed to replace the existing Adventure and will shortly supercede it and the owners of the GSA are the ones who most likely need the attributes of the new variant.

1200 GS owners obviously chose not to have a big tank, tall bike etc so why all of a sudden has their preferred choice suddenly become redundant when the Adventure is replaced? Is the 1200 GS meant to be the low volume niche model? Are the majority of 12oo GS riders not satisfied with their bikes, 'cos in the main Adventure riders seem to be.

Many GSA riders, including me, reviewed the 1200 GS and decided it was not the tool for the job and are now considering whether the new model will meet the requirements.

I can't speak for other 1200 owners, but for me, the introduction of the GSA makes no difference. It is about as relevant to my needs as the HP2.

For what I do (and plan to do even), buying a 1200GSA would be a costly exercise to become labelled as a LWR wannabee. Don't get me wrong, I plan to start using the 12 beyond the tarmac, I just couldn't justify the 'need' for the GSA.

I reckon that after the furore has dies down, many 12 owners will probably calm down and stay with what they have got. For me, it's the best bike that I have ever had (so far) and the introduction of the lastest shiny new 'must have' doesn't suddenly make my own bike bad or inferior.

IMHO, of course!

Kai

 

[Dinger]

I can't speak for other 1200 owners,.....

You managed to speak pretty eloquently for me as it happens, cheers.