1200GS settings etc.

[Lee]

Hi there. My name is Lee and I'm due to take delivery of my 1200GS in October. After having read some of the comments on the site I have the following questions about my new machine:

1. Is the standard saddle bad enough to consider a replacement? I didn't have any trouble on the test rides I took but they were only an hour or so long at a time.
2. What suspension settings would people suggest? I'm 6'00" and 13 stone. I understand the front end has adjustable preload (Unlike my current 1100S). Any thoughts?
3. Any thoughts on tyres? What seems to work best?

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Lee

 

[AndyT]

Nice choice Lee - However all the GS range are great bikes.

Theres no problems with the seat I've just come back from a 3000 mile tour with no probs.

I've not touched a thing on my suspension but I think this is something you are either bothered by or not. Just see how you find it and adjust if required. There have been some stories of harsh front suspension.

Regarding tyres - Tourance are without doubt the best (IMHO). Mine came with Bridgestone Trailwings (Nippon No Grips if you ask me). I've had quite a few slips at the back end but never once on my previous GS with Tourance. Tourance also seem to last an awful lot longer.

Octobers along way away, do you not fancy a nice Adventure in Black... for the Summer.

Have Fun

AndyT

 

[Lee]

Cheers for the advice. I do have my wife's F650GS to ride on in the meantime so I'm not too badly done by.

On my 1100S I've only bothered with the rear preload (Winding it up when I took a passenger on the back) and I've used Bridgestone 020s which I have had good experiences with. I'm told they will go on to the GS as well now.

Here's looking forward to October.

 

[stephenm]

Hi there. My name is Lee and I'm due to take delivery of my 1200GS in October. After having read some of the comments on the site I have the following questions about my new machine:

1. Is the standard saddle bad enough to consider a replacement? I didn't have any trouble on the test rides I took but they were only an hour or so long at a time.
2. What suspension settings would people suggest? I'm 6'00" and 13 stone. I understand the front end has adjustable preload (Unlike my current 1100S). Any thoughts?
3. Any thoughts on tyres? What seems to work best?

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Lee

I found the seat uncomfortable for the first thousand kms or so, but I don't give it a second thought now it has been broken in. A sheepskin helps too. I don't see any reason to change. My pillions have all been happy with the rear seat over the last 4,000 kms.

I am 11.5 stoneish and use step 3 on the front. I change the rear to maintain ride height, depending on the pillion. Solo I keep it in the lower third of its range. Last trip with my son and full luggage needed 90% preload to maintain ride height. It still gave a comfortable ride.

My bike has Trailwings. They are wearing well and I am happy with their performance over a wide variety of roads.

Stephen

 

[Lee]

Thanks for the advice. Sheepskins are a little rare over here but I'm sure that I could find one! Glad to hear that the seat isn't a problem.

Any more info or advice please let me know.

Yours

Lee