1200GS test ride, finally.

[fatone]

On a custard yellow with 2k miles at a car/bike dealership. Nice weather, 26°c and sunny. Forgot how dropping a cog too soon does funnies with the rear wheel. Gearbox clunky as ever and in spite of FI you know it's still a v old engine.That said, it was incredibly light and handled like a much smaller bike. Noisy on the autoroute; probably my fault as I didn't realise the screen was adjustable. Overall though it's not for me. The styling is too grotesque and plasticky and I'm not particularly impressed with the finish. And too expensive.
Did a test ride on a Triumph Sprint immediately afterwards. Very quick, comfortable and easier to get round bendy bits than the GS (obviously). The bike had a problem with the clutch - too much snatching. Maybe also the fuelling. Still, possibly still a contender.
Finally went to the KTM dealer. Test ride arranged for next week. The Adventure in question (a black one) oozed quality and had a top quality fit. A tad too tall but the man said it's adjustable. If it works, maybe it's the one.
On va voir.

 

[Howard Millichap]

On a custard yellow with 2k miles at a car/bike dealership. Nice weather, 26°c and sunny. Forgot how dropping a cog too soon does funnies with the rear wheel. Gearbox clunky as ever and in spite of FI you know it's still a v old engine.That said, it was incredibly light and handled like a much smaller bike. Noisy on the autoroute; probably my fault as I didn't realise the screen was adjustable. Overall though it's not for me. The styling is too grotesque and plasticky and I'm not particularly impressed with the finish. And too expensive.
Did a test ride on a Triumph Sprint immediately afterwards. Very quick, comfortable and easier to get round bendy bits than the GS (obviously). The bike had a problem with the clutch - too much snatching. Maybe also the fuelling. Still, possibly still a contender.
Finally went to the KTM dealer. Test ride arranged for next week. The Adventure in question (a black one) oozed quality and had a top quality fit. A tad too tall but the man said it's adjustable. If it works, maybe it's the one.
On va voir.

Careful! I dared to critisize a few things on a GS12 after a test ride and got abused by some of the less intelligent members of this forum.

 

[Teddy]

Is that possible????

Having less intelligent members that you!!!

After all - you have a Treeumff!!!!

 

[BBB61]

Careful! I dared to critisize a few things on a GS12 after a test ride and got abused by some of the less intelligent members of this forum.

You mean this thread Howard? 6 pages and only 2 people abused you. Amazing considering all the trolling you do!

 

[Pipboy]

Thanks Fatone

One of the things I like about this forum is that folks can share their honest opinions (which as bikers we're generally qualified to provide and enthusiastic to discuss) at low risk of rabid flaming and other such episodes of emotional incontinence - sharp wit and ribbing are more the norm. Anyway, if I have a strong opinion, then I expect it to be challenged, and in the process I might learn something new.

I love my 1100 but also agree that 'grotesque' is the perfect description of the styling, and it applies to most of the other R bikes as well (IMHO). I love the way the GS rides, but of course it's not for everyone, otherwise I'd never find it in the bike park.

So Fatone, good luck in your choice and enjoy riding whatever you end up with. And let us know what you think!