1200gsa or 1150gsa??????

[Stujw70]

I have in the past had a 12GSA with Servo brakes, loved the ride, comfort, lighter weight when pushing around etc, but did not like the constant breakdowns.

I went back to the 1150GSA with Servo brakes and i am now on my 5th one i think it is. Had a standard 1150 for a very short time and sold it immediatly and got another GSA.

Never had a problem with the Servo brakes covering probably a total of 80k over the years. You get used to the feel as with most things.

Good luck in your search

 

[John Armstrong]

Really? I think the word 'most' is a bit strong, 'some' would be more accurate. The bike was still a top seller even with the servo set up.

Ok I'll accept that, but those that do dislike them really do. Plus, IIRC with the servo brakes on the 1200 you have to start the bike without them applied / handguards not touching etc etc otherwise you'd be into residual braking territory. My later non-servo 1200GSA didn't mind that at all.

Can't remember if the servo'd 1150 had similar issues

 

[Mav]

Ok I'll accept that, but those that do dislike them really do. Plus, IIRC with the servo brakes on the 1200 you have to start the bike without them applied / handguards not touching etc etc otherwise you'd be into residual braking territory. My later non-servo 1200GSA didn't mind that at all.

Can't remember if the servo'd 1150 had similar issues

My 12GSA with servos is a pain in the arse - like you say, can't start it with the brakes on, tedious if you're on an incline. Also, if it stalls, which it does occasionally on downshifts, the initial loss of braking can be quite alarming.

If it wasn't for the loss of ABS, I would be pulling mine off. Even with the loss of ABS, I'm still tempted...

 

[cookie]

like you say, can't start it with the brakes on, tedious if you're on an incline

i never knew that. that's just plain stupid design.

 

[Mav]

i never knew that. that's just plain stupid design.

I know

 

[John Armstrong]

i never knew that. that's just plain stupid design.

IIRC the solution is to let the bike go through it's diagnostic checks with either it in gear to stop it rolling forwards / backwards or using the side stand / centre stand to stop it rolling backwards. Once the check is done, you can then take it out of gear and start the bike up. It all gets a bit interesting on a downhill slope if you're sat on the bike as you can't really use the stands, and you have to dance around putting it in gear / out of gear etc etc to get the engine started if you stalled it.

Or, just accept the residual braking and go gently till you get to a level bit of ground. Very clever idea whoever thought it up

 

[King Rat]

Interesting. I have an 1150 ADV with servos - pull brake on, start bike, the servo pump cuts in and you feel the lever move OUTWARDS, away from your fingers, as the pressure from the pump is chimed in. No problems with starting the bike while holding the brake on.

Without the ignition turned on you have manual brakes only and it needs a good pull on the lever to get enough bite, but it isn't something to be frightened of, just aware of when manhandling the bike around. Turn ignition on and you have the sevo assistance immediately - so if you are worried, just turn the ign on before pushing it about and you have instant stoppies.

I also have an ABS NON SERVO 1150, standard one. The brakes are nearly as effective as the Adv with servo, but without the added weight of all the gubbins, and added complexity of the extra circuitry.

Reliability of the servo system has been called into question too. I have never had an issue in the 85,000 miles mine has covered. The same system is fitted to the road bikes and nobody complains, or not loudly anyway. Is it just the GS riders who shout louder? I don't know, just asking. I know big K riders have reported few problems with the servo system and like the additional power for little finger pressure. That is the thing, the brakes are just as effective on both types (same disc rotors, same pads essentially) it is the finger pressure that changes - with servos you can haul a fully loaded bike down from silly speeds very quickly with light finger pressure. The non servo brakes just need a bit more heave on the lever to do the same thing.

My experience is that the 1150 is better than the 1200 - was nearly seduced and had one for a week. Got back on the 1150s and they are more comfy and ride better, FOR ME. I bet you'll find people who think the other way round. So you can only go by what feels right for YOU.

 

[Shep]

With the 1200 with servos you just have to wait till the system check is over with the bike on a flat or in gear, then just engage the clutch and start as normal, brakes applied or no brakes applied

Put key in bike, switch on, put gloves on, start bike can't be hard (probably a bit too much brain power needed for alot of neanderthal 1150 riders to cope with, apparantly)

Shep