8 weeks to xmas...

[mbp]

I've ridden CBR600s and then a ZX12R for about nine years, then taken a break for two. I'm thinking a R1200GS might be the right way to get back on.

I don't want something that's always wanting to be twice the speed limit, and I want something that'll cope with dodgy Australian roads and take my girlfriend on the back happily.

I've test ridden the GS once and it was pretty good. The height takes some getting used to - I'm 6" and not used to having to think so carefully about how to put my foot down. I guess you get used to it... right? But it didn't feel nearly as heavy or top-heavy as I expected. The paralever feels oddly neutral -- am I braking or not? I guess that's a feature.

In fact it was just about perfect: fast, good sense of connection, not too much wind. The pillion seat looks good but we need to go back for a two-up test ride.

I think in a couple of months we'll have the money to buy a new one so I'll probably do that, as I hope to keep it for a few years. I was planning to get one with most of the computer bits - abs, alarm(?), computer, tpc, asc. They come standard here with heated grips and abs. I'd appreciate any advice on options, and also on what cylinder protection to get, if any: plastic composite covers, a bar, ??

 

[mikepg]

Hello there!

I think that you have already summed up what it's like! - yes you do get used to where your foot down depending on the camber and it is really easy to ride.

I bought the one they had in the dealers - it had abs, heated grips and a computer thing on it already. The only extra bits I have purchased are the panniers and top box. I also bought the plastic cylinder head protectors because I feared that I might drop it, but so far so good - and that has been a waste of money!

Loads of posts here about extra bits and bobs you could put on, wind buffeting, tyres, and a rather long in the tooth debate about abs - I prefer to just get on with it and ride every day and suck it and see which bits might need changing/fall off/break/need replacing. (so far, none!)

Good luck, and nice idea with Xmas coming early!

 

[Geeza]

The best money I've spent on my GS are these babies............for £119 squid you can't go wrong

http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SWM-CB1200GS&variation=&aitem=118&mitem=230

 

[greggs]

R1200GS - YES !!

MBP, which side of Sydney are you on ?
If you are remotely on the north side, slip up to Worthingtons at Gosford.
Good range of bikes and have the TouraTech catalogue available for the extra shiney stuff.
The R1200GS is a cracker - and as you say, our crap roads need something with suspension.

cheers
gregGS

 

[Mr K]

Woo-hoo!

 

[mbp]

MBP, which side of Sydney are you on ?
If you are remotely on the north side, slip up to Worthingtons at Gosford.

Yes, I'm on the north side. I had my test rides at Procycles. I'll go up to Worthingtons some time and have a look around.

 

[BillWright]

If it helps, I swopped from a ZX12R to a GS two years ago. Whilst the beemer looks like "an unmade bed" after the Kwac, it is much more real world useable and safer on the licence.

 

[mbp]

Well, I put down a deposit for a desert yellow one, and am now just waiting very impatiently.