A bit scared 1300GS

[byron]

I think there are a number of older men in the same dilemma as you and this site does have some very confident riders on it. However the posts in general here have been very sensible. I am 5. 7 and 70 kgs and over the past 18 years have only ridden faired bikes like the 1200rt and the fjr1300. I have always enjoyed the wind protection. However they are not neutral bikes at low speed and I can remember on the Stelvio Pass 4 years ago being almost exhausted at the top after a long day in the saddle. Compare that to the 80 g/s pd that I owned at the same time such a joy to ride at low speed and plenty of power for most roads. Over the years the flagship bikes of manufactures have got bigger and bigger, so go with your heart and enjoy a smaller bike. I am in my early 70s now and have decided to move on to a convertible car for fun now

 

[jags]

i found that age was the best reason to downsize. i went from a 2009 gs to a suzi vstrom 650. not a great difference in weight( 15kgs?) but enough to make a difference. now i think i should lower it but at approaching 80 maybe i should just call it a day. good luck with your decision.

 

[Gobsheen]

I found the clutch bite point was too far out even on the closest setting so I adjusted it, even if it’s not supposed to be adjustable, it actually is

This makes slow manœuvres much easier

Thread 'R1300GS clutch lever adjustment'

Apr 9, 2025

I’ve just adjusted the throw of my clutch lever to bring the bite point closer to the handlebar, I have the standard levers, not enduro and even on the closest of the 3 settings the bite point was too far out

Thought I’d post here how to adjust it further, BUT ! Before you touch your bike be aware that my dealer said the lever couldn’t be adjusted
The 1200s had the same system so this is nothing new but most folks aren’t aware of it

Disclaimer - it’s very simple to do but you need a bit of mechanical feel, if you aren’t confident with tools leave it alone!

Underneath the lever there...

• leadfarmer
• Replies: 34
• Forum: 1300 GS

• 

As for the brakes, ride in dynamic mode, the brakes will behave far more normally, in road mode the linked system intervenes too much for my liking

Thanks for this, I had read your original post with interest- I don’t want to tamper with it but ill definitely bring this up with the dealer.

 

[leadfarmer]

Thanks for this, I had read your original post with interest- I don’t want to tamper with it but ill definitely bring this up with the dealer.

Be interested to know what they say

 

[Wrinkly]

Try a 1300 ASA. They are a piece of cake to ride.