A few questions on the Adventures

essjay

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Hi guys....

Thinking of trading the 1150GSA for a 950/990 Adventure. I need something a little less heavy/bulky and the 950/990 is on my list as is a 1200 GS (non adv).

So my questions:

1). Anyone put 17 inch rims on the back so you can use tourances/anakees? I see the back is an 18 inch rim but I'm not sure do those tires coms in that size.

2). I hate the idea of only getting around 150 miles to the tank so I'd look at the aqualines. They seem to get slated on advrider as they swell up or something. How real a problem is this? Probably not in our weather but what if I took a trip to a hotter climate? Also in this case is they while/orange better then the black?

3). On the tanks again. How does your fuel gauge work?

4). Anyone tried the KTM or TT lower seat? Any good or like a rock?

thats it for now
 
Hi

I moved from a GSA1200 to an Adventure and couldn't me happier.

I can't answer the first two questions as I have no experience, but the Adventure does not have a fuel guage. I have just put Akras on mine and my reserve light came on at 128 miles. No big deal for me though.

On the seat issue I am a KTM low seat which has the gel insert in. Cost just over £100 (bargain). Its hard and takes about 1000 miles to beak in but its comfortable enough in my opinion.

Hope this helps

S
 
Really, no fuel guage? Didn't know that.

So with the aqualines does the fuel warning light even work?
 
Oh yeah, another question I had.

5). Whats the extra available power/wattage for running accessories? Fogs, spots, heated jacket, autocom etc.
 
I know someone who has the larger fuel tanks fitted and his reserve still works.

The weight difference feels huge. The KTM feels lighter, better balanced and alot faster. Much easier to flick about. In my opinion its the bike I should have got instead of the GSA.

I have a couple of bits added, GPS and heated grips. I know peole who have lights etc etc and do not have problems. The 990 has a couple of sets of spare wires to attach accessories so you don't have to cut into the wiring loom unless you put a fair few on.
 
How do you find the weight/bulk difference?

Hello mate, their heavy arn't they :)

Just the size, the height and weight of the SE was one of the main reasons I sold it. Have you ridden a 1200 GSA? I have taken one out for a couple of days and weight wise it is what the 1150 should be. It still feels big but nowhere near as heavy. As and when I change I will be looking at a 2008 GSA, I rode the 2006 but for some reason it wasn't as comfortable as the 08.

Hi to your dad.
 
Hello mate, their heavy arn't they :)

Just the size, the height and weight of the SE was one of the main reasons I sold it. Have you ridden a 1200 GSA? I have taken one out for a couple of days and weight wise it is what the 1150 should be. It still feels big but nowhere near as heavy. As and when I change I will be looking at a 2008 GSA, I rode the 2006 but for some reason it wasn't as comfortable as the 08.

Hi to your dad.

Hey Jim,

I absolutely love the SE and I'd be gutted to let it go but I might have to. Slow speed movement and stopping on hills has me terrified at this stage. I dropped it for the first time over the weekend and with 3/4 of a tank I had no chance in keeping it upright once it started leaning.

Whats more I have 20mm lower Wilbers and a low seat on it, but I was using one of those alaska butt pads which didn't help.

As far as I know the 1150 is around 30 kgs heavier than the 1200 so that might be a big factor.

I'll try the 1200 as well as the 990 and see.

Cheers...
 
I'll try the 1200 as well as the 990 and see.

Thats what I'd do, I can't decide whether I like the KTM or not but from what people say it's even higher than the 1150. The 1200GSA at least has an adjustable seat which makes all the difference.
 
Thats what I'd do, I can't decide whether I like the KTM or not but from what people say it's even higher than the 1150. The 1200GSA at least has an adjustable seat which makes all the difference.

Looking at the seat height specs of both bikes:

1150GSA - 900mm/860mm (I take this to be 860 with the low saddle)
990 - 860mm (low saddle knocks another 20mm off)

But with the 990 thinner (and possibly more uncomfortable) seat it theoretically means that I'd have more leg reach.

I've sat on a 990 and it definately felt smaller. Never ridden one though.

Also if I put the 17 inch back rim on it would knock another 12mm or so off the height if I wanted but I'd more than likely up the preload.
 
No I've never ridden one and only ever sat on them at the shows. It would appear they are lower but people reckon their more perched. Next time I'm down Dorset way I may pop in the dealers and have a look.
 
I absolutely love the SE and I'd be gutted to let it go but I might have to. Slow speed movement and stopping on hills has me terrified at this stage. I dropped it for the first time over the weekend and with 3/4 of a tank I had no chance in keeping it upright once it started leaning.

You have a 950SE?

Much closer comparison SE vs Adv ...

BTW, if youre wanting to shift the SE, youre not going to have a lot of trouble (though recently a few on ebay werent really shifting). But I have a mate of mine with cash ready, waiting to buy.
 
essjay I had a wee sit on the KTM 990 and found I can reach the road better since the seat is narrower as you say you get better leg reach.

But if you got the shorter shock and low seat on a 1150GSA you just might find that either of these bikes might just be too tall for you and you maybe better looking at something else or physically far lighter
 


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