snerkler
Registered user
Firstly, don't listen to all those 1150 owners telling you how fragile the 1200's are. Yes some have issues, but no more than any other bike, and in reality probably less than a lot. Every report you read on the GS/GSA says how reliable they are. Some on here get stuck in their ways and don't like change and so have to find faults 
As for the age, I personally feel quite a difference in 06 to 08, and 08 to 2010/2011. Each time it gets better, with the DOHC (ie 2010 onwards) being superb, and every bike you could want. If your budget can stretch to it I would strongly recommend a DOHC one. Adding a quick shift throttle adapter totally transforms the bike, even though all it does is reduce throttle travel. (couple of threads on here about this, takes 15 mins to fit and won't affect warranty).
I personally am a massive fan of the ESA (I think I have ESA II on mine). I find it makes a big difference between settings and swap regularly while riding. It wouldn't be worth it if it did preload alone (although makes life a lot easier), but for the softness/stiffness settings it's great. ABS is a personal choice. I had it on an 05 GS and hated it as it kicked in way too early. However, on the 2010 bike it's much better, and in fact I've not had it in operation yet (I hope it's working
). Traction control is handy if you plan on riding in all weather conditions, gives you that bit more confidence when the going gets slippery. Having said that I've only had it kick in twice and that was going over a pothole when accelerating hard.
Heated grips are a must
The only negative thing with the GS/GSA's is buffeting from the screen, but there are hundreds of solutions which have been talked to death about on here.
By the way my experience has been a combination of GS's and GSA's.
As for the age, I personally feel quite a difference in 06 to 08, and 08 to 2010/2011. Each time it gets better, with the DOHC (ie 2010 onwards) being superb, and every bike you could want. If your budget can stretch to it I would strongly recommend a DOHC one. Adding a quick shift throttle adapter totally transforms the bike, even though all it does is reduce throttle travel. (couple of threads on here about this, takes 15 mins to fit and won't affect warranty).
I personally am a massive fan of the ESA (I think I have ESA II on mine). I find it makes a big difference between settings and swap regularly while riding. It wouldn't be worth it if it did preload alone (although makes life a lot easier), but for the softness/stiffness settings it's great. ABS is a personal choice. I had it on an 05 GS and hated it as it kicked in way too early. However, on the 2010 bike it's much better, and in fact I've not had it in operation yet (I hope it's working
). Traction control is handy if you plan on riding in all weather conditions, gives you that bit more confidence when the going gets slippery. Having said that I've only had it kick in twice and that was going over a pothole when accelerating hard.Heated grips are a must
The only negative thing with the GS/GSA's is buffeting from the screen, but there are hundreds of solutions which have been talked to death about on here.
By the way my experience has been a combination of GS's and GSA's.
The 1200 is superior in every way 
