filtering on a GS

[Ian]

Just taken an 1150 for a test ride, and as predicted by you guys, loved it.

However, my commute consists entirely of threading through London traffic.
I'm worried about handlebar width. I can't help but notice all the couriers ride 1150r's, is that the reason?

Any thoughts on traffic busting on a GS greatly appreciated....

 

[bigkuri]

Just taken an 1150 for a test ride, and as predicted by you guys, loved it.

However, my commute consists entirely of threading through London traffic.
I'm worried about handlebar width. I can't help but notice all the couriers ride 1150r's, is that the reason?

Any thoughts on traffic busting on a GS greatly appreciated....

I filter out through London traffic each day, and it's not as wide as you think. I think that the cylinder heads and crash bars are wider than the handle bars, so not sure couriers get any real advantage on 1150r's - except in avoiding wing mirrors!

It's certainly harder to filter on than a 650GS or KTM, but in a way the balance is so good it makes up for the increased width in smoothness.

 

[simonm]

Height....

is a great help - you can see problems\gaps a long way forward.
Bar ends are above most car wing mirrors - unfortunately exactly same height as Transit mirrors
Slow speed balence and turning circle are good.

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Re: Height....

Bar ends are above most car wing mirrors - unfortunately exactly same height as Transit mirrors

Also same height as Landrover Freelander mirrors

Filtering on motorways or cities other than London (e.g. Bristol) is a doddle on the GS. On the few times I have been in London on the bike I have been much more careful because the lanes seem to be narrower.

Mike

 

[nleader]

Just taken an 1150 for a test ride, and as predicted by you guys, loved it.

However, my commute consists entirely of threading through London traffic.
I'm worried about handlebar width. I can't help but notice all the couriers ride 1150r's, is that the reason?

Any thoughts on traffic busting on a GS greatly appreciated....

Ian,

There is one company that buys white R1150Rs for their couriers to use - they aren't the couriers choice, but the company's, surely? Fleet ownership brings different priorities to the party, I suspect.

The GS is so poised at 1mph that you can filter, feet up, with very small gaps either side of your handlebars/cylinder heads/motocases if the traffic is stationary. Don't worry about making it through every gap, coz your riding position means you will see other opportunities that others might miss coz they're charging through every gap they can find - even if it leads nowhere!

Norman

 

[Crazy Horse]

Ian, I'm another that commutes into London - I agree with all the comments above and have not found any circumstances yet in which I regretted the size of the beast. One thing that I find has made a difference is to remove the panniers - they can catch the sides of vehicles as you duck and weave. I have a huge Givi topbox and, if I have to carry alot of work, I strap on an Oxford tail pack.

I really don't think you'll find the size is a deterrent to fast travel through the traffic... If you like the bike get it and welcome!

 

[tonym]

You could always ride over them!

 

[Kropotkin]

For the definitive word on filtering read Fanum's legendary filtering post halfway down this page.

In fact, read the whole thread. Plenty to learn.

 

[GSmonkey]

I'm new to the 12GS, but am not new to filtering in London.

I'd say in summary, no better than a sportsbike, no worse, but not as good as say a fazer.

The main limiting factor (I find) is the width of the cylinders which can stop me filtering right to the front of the queue. I don't have a problem with the handlebars, as they go over the top of cars. Two vans side by side, or a van next to a bus/lorry can also stop you in your tracks.

Parking at your final distination can be a pain due to length/width.

Now the positives:
- Ride over the potholes / rutts / overbanding etc. Just fantastic.
- Height, a real bonus for forward planning.
- Brakes: ABS means a lot less worry re. diesel / assorted cr@p on the road.

 

[ArgyBargy]

Best bike I've ever had for tootling through London. Sitting high makes for better planning as previously mentioned, so you can often beat narrower bikes with a more inteligent route.

I have best of both worlds - GS with R handlebars, they are a bit narrower which helps when it gets really tight.

Limiting factor is the pots - but they bounce off taxi bumpers OK.

Forget panniers if you go through the middle, as yes, your bum will look big in this.

 

[BawdyMonk]

Because of the riding position and view I must admit I've grown to like filtering since having a GSA, and I hated it on a VFR, my tips are...

Keep the auxillary lights on, but not the mainbeam.

Wear a white (mines lightblue but passes) helmet.

Wear black riding gear.

Ride like you own the road, that combined with the aboveand the size of a GS seem to scare the cages drivers shitless

 

[Commuter]

Not a Problem

Very easy, the seating postion is great and you never have a problem getting through. INfact I find the size helps most of the time.

Just get on a ride it, lovely toys they are.