Fireblade to GS1200 or GS1150 Adventurer

[gazzr]

Have been reading this post with great interest and it's nice to know I'm not the only one who has had enough of Sportsbikes. I currently ride a ZZR1100 (always with pillion) and find I spend more time worrying about the smoothest line through the corner and avoiding the next pot-hole than I do enjoying the ride (especially as suspension is soggy and well past it's sell by date).

We have a big trip planned for eight months of next year (Europe and beyond) and face the dilema of GS or Varadero. Coming from a bike with the ZZR`s power I am worried about the lack of power from the GS and am thinking that the Varadero might be a better bet. What's the feeling on the Varadero? A poor mans GS? Are there any mods for the GS to make it a bit quicker or should I just relax and enjoy the pot-hole busting GS for what it is?

cya!
gazzr

 

[ahutcheon]

We have a big trip planned for eight months of next year (Europe and beyond) and face the dilema of GS or Varadero. Coming from a bike with the ZZR`s power I am worried about the lack of power from the GS and am thinking that the Varadero might be a better bet. What's the feeling on the Varadero? A poor mans GS? Are there any mods for the GS to make it a bit quicker or should I just relax and enjoy the pot-hole busting GS for what it is?

The GS isn't a slow bike: it'll go faster than the law allows with little effort anywhere except an Autobahn, and has enough torque to comfortably overtake in most gaps that mortal man can safely judge. I'd guess that the suspension on a GS buys you more speed than the motor in a Varadero?

If you want to make good time, in comfort, from A to B over most roads then enjoy the GS and you'll soon enough stop caring about the antique engine. You won't get that ZZR rush from the throttle, but it's not like coaxing a loaded up XT600 uphill into a headwind.

 

[The Foolish Fellow]

gs

had an 1100 in my garage along with an 00 blade then changed them both in 02 for an 02 blade + an 02 adv.
saold the blade last year still have the adv.
originally bought it for touring as its almost the only bike on which the pillion doesnt seem to affect the feel or handling of the bike, + great around town + on narrow roads as the higt position affords great vis.

 

[GS TRV]

big changes

I understand completely!

I grew up on all the usual stuff - Blades/CBrs etc. After a 5yr lay off i cam e back to a CBR600RR and hated it - sore wrists and nowhere really (apart from track) to use it.

Sold it after only 1200km for an 1150GS after a long and scary consideration - aren't BMW's for old men after all? After getting used to the way to enjoy the torque and the fact that you can enjoy it without losing your license i wouldn;t turn back.

Big influence was looking around me (I live in Italy) and here with the decent roads and climate - who wants a bike you can only ride for 1hr and have to change the tyres every 5000km?

Did a 8000km one mth tour two-up in August and it was a blast.

Go for it and let the adventure begin!

 

[Bateman]

Two weeks ago I traded in my GSXR600 K1 for an 03 R1150GS. Part of me has always been curious to find out for myself why the GS always has such good reviews and the rest of me was starting to worry about the consequences of doing three figure speeds at every opportunity. I also found that I was using my GSXR less and less. Having made the switch, here are my thoughts based on two weeks ownership....

- I find myself going out for rides at every opportunity on the GS and for some reason which I can't articulate, biking is much more enjoyable again.
- I don't feel the need or pressure to overtake everything on the roads now - I know I won't catch a Subaru on the dual carriageway so I don't even bother trying.
- It feels like I am riding faster on the twisties. I may not be, but it feels like it.
- I miss the acceleration of the GSXR but I don't miss the sore wrists.

However, I have been surprised and mildly disappointed with three significant areas of the GS. 1) The seat is uncomfortable after 30 miles. 2) The headlights are very poor 3) The wind noise and buffeting is considerably worse than expected.

Given the cost and the reputation of the bike, it did come as a shock to find out that my GSXR seemed better in all three areas. but I am scanning the threads and all the advice is proving helpful (I received my Tobinators today!).

The main feeling I have now is that I have a bike significantly more suited to all my needs (commuting, touring, sunday blasts) that is used and enjoyed daily and seems to flatter my ability rather than say "is that the best you can do". I certainly never had any interest following the GSXR threads and discussion boards and maybe that sums things up - I have a lot more passion for the GS and no regrets for switching.