First impressions ?

I had the pleasure of taking one out for an hour or so . I liked it . I will have to have one . The seat height is tall but not as tall as my Tenere World Raid . Probably go for the sand colour that I test rode 0251CD3A-F890-443D-AD09-9848B84FD5A0.jpeg96F931EB-0ECC-4D88-8342-0E7F3F68A2DF.jpegCF0F2181-4237-4874-AC9C-BD64CE90076A.jpegFC37AD7A-6426-4325-A259-A7E6694B479E.jpeg
 
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I rode the Guildford Vines demo this afternoon (no enduro package) for 90 mins. Nice engine / sounds good. The brakes aren’t snatchy like my now deceased 1250GS. Handling fine with the 21in front. Found the suspension a bit firm but I’m a lightweight and no worse than on previous GS.

Bad points mainly the exposed riding position, I tour and found it uncomfortable over 60. Throttle response a little strange on/off throttle this could be just be me. Didn’t find 1st too tall but I do think the gearbox is poor ( similar to my other GS why can’t they get this right ?!).

Overall nice but I don’t think it’s for me.
 
It looks stunning and I'm tempted ... but can't seem to get past the fact the engine front has zero protection from crud ... I wonder if there will be some sort of 1/2 mudguard to offer a degree of protection from the elements ?
 
Having covered nearly 1000 miles in the last 6 days I can say for me it’s very comfortable and the enduro fairing provides good wind protection . We’ve had two sessions of very heavy rain and the R12 looks no worse than either the Stelvio or R1250GSA both which have full front mudguards
 
Yeah sure I’m a soft southerner I’m afraid. Bigger screen might help but I feel I need to move in a different direction. Important to take a test ride, although the engine is a classic boxer the overall experience is quite different to a later model GS/GSA. Great bike though however you find it ! They nailed the exhaust note personally wouldn’t bother replacing the end can.
 
I rode the Guildford Vines demo this afternoon (no enduro package) for 90 mins. Nice engine / sounds good. The brakes aren’t snatchy like my now deceased 1250GS. Handling fine with the 21in front. Found the suspension a bit firm but I’m a lightweight and no worse than on previous GS.

Bad points mainly the exposed riding position, I tour and found it uncomfortable over 60. Throttle response a little strange on/off throttle this could be just be me. Didn’t find 1st too tall but I do think the gearbox is poor ( similar to my other GS why can’t they get this right ?!).

Overall nice but I don’t think it’s for me.
Similar to my thoughts after a brief ride
Pondering whether to go back for a longer 3-4 hour one
 
You were preoccupied the first time so it would make sense, what harm would it do ? My other issue being 5’ 6” the seat is a little high. Can get away with it solo but makes two up riding a little difficult. Close to 60 Im going to look at ‘middleweights’ including the Duke V2S multi and the Tiger.

FWIW my favourite GS was my 2010 twin cam with ohlins and an akro end can. Wish is kept it you live and learn !
 
You were preoccupied the first time so it would make sense, what harm would it do ? My other issue being 5’ 6” the seat is a little high. Can get away with it solo but makes two up riding a little difficult. Close to 60 Im going to look at ‘middleweights’ including the Duke V2S multi and the Tiger.

FWIW my favourite GS was my 2010 twin cam with ohlins and an akro end can. Wish is kept it you live and learn !
Try a Vstrom 800 RE too .
Lacks cruise but otherwise a fabulous bike fitted with the best parallel twin on the market .
Nothing great on paper but just try one !
 
You were preoccupied the first time so it would make sense, what harm would it do ? My other issue being 5’ 6” the seat is a little high. Can get away with it solo but makes two up riding a little difficult. Close to 60 Im going to look at ‘middleweights’ including the Duke V2S multi and the Tiger.

FWIW my favourite GS was my 2010 twin cam with ohlins and an akro end can. Wish is kept it you live and learn !
I was …..a good reason to go back for another longer ride, now my mind is clearer👍
 
After 25 years and nearly 200,000 miles on 4 GSs I am considering a change after a serious accident on my 1250GS in the Picos last September. I loved my 2010 twin cam which I kept for 10 years and added ohlins early on. The 1250 had a nicer engine but never felt great (to me) around the corners. Like the sound of the R12GS and I think that engine is a peach, but how does it handle on the road ? Whilst I continue my recovery would be keen on any views in this respect as i can’t yet ride ! Cheers, Mike
The 12 GS is very nice but I’d recommend the 1300GS first if it suits . It’s very light ( for a GS ) and handles very nicely , akin to a much smaller bike .
 
The 12 GS is very nice but I’d recommend the 1300GS first if it suits . It’s very light ( for a GS ) and handles very nicely , akin to a much smaller bike .
Thanks for the suggestion but I’m not too keen on the cost and looks. Time to try something else. Maybe a R12 G/S in a couple of years as a second bike…perfect for those sunny Sunday afternoon rides !
 


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