First ride 1200GS

[Macp]

Just got back from my first ride on the new 1200GS infact my first ride on a GS full stop. Brilliant is a word which springs to mind although this is too small a word to describe it. I love the way you sit up high in total comfort and boy do you get some looks.

The strangest thing when I first started off was how light the front felt.I put this down to the wide bars and the leverage it gives you,Im sure you will get used to it and I began to near the end of my ride.

Problem is I guess I have been spoilt now as I have never ridden the 1100 or the 1150. Would I notice much difference in the way they ride compared to the 1200 ?

 

[Paul Wakefield]

You'll notice a big difference between the 1200 and the other 2; not so big a difference between the 1150 and 1100. Most people find the ride of the older bikes more "planted" - easier to experience than describe. Whether that appeals or not is down to personal preference

Try an 1150 or 1100 and an Adventure if you can. They are all great bikes.

Personally I love my 1200 but then again I loved my 1150 when I had that.

Paul

 

[Macp]

Thanks Paul
What does the power,engine,gearbox feel like in the 1100/1150 compared to the 1200.

I appreciate your reply Paul but there must be more of you with opinions.I need your help guys !!

 

[Zoton]

Thanks Paul
What does the power,engine,gearbox feel like in the 1100/1150 compared to the 1200.

I appreciate your reply Paul but there must be more of you with opinions.I need your help guys !!

Don't just ride the 1200, Get a test ride for a morning , most dealers will let you take one out for a few hours,then ride the other choice back 2 back.

 

[Macp]

Don't just ride the 1200, Get a test ride for a morning , most dealers will let you take one out for a few hours,then ride the other choice back 2 back.

I wish my local dealer had such a choice Bob but I suppose stock will be a little thin on the ground this time of they year.

I will try to testride more bikes but this is a GS forum and I was hoping to read of opinions and experiences of others here.

 

[Aidan1150]

I have an 1150, but have ridden the 1200 also.

Although the 1200 is lighter and faster than the 1150, in my opinion the 1150 feels more sturdy or more substantial.

It's all a matter of personal opinion, but you would really need to ride one to really appreciate the difference as Paul has already said.

I felt the same as you about the 1200 when I rode one, but my budget wouldn't stretch that far so I bought a 01 1150 just before Christmas and am enjoying it immensely, it is a great bike.

Just buy the bike that best fits your budget, you can't go wrong with a GS IMHO.

 

[Zoton]

I wish my local dealer had such a choice Bob but I suppose stock will be a little thin on the ground this time of they year.

I will try to testride more bikes but this is a GS forum and I was hoping to read of opinions and experiences of others here.

I was talking 1150gs and 1200 gs.
Dealers:BMW dealers.
Forum : GS forum.

 

[Paul Wakefield]

What does the power,engine,gearbox feel like in the 1100/1150 compared to the 1200.

1200 has more power (100hp against 85hp quoted). It is also quite a bit lighter. The 1100/1150 delivers the power in a more linear way. The 1200 certainly picks up a lot around 5k rpm. Relatively speaking the 1150 feels a bit asthmatic at higher speeds but this is only relevant if you are on a) Autobahns or b) a lose your licence kick.

I think the 1150/1100 probably has more torque at the bottom of the rpm range. But my 1200 is still loosening up (8k miles) and the lower rev range is getting better all the time so I'm no longer completely convinced this is the case.

The engines are clearly from the same family but do feel different. The 1200 is smoother but not bland and I think has a great feel low down.

Opinions seem to differ on the gearbox. I always found my 1150 good and the 1200 a bit better. Others can't get on with the 1150 and/or find the 1200 very good.

You really have to try them for yourself. One further tip - try to find bikes with a reasonable number of miles on them if you can. They change a lot in the first few thousand.

Paul

 

[team duvet]

Macp…………..

Had an 1150 for 4yrs, fantastic bike, now own a 1200 bought Nov last year so far done 2,000 miles.

Have to say the “12” is more Japanese than the 1150 (what do you ride now?) by Japanese I mean the gearbox , acceleration above 5 thou! but have to admit my old 1150 had what owners and bike journo’s call “BMW character” i.e. more planted feeling (road holding, motorway winds etc) engine wobble at standstill! road presence (physical size) It’s a tough call between the 1150 and 1200. The “12” was just the same as my 1150 where you have to ride them for at last a full day to understand them, as mentioned try to ride them back to back.

I ride with all sportsbike riders and until the motorways I have no problem staying with them, then again I catch them up at the petrol stations!

Once you have owned a “GS” you will be hooked! Whether it’s an 1100, 1150, 1150 Adv or the 1200 just remember they are all GSer’s! (Unlike some of the “cra*” spoken on this site) but the best thing of all……………. comfort, street presence and resale value! The main reason I moved from Japanese stuff.

Conclusion………..

If ya can push finances to a 1200, go for it, but if ya buy an 1150, 1150 Adv you will still love it!

Good luck with ya choice,

TD

 

[skybluebird]

I have a GS1150, and had a loan of the 1200 for a day. I thought it "rode" quite differently to the 1150. Not as planted, and it felt physically much smaller (mostly psychological), I found myself filtering through gaps I wouldn't have tried on my own bike. In a nutshell, it felt more "Japanese", not suprising given BM's stated intention of trying to appeal to a more mainstream audience. The 1150s seem to take a while to adapt to, the 12 has that Honda-like feeling that you've owned it forever after 5 minutes in the saddle.
If I didn't already own a GS, I'd have started saving, but I was quite happy to have my own bike back after it's service.
I've also tried the GSA, and with hindsight I'd have waited the 4 or so extra months to get one.

 

[Tobers]

Note that the 1200 steering feels light as the rear end is quite low as standard. If you wind on some rear preload, it will firm up the rear and put more weight on the front. The ride is significantly transformed as a result and the steering is much less flighty.

A quick remedy - only takes 30 secs. Try it next time you test ride one & see what difference it makes.

 

[Abelrider]

A quick remedy - only takes 30 secs.

30 seconds?
You need some more wrist strengthening exercise if it takes you that long to wind it on.

 

[Beemer]

Just got back from my first ride on the new 1200GS infact my first ride on a GS full stop. Brilliant is a word which springs to mind although this is too small a word to describe it. I love the way you sit up high in total comfort and boy do you get some looks.

The strangest thing when I first started off was how light the front felt.I put this down to the wide bars and the leverage it gives you,Im sure you will get used to it and I began to near the end of my ride.

Problem is I guess I have been spoilt now as I have never ridden the 1100 or the 1150. Would I notice much difference in the way they ride compared to the 1200 ?

I did the same as you on New Years Eve just gone...............I collected my 1150 GS on Saturday. Honestly, ride the 1150 you may be surprised, at least give it a go. The front end isn't as light on the 1150 which I prefered.

The seating position is fairly similar, you're still high up and very comfortable and yes you still get looks on it as well!! lol

Would be interested to know what you think between the two. Whatever you decide have fun !!!

Steve

 

[Macp]

Re: Re: First ride 1200GS

I did the same as you on New Years Eve just gone...............I collected my 1150 GS on Saturday. Honestly, ride the 1150 you may be surprised, at least give it a go. The front end isn't as light on the 1150 which I prefered.

The seating position is fairly similar, you're still high up and very comfortable and yes you still get looks on it as well!! lol

Would be interested to know what you think between the two. Whatever you decide have fun !!!

Steve

Thanks Steve and to all who responded.
Well I reckon I have made my mind up I am gonna buy an 1150 if I can find one in my budget.It just makes more sense than an RT for my commute to work plus there is the the pose factor to consider.The wife is set on moving house so the 1200 is out but I reckon I will be a happy bunny if I can get an 1150. If I am successful I will look forward to being a regular on here, ride safe all.

 

[Zoton]

Re: Re: Re: First ride 1200GS

Thanks Steve and to all who responded.
Well I reckon I have made my mind up I am gonna buy an 1150 if I can find one in my budget.It just makes more sense than an RT for my commute to work plus there is the the pose factor to consider.The wife is set on moving house so the 1200 is out but I reckon I will be a happy bunny if I can get an 1150. If I am successful I will look forward to being a regular on here, ride safe all.