First Ride on a 1200GS

[Andy Davies]

The weather couldn't have been better for a test ride yesterday. Although the 90 miles to my nearest dealer was undertaken by car (well it was only 1 degree when I left home), the 75 miles on the 1200 were a delight.

Lots of firsts: The first time riding a boxer, the first shaft driven machine, the first telelevered front, and quite simply, physically the biggest bike I have riden.

My ride took me from Bishopriggs (from Motorrad Central) running along the line of the Forth-Clyde canal (Kilsyth and the A803) until reaching the M80 motorway, up to Stirling, west to Callandar and Kilmahog. Then back to Motorrad Central via Aberfoyle and Milngavie. The route encompassed just about every style of riding from motorway speeds to the twists and turns on the road from Kilmahog to Aberfoyle (for those who may take this road in the future, the council have been filling in pot holes with a jet filler. There is free grit everywhere).

My impressions are such that it shouldn't be a question of 'if' but 'when'. The ride and handling, the performance and progression of engine power really does confirm everything I have read about just how useable the machine is. From a trip to the shops, a blast around the glens or a long tour - I think it would be supreme with all. I admit that my experience (with three years post test) is insignificant compared to some (most!), but I didn't feel intimidated. Indeed, I would say that the riding position and the general view that it gives you actually encourages confidence and a sense of ease. My vertical stature at 5'8 1/2" is not the greatest for a machine of this ilk, but the standard seat in lowest position was perfect and combined with the low weight of the machine meant that getting the bike off the side stand was no effort at all.

The bike was fitted with ABS and assisted braking, the combined performance of which was breathtaking in its efficiency. I know there are counter arguments about the technology, but if it prevents just one accident then to my mind, the extra money is well worth it. Mind you, in that circumstance, you just hope the person behind has ABS too or you'll get shunted from the rear!

So, the ride was a success in that the 1200 GS has been deemed my object of desire. Now, will it be the red or the blue................?

Andy
Argyll

 

[Tricky]

Nice write up and lucky you with all that scenery. I know that this has been covered in another thread but not sure about the ABS/servo set up (had servo brakes on my previous K12) but guess its down to personal preference..... red is best for the GS12 (not sure about the grey seat on that demo, black is better me thinks)

 

[G.C.]

Good on yea Andy, sounds like you are convinced.

Just one wee question though...Do you take the 650 off-road ? Would you do the same with the 12 ?

G

 

[Andy Davies]

Good on yea Andy, sounds like you are convinced.

Just one wee question though...Do you take the 650 off-road ? Would you do the same with the 12 ?

G

After April, I'm sure I'll take the 650 for a few excursions. I'm heading off to Wales for 'the' weekend (thanks to wifely Christmas present). So after suitable instruction, I'm sure I'll have some new found skills that will required practice.

If I get a 12? Not so sure. It's a heck of a lot of money to throw around. I work hard enough to get it, I'm not sure I'd like to put it to unneccesary risk. Of course, I could sell the Bonnie and have the 650 and the 12 but the Triumph is such a different bike.

Is it sunny up there today?

Andy

 

[G.C.]

Is it sunny up there today? Andy

Yes Andy, the sun is out, the roads are dry, the birds are chirping away……. and I'm stuck at ferkin work (Cool Carbon called in for lunch today, its good to put a face to a name !)

Andy, I am jealous of the Wales weekend, enjoy it

I know exactly what you mean about the 12 ££££ and off-road is a big part of it for me………......think I’ll stick with the 650 for a bit yet.

Glad you enjoyed the test run though, Calterdon keep inviting me to have a go on theirs and I keep putting it of, might just give it a go now, what harm can it do ?

 

[mikethebike]

Hi Andy!

Felt the same after my first ride on the 12. I also tried the 1150 and 1150A, but the weight was a factor. Ummed and ahhhed about the cost, but strangely, since placing the order, have had no doubts at all!

Couldn't agree more and am collecting mine on the 12 th march.

Red is best! Get one!

Cheers!

Mikethebike.

 

[Manch]

I had a very enjoyable ride out on South London Mcyls GS12 demonstrator last week but was puzzled by what felt like some sort of fuelling glitch it had. Although it would rev right up to the red line in lower gears, in top gear at about 120mph it would suddenly "cough". I've not read anything in the press about them having a problem so I'm assuming it's just that particular bike that needs attention.
Other than that I thought it was great and promptly handed over my deposit.

 

[stephenm]

I had a very enjoyable ride out on South London Mcyls GS12 demonstrator last week but was puzzled by what felt like some sort of fuelling glitch it had. Although it would rev right up to the red line in lower gears, in top gear at about 120mph it would suddenly "cough". I've not read anything in the press about them having a problem so I'm assuming it's just that particular bike that needs attention.
Other than that I thought it was great and promptly handed over my deposit.

There is a fuel cut off at redline to prevent over-revving. At 120 mph, you would be within range of that.

Stephen

 

[Paul Wakefield]

At 120 mph, you would be within range of that.

Not in 6th - its much higher (if you can find a hill to pull max revs in top)

Paul

 

[Panzer Patrol]

Mine runs as clean as a whistle all the way up to (GPS) 135
Sounds like it may have a bit of BMW-itis

 

[kiwiAdventure]

I now have 6,000ks on mine and it runs like a dream. Make sure and run it in as BMW advises. Mine uses hardly no oil. I give it a hard time now after run in. I find there is more power now as well I find the front wheel tends to come up which is fun.

You won't need the 650 as the 1200 is so much better and almost as light.

 

[Andy Davies]

I now have 6,000ks on mine and it runs like a dream. Make sure and run it in as BMW advises. Mine uses hardly no oil. I give it a hard time now after run in. I find there is more power now as well I find the front wheel tends to come up which is fun.

You won't need the 650 as the 1200 is so much better and almost as light.

How do BMW advise you run the bike in?

There's a slim chance that I could be heading for a 1200 mid April. However, I have the possibility of a 1300 mile ride straight after. Would it be sensible to do such a run with the bike 'straight out of the box' or better to delay its arrival?

Andy

 

[Mouse]

The 600 mile first service is quite important, to get rid of all the crap that comes out of the engine when it's new. I personally wouldn't want to delay it until 1300 miles.

As far as how to run it in - do a search, make yourself a cuppa, sit back and read the endless pages of opinions that have been posted about it

The BMW way is pretty much the standard advice that all bike manufacturers give: don't exceed 4000 rpm, don't labour the engine. The technician at the dealer I bought mine from advised me not to worry too much about the rpm limit, and I agree - it's far better to be doing 5000rpm than to make the engine struggle.

The "other" way of running in the engine is the "hard" run in. The theory is that the piston rings have a limited window for properly seating into the bores, and that high combustion pressure is required to push the rings into the bores to achieve this. However a lot of people seem to interpret this method as "thrash the tits off it" whereas I think the original intention was more to use hard but controlled acceleration in progressive manner.

Anyway, as I said, do a search, and make your own choice

 

[Andy Davies]

Simply put, if you have the choice and the money, used ex-demo with 4500 on the clock (and unknown running in history) or new so that you can run it in? Which would you prefer?

 

[Joyseeker]

having run in a 1200 to 7000mls it just gets better and better still...... the stiffness which i now notice up to 3000mls could be a bore.

i'd go for the ex-demo which gives you some miles head start. you have 2 years warranty and i understand it is hard to abuse a boxer.

i gather my 1200 is still not yet fully run in!

 

[Davel]

Go for the yellow!

For the first 600 miles, use the revs up to say 4,000 but occasional push to nearer five briefly, when over taking. Try to use all the engine revs and don't stay at constant revs for a longer period of time - i.e 4,000 revs on the motorway.

After 600 miles, I think that you can push the revs a little more with every hundred miles.

I've just had mine serviced at 600 miles and really love the bike, much more so than my previous Multistrada.

 

[Joyseeker]

another ex strada rider indeed

and i have a yellow too...... have you a pic of your old bike?

 

[Davel]

Certainly have but useless at posting photos - sorry.

Liked it but uncomfortable for anything longer than say 100 miles

There was a recall out and some electrics failed and it took Ducati a month to get the rights bits from Italy.

Hopefully the BMW will be much more reliable and is much more fun to ride.

No comparison really- far happier with the GS.

 

[Joyseeker]

like the GS the strada engine just got better and better after the 6000mls service.

i had an oil leak from the cooler and when the front parking light had to be replaced i failed in 4 hours and the dealer nearly gave up after 3 then they found they didn't have the right one so i got the dim one.

yes i bought an air hawk cushion for it..... don't need it now. i also understand the 05 models have gel seats. they also have wing mirrors that work and have the mod i put on which really worked ...... the extended wind shield.

the rear on the strada had to be replaced after 6000mls (and picked up the usual ducati puncture). the rear on my 1200 looks as if it will do more then 12000mls!

 

[Davel]

Mine was red with the hand guards and carbon rear hugger.

Don't they look tiny compared to the GS...

Sold mine with just under 5,000 miles on the clock but it was getting better as the miles built up.

Sad to see it go but prefer the GS already.