From Supermoto to GS?

[ISK]

Morning all. Just after a little advice please, and grateful for anyone's time in offering it.
I ride an Aprilia supermoto, which I love. My daily commute is seven miles each way right through the heart of the city, and work and kids mean I don't get time to go on long bike trips so it's perfect for quick Sunday blasts.
But...(there was always going to be a "but" right?)...I'm going to start a new job which is outside the city and the housing market collapse means we can't move yet. In the meantime it's a commute, 67 miles each way...and much as I love the Aprilia, a rock-hard, twitchy supermoto with no weather protection or luggage just isn't going to cut it.
So, yesterday I tested a GS1200. Man, what a machine. It just does everything really well doesn't it? By no means slow, super-comfy, handled beautifully on some really, really twisty stuff and, surprisingly, way lower than my bike and therefore a lot easier in traffic.
Would have been useful if someone had mentioned that the screen doesn't turn with the bars as I left the dealer's via a 90 degree left, but once my tiny brain had registered what was going on I was off.
Really impressed - bike just oozes confidence in riding and forgives bad lines. So, I think it's the answer.
I can't afford a brand new one as the value of mine has dived along with everything else (except GS models, it seems), so I'm looking for a used bike.
So, here's the question(s):
1. Is there anything I need to know about the differences between models from 05 to 08? Are the more recent ones vastly better/worth the extra etc?
2. Luggage - don't need the Charlie/Euan metal business, but what else is good and any tips for buying?
3. Is there any value in buying an Adventure over a standard for road use?
Thanks - do appreciate any help you can offer.

 

[hops]

welcome

The real crux of the matter is what your budget is to be honest. In my humble opinion you might be better getting a fully kitted out 1100/1150 with all the bits you want as opposed to a 1200 without luggage etc. There are a plethora of companies out there doing bits for all models. On the luggage front the one most people think is touratech but their stuff is not cheap. There a couple of guys on here who do there own stuff and top class it is too. Try a search on 'Vern' and 'Caja Sahel' to name but two.

My own personal opinion is that the 1200 has a great engine but lacks the 'presence' of its bigger brothers and is more susceptable to annoying electrical gremlins. The Adventure models on both variants have a few little differences which once again are a matter of personal taste or inside leg! As they do to be taller and can have a higher first gear and bigger fuel tank.

Whatever you go for you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised just don't be put off with the older models. High mileage is not a problem as long as you have a good service history to go with it as the engines are just bedding in at about 50000 miles!

Try one of the older ones before you commit and welcome to the madhouse.

 

[GSmonkey]

If you're doing big miles, the adventure would be more pleasant - even better weather protecction. If nothing else, you'd only have to re-fuel every other day than almost every day.

Luggage wise, depends what you want them for and which bike you buy. The OEM plastic luggage goes with the standard model and the metal stuff with the adventure - although you can modify each bike to take the other's luggage - although that's more expense. I've owned both sets of luggage and prefer the metal stuff for touring / camping. Going through the city you're not going to use either panniers really, they just make the bike too wide for real effective commuting - you just need the topbox. The plastic topbox is quite small.

Year wise, to a degree the newer the better. That said, the 2007 models were the 'sorted' MkI 1200GS's, with the non-servo brakes. That's what I own and I had a choice of an 08.

Good luck !!!

 

[ISK]

Try one of the older ones before you commit and welcome to the madhouse.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the welcome, and the advice. Budget's a bit flexy I think - but won't stretch to a new one. I think I'm looking at 8k or so, which should get me a reasonably-specced '07 I think.

Was really impressed yesterday though by how much fun it was - expected it to be comfy, and well put together, but really didn't expect it to be so much fun in the bends.

 

[ISK]

If you're doing big miles, the adventure would be more pleasant - even better weather protecction.

Thanks man. I'm 5' 9" so was a bit concerned about the GS generally, but as I said it's a lot lower than my SMV750. Is the Adventure a lot higher?

 

[GSmonkey]

Thanks man. I'm 5' 9" so was a bit concerned about the GS generally, but as I said it's a lot lower than my SMV750. Is the Adventure a lot higher?

It is higher, but a lot of that is the seat. I've got the standard GS seat on mine and I don't really notice much difference with the standard bike. You need to go and try one though. Most dealers will let you do a back-to-back test............worth doing.

 

[Dee Tee]

ISK,if the Supermoto Bug still nibbles,you could always do this ;

06 GS 12 with ST 17" wheels. I had this from new for 18 Months but now have a Megamoto. You'd need to at least change the Can (better still,full Exhaust to get rid of the Cat) as the Std one fouls the wider Tyre. This conversion lowers the bike slightly.I have a 30" Inside Leg and with the seat on the High setting,could get both feet flat on the floor.
Several others have done 17" wheel conversions on 1100s,1150s and 1200s

 

[brianmaslen]

I have the 1200GS with the Vario panniers and top box which are ideal for commuting, and when in the narrow mode they are narrower than the bars so no real problem for filtering. I use the bike on occassions to commute to my office in Coventry from Royston, 90 miles approx so the round trip can just about be done on a full tank. I'm 5'9'' with inside leg 29'' but have the low seat fitted which is fine. I'd love the Adventure for the extra tank range and screen protection and of course the look, but I think the overall height would be uncomfortable for me. As for the screen I have changed this to the Nippy Norman High and Wide and this gives better protection. Heated grips are essential for commuting and a set of Val's mitts (off this forum, do a search)to keep the wind off the grips make life even more enjoyable in the cold weather.

 

[ISK]

ISK,if the Supermoto Bug still nibbles,you could always do this ;

Heh - I'm glad to see the SM defective gene has even reached you guys.....that said, I wouldn't fancy trying to back that in over an outstretched leg.

 

[ISK]

@ Brainmaslan

I was really surprised how low a standard GS was (with the standard seat on the lower setting). It would have been fine on the higher setting, I think. I'm the same height as you and the bike I ride is high enough that at a flat stop I can get the balls of both feet down, no more, but it's fine so long as you learn to look for big cambres, drop-offs and potholes when you're coming to a stop. I appreciate I'm the new boy around here, but I don't think you'd have any trouble with a GSA on the basis of my experience with the 'Pril.