Goodbey GS, hello K12R

[Stu_C]

The time has come to say goodbye to my 06 R1200GS, though I must say we had a good time!

I'm picking up my new ride this Saturday, K1200R and can not wait!
It all started last year when I hired a K1300R in Munich and took a trip down to Lake Garda in Italy. Truly an awesome trip with an awesome bike. When I got on the GS again back home, it just felt like something was missing. The fact that I have only had the bike out 3 times this year, and one of those times was to take it to the dealers for an inspection, goes to show that I wasn't enjoying the bike any more.
On order of the wife (she was tired of my moaning) I called past Vines in Guildford and saw the yellow beast sitting there. She liked it and was comfortable on the back so we saw no reason not to go for it!

So in two days time I'm back off over there to pick it up and drop mine off.

Stay lucky people and ride safe!!

 

[cherokee]

Enjoy

But like Arnie said YOU'LL BE BACK.......great bike though,mates got one if only i was rich id have both.........keep it shiney side up and get kidney armour because your lovely lady wife will be punching them and telling you to slow down..............

 

[Twotter]

Nice choice

 

[Stu_C]

Tomorrows the day! Feel sorry to see the GS go but on the other hand quite excited about the K12R!!

 

[sven]

I had a K1200S (with R bars) for three years and the engine and handling at speed are in a different class to the GS, but I prefer the GS's lighter weight, comfort and low-mid speed handling.

The acceleration of the K1200 engine is addictive though

 

[GSmonkey]

Enjoy the new bike. Don't be embarrassed though when you trade it back in for a GS - we've all done it

 

[Twotter]

...we've all done it

Speak for yourself

 

[Stretchamus]

Its like a vicious circle, all the attributes you enjoyed in the GS and are now used to (Like going Slow) then two years down the line when you've got used to the K1200R and your licence is shot at (or you are in Jail)
You will again yearn for a crack at another GS

We've all been their

Good luck with the K1200R

Best regards Stretch
PS and back again!!!

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

I do like those, could be tempted myself one day. Stick some photos up when you have it

 

[dancerdave]

The K1200R is a cracking bike, but you need a lot of self control to not turn into an utter hooligan. I haven't got any so I sold mine before I lost my licence.
Having fun now on a GSA at more sensible speeds

 

[C-J]

I had a K12S.... then got a GS.... then got another K12S... now I'm back on a GS... !!

Wonder when the K13 will be in the garage !!

 

[Ross Dean]

Had a F800GS and now have a K1300S ... one day I'll be able to afford both (along with an 1198 )

 

[Stu_C]

Well, picked the bike up on saturday and all I can say is wow!!

What a ride! Power is awesome and the handling spot on. Will have to take it slow to begin with to get used to the bike and to run in those new Metzeler Roadtecs. For the first time in a while I actually want to get out on the bike! That shows me I made the right choice
The wife approves of it aswell, only problem she has is slipping about on the pillion seat but some research threw up Triboseat covers which will be bought this week.

All in all a cracking bike! Well pleased with myself! Can't wait till Friday when England play again and the roads are desserted....

 

[sven]

The wife approves of it aswell, only problem she has is slipping about on the pillion seat but some research threw up Triboseat covers which will be bought this week.

An essential accessory if you carry a pillion - I fitted one to my K12S and it did a really good job of preventing SWMBO sliding around under hard acceleration and braking

 

[Stu_C]

Bought a Triboseat cover today off the main website. Let's hope it arrives before Friday!

 

[TheStig]

How do you find the riding position after coming off a GS .. Is it quite lent forward , comfortable ? Does the bike feel tiny in comparison with the GS .. ?

Don't answers these questions in a positive manner or I might end up trading

Cheers
Steve

 

[MorayGSer]

Love the 12oo/1300 Rs great fun very very fast acceleration totally addictive enjoy.

 

[Stu_C]

How do you find the riding position after coming off a GS .. Is it quite lent forward , comfortable ? Does the bike feel tiny in comparison with the GS .. ?

Don't answers these questions in a positive manner or I might end up trading

Cheers
Steve

Riding position: it isn't as forward as a 12s, but not sit up like the GS either. I do find myself gripping with my legs more to take some of the weight off my wrists. But from experience, you get accustomed to that as I found out on my trip to Lake Garda last year on a K1300R. Coming from a GS, the riding position isn't that bad and it is surprisingly comfy for a naked muscle bike!

Bike feel: The bike looks and feels smaller but that is only because it's so compact and has a lower center of gravity (or so it seems). The bike is actually longer than a GS but you don't really see it. I feel like I'm sitting on a small rocket that can easily munch the miles like a GS. It may not have the comfortable seat of the GS nor the storage space, but I do find it alot more fun to ride!

There are modifications out there to make the ride more comfortable if you really want to ride one and find your confort is worth the money. The only "extra" I have purchased is a Triboseat cover to stop the missus from slipping ontop of me. Only other thing I plan to buy is some new gear to make me look sportier than the touring kit I have... but that is pure vanity

 

[sven]

Riding position: it isn't as forward as a 12s, but not sit up like the GS either. I do find myself gripping with my legs more to take some of the weight off my wrists. But from experience, you get accustomed to that as I found out on my trip to Lake Garda last year on a K1300R. Coming from a GS, the riding position isn't that bad and it is surprisingly comfy for a naked muscle bike!

There's actualy very little difference between the R and S bars. I fitted R bars to my S and whilst they're maybe a 1.25" higher, they are splayed further apart, so your torso ends up at virtually the same angle.

I didn't have any real comfort issues with the K12S with either bars fitted until I started riding two-up nearly all the time resulting in more weight being forced through my shoulders and wrists (she prefers using the "love handle" type pillion grips around my waist than the grab handles on the bike)

 

[Stu_C]

There's actualy very little difference between the R and S bars. I fitted R bars to my S and whilst they're maybe a 1.25" higher, they are splayed further apart, so your torso ends up at virtually the same angle.

I didn't have any real comfort issues with the K12S with either bars fitted until I started riding two-up nearly all the time resulting in more weight being forced through my shoulders and wrists (she prefers using the "love handle" type pillion grips around my waist than the grab handles on the bike)

When I sat on the S, I felt I was leaning forward more over the tank. I do know of a number of people who have replaced their S bars with R ones.