GS Triple Black after a G650GS.....

[MarkyRR]

Well, I've had my little GS from new, purchased in mid May this year. It's a good little bike, extremely economical, light, easy, etc etc....I bought it primarily for commuting duties, but the wife has taken to the pillion seat like no other bike, leading us to do quite a few miles (granted, not as many as some on here!) touring/weekends away, etc. I have panniers/box/tank bag for it, and it is ok - but the thing is........

I had a test ride of a 1200GS at the start of the year when my S1000RR was in for a service (& now sold) and have had it in the back of my mind ever since, especially after seeing the Triple Black version in the flesh shortly afterwards! Well, the little GS was in for a replacement side panel yesterday, and as we had been away for the weekend (another 700 mile trip), I asked if we could borrow the big GS for a 2-up test.

Superb thing.

My wife loved it, thought it was much comfier on the back. Obviously the power is a huge difference, and the whole thing felt bigger, having better road presence, etc.

I've now made the 'mistake' of getting a couple of quotes from North Oxford Garage about their ex-demo Triple Black, already complete with full vario luggage, but also gone and priced up a new one, in the same spec. Basically, the new one works out to be £20 per month less, due to the higher 'end value', so would be affordable.

I've possibly answered my own questions whilst typing this, but can anyone help out with any points, etc about why it would be better/worse/no different for us please?
I would still use it for commuting stuff, but after the usage this year, we intend to do even more touring on the bike in the future, taking in longer & bigger trips - only UK based to start with, but hoping to venture into Europe on a smallish scale.

Your thoughts would be welcomed as experienced owners, guys

Thanks!

 

[GS TRV]

Wouldnt you miss real acceleration ala S1000???

 

[MarkyRR]

Gotten over that now....it was used almost soley as a track bike anyway (!). Realised it was far too much money to be sat in the garage for 10 rides a year, so let it go for something cheaper thats easier to leave unused for a while at a time

 

[MikeS]

Big singles are great but for regular 2 up riding then the 1200 would be better and still fine for commuting.

Another option might be to get a decent 1150 or early 1200 for a lot less money than a new one and keep the 650 as well. That's what I have got.

Mike

 

[Ropey]

Big singles are great but for regular 2 up riding then the 1200 would be better and still fine for commuting.

Another option might be to get a decent 1150 or early 1200 for a lot less money than a new one and keep the 650 as well. That's what I have got.

Mike

+1, thats what I'd do.... Love my 07 12GS but my single 650GS as well...!!

 

[MarkyRR]

Thanks for your suggestions guys, it does sound ideal, but I couldn't get away with having both of them We're a little tight for space here, especially with having my Husky enduro & my track bike aswell! The idea of the 1200 was to 'have it all' for what I need/want on the road.

 

[Pip_UK]

Hi Marky, I think you'll find the big GS a much better proposition if you regularly take a pillion, whether for days out, or tours. The telelever keeps the handling and steering sweet when the bike's loaded up, and the bigger engine makes for more relaxed cruising and less nerve-wracking overtakes of lumbering camper vans. More luggage capacity too. If the Mrs. is happy with the seat, then you're golden.

Just one thing though - the big GS doen't have the sylph-like proportions of the wee 650, and doesn't slice through gridlock with quite the same aplomb.

 

[phillh]

I bought a GSA about 6 weeks ago. I was a little apprehensive about filtering at first but when you get used to it you can cut through traffic like most bikes, just need a slightly larger gap on occasions.

The GS's do have a lot of presence and a lot of cars will move over to help you through.

I like to think they are being helpful but it may be they dont want their bodywork gouged by a 1200cc BMW cylinder head.

 

[MarkyRR]

Thanks guys. Pip, thats what I felt on our test ride......and you've got it right about the overtaking! I do plan overtakes carefully, as I see far too much of the aftermath caused by badly planned ones, but on the little GS, it does sometimes mean sitting behind various vehicles for fair durations, as we try and stay away from as many main roads as possible (dual carriageways, etc, I mean).

The filtering isn't too bad, as I'm a little naughty in that I regularly use the bus lane going into Oxford which makes me avoid the traffic for most of that bit of my journey.

I think I've decided that it would be a good move, and we're going to have a proper chat about it tonight, so reckon the outcome could be good.

I'll let you all know what we decide

 

[MarkyRR]

Just a little update....I've done it Pick up a brand spanking new Triple Black with 'Dynamic' & 'Premium' packs on Saturday!! Woo hoo!!

Aim is to get it run in this weekend, whilst the weather is going to be so good. If anyone's along the south coast this weekend, and see's a sparkly new '61' plate TB with 2 of us on it, that'll probably be me & the wife, so give us a wave

Right, where's that accessories brochure?