Deleted account 211025001
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- Feb 3, 2005
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I've just had my first service (GS1200) at 950 miles and was loaned an 1150 (18000 miles) by Pidcocks who were doing the service so I thought I'd jot down a few of my impresions of both as a very rough and ready comparison.
To put my views into context; I'm new to 'Boxer' ownership I've had loads of Guzzis though, so not too different (cue oportunity for flaming
).
I've always fancied a GS but due to a dodgy leg was always put off by the weight and size/height of them. So, when the 1200 came out I just had to test ride one!
Needles to say I was impressed and ended up buying one. What I didn't do, however, is ride an 1150 to compare at the time.
Anyway, here are my thoughts:
First off, the 1150 was no higher (pos. shorter?) than my 1200 with seat on highest setting and was easier to swing a leg over. The riding position felt quite different with my knees bent more and the bars further back. This I didn't like so much as I prefer to have more weight over the front of the bike and prefer the set up on the 1200.
Once started the engine sounded mechanicaly a lot quieter. On pulling away it needed far less revs and pulled really well form low down, far more so than the 1200. Also mid-range grunt seemed better and it was only when using the top end of the rev range that I felt the 1200 had more 'poke'. Everywhere else the 1150 seemed more flexible (and smoother). The only fly in ointment ( and for me it was a humungeous bluebottle) was the awful fueling at lower revs which made it hard to hold a constant throttle - the 1200's fueling is pretty much spot on in comparison.
At a standstill the 1150 had felt heavier than the 1200 but as soon as you moved off I felt the opposite to be true, the 1150 actually felt marginally better balanced and lighter - I was very surprised to say the least
It was only at high speed that I felt the benefits of the 1200's reduced weight. It felt more nimble, easier to change direction and more planted/stable at the same time. Partly helped by the more 'front end' biased riding postion maybe?
Only a quick comparison I know. I'm also aware that the 1150's engine is hardly run in at 18000 miles let alone my 1200 at 950 miles!
When I returned the bike I asked if I could swap engines, Pidcocks declined
I do prefer my 1200 because I feel it's a more refined bike and that appeals to me. Also, I love that 'two stage' throttle with it's top end rush (which is only getting better with every mile!).
However, the 1150 is a heck of a bike and, IMVHO better than the 1200 in some areas.
Cheers
Andres
To put my views into context; I'm new to 'Boxer' ownership I've had loads of Guzzis though, so not too different (cue oportunity for flaming
).I've always fancied a GS but due to a dodgy leg was always put off by the weight and size/height of them. So, when the 1200 came out I just had to test ride one!
Needles to say I was impressed and ended up buying one. What I didn't do, however, is ride an 1150 to compare at the time.
Anyway, here are my thoughts:
First off, the 1150 was no higher (pos. shorter?) than my 1200 with seat on highest setting and was easier to swing a leg over. The riding position felt quite different with my knees bent more and the bars further back. This I didn't like so much as I prefer to have more weight over the front of the bike and prefer the set up on the 1200.
Once started the engine sounded mechanicaly a lot quieter. On pulling away it needed far less revs and pulled really well form low down, far more so than the 1200. Also mid-range grunt seemed better and it was only when using the top end of the rev range that I felt the 1200 had more 'poke'. Everywhere else the 1150 seemed more flexible (and smoother). The only fly in ointment ( and for me it was a humungeous bluebottle) was the awful fueling at lower revs which made it hard to hold a constant throttle - the 1200's fueling is pretty much spot on in comparison.
At a standstill the 1150 had felt heavier than the 1200 but as soon as you moved off I felt the opposite to be true, the 1150 actually felt marginally better balanced and lighter - I was very surprised to say the least
It was only at high speed that I felt the benefits of the 1200's reduced weight. It felt more nimble, easier to change direction and more planted/stable at the same time. Partly helped by the more 'front end' biased riding postion maybe?
Only a quick comparison I know. I'm also aware that the 1150's engine is hardly run in at 18000 miles let alone my 1200 at 950 miles!
When I returned the bike I asked if I could swap engines, Pidcocks declined
I do prefer my 1200 because I feel it's a more refined bike and that appeals to me. Also, I love that 'two stage' throttle with it's top end rush (which is only getting better with every mile!).
However, the 1150 is a heck of a bike and, IMVHO better than the 1200 in some areas.
Cheers
Andres
