gsbiker
Registered user
and hows longs that been?
GSA on Motorways - Comfy at What Speed?
- Thread starter gsbiker
- Start date
and hows longs that been?
techno
Registered user
This was true for me!!I guarantee that after a few months your sports bike will be gathering dust
I have a 1150ADV. When I bought it I had a VFR800VTEC (ok nearly a sports bike) that sat in the garage for over a year before I sold it. I rode it twice in that time - once was for the service!
I do big holiday miles in Europe and apart from the straight line motorway speeds (which are boring), my mates on sport bikes never get that far behind and when we get there they usually need a chiropractitioner!
I like it because; it'll go anywhere(ish), good riding position, soaks the bumps on our pot-hole roads, nicely balanced, NO CHAIN, I understand and can fix it and I can bolt anything on it and it doesn't ruin it's looks or aerodynamic ability...
I don't like its weight, but saves money at the gym
Rarely do more than 85 on Mway as loaded it vibes a bit.
WAREGS
Guest
If you're a fair weather rider I would wait till next year as there's rumours of a lot of new bikes coming out in the "Adventure" class.
QUOTE]
do we know what bikes are due out? or rumours?
I have an 1150RT now which whoops the GS for long distances, but I had no probs cruising motorway miles at 85-90 on the old GS.
As stated earlier, it's a big twin and it is noticably less smooth that a jap bike, but listen to a jap cruiser.......smooth yes, characterless...........yes.
You either love bm's or you hate em.
I avoid motorways where possible, my little 650 Dakar single took me on a 3500 mile adventure in 12 days and was also brill, stop looking for perfection and start enjoying the ability of whatever it is you ride, you'll find your motorcycling life far more fun.
Love the old LC's by the way Great fun bike, but better when your behind and get that smell of 2 smoke 
As stated earlier, it's a big twin and it is noticably less smooth that a jap bike, but listen to a jap cruiser.......smooth yes, characterless...........yes.
You either love bm's or you hate em.
I avoid motorways where possible, my little 650 Dakar single took me on a 3500 mile adventure in 12 days and was also brill, stop looking for perfection and start enjoying the ability of whatever it is you ride, you'll find your motorcycling life far more fun.
Love the old LC's by the way
Great fun bike, but better when your behind and get that smell of 2 smoke
gsbiker
Registered user
I have an 1150RT now which whoops the GS for long distances, but I had no probs cruising motorway miles at 85-90 on the old GS.
As stated earlier, it's a big twin and it is noticably less smooth that a jap bike, but listen to a jap cruiser.......smooth yes, characterless...........yes.
You either love bm's or you hate em.
I avoid motorways where possible, my little 650 Dakar single took me on a 3500 mile adventure in 12 days and was also brill, stop looking for perfection and start enjoying the ability of whatever it is you ride, you'll find your motorcycling life far more fun.
Love the old LC's by the way
Thanks guys I love reading your replies - very helpful - thanks!
heres my pride and joy - one I will be keeping whilst (possibly) on my new GS1200 adventurer next year!
GSA on the motorway
Hi, I picked up my 07 gsa from Plymouth in May, rode it back to Hampshire, straight from the dealer onto the motorway ( no test ride I already had an 1150 gs ) after 10 miles I was thinking--its not as smooth as my 1150 , and that the bike was harsh at motorway speeds. Now fast forward 5000 miles, the bike is improving,last month I did 2000 miles around France,a mix of RN roads and autoroutes, the bike was superb, fantastic practicality,tank range, performance,in all weathers, ok, its not perfect in every respect ,I do think the GS takes a bit of running in, but on a long trip it starts to make sense, if I had to change the bike tomorrow -----what would I buy that is as practical ? I realy dont know.Dave.
Hi, I picked up my 07 gsa from Plymouth in May, rode it back to Hampshire, straight from the dealer onto the motorway ( no test ride I already had an 1150 gs ) after 10 miles I was thinking--its not as smooth as my 1150 , and that the bike was harsh at motorway speeds. Now fast forward 5000 miles, the bike is improving,last month I did 2000 miles around France,a mix of RN roads and autoroutes, the bike was superb, fantastic practicality,tank range, performance,in all weathers, ok, its not perfect in every respect ,I do think the GS takes a bit of running in, but on a long trip it starts to make sense, if I had to change the bike tomorrow -----what would I buy that is as practical ? I realy dont know.Dave.
gsbiker
Registered user
Hi Dave, I live in Plymouth and have been test riding 1200GSAs from Ocean BMW! How would you compare the 1150 against the 1200? One post here suggests the 1150 is way better but they look ugly by comparison?
Paul.
Paul
All GS`s sit at m/way speed no problem. My 56 plate GS-A has done 36k and is as sweet as a nut cruising up to a ton. I have a Touratech screen extender to stop any buffeting etc and that`s a godsend as I can run with the visor open if I need to
You`ll open a can of worms with the 1150/1200 debate but here is a level headed opinion. I put 35k on my 1150 GS-A so I am qualified
The 1200 is lighter, has more power, is more responsive on the throttle, handles better, is comfier, better on fuel and crashes well.
The only advantage I can really see of an 1150 is it doesn`t have all the electronics which can go wrong.
Contrary to popular belief, the huge majority of 1200`s are utterly reliable and I`m yet to be convinced they are less reliable than an 1150
I love them both and would have no hesitation going back to an 1150 but boy, I`d miss the power.
I think it`s a matter of personal taste and maybe wallet and oh, I reckon they are both butt ugly but in a handsome sort of way
All GS`s sit at m/way speed no problem. My 56 plate GS-A has done 36k and is as sweet as a nut cruising up to a ton. I have a Touratech screen extender to stop any buffeting etc and that`s a godsend as I can run with the visor open if I need to
You`ll open a can of worms with the 1150/1200 debate but here is a level headed opinion. I put 35k on my 1150 GS-A so I am qualified
The 1200 is lighter, has more power, is more responsive on the throttle, handles better, is comfier, better on fuel and crashes well
.The only advantage I can really see of an 1150 is it doesn`t have all the electronics which can go wrong.
Contrary to popular belief, the huge majority of 1200`s are utterly reliable and I`m yet to be convinced they are less reliable than an 1150
I love them both and would have no hesitation going back to an 1150 but boy, I`d miss the power.
I think it`s a matter of personal taste and maybe wallet and oh, I reckon they are both butt ugly but in a handsome sort of way
Paul
All GS`s sit at m/way speed no problem. My 56 plate GS-A has done 36k and is as sweet as a nut cruising up to a ton. I have a Touratech screen extender to stop any buffeting etc and that`s a godsend as I can run with the visor open if I need to
You`ll open a can of worms with the 1150/1200 debate but here is a level headed opinion. I put 35k on my 1150 GS-A so I am qualified
The 1200 is lighter, has more power, is more responsive on the throttle, handles better, is comfier, better on fuel and crashes well
The only advantage I can really see of an 1150 is it doesn`t have all the electronics which can go wrong.
Contrary to popular belief, the huge majority of 1200`s are utterly reliable and I`m yet to be convinced they are less reliable than an 1150
I love them both and would have no hesitation going back to an 1150 but boy, I`d miss the power.
I think it`s a matter of personal taste and maybe wallet and oh, I reckon they are both butt ugly but in a handsome sort of way
Boll*cks
SkyGod
What Tyre pressure you running
Its not bollox Flip. How can it be, its his opinion.
And being one of the few thats had both bikes, an informed opinion I think.
Stop being a big gay and go and have a pasty!
See you a week on Saturday for some dirty stuff.
And being one of the few thats had both bikes, an informed opinion I think.
Stop being a big gay and go and have a pasty!
See you a week on Saturday for some dirty stuff.
Gerry47
Registered user
+1
Just back from a trip to France and the only GSA so supposed to be the slowest of the group, Fireblade, Hayabusa, Fazer, VFR, but with eight gallons of fuel on board, most comfortable riding position (by far) and able to comfortably cruise at 90+ I was easlily the quickest overall!! Okay the mirrors are blurry and.....that's about it...
I also have the Scala Rider FM and with the big screen can easily listen to music at motorway speeds.
Sometimes I miss the outright speed but overall the GSA is great...
Just back from a trip to France and the only GSA so supposed to be the slowest of the group, Fireblade, Hayabusa, Fazer, VFR, but with eight gallons of fuel on board, most comfortable riding position (by far) and able to comfortably cruise at 90+ I was easlily the quickest overall!! Okay the mirrors are blurry and.....that's about it...
I also have the Scala Rider FM and with the big screen can easily listen to music at motorway speeds.
Sometimes I miss the outright speed but overall the GSA is great...
colinjanes
Guest
Have you bought one yet ????
Bin off the RD350, spending £4k tarting up a 70's bike is a waste. It will never compare. I have a 70s Z1 900 which hasn't turned a wheel, same as the R1, same a shed load of other's since I bought my GS.
I didn't spend £12k on a newbie, went for £6k on a bike from a guy who couldn't make his mind up between an RD350 and a R1200GS.Bought it with 17K and have run it up to 31K in 9 months... How many miles have you done on your RD in the last 9 months??
Dont matter how good it looks, it's what you do with it what counts..
Get your yourself a GS soon, Buell be sorry if you dont!!
See Ya
CJ
Bin off the RD350, spending £4k tarting up a 70's bike is a waste. It will never compare. I have a 70s Z1 900 which hasn't turned a wheel, same as the R1, same a shed load of other's since I bought my GS.
I didn't spend £12k on a newbie, went for £6k on a bike from a guy who couldn't make his mind up between an RD350 and a R1200GS.Bought it with 17K and have run it up to 31K in 9 months... How many miles have you done on your RD in the last 9 months??
Dont matter how good it looks, it's what you do with it what counts..
Get your yourself a GS soon, Buell be sorry if you dont!!
See Ya
CJ
gsbiker
Registered user
Mmm where to start?
No, thats why I'm here asking questions!
It's a 95 model not 70s. You may be right but what you want from a bike may not be what I want.
Similar to me then!
Probably 2000 miles in the last 3 months with 6 weeks break in between.
I simply don't agree. Why can't it be both?
Well they're not cheap and I am a cautious spender so I don't intend buying one until I have completed my research first.
Not sure I understand your reference to Buell in this context?
Paul
No, thats why I'm here asking questions!
It's a 95 model not 70s. You may be right but what you want from a bike may not be what I want.
Similar to me then!
Probably 2000 miles in the last 3 months with 6 weeks break in between.
I simply don't agree. Why can't it be both?
Well they're not cheap and I am a cautious spender so I don't intend buying one until I have completed my research first.
Not sure I understand your reference to Buell in this context?
Paul
At the risk of being quoted in a long list of quotes...
To me, buying a GS is like buying a Land Rover. If you want one, nothing else will do. If it's not the bike for you, you will not be satisfied.
Personally, i think that most of the niggles I read about are just because the bike is different than a lot of Jap fours. I can ride my 1150 GSA on my own and use all the tyre, with a big grin from ear to ear. I can take my other half away for a week and the bike suits us both. I can go on Euro tours for 9 days and it does everything I want. And for the odd mile here and there I can venture off tarmac onto the mucky stuff.
It's not great at long distance motorway runs, but to me, it's great at everything else.
And I'm too fat for anything smaller!
To me, buying a GS is like buying a Land Rover. If you want one, nothing else will do. If it's not the bike for you, you will not be satisfied.
Personally, i think that most of the niggles I read about are just because the bike is different than a lot of Jap fours. I can ride my 1150 GSA on my own and use all the tyre, with a big grin from ear to ear. I can take my other half away for a week and the bike suits us both. I can go on Euro tours for 9 days and it does everything I want. And for the odd mile here and there I can venture off tarmac onto the mucky stuff.
It's not great at long distance motorway runs, but to me, it's great at everything else.
And I'm too fat for anything smaller!
Its not bollox Flip. How can it be, its his opinion.
And being one of the few thats had both bikes, an informed opinion I think.
Stop being a big gay and go and have a pasty!
See you a week on Saturday for some dirty stuff.
Says the guy that rode his R1 to Antartica, but won't go further than the Alps on his 1200 cause it's a pile of poo
Pasty shop has run out, so I'm on the chocolate muffins at the mo until world pastry shortage ends
See ya in a week (if my broken knuckle heals up)
1200--1250 ?
Hi Paul,thanks for your reply,I was more than happy with my 02 1150,(36,000),and would have kept it untill I was t--boned on the A27 in East Sussex, bike was written off and I started to look around, wasnt realy intending to buy a 1200 adv,then saw one in Ocean BMW Plymouth. That was it, got a realy good deal to include new luggage , no hard sell, Ocean even found me a cheap low seat as I could barely touch the floor! I have two dealers near me here in Hampshire, but they didnt reply to my enquiries, hence the purchase in Plymouth-( I lived in Plymstock years ago ) Any way to answer your question, Imho,both bikes are very good, the 1150 is heavier feels more planted on the road and is more diy friendly,the 1200 is more powerful .lighter,and I suppose, modern,I like them both and If finances were tight I would happily go back to an 1150. There are some fantastic older bikes around and I belive they get better with miles on them. Pre- gs I had a touring Harley Electraglide (never been a fan of jap bikes) The glide was great ,except the awful stability at high speed, the bmw is the best all-round do everything bike--but make sure you get a warranty!!!! Dave,Portsmouth,sometimes in Plymouth.
Hi Paul,thanks for your reply,I was more than happy with my 02 1150,(36,000),and would have kept it untill I was t--boned on the A27 in East Sussex, bike was written off and I started to look around, wasnt realy intending to buy a 1200 adv,then saw one in Ocean BMW Plymouth. That was it, got a realy good deal to include new luggage , no hard sell, Ocean even found me a cheap low seat as I could barely touch the floor! I have two dealers near me here in Hampshire, but they didnt reply to my enquiries, hence the purchase in Plymouth-( I lived in Plymstock years ago ) Any way to answer your question, Imho,both bikes are very good, the 1150 is heavier feels more planted on the road and is more diy friendly,the 1200 is more powerful .lighter,and I suppose, modern,I like them both and If finances were tight I would happily go back to an 1150. There are some fantastic older bikes around and I belive they get better with miles on them. Pre- gs I had a touring Harley Electraglide (never been a fan of jap bikes) The glide was great ,except the awful stability at high speed, the bmw is the best all-round do everything bike--but make sure you get a warranty!!!! Dave,Portsmouth,sometimes in Plymouth.
'why is that? I hope to ride to Scotland and that will be motorway riding?'
As said previously most of us find motorway riding pretty dull. if youre not in a rush once you get to Preston turn off the m/way and cut north up through the forest of Bowland towards the Yorkshire dales, then head up over the North pennine moors and up through Kielder using the A68 or the B roads, these roads are ideal for the GS, relatively empty and the scenery is wonderful.
Another favourite route of mine to Edinburgh is leave M6 at carnforth, go up A6 and pick up the old A74 which is now a B road and go to Moffat and head out past St marys Loch, all great GS roads.
As said previously most of us find motorway riding pretty dull. if youre not in a rush once you get to Preston turn off the m/way and cut north up through the forest of Bowland towards the Yorkshire dales, then head up over the North pennine moors and up through Kielder using the A68 or the B roads, these roads are ideal for the GS, relatively empty and the scenery is wonderful.
Another favourite route of mine to Edinburgh is leave M6 at carnforth, go up A6 and pick up the old A74 which is now a B road and go to Moffat and head out past St marys Loch, all great GS roads.
GUZZZI
Registered user
Hi my GS 12 is the muts nuts, ive done 24000 mile over half of which has been around europes twistiest best roads, its carried more gear than u can get in the average small car boot and consistently pisses off people on the tupper ware torpedos round twisty bits.
The vibes..... it used to vibrate a bit.. yeah around 85 but thats got better and better, dont really give it a thought anymore.
IN SHORT BUY RIDE ENJOY.
The vibes..... it used to vibrate a bit.. yeah around 85 but thats got better and better, dont really give it a thought anymore.
IN SHORT BUY RIDE ENJOY.
Buy A Gold Wing 
spot
Registered user
The 1200 gs will handle motorway speeds all day. My mate who is 60+ and who has had a triple heart bypass op went from south yorkshire to barcelona in 1 hit on his 1200 gsa. about 15 hours in total which means he was rarely under the ton
Dont worry about the vibes, i have done several 1000+ mile days on my r1150 without anything falling of either me or the bike.(rs not gs but its the same thing nearly!)
Stop mucking about and get one bought And another thing, you can hang around with the tossers on here if you like
Dont worry about the vibes, i have done several 1000+ mile days on my r1150 without anything falling of either me or the bike.(rs not gs but its the same thing nearly!)
Stop mucking about and get one bought
And another thing, you can hang around with the tossers on here if you like
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