Having a test ride this Friday!

[Big Lee]

Hi!
Well after lurking here for a while I`ve decided to get a test ride on a 1150 & 1200 GS`s I`m a little unsure of what to expect as I`ve been riding a Triumph Daytona 955i for the past 4 years so I`m used to the sportier ride! although I`m a firm believer of its not what you ride it's how you ride it My mate has got a Ducati 749s & has told me if I beat him up Hartside on one of these he`ll see his arse! so I`m VERY tempted!
Is the handling as good as I`ve heard? & whats the ingear perfomance like?

Cheers!

Lee

 

[Big Lee]

The 2nd hand 1150 Gs is a `02 model, is that the twin spark engine?
What are the best mods for these bikes, I`ve read a lot about a "Y" piece & can, what does the "Y" piece do & how much are they?
Thanks for the advice so far!

Lee

 

[Big Lee]

Any big lads ride these? I`m 6`6"

 

[richie]

Six six on a daytona HOW...

The GS will be a much more comfortable ride. They are surprisingly good at holding the road but a lot less powerfull than what you had before. Having said this the power you get are real horses as someone once said to me and not wring its neck off horses that are hard to get.

Try it and see...

 

[Big Lee]

I used to have a CBR600! the Daytona is surprisingly comfy for a man of my stature!
I must admit I don`t beast my bikes, I like the idea of surfing a wave of torque!

 

[Jon]

Lee,

I'm 6'3" and ride an 02 Adventure, which is single spark with non servo'd brakes.

Ref mods - if you buy it, just ride it for at least 2k before you decide to put anything on. You may not need it (although, with your height, a bigger screen or tobinators may well be the first thing you look at )

Basically, I'm only staying the execution - you'll end up draping it with everything, just like everyone else does

Y-pieces are @ £200 new and take the place of the cat which weighs about 5kg. Also means you can put leaded fuel in if need be.



Jon

 

[oblertone]

Why do you want to see his arse ?

 

[Shaunie]

Not only will you beat him up Hartside, you'll have ordered the drinks and be keeping him a seat in the cafe.

However, if you beat me up Hartside then you can bugger off back to your 955i!

Re the test ride, everything seems a little strange at first but persevere. You need at least an hour. You will probably think that it's underpowered but take into account the handling and you'll find that once you're up to speed you don't really need to slow down for much.

Read the various threads in "2 GS or not GS". I know we go on a bit but it's all true!

 

[Commuter]

Me too!

Any big lads ride these? I`m 6`6"

I'm 6ft 6 and "bulky" for my height and have no problem on the bike, mines a ADV 03 but I have had a standard 1150 also.

Go for a long run on the 12 as I hated it, because of my size, I just couldn't see myself getting on with it.

Last weekend I spent the majority of the time ahead of a GSXR and in the bendy bits, only top speed kills it.

HTH, and welcome to the mad house.

Nick

 

[Spout]

The GS will also open up a whole new world of B roads, single track and even (uneven) unsurfaced roads.
Let the sportsbikes get stuck behind the Sunday traffic on the A roads, get yourself onto some real roads.
Who needs 100+ hp round a hairpin?

Once hooked tho, there's no going back!

 

[Hands Free]

what's the weather like up there?

I'm also 6' 6'' - and the GS is probably as good as it gets for the vertically unchallenged.


Much more room for the feet and changing gear not a contortionists nightmare. The downside likely to be buffetting but seems to be curable (which reminds me....tobinators)

IMO the GS is not that fast - but this is probably cos I live in the smoke, where you've only got another 200 yds before the next red light.

 

[Barrie]

Big Lee, I got off a Yam YZF 750r superbike when I bought my GS1150. I was a bit grumpy about the loss of some 45 bhp but I soon got over it and now I really love the GS, it is the first BMW I have had but it will not be the last.
I have also ridden the new 1200 which is not at all the same as the 1150 so try both for a good test to evaluate which is best for you.
enjoy,
Barrie

 

[Big Lee]

Oblertone, it`s not me who wants to see his arse! its a term meaning not best pleased! anyway.........
I`ve had a run round the Lakes today in the car visiting some friends & thought a GS would be perfect for these roads, round Coniston etc, as I`ve just about done all the fast sportsbike roads round here & all the small roads are a pain (literally!) on the Triumph.
Back to the Y piece, so apart from allowing me to run on leaded petrol what else does it do for £200? & what are Tobinators

Thanks so far!

Lee

 

[Tobers]

Hi Lee.

For Tobinators, see here or click on the search button at the top of this page and enter "tobinator or tobinators" and all will be revealed.

Cheers

Tobers

 

[Big Lee]

Excellent!

 

[steve1074]

Lee

I made the move from an 2000 Daytona to a 03 model GSAa month ago. To sumamrise it put all the fun of my Direct Access course back into biking. I am 6'4 and thought the Daytona was ample. The GS blitzs it. It not as fast but cos all the power is usable I'm riding so much faster.

I warn you of one thing though..........go on a test rie and you will buy the GS. I did the very same afternoon. I got a half reasonable p/x but would have bought it regardless I think!

Let us know what you deicde!

Steve

 

[Big Lee]

Cheers Steve, I do agree with you about useable power. My bike is very quick but rarely do I rev it to maximum power on the road. I`m really looking forward to having a go on these 2 bikes! although I might find them over rated, you know what bike mags are like!


Lee

 

[steve1074]

Make sure you let us know what your toughts are after the ride........

 

[jefformston]

Any big lads ride these? I`m 6`6"

6'4" 15st - Great bike fits much better than 'sports bikes', handling is great & never been left behind by those on pocket rockets. They always look surprised when you pass them on the corners.

I've played 'tag' up in the highlands with VFR's, R1, ZX6R, Blades, MV F4's & 916's and been at that the front more often than not. Its only on the long straights where lack of top end becomes an issue.

IMHO the R1150GS is the best bike I've owned.

 

[Big Lee]

Well I`ve tested both the 1150 & 1200 & put a deposit on a yellow 1200GS to be collected in September

I took the 1150 out first & was quite impressed with it apart from the horrendous buffeting at 60mph+ although I knew that could be reduced..........
.........then I took the 1200 out IMO a better riding position, better gearbox, less buffeting, better performance, better handling, seemed a lot lighter (30kgs I believe) basically a much better bike!
So like I said I put a deposit down & wil be collecting my new bike sometime in September!!

Thanks for all the tips & I`ll be on here more often