Hello Everyone, I want a GS

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Playerh8a

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Firstly Hello to everyone on the forum, this is my first post.

I know this is going to sound silly but i watched Long Way Round and instantly wanted a 1150GS Adventure. They looked Comfy, Fun, Rugged and Powerul.

I currently have a 98 Yamaha R1. Great fun but i want to change to a GS so i can go off into Europe on a reliable bike with the ability to take the girfriend and luggage.

I am looking for advice as to whether to get a 1150 GS or the 1150 GS Adventure. I like the look of the adventure more but i am not sure that all the extras are needed for my purpose.

I am looking to spend around £5.5k and i preferable want the 3 carry boxes already fitted.

Any advice or thoughts would bemost appreciated
 
Welcome.

You'll find no shortage of opinions/knowledge on here.

Personally I'd go for a standard GS - But that's just me as I prefer the look of the standard bike. Same with the 1200 models too.

:thumb
 
Playerh8a said:
I am looking for advice as to whether to get a 1150 GS or the 1150 GS Adventure. I like the look of the adventure more but i am not sure that all the extras are needed for my purpose.

I am looking to spend around £5.5k and i preferable want the 3 carry boxes already fitted.
Click to expand...

Welcome - quite a good first post. Opinions will come thick and fast! The main difference is the size of the fuel tank - the GSA is bigger - there are others like gearing and seat. The GSA also should come with the 3 "carry boxes" fitted but you can get a GS with them already fitted if lucky.

Best thing to do is take all comments on board and then go test both models and it is YOUR opinion that matters as at the end of the day it's YOUR choice and YOU have to ride it.

I have a GS and it's absolutely brilliant but don't let that influence you :D
 
thanks for the 2 fast responses. I didnt realise the adventure had the 3 boxes already fitted. Thats awesome news, really want them. Fuel tank size is a great bonus too.

Sorry if i am sounding ignorant but i am not 100% sure on all the differences between the standard gs and the r1150GS adventure.

I forgot to mention i am 6ft 5 , if that makes a difference
 
Well if you've been riding an R1 at 6'5" you should find the GS a lot more comfy.

As for which one, with 5.5k to spend you should be able to get a very nice Adventure. GFI

Apparently it was said yesterday that the katoum 950 can be had for 5995££££NEW that sounds like a bargain, give it a go.
 
As mentioned the GSA has a larger fuel tank, diffrent gearing, different seat and screen (In the case of the 1200, not sure about the 1150 on this point).

Also the adventure comes in different colour schemes so quite a number of detail differences to think about.

Many second hand GSs come with luggage and/or it is easily available should you wish to purchase after you've got the bike.

Make sure you have good, long test rides. in other words not the usual 20 min jobbie but 2 hours or so. Preferably longer if you can manage it.

Above all enjoy. You are in a good position. :beerjug:
 
Luggage

Playerh8a said:
thanks for the 2 fast responses. I didnt realise the adventure had the 3 boxes already fitted. Thats awesome news, really want them. Fuel tank size is a great bonus too.

Sorry if i am sounding ignorant but i am not 100% sure on all the differences between the standard gs and the r1150GS adventure.

I forgot to mention i am 6ft 5 , if that makes a difference
Click to expand...

The adv doesnt automatically come with luggage, it was an option.
 
Welcome to UKGSer :thumb At 6'5" you'll find no height problems with the adventure- it sits slightly higher than the standard GS... as far as the other differences- anodised rims, single seat spring to mind ;)

If you're going anywhere with the likelihood of no fuel for more than 200 miles the advenure tank may be useful :thumb
 
Shame about the 3 boxes being an option but i guess i will just have to find one with them already fitted. The Fuel tank range is crazy.

I have read that there are height issues for smaller riders but at my towering height i should be fine.

Got to sell the R1 now and then find the GS for me.

I have just been lookig online and i do think the R1150 GS Adventure is perfect for me.

Can anyone comment on how it handles with pillion? or what it is like for them ont he back?

cheers for all the info, helping a lot
 
Playerh8a said:
Sorry if i am sounding ignorant but i am not 100% sure on all the differences between the standard gs and the r1150GS adventure.

I forgot to mention i am 6ft 5 , if that makes a difference
Click to expand...

There are several main differences between the GS and the GSA,

Ride height. The GSA has longer shocks than the GS so is therefore taller.

Tank size. The GSA has a bigger tank (33L) than the GS.

Seat. Single piece seat on the GSA which some pillions say is not as comfortable as the two piece item on the GS. Hard to define this one as it's very much a personal thing.

Gearing. Most GSA's have a lower 1st gear than the GS for off-road riding.

In terms of day to day riding there isn't that much difference in the two bikes. As has already been said, you will notice quite a difference from your R1 but once you get used to the GS you will find it very hard to go back.

I changed from a 1200 Bandit in 2004 and it took me a few weeks to adapt my riding to suit the GS but now almost 4 years later there's no other bike around that I would consider changing to from my 1150.

HTH
 
1150 adv

I dont really notice a difference with the missus on the back, theres a remote preload adjuster on the shock just wind it up a bit. She says the seat isnt that comfy and it's a pain to get on and off when the luggage is fitted. Saying that i wouldnt swap it for anything as aidan says. And the seat thing can be overcome.
 
Playerh8a said:
Can anyone comment on how it handles with pillion? or what it is like for them on the back?
Click to expand...

You will get to know what settings to put your preload and rebound at then just go for it. :D

At first I thought the wishbone/front shock on a GS were just a gimmick and I was somewhat sceptical but these things can feckin handle and don't dive when you brake either.

Book yourself a lengthy test ride. It will all become apparent then. :)
 
Thanks for all the info illustratedman and Aiden1150.

Going to look online and see if i can find a local dealer and go test ride one over the weekend.
 
Yeah the R1 is a handful. I admit i am not the best rider in the world but its got so much power its like a Rocket between my legs.

Comfort Sucks on it ! My poor back ache , wrist ache, neck ... legs .

Got it real cheap so cant complain.

Looking forwward to comfort riding now
 
I'm lucky enough to have more than one bike.

However when I get off my 999 and onto the RT it sure does feel good (Cue poor American accent...). :aidan

An added bonus, in my humble opinion, is that your riding will improve with a GS. Feeling in control and being able to use a large percentage of the power available makes the world of difference to your ability and, hand-in-hand, your confidence.

It's always better to ride a slow(er) bike fast than a fast(er) bike slow...

Here endeth the lesson... :rob
 
Test ride

As others have said , get yer leg over ... ........ it takes time to adjust to this type of bike , so don't dismiss it .....many folk jump off after 20 mins and decide it's not for them , don't fall in to that trap .
Try it out on as many road types as you can , and you'll discover that these things are great fun .


Safe riding
Steve
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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