Honest feedback

[Steve V]

I am changing bikes in a couple of months and a GS is looking good at the moment. I currently ride one of two bikes an Africa Twin and 1200 bandit. I prefer the Africa Twin hence the thought of upgrading to possibly 1150 GS. But rather than speak to a rep I thought you good people could furnish me with some honest answers.

I will be riding two up is this likely to be a problem.

Her indoors hasn't much meat on her back end and numb bumb is an issue, on most bikes, is this likely to be the case with a GS.

Is there a social scene with GS ownership.

I ride all year is corrosion good bad or average.

Sorry for so many questions on my 1st post but look forward to your reply's

Cheers
Steve

 

[longdog]

1. Two will not be a problem
2. IMHO, go for a standard GS rather than a GSA (Adventure) I'll probably get jumped on for saying this!
3. Yes
4. The finish is generally of a higher standard, far more durable nature than a Japanese bike, but you still have to keep 'em clean! Road salt eats anything if it's not looked after for long enough.

There are loads of threads on here and you can do searches of the various topics that you want answers for.

 

[bakerlonglegs]

Welcome aboard -
Two-up not a problem on a standard GS, i.e. 2-part seat (maybe an Adventure owner could comment on the 1-piece seat). Take a long test ride from a dealer's bike to find out.
The social scene is very active - have a look at the 'National events' section on this forum and your local area for ride-outs.
I would say corrosion is 'average' - it still needs a bit of protection (such as FS365) and fastenings can look tatty but otherwise I think it withstands winter OK.

As a bandit owner I'm sure you will appreciate the huge range of aftermarket add-ons!! There are lots of 1150's about at the moment as owners trade up to the 1200, so have fun looking!

BLL

 

[mikeh501]

Adventure is awesome..... dont bother with the standard 1150. The pillion seat is OK, not the best. But hey your going to buy an Adventure anyway, there is no substitute

Runs away.....

 

[Kropotkin]

Hi Steve,

I went from a Bandit 600 to a GS, so perhaps my experience is valid.

1. GS is a fantastic bike two-up. Loads of low-end for lugging 2 people plus gear about, and the rear suspension is much better than the Bandit unit (which felt swamped 2 up with luggage on my 600)

2. Seat is far better for pillions than the standard Suzuki seat, and I reckon the pillion seat is better than the rider's seat. I'd sit back there myself, but it's such a stretch to the bars. Definitely get the standard bike, rather than the Adventure, as the saddle is much better for 2-up (though the Adventure has its charms).

3. A surprisingly large social scene, world wide. Check http://www.advrider.com/ for global GS riders.

4. Bike is pretty good with corrosion, but then I have done twice the miles I would normally do on the Bandit, so it gets more exposure.

David

 

[Mzokk]

I've a standard GS the pillion seat is very comfy esp with a topbox with pillion pad. (thin) 5'7" with long legs Missus hardly ever rides her own bike now.

Finish is not great compared to older bm's and Honda's IMO. My GSXR has a better finish and the wifes SV slightly worse. Having said that the MZ Scorpion I used for the last two winters is better than all of them!

Big social scene.

Very simple engine and cycle parts, so its pretty idiot proof for home maintenance.

 

[pips]

I rode pillion on my GS before I passed my test and I have a bony bum, so I can assure you it's not a problem. Get her some warm padded trousers!

 

[laughingBob]

I've had a couple of Africa Twins and loved them to bits.

The GS is better two up, more power and much more comfortable. I'd agree with Mzokk regarding finish. I think Honda's are better built however, the Africa Twin's big ali' bash plate was very vulnerable to corrosion. As long as you look after it, you should be fine. I spray mine with ACF50 once a month after a thorough cleaning then just ride it and haven't got any corrosion. A big advantage is the shaft drive, especially riding all year round.

If you like the Africa Twin you'll love the GS.

 

[franco]

.

I've had the 1100GS and now ride an ADV. I like the ADV much more, but the wife says the pillion seat isn't as comfy. This might be such a problem if you're based in the UK. Your other half may not have much meat on her, but once you get into the UKGSER social scene with it's rideouts invariably ending or beginning at pubs, greasy cafe's or hogroasts, she'll soon build up a cushion...
Good bike two up helped by the power delivery and the fact that the front suspension doesn't dive as much with a passenger, a big plus.

Enjoy, and welcome aboard.../Rob

 

[trev]

adventure seat

fitted touratech seat extension onto my adventure, & wife says its now as comfortable as my old 1150.So if u want an adventure, but are worried about passenger comfort that is one way round the pillion comfort question.

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

I too have an Africa Twin as well as an 1100GS
The AT has a better riding position I’m my opinion but, you can get footrest lowering kits and handlebar adjusters too these make the GS much more comfortable than in it’s standard form.
I ride the GS most of the time it’s got more grunt than the AT and that’s what I like about it. The down side to a GS is that it’s heavy, but you don’t notice the weight when on the move, just when your parking on a slope or get off balance it takes a bit of brute force and ignorance to keep it upright.
The GS wins for a touring tool the AT is more suited for that quick 40 mile ride in the country on a Sunday, not that the GS can’t do that too.
At the end of the day I would say buy the GS.

 

[Steve V]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm going to Mill garages BMW dealer in Boldon North East at the weekend to see if I can blag a decent test ride. I will have a look at the 1200 but there seems to be one or two teathing probs at the moment so as a newbie I may give it a miss. One Or two have suggested a spray ACF 50. What is it and where will I get it, I've been using chain lube all over the chrome and alloy.

Thanks

Steve

 

[split28]

1200 is a great bike but the Adv is better.... for what I use the bike for. I commute about 600 miles a week all year round and then play at the weekend so no complaints.

If I wanted a sportier option for Sunday blasts with a bit of touring then I'd probably go with the 1200.

Different horses for different courses.

Whatever you choose you'll love it. I came from sports bikes and a KTM520 supermotard and I was lucky to do 120 miles on that thing coz my @rse couldn't take the punishment (amazing bike tho). I now do more miles in 2 months than I used to do all year!

Do it and enjoy

 

[split28]

Also ACF50 is a god send. Info found at www.worldwideaviation.com or just buy it from Nippy Normans.

Do a search on this site.

Personally my bike had not been washed in 3 months and looked a right state... cleaned her up last week and not a hint of corrosion.

Mates Aprilia RSV R that he's just bought, told him to use some of my ACF50... but no he took it out last weekend didn't wash it for a week and it is now a white fur ball... pissed myself laughing!!

If your lazy (like me) or work every hour that god sends (like me) or would prefer to ride the bike rather than clean it (like me) get it.

 

[skybluebird]

Fastest cicumnavigation of the globe was 2-up on a GS1150; 19,000 miles in 19 days by the Sanders';

http://www.globebusters.com/index1.html

Also Fastest 2 wheeled TransAmerica, this time on a GSA, so I'm guessing pillion comfort must be OK

My GS has survived 1.5 winters and still looks new, though I never put her to bed with salt on. I've been using the ScottOiler stuff this winter, so far, so good.

Mill will give you a decent test ride. I popped over to Slaley and around Derwent Reservoir on mine, then down to S. Shields before eventually taking it back. Cost me £8.5K, though.