How do you ride yours.

[TONE.C]

Im new to the 1200gs , nice comfy bike but lacking in power compaired to my last bike and found myself changing gear near to the 6500rev range. Should I go a little easier on the engine? With all the storys of engines going caput,, im keen to hear how you ride yours. Do you ride it like you stole it or feather the clutch through the gears with slight acceleration? I remember asking the same question to my old ktm dealer and he said not worry. Please tell me the same . Thanks. Tony.

 

[Timolgra]

Ride it like it's under warranty

 

[Gundog]

Thrash it..........

 

[Beemerman59]

Best to keep it above 6000rpm so you can't hear the tappets and if you fit an Akra can even the cam chain tensioner goes quiet.

 

[Buz]

I'd suggest one leg either side of the engine, arse on the saddle but as I dont have a 1200 i may be wrong

 

[Dennis the Menace]

Don"t rev it higher than the rev limiter

 

[forest biker]

engines going caput ??? they do have a few problems from time to time but not very often you hear an engine has gone bang. I ride mine just as hard as my r1 and she dont miss a beat , just give it all you got is my advice and enjoy it

 

[Nick Eyles]

compelled to reply

Did I really read Tony's post right? Lacking in power?! Are we talking about the 1200 GS or what? A moped? Having to change gear near the rev limit.... What on UK's congested roads??? Don't make me larf, you can't be serious. You do have it off the center stand eh Tony?

 

[(RIP) Miff]

My bike previous to the GS was (and still is) a ZZR600, which revs to 14,000rpm.

I tend to ride the GS more in the bottom of the rev range (3k-6k). There's no reason not to thrash it, but there isn't really the need.

 

[TONE.C]

Did I really read Tony's post right? Lacking in power?! Are we talking about the 1200 GS or what? A moped? Having to change gear near the rev limit.... What on UK's congested roads??? Don't make me larf, you can't be serious. You do have it off the center stand eh Tony?

That would be a yes, yes, yes, a no, yes and another yes.

 

[socket086]

just ride it like you stole it

 

[thosoneill]

Im new to the 1200gs , nice comfy bike but lacking in power compaired to my last bike

wot was yer last bike - its an old boxer you are riding now you twat !!!!!!!!!!

 

[iftikartaxis]

ride it safe

ride it like your riding your wife steady away
try thrashing it all over in seconds
nice and calm think about whats happening inside enjoy and the ride goes on and on perfect

 

[tunnie]

I tend to short shift at around 5.5k rpm, ride the wave of torque. There is no point red lining it everywhere, as peak torque is delivered at 5.5k rpm. With a heavy bike, it's not about bhp & high revs.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

With all the storys of engines going caput,,

Please enlighten us on these stories

 

[TONE.C]

Thanks for your responce people,, I get the idea, get some warranty, thrash the ****er and hope for the best. You really are a helpful bunch of tossers.

wot was yer last bike - its an old boxer you are riding now you twat !!!!!!!!!!

And you go **** yourself.

 

[seadog]

ride it like you enjoy it.

 

[sven]

wot was yer last bike - its an old boxer you are riding now you twat !!!!!!!!!!

A rather unneccessary comment

I had a K1200S before my GS and find the GS lacks power two-up for quick overtakes, especially fully loaded with expanded panniers (aerodynamics of a brick).

 

[tommygun]

engines going caput ??? they do have a few problems from time to time but not very often you hear an engine has gone bang. I ride mine just as hard as my r1 and she dont miss a beat , just give it all you got is my advice and enjoy it

...and don't be surprised when you get 33 mpg.....

 

[snerkler]

A rather unneccessary comment

.

+1, no need for that.

I agree with the OP to a certain extent, depending on what bike you've come from the GS can be underpowered, it certainly is compared to the Gixxer I had previously. You notice this most when setting off, the GS takes some getting going in comparison to other bikes.
That being said, over all the GSA is the best bike I've ever ridden. I loved my K6 Gixxer thou, and the GSA certainly doesn't give you anywhere near the same adrenalin rush. But what GS/GSA does do is put a bloody great big smile on your face, and in comfort too
And the answer to your question, the reason for the red part of the rev range is to indicate where you could do potential damage to the engine, anything before that is fine and is designed to be used. My GSA gets taken UP TO the red fairly often, especially in 1st -3rd