I considered updating the GS but should I

[steve case]

I had considered replacing the R1100GS with a 1200 mainly as its getting kinda long in the tooth now, but also because the weight reduction would make a difference.

After reading some of the posts here I'm not so sure, I just want the GS to be ready to go when I need it ( which it was until a couple of years ago) and the amount of tech on the new models is offputting as this seems to be the main cause of the problems?

Given the choice what would 1200 owners do?

 

[GS TRV]

buy what you like i'd say. You'll get the usual answers here and be none the wiser. Plus if someone on the web told you to shell out 10K plus would you really go ahead with it unless you were convinced in your own mind it was right?

 

[David Nimrod]

...if someone on the web told you to shell out 10K plus would you really go ahead with it unless you were convinced in your own mind it was right?

Exactly

It's a complicated question that can only be answered by YOU.

 

[Nutty]

Just do it, you won't regret it.

Now you've been told, just get on with it and stop dithering.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Get a Lower tech non abs/esa bike from about 2007 onwards. Make sure its had the FPC and ring antennae done and off round the world you go

 

[Pablo1]

best time of year to do a deal, take a few test rides , 2010 twin cam is a big improvement.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Move on... if it doesn't work, move back. Life's too short not to have some variety and fun


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

 

[bod]

Get a Lower tech non abs/esa bike from about 2007 onwards. Make sure its had the FPC and ring antennae done and off round the world you go

best time of year to do a deal, take a few test rides , 2010 twin cam is a big improvement.

What both them there boys said!

 

[TeaPig]

I've owned a 1100 and both sorts of 1200. They are as widely different as the age gap between them and in my experience equally reliable. I did over 100k on the 1100 and it ate a FD and a gearbox. One 1200 needed an FD and a FPC over a 80k period.

just avoid anything with servo ABS and then it's a matter of luck what gremlin strikes.

as the other guy said, life's too short.

if you enjoy riding with even a modicum of gusto rather than simply plodding along a motorway, the 1200 will provide a much bigger grin well worthy of your wad.

You have ridden one haven't you? Surely that's enough to make up your mind?

 

[Wapping]

Given the choice what would 1200 owners do?

Whilst most of 'em can't decide what helmet will fit their head..... A technical question like yours should be plain sailing....

 

[sven]

Get an abs/esa bike from 2008 onwards

Almost right, so I corrected it for you

 

[Schtum]

Almost right, so I corrected it for you

And yours is also almost right, Steve. As Pablo said a twin-cam from 2010 onwards - just so that you've got something to aspire to......

 

[mark2jag]

I had considered replacing the R1100GS with a 1200 mainly as its getting kinda long in the tooth now, but also because the weight reduction would make a difference.

After reading some of the posts here I'm not so sure, I just want the GS to be ready to go when I need it ( which it was until a couple of years ago) and the amount of tech on the new models is offputting as this seems to be the main cause of the problems?

Given the choice what would 1200 owners do?

Well Steve asked for an opinion and he's gonna get mine. Yes you should. I really like the 1200, I had one but stupidly decided to sell it and none of the bikes ive had so far, and there have been many, have lived up to my 1200.

Having said that its really not my money, but if it was I personally would go and get another twin cam one tomorrow, without hesitation.........

Thats my point of view, and anyway im told the newer ones are much less liable to be a bother as some of the bad points of old have now been addressed and fixed. Like I said I sold mine (with about a thousand miles on it) and its my biggest biking regret ever. Go for it, lifes too short mate.....


Ok Ill shut up and get my coat now.....


Good luck....

 

[pinkytiff]

What both them there boys said!

Echo that, I've had all 3, the 1100 / 1150 and the 1200 and it wins hands down on grin factor, especially the twin cam

 

[beermonster]

Keep your old one and get a 1200 pref a twin cam and no ABS

Wot i did

 

[MrIFan]

You have ridden one haven't you? Surely that's enough to make up your mind?

I've ridden all the variants of the 1200 (and 1150) and it certainly made up my mind.


I'll be sticking to the far superior 1100

 

[GSmonkey]

The new twin cam model is nice and an improvement on my 07 1200. Also, no problem with the new ABS now they've binned the servos.

 

[Wapping]

I rode another 1200GSA twin-cam 2011 model this morning, which makes three that I've ridden since the 'new' engine was first launched.

In a straight comparison with my 06 'old' engine I cannot see that it's a great leap forward and certainly not a patch on the 'twin-cam' 1200 engine slapped into an HP2Sport.

Unless I was looking for a brand new bike, I would certainly look pretty hard at a decently specced second-hand 'pre twin-cam' model, get the suspension done and probably save a few bob. I think that is what Rasher did and seems sensible.

 

[Shoestring]

FWIW I've just changed a '07 GS for a '11 DOHC GSA. And I originally only went to the dealer to see about a Adventure screen.

I found the new DOHC bike about 10% better all round. Little things too, like there was little or no throttle snatch at low speed, the brakes were easier to modulate, and the gearbox smoother in use (and missing the 5/6th false neutral), and the 'tingle' has moved up 10mph from 70 to 80mph. The new engine is noticibly more responsive has a better mid-range and is more eager to rev hard. No downside I could see in running costs either.

The deal I negotiated on a 5 month/3k mile ex-BMW management bike made changing a bit of a no brainer.

SS7

 

[Edward Hitler]

Like the old saying goes "opinions are like arseholes". I've had 2 gs's, an 06 ABS model and changed it for a 10 plate Adventure with ABS but not the electronic suspension. The new DOHC engine has considerabley more poke bottom and midrange contrary to what some people may think and say. I come from riding almost every Japanese, Italian and Austrian sport bikes and have loved every minute of both my GS's. You get a lot of comments and opinions on here, some good and some bad. Some people are just plain negative whatever they have and just like to here themselves moan. Read the write ups, go for a test ride and choose what you think is right for you and enjoy.