I want one, but I'm scared

[JPB]

Yes. Most of them were up front and reckoned the 1200 was too big for me and recommended the 650 (Nice, but no thanks). One of the dealers made a few other very vague excuses, but bottom line was no test ride.

Frustrating really. I guess at some point I'll end up buying a private bike and taking the risk that I actually like the thing without first riding one. Not how I'd like things to be but there you go.

I currently ride an Aprilia Shiver which ok isn't as big a bike but has a 810mm seat height and is fairly top heavy. I've been led to believe (feel free to correct me) that the boxer engine means the centre of gravity is quite low down on the 1200GS (and of course 1100 & 1150s too).

I bet waving some money at them would add inches to your height, or better yet, find yourself a decent dealer!

 

[muppix]

I bet waving some money at them would add inches to your height, or better yet, find yourself a decent dealer!

I agree entirely. Try again nearer the end of the month / quarter, or go somewhere else. It may not help you geographically speaking, but Vines of Guildford have always been pretty decent.

Mup.

 

[Gossy]

Yes. Most of them were up front and reckoned the 1200 was too big for me and recommended the 650 (Nice, but no thanks). One of the dealers made a few other very vague excuses, but bottom line was no test ride.

Frustrating really. I guess at some point I'll end up buying a private bike and taking the risk that I actually like the thing without first riding one. Not how I'd like things to be but there you go.

I currently ride an Aprilia Shiver which ok isn't as big a bike but has a 810mm seat height and is fairly top heavy. I've been led to believe (feel free to correct me) that the boxer engine means the centre of gravity is quite low down on the 1200GS (and of course 1100 & 1150s too).

The inside leg business worried me when I first read sections of this forum, most people just adapt, but I went to Cannons as you may have done and didnt have any problems in getting a test ride with no mention of a deposit.

I wasn't 100% with the standard seat on low setting, so they put a low seat on the demonstrator - if I bought one I could swap the low seat for the standard on the 600 mile service.

They were happy for me to ride out with only 6 months on my full licence too, maybe things have changed now.

18 months on I've still got the low seat and Daytona M Star boots (3/4" heel) my inside leg 30".

If you havnt tried a low seat and want to, pop a mail over I'm up by Colchester Road.

 

[NLC]

Get a pair of Alt-Bergs with the Microlite soles. Gave me the extra omph and height with a low seat. I've moved to the normal setting on the ESA from the comfort.

 

[Hubs]

Same challenges - occasional omigawd moments, but remembering that I can get a foot flat if I slide to one side a bit ( a la MX er) is always a help.

Worst moments are paddling around slowly, only to find my foot is in a dip that the wheels are not in..

It helps that, rolling, the bike is easy to balance at a near standstill, and can do lock to lock figure of eights with a bit of practice - it really is amazingly manoeuvrable!

And the crashbars are great!