Marcus' 1200GS replacement thread.....

[Hexme]

Took the Honda out the other day before I traded the VFR. Found it a bit on the top heavy side and more of a dead weight than the GS apart from that it went very well, worth a test ride if only to say you've ridden it. The GS won the day for me though as you can see. I traded the VFR because I wanted a change and found it in the BM and loving every moment , you may find a change in something else? worth a try if anything else.

Good luck

Tony

 

[marcus]

Coming today (if I get time at lunch.....) the road-test report.....growl. meow.
Hinkley's finest.
This picture was taken at Longleat!

 

[GS TRV]

Coming today (if I get time at lunch.....) the road-test report.....growl. meow.
Hinkley's finest.
This picture was taken at Longleat!

Bring it on

I had the first Tiger many moons ago

 

[Eastriding2002]

I had an Aprilia Caponord prior to my GS, for the money it is a belting piece of kit. The engine is a lot revvier than the GS, has little or no engine braking at all (a suprise to me when first riding it), it will not pull from low revs as well as the GS, so if you're a lazy 6th gear rider like I am a lot of the time it becomes a pain having to ride around the town in 2nd and 3rd gear.

Handling I found fine, and liek the GS it thrives on being loaded up, never seemed to notice you had a pillion on.

The "dashboard" was very 70's Allegro but everything worked a treat, the fuel gauge being very accurate.

The large 25 litre tank was a nice to have.

Comfort was on a par with the standard GS, screen as noisy as the standard one.

Finish I found very good, the plastics obviously not as well made as the GS but all the other bits held up well.

The engines by all accounts are bullet proof and ultra reliable. Parts ( i never needed any) are supposedly an issue to get hold of, whether Aprilia have sorted this issue yet I don't know.

The downside for me was the brakes, they were pitiful, bordering on frightening, couple this with the ability to eat a set of front pads in 5000 miles. I'm not a heavy braker and this shocked me as my previous Fazer Thou still had the original pads up front at 13000 miles.

All in all it was a good bike, I prefer my GS as it suits me better, but for the price on offer it is a bargain.

Andy T

 

[marcus]

Marcus Mini-Review: Tiger1050ABS

The bike: Tiger 1050 ABS.
The route: From Metropolis opposite James Bond’s office through the city to the dual carriageways and country roads. 90minutes duration. Cold and slightly damp roads. For me this is ideal road testing as it replicates the commute in crappy conditions – the main use of the machine.

Highlight no.1
The Engine. What a cracker. Free revving yet also loads of torque..
Pulls from next to nothing. 3rd gear, 20mph, twist – go. Pulls better than the GS from low revs.
Noise – purrs like a soft little kitten when pottering around town. I’m not really into noisy bikes and think all that “loud pipes” stuff is just plain antisocial.
Caveat: Into the Blackfriars tunnel. Knock it down a gear. Pin it back. Hear it roar. Grin. Turn round, repeat. Grin. Turn round, repeat, grin.
The low point no.1
The brakes. But then again maybe I’m just spoiled by the Uber-effectiveness of the servo assisted brakes on the 12GS. (The 12GS will stop in one-third of the distance of my Vespa from 30mph)
Don’t get me wrong – the brakes on tigger are very effective. A few minutes practicing stopping from low & intermediate speeds on empty roads showed that they work. However they do require considerably more input from the rider. No hauling it up just using the middle finger on this bike.
The ABS seems good. Not as clunky as the BMW system.


Controls.
Simple and unsophisticated. Small digital speedometer which I found quite annoying. A normal analogue speed dial can be followed with peripheral vision. It takes a fraction of a fraction of a second longer to read small digital speedo.
Everbody slaggs off BMW indicators. I prefer them. Press big left button to turn left. Press big right button to turn right. Press off to turn off. Not exactly difficult is it? Unless you are a bike journalist perhaps.
The tiger has the 'ickle japanese style indicator which means (a) it's fiddly to use if you have the clutch in as your hand isn't wrapped around the bar (b) the horn is just underneath. beep f*ck etc. Not really a show-stopping inconvenience.

Handlebars appear quite short from end to end and have a comparatively small diameter. However the appearance of this being quite a big bike almost vanish on the move. The engine, tank and bars are comparatively narrow and the seat and riders head are at a very similar height to a 12GS. Seat comfort on the standard Tiger seat similar to confort on my short bloke GS seat. My 32 inch inside leg reaches the ground both sides.

No pressure on the wrists. The steering lock is excellent. This makes it a very good commuting tool I reckon.

Handling.
Coming from the telelever front end and shaft drive of BMW I was expecting the tigger to be a cross between a see-saw and a pogo stick. Very pleasantly surprised to see that neither applies. On the cold, damp roads the softish handling was very predictable and grippy. Away from the heavy traffic the Tiger feels like a much, much lighter bike than it actually is and is happy to jump from side to side. Throw it about too much however and the soft suspension will make it wobble.
Better than the GS? I’d say a draw but would need more time to make my mind up.

Other points:
Standard screen is ok for commuting but no use for longer journeys.
Base price with ABS is 8,299.
“MySpec” with alarm, centre stand, hand guards, top box, heated grips etc comes to £9,529. which is a lot of cash and not far behind ze german.




The verdict…….dunno………….I’m waiting to get my GS back - still waiting for customer services to do the right thing - and see if they’ll do a deal for a new tiger and an second hand scrambler!

 

[GS TRV]

“MySpec” with alarm, centre stand, hand guards, top box, heated grips etc comes to £9,529. which is a lot of cash and not far behind ze german.

!!! I thought they were a LOT cheaper than that.

nice write up but for that money I'd want a cockpit that looked less like it had a bicycle handle-bar combined with Hyosung switchgear

 

[WindyChuffer]

Too much desk analysis. Not enough riding...

 

[marcus]

Too much desk analysis. Not enough riding...

also
"Too much factual analysis of how & if it works when one is sat on it; not enough pointless pontificating adjectives about how it makes one feel"


That's because whatever replaces my 1200GS will be my primary mode of transport in all weathers and all times of year and therefore the purchase needs to be primarily a rational choice.


constructive comments always welcome.




Tests planned on Varadero and V-Strom later this week.......similar commentry may follow.

 

[GS TRV]

and V-Strom later this week.......similar commentry may follow.

I'd start a few calcs on the 650 Strom - it really is a great bike for commuting and would cost a LOT less than other of your options - I had one for a year in the traffic of Naples and it was a pleasure to ride and run.

 

[Trippy]

If I was looking to buy a new bike at the moment I would look for a good deal on an new 1200GSA, but I would then need to fit a decent seat, risers, Remus and my TT cases.

 

[NoBMNoMore]

Tough Call

Lots of informed opinion here. I have posted my own dilemma elsewhere on this board. Mine was the same as yours (and many others lets not kid ourselves) - loads of warranty tedium in a short space of time - including drive/gearbox failure after 1000ish miles. And a resultant total lack of trust meant I sold on and out of ownership. So I would get out if I were you before she goes in a spectacular style - which we all know is possible. Your bike sounds a lot like mine. The biggest reason I bailed in the end was the realisation that a big trip with my wife could be ruined at any moment. Which is a shame as GS is one of the better bikes to ride that I have owned. I would still have been induced back to a an '08 GS if there was a three year warranty.

 

[marcus]

Lots of informed opinion here. I have posted my own dilemma elsewhere on this board. Mine was the same as yours (and many others lets not kid ourselves) - loads of warranty tedium in a short space of time - including drive/gearbox failure after 1000ish miles. And a resultant total lack of trust meant I sold on and out of ownership. So I would get out if I were you before she goes in a spectacular style - which we all know is possible. Your bike sounds a lot like mine. The biggest reason I bailed in the end was the realisation that a big trip with my wife could be ruined at any moment. Which is a shame as GS is one of the better bikes to ride that I have owned. I would still have been induced back to a an '08 GS if there was a three year warranty.

Pretty much in agreement with all your points (especially as I'm on my 2nd 12GS - the first really was a friday afternoon british leyland job.)
Just been for a lunchtime spin on a Varadero (£6,499 incl ABS & top box). Stuck in heavy traffic behind a demonstration (schoolchildren waving placards about bullying - shouldn't they be in the playground?)
Good bit of kit though so Im going to have another go at the weekend. Review to follow

Meanwhile, BMW customer services went to inspect the "damage" to my bike which they say is not covered by warranty (repair estimate £1,084) last thursday and promised to call me straightafter. Have they called me? Have they arse. Maybe they are trying to work out why the BMW assist bloke thought he could fix a steering lock with a mallett.

 

[The Bede]

... Some of it depends on what you plan to ride on. I'm not sure I'd want anything other than a GS, or KTM, if I was planning anything more extreme, offroading-wise, than a brief excursion through the Waitrose car-park.

... Is the KTM too extreme?

... Tigger sounds like fun, would it do the miles?

... Craponord, Varadildo (saw three US plated ones in Uruguay last week, so somebody's using 'em), V-Suck etc could seem tempting on paper, but I'm not convinced. Crap resale.

... Warranty, delivery of aforementioned warranty (BWM have faults, but by comparison we are pampered). Residuals are going to take a beating, it's part of the equation, but I still think we do fairly well by comparison.

... Can you carry forward your accessories to your new love?

... How long before you can change again if you don't like it?

... The 12GS is a tough act to follow the grass is already lush and green on this side of the fence. I love the Prawn, it's a cracking bike to ride, does everything I want it to, 27Kmiles, I expect to run to 45K plus happily*

... It *frustrates when I hit yet another warranty issue, except ... if I replaced it I don't know what I 'd replace it with except another 12GS(A)

... But if your heart is really calling you elsewhere ... get something different. Don't be fooled by paper, ride em and consider your options, there are few buyers at this time of year.

 

[minkyhead]

works for me ..bargain of the century
fast fun ultra reliable o servicing costs
..wouldnt trust the gs to get to the shop for a pint of milk
dont miss it at all
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5404384

<a href="http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5404384" target="_blank"><img src="http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/5/12619400528.jpg" alt="Click to enlarge"></a>

Click here to watch flash-20-66

and one of these with the change
<a href="http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4498166"><img src="http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/1/1116303151.jpg" alt="Click to enlarge"></a>

spent the rest on this ....http://media.putfile.com/norway-2007

 

[marcus]

New Varadero ABS - under 7 k including heated grips, full luggage, centre stand and a few bits more


Fully comp insurance £180.00 (500 less than BMW)


Vstrom next to try. . . . .

 

[Tricky]

I used to be indecisive but now I’m not so sure

FFS... I wish you would get a move on and make up your mind.

I had the same dilemma and ended up choosing one of these...

 

[minkyhead]

-<a href="http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=7196818"><img src="http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/11/33320234067.jpg" alt="Click to enlarge"></a>

just bought this today 650 v strom abs 4 months old 1950 miles
i use thevara for comuting and cbt work but at 102 per litre its costing too much
i just rest rode this ...i had transalp.... dullsville old 600 fazer on me list ....


i was not e xepecting too much as i was selecting it as a work bike to save fual

wow what a smashing engine [sv 650] it surprised me so much i had to stop think do it again manchester city centre /m60 m62 /...then the A something or other ...stop... [ smoke thinkl look ] its an amazing little bike ....and back to the steallers after two hours price 3795 [ 3600 on the phone ...tried 3400 ..sod off } i couldnt keep me face straight ......just had to have it

it will do 90 mph na bother roll on from 60 in top na bother keep ahead of all but the most committed [should be reps ] on fast roads ... out accelerate a suburu impretza [ok just ]
it will badger its way up to 120 plus [ if you must ]in a tingly sort of way and entertain you no end
i have read a lot about the sv 650 engine ..but it is a peach
the more i rode it the less i beliived it its like a bright new puppy ..that dont know when its beat
it is a a outstanding 650 cc motorcycle ... dont believe me ... ok ....book atest ride tell me ime wrong
not the same power like the dl 1000 which i aleady have [ and love ] but up to 90 mph not much in it ...it corners on thought anf gives 280mile to the tank

stunnming value at 3600 quid plus 20 mopths u/l milage waranty /breakdown .....naaa

test one it punches four divisions above its weight
ime gobsmacked honest
i wish id tried this ages ago apart from two up it m,ay be my machine of choice at this money its an absalute blast

ps 02 varadero for sale

 

[Hexme]

FFS... I wish you would get a move on and make up your mind.

I had the same dilemma and ended up choosing one of these...

Nice choice of bike mate

 

[GSmonkey]

Had a 650 V-Strom when the big gixxer was in for service. Have to say that I was impressed with it as well. A lot of bike for the money.

 

[Uinneag]

I'm waiting until they bring out the 1150adv Katoom.

It's in the rumourmill and KTM would not say that it wasn't happening.
I said that I would buy the 990 if they would garauntee that an 1150 version wouldn't come out during my 990's warranty period.





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