Just a few impressions of the new twin cam GS really, Im not an expert, I've only been riding 36 years.
My old 1200 was due a 24K service, needed new tyres, pads, fluid change was just out of warranty. I commute 110 miles a day so needed at minimum breakdown cover for punctures etc. The old girl had'nt missed a beat in all that time; she was a GSA with hyperpro springs, wire wheels and aluminium panniers that I detested cleaning.
As winter approaches I thought that it may be a good time for a deal. I didnt want the weight of a GSA or any more the previously mentioned cleaning hang ups, so, I tried a Tiger, a Yamaha Super wotsit and even considered a Honda Cross dresser, but didnt get on with the riding positions and 'feel' of those bikes.
As I live in Lincolnshire I wanted the benefits of softish suspensionand upright riding so thought I'd opt for a standard GS.
The up shot is that I now have a Blue2012 model nestling in my garage. I picked it up last saturday and had its 1st service at 740 miles yesterday.
The new engine is a revelation, it picks up its skirt and boogies way more spritely than the olden. It revs freely, cleenly and speedily throughout and reaches 130 (where legally allowed) Its turning 53 mpg on my commute about 4mpg better than the GSA ridden in the same manner but with the GS making slightly faster progress!
The bike feels just as planted as the GSA however it is much lighter round bends! I have ESA on it and having listened to the debate about a well set up suspension V ESA would offer the followinbg observation. My daily ride takes me through the countryside on B and minor A roads and up the A1. Sitting in sport mode around thw twsities keeps everything nice and together, on the A1 into comfort for the dull straight bits at the flick of a switch gives me a tourer and a kinda scrather in one package. ESA also comes into its own when swmbo jumps on the back, again a two second prod of a button gets everything setup easy peasy!
Luggage on the GS doesn't look quite so hardcore as the GSA however the ability to shrink and enlarge them, given the stuff I carry as part of my job, makes the GS Vario's a better option for me. The bonus being they are a piece of cake to clean!
What do I miss? the GSA screen for protection and the spotlights in the dark nights, thats all!
Ive had two 1150's single and twin spark that felt positively agricultural.This is my 6th 1200GS, three GSA's and 3 GS's with about 60K mileage on them. So worth it?? for me a resounding yes, a much better bike that puts an even bigger grin on my face!
Agreed - I have a standard 2010 model with the twin cam engine and a friend has the GSA with the new engine. We both agree that it is a significant improvement over the older 1200 engines. I prefer the standard GS over the Adventure though, it is just that bit more sprightly.
So do I! ....Givi 330 airflow, winglets 100mph visor up no buffeting
