New Bike - Pillion and Luggage

[Deleted account 210609001]

I'm very close to making a decision. Trading in my two current bikes (2016 K1600GT-SE and 2012 F700GS) to buy a new R1250GS-TE.

I've used the 700 for general pootling around plus a 150 mile round trip commute twice a week. But with Covid and home working, commuting has been non-existent this year and will almost certainly be reduced in the future even once Covid has gone.

The K1600 gets used for occasional blasts but mainly two-up longer trips.

The K1600 is a lovely bike for touring but I've found myself getting more and more nervous about slow speed stuff two-up, including minor roads and narrow twisties. I have started avoided particularly minor roads on it, which isn't a huge problem most of the time, but when planning routes for this year's planned ride in Spain, I'm looking at some lovely twisty roads and thinking "maybe we should find a different way...." And while I've only dropped it once in a car park, I can't help feeling that as age catches up with me it's only a matter of time before an uneven road, gravel under feet etc catches me out again.

My last big GS was a 2012 R1200GS, which I loved (until the servo brakes went). I recently rode a nearly new 1250 and it took me right back - comfortable, very easy to ride fast, very confidence inspiring.

The only question mark for me is riding two up. I very rarely rode the 1200GS two up. What's the opinion of anyone who has used the 1250 two-up with luggage regularly? Does if affect the bike much? Comfortable for pillion after hours and hours?

 

[Mr Bean]

I'm very close to making a decision. Trading in my two current bikes (2016 K1600GT-SE and 2012 F700GS) to buy a new R1250GS-TE.

I've used the 700 for general pootling around plus a 150 mile round trip commute twice a week. But with Covid and home working, commuting has been non-existent this year and will almost certainly be reduced in the future even once Covid has gone.

The K1600 gets used for occasional blasts but mainly two-up longer trips.

The K1600 is a lovely bike for touring but I've found myself getting more and more nervous about slow speed stuff two-up, including minor roads and narrow twisties. I have started avoided particularly minor roads on it, which isn't a huge problem most of the time, but when planning routes for this year's planned ride in Spain, I'm looking at some lovely twisty roads and thinking "maybe we should find a different way...." And while I've only dropped it once in a car park, I can't help feeling that as age catches up with me it's only a matter of time before an uneven road, gravel under feet etc catches me out again.

My last big GS was a 2012 R1200GS, which I loved (until the servo brakes went). I recently rode a nearly new 1250 and it took me right back - comfortable, very easy to ride fast, very confidence inspiring.

The only question mark for me is riding two up. I very rarely rode the 1200GS two up. What's the opinion of anyone who has used the 1250 two-up with luggage regularly? Does if affect the bike much? Comfortable for pillion after hours and hours?

I've done many hours with the wife as a pillion on my lc 1200/1250gs, with luggage, and yes, you can feel the additional weight, and it does blunt the performance a bit. But, the bike is still competent enough to enjoy a fun ride.

We do have to shuffle a bit every so often...

 

[Mr Derek]

We've done thousands of miles fully loaded. Round Scotland, Spain and Morocco, to name but 3. The bike (ours is a 2013 lc with 47k on the clock). Our way is ride for 50 minutes, stop for 10. Longer stops for coffee and lunch. No more than 6 hour days riding. We cope ok. It's not Goldwing comfort, but it's not bad. There's only one way to find out. We've got Sargent seats fitted now, but did much of our touring on the original seats.

Btw, my least comfortable bike was the lovely Mrs Saint's most comfortable pillion seat; the Varadero.. An hour and I was in pain. She could have ridden pillion all day.

 

[Rowle]

I love my 1250 - best bike for years BUT the wife hates it.
I have moved the footpegs and got a proper £350;sargent backrest etc but still no good.
She did come from a harley ultra glide though so has been spoilt......

 

[hawkeye]

I have the R1250GS Exclusive TE and the wife loves it so much more than the Triumph Tiger 1200 I had previously. Being able to adjust the rear seat to either a forward or backward position is a nice touch on the GS, also I have fitted a Cool Cover to both seats, which are of no use in the winter, but in the summer months really do add to the comfort.

Luggage on any bike is always an issue, and the GS is no exception, affecting performance slightly, but not enough to get over exited about. Longest ride we've done in any one day was Essex to South Wales and whilst tiring, found the GS to be very comfy

 

[Joe narvey]

Did the gs/gsa 1250 te have the wiring in place for heated seats?

 

[Mr Bean]

Did the gs/gsa 1250 te have the wiring in place for heated seats?

Not that I'm aware of. I think Touratec do a set - Missenden Flyer made a bit of a hash fitting them on his GS

 

[hawkeye]

Did the gs/gsa 1250 te have the wiring in place for heated seats?

No it doesn't - it's on the option on the latest (2021) 1250's, but not on earlier models.

Having had one before (on my previous Tiger 1200), I have to say that I don't really miss one either in all honesty.

 

[MartinK]

We bought the GS because of the comfort. The GF loves the (ESA) suspension, finding bumpier roads comfy, and good wind/weather protection, and nice riding position. We did ride Amsterdam to Calais, to home last year in one day, and also to Scotland and back in a weekend. TBH me too, 300+ miles a day is fine. She lives 240 miles from me (I'm in the Lake District, she's near St Albans) and I'm more than happy doing it on the bike (i usually do cross-country to the A1 and then the last 100 miles on the A1 to minimise boredom, and enjoy some of the route, but still do the journey in under 5 hours).

Done this on GS and GSA. I prefer the more nimble and zippier, fun feel of the GS, altho in bad weather the GSA is more protective...

Had we been able to ride (lockdown) through winter, I was thinking of trying heated clothing, but so far I just wrap-up and enjoy the heated grips. Not sure it's my bum that gets cold... I usually feel the cold around my biceps first (seems to be where the GS/GSA fairings deflects the wind).

2-up, the GS ESA suspension "just makes it happen". Whilst I initially scoffed at hill-start, it's actually useful 2-up with luggage, as you can stop on a hill and faff with other stuff (like amend the gps route) without having to keep a foot or hand on the brake. It's a fantastic miles-muncher, and I find 2-up a doddle.

I may be interested in your 700 I'm missing my F650GS (800 twin) as my dodging-around bike...

 

[TheStammeringBiker]

I've had my 1250GSA for a year now and while I've only toured on it once neither me or my wife found it streets apart from my previous 1200 Tiger. Ergonomics were a little different obviously but generally it felt fine, didn't slow us down and she was perfectly comfortable too. Don't really have anything good/bad to say other than we did 2600 miles in 8 days and we loved it.

I did notice the weight more at a standstill than on my Tiger which is a little odd given where the GS holds its weight, and I have dropped it once.

 

[knutk]

Riding with pillion on the GS/GSA works just fine. If more space for luggage is required, I can recommend installing a Givi Trekker Outback 58L topbox.

In addition to more space for luggage it is also mounted 5cm further back on the rack, allowing more room for the pillion.
Riding solo with this box means a touch of wobble that starts out passing 190km/h, but at least for yours truly, this is merely academic. I also have the BMW 35L alubox, and changing between them is a 5 min job (the Givi requires an adapter plate).
Moving the (heavier) topbox further back does influence the CG for the bike, but for all practical purpose this is also an academic issue.

 

[CPJS]

I think the GS is the best two up bike I have owned ( so does the wife). The balance of the chassis fully loaded is confidence inspiring. Depending on your leg length, maybe the lower chassis version is worth a try.

 

[stick]

I think the GS is the best two up bike I have owned ( so does the wife). The balance of the chassis fully loaded is confidence inspiring. Depending on your leg length, maybe the lower chassis version is worth a try.

Plus one to that , cant get better .

 

[Rowle]

Like said earlier, my wife got spoilt with having an “armchair” to sit in on my harley glide for 10 years. We did 100,s of miles a day on that and i never knew she was on the back (she is a big gal).
Mind you now she doesnt do pillion much on the 1250 i like it more - silver cloud and all that

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I think the GS is the best two up bike I have owned ( so does the wife). The balance of the chassis fully loaded is confidence inspiring. Depending on your leg length, maybe the lower chassis version is worth a try.

Fortunate'y, I'm exactly the right size for an adult male (6') so leg length isn't an issue for me. Legroom is an issue (knackered knee) so the extra legroom on the GS (compared to the K1600) will be welcome.

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

We bought the GS because of the comfort. The GF loves the (ESA) suspension, finding bumpier roads comfy, and good wind/weather protection, and nice riding position. We did ride Amsterdam to Calais, to home last year in one day, and also to Scotland and back in a weekend. TBH me too, 300+ miles a day is fine. She lives 240 miles from me (I'm in the Lake District, she's near St Albans) and I'm more than happy doing it on the bike (i usually do cross-country to the A1 and then the last 100 miles on the A1 to minimise boredom, and enjoy some of the route, but still do the journey in under 5 hours).

Done this on GS and GSA. I prefer the more nimble and zippier, fun feel of the GS, altho in bad weather the GSA is more protective...

Had we been able to ride (lockdown) through winter, I was thinking of trying heated clothing, but so far I just wrap-up and enjoy the heated grips. Not sure it's my bum that gets cold... I usually feel the cold around my biceps first (seems to be where the GS/GSA fairings deflects the wind).

2-up, the GS ESA suspension "just makes it happen". Whilst I initially scoffed at hill-start, it's actually useful 2-up with luggage, as you can stop on a hill and faff with other stuff (like amend the gps route) without having to keep a foot or hand on the brake. It's a fantastic miles-muncher, and I find 2-up a doddle.

I may be interested in your 700 I'm missing my F650GS (800 twin) as my dodging-around bike...

I'm waiting to see what offers I get on p/ex for both bikes. If anyone wants to better the offer on the 700, I'm all ears. It's in fine nick (one slight bit of cosmetic damage caused by a bird strike) but mechanically perfect. Recent chain and sprockets, head bearings, new battery...

I'm not a subscriber on here but if you're really interested you can email me. rotojo (at) gmail.com

 

[Micko123]

MartinK I recently bought some Keis heated mid layer clothing from Sportsbikeshop. I bought the Kies J501 RP jacket and the G601 gloves. I've only worn the the clothing once (then we got locked down) but the sleeves in the jacket did get warm within 15 seconds of plugging in. The gloves plug into the jacket sleeves and don't get hot on the palms just the backs of the fingers and hands, so heated grips are still needed. Keis provide a 'free' temperature controller for the jacket in the £200 price, and it is needed, as I was turning it down to medium after about 5 mins. The glove temperature is controlled by an illuminated triangular switch on the back of the each hand which changes colour, red for hot, amber for medium, and green for low, then once again for off,
this can be adjusted on the move by pressing the switch with the underside of the handlebar.
As I've only used the kit once, I can't really comment regarding a full day in the saddle,
but the limited ride I had (the bike dash indicated 3°C) I am very impressed with my purchase. Lots of videos on YouTube, dear to purchase but seems like good quality kit. The R.P. for the jacket signifies red piping, being a boring old fart
I preferred the all black jacket to the red panels in the standard jacket.

Sent from my SM-G981B using Tapatalk

 

[Engineer]

I've done many two up Euro trips with my 1200 GS's, latest one the Rallye TE and they have been great - the GS copes very well indeed, I can only imagine that the 1250 with its extra torque makes like even easier.

I know it's great from a pillion perspective because on long straight roads my other half falls asleep on the back

 

[MartinK]

Micko - great info thanks - I was looking at the kit when we last had an NEC show we could visit! I'll probably be on the lookout for a heated suit for next winter now on the basis that we're hopefully just a few weeks from improving weather, and lockdown means we can't go anywhere anyways!!!!

Engineer - agreed - my GS dozes off on the motorway too! IN fact even though there's 3 bikes in the garage - she always prefers the later GS with ESA...says it's comfiest...

 

[fred_jb]

I'm very close to making a decision. Trading in my two current bikes (2016 K1600GT-SE and 2012 F700GS) to buy a new R1250GS-TE.

I've used the 700 for general pootling around plus a 150 mile round trip commute twice a week. But with Covid and home working, commuting has been non-existent this year and will almost certainly be reduced in the future even once Covid has gone.

The K1600 gets used for occasional blasts but mainly two-up longer trips.

The K1600 is a lovely bike for touring but I've found myself getting more and more nervous about slow speed stuff two-up, including minor roads and narrow twisties. I have started avoided particularly minor roads on it, which isn't a huge problem most of the time, but when planning routes for this year's planned ride in Spain, I'm looking at some lovely twisty roads and thinking "maybe we should find a different way...." And while I've only dropped it once in a car park, I can't help feeling that as age catches up with me it's only a matter of time before an uneven road, gravel under feet etc catches me out again.

My last big GS was a 2012 R1200GS, which I loved (until the servo brakes went). I recently rode a nearly new 1250 and it took me right back - comfortable, very easy to ride fast, very confidence inspiring.

The only question mark for me is riding two up. I very rarely rode the 1200GS two up. What's the opinion of anyone who has used the 1250 two-up with luggage regularly? Does if affect the bike much? Comfortable for pillion after hours and hours?

I have found the current ESA setup, with its adaptive damping and auto preload, makes bikes so equipped extremely good with pillion and luggage. It is the only type of system I have found to be minimally affected when changing from solo to two-up, and with the bonus that the adjustment is all done automatically - so no fiddling with damping and preload adjusters. Also, unlike earlier ESA systems, no need to choose one of three preload setting, none of which might be quite right as with the latest system the exact preload required is automatically applied so long as you run the system in AUTO adjustment mode. I have had two GS's with this system, a 1200 and a 1250, and have now changed to a 1250 RS. All are excellent, both solo and two-up with luggage, so as someone who frequently changes between solo and two-up riding, I am a total convert. I had wanted an RS earlier for its lower height and slightly sportier ride, but it only gained the auto preload system with the current 1250 model, unlike the GS which had this from around 2017.