NickD
Registered user
Ignore if questions asked or answered before.
Had my 2012 GS in for the 24k service earlier this week and, having avoided having a test ride so far, was given a 2014 GS TE as a loan bike for the day – bastards…
So, my questions
1. is it just me or are they so much smaller than their predecessors? Almost had to get off and check it had 1200 on the side just in case – there it was. How do you guys 6’+ manage? I’ve played around with mine to make it ‘fit’ – bar risers, lowered pegs, Sargent seat etc so I guess you do the same but I don’t recall mine feeling as small as these at the outset.
2. Does the stock screen work for you? I’ve fitted a Givi on mine so, certainly compared to the original, wind noise is a thing of the past. Great to be able to adjust the TE’s screen but at 6’1” & with a Neotec I could not reduce the noise – many of you changing screens?
3. How long is a German’s left thumb? I’ve fairly big hands but how do u reach the indicator without a big readjustment of your left hand grip each time? Practice I guess.
4. The big question – how the hell have any of you still got your licenses? Okay, I don’t exactly have a history of fast bikes – a 550 4 some 20 odd years ago, a brief period with an 1150 and now my GS but f@*k me this is a fast bike – Road mode was ridiculous but Dynamic is just plain stupid. Top speed (or close!) was expected but not the short time it takes to get there!!
5. Linked to the above – how do you tell how fast you are going? My sight is not too bad but can most of you read the numerals on the speedo?
6. Engine noise – what noise? A high speed tick and purrrrrrrr – what happened to the opposed twin thump and lateral pull? Guess this is why so many of you are putting on new cans?
7. Gear and break peddles – big feet and big boots – guess you get used to it but do u find you are having to angle your feet in considerably to make contact? Just me getting caught up with the side stand occasionally? Gears however were sooooo smooth (no problems going into N & only the occasional & satisfying ‘thunk’ into 1st) & fantastic brakes (when I could find the rear!).
8. For those of you coming from the TC (or older), would you swap back? No question, the LC’s a fantastic bike but, and here’s where I’ll get kicked out, is it a GS? I’ve no idea of the answer or if this is the right question but it just felt too similar to many of the more modern bikes I’ve test ridden – certainly nothing bad in that but just not, distinct?
Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed the day, a great bike to ride but ohhhh was I pleased to get back on my ‘old’ thumper and not have to be worried about being tempted away – enjoy your ride guys.
Had my 2012 GS in for the 24k service earlier this week and, having avoided having a test ride so far, was given a 2014 GS TE as a loan bike for the day – bastards…
So, my questions
1. is it just me or are they so much smaller than their predecessors? Almost had to get off and check it had 1200 on the side just in case – there it was. How do you guys 6’+ manage? I’ve played around with mine to make it ‘fit’ – bar risers, lowered pegs, Sargent seat etc so I guess you do the same but I don’t recall mine feeling as small as these at the outset.
2. Does the stock screen work for you? I’ve fitted a Givi on mine so, certainly compared to the original, wind noise is a thing of the past. Great to be able to adjust the TE’s screen but at 6’1” & with a Neotec I could not reduce the noise – many of you changing screens?
3. How long is a German’s left thumb? I’ve fairly big hands but how do u reach the indicator without a big readjustment of your left hand grip each time? Practice I guess.
4. The big question – how the hell have any of you still got your licenses? Okay, I don’t exactly have a history of fast bikes – a 550 4 some 20 odd years ago, a brief period with an 1150 and now my GS but f@*k me this is a fast bike – Road mode was ridiculous but Dynamic is just plain stupid. Top speed (or close!) was expected but not the short time it takes to get there!!
5. Linked to the above – how do you tell how fast you are going? My sight is not too bad but can most of you read the numerals on the speedo?
6. Engine noise – what noise? A high speed tick and purrrrrrrr – what happened to the opposed twin thump and lateral pull? Guess this is why so many of you are putting on new cans?
7. Gear and break peddles – big feet and big boots – guess you get used to it but do u find you are having to angle your feet in considerably to make contact? Just me getting caught up with the side stand occasionally? Gears however were sooooo smooth (no problems going into N & only the occasional & satisfying ‘thunk’ into 1st) & fantastic brakes (when I could find the rear!).
8. For those of you coming from the TC (or older), would you swap back? No question, the LC’s a fantastic bike but, and here’s where I’ll get kicked out, is it a GS? I’ve no idea of the answer or if this is the right question but it just felt too similar to many of the more modern bikes I’ve test ridden – certainly nothing bad in that but just not, distinct?
Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed the day, a great bike to ride but ohhhh was I pleased to get back on my ‘old’ thumper and not have to be worried about being tempted away – enjoy your ride guys.
), but for the speedo I resorted to reconfiguring the digital display to show the speed in MPH. another gripe is there isn't an easy way to toggle between MPH & KMH.
After a while, you adapt.
To not buy a bike because of an indicator switch seems a little daft.
and they appear to be from the same parts bin
My friends say I'm riding much more aggressively on this than its predecessors. Wound it right up the other evening - what a glorious engine.
