Paul
Paul
JohnC
Registered user
You gotta love teh interwebbie
What a very strange post
OK, after you splashed out on what is considered by most folk, to be a huge expensive, slow overweight twin, designed primarily for long distance road work with a few off road excursions thrown in
And while taking nothing away from LWR, (lets forget that particular ‘movie’ for a moment, unless your wife fancies another deck at 'rugged' Ewan wan kenobi falling on his arse 
) ....... you suddenly find the bike you envisaged is not fast enough, and this is your main gripe!! 
So ask yourself, who wants or needs 150mph on public roads, especially in this anti-biker, speed kills PC climate? That's a deff ban over here or perhaps a trip to the house of many doors. OK so you need some power for safe overtaking, and as the GS (of any flavour) accelerates as fast to 60 mph as an early Blade, and can outstrip most cars on the road in short bursts, then this is surely all that matters on the road. Having come from a diet of GSXR's, CBR's (and having been a courier for many years) I reckon the GS (1100 & now 12 for me) is as fast and capable over mixed roads as I'd ever need, especially over bumpy poorly surfaced B roads, top speed straight line d!ck waving excepted. Uber commuter? Perhaps.
With our fcuked up road surfaces, four seasons in a day weather and myopic driving population, and as I dont live on the IOM then I'm happy to stick to track days for the 150mph heroics. You know giving it large on HMH will end in tears
(cue story about everything being fields and trees when I was younger 
) All im(sh!tty)o of course
Oh and I find it handles and tours OK
Good post John C
that’s what I would’ve said, but I couldn’t be arsed.
that’s what I would’ve said, but I couldn’t be arsed.
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2003
- Messages
- 31,926
- Reaction score
- 21,667
Last year, a mate of mine did 2 trackdays ( I saw the tyres, they were fried over the edges and with a rubber plug in the rear ), the TT, picos ( Includng some hard-core off road, ie up to the top of the Fuenta De cable car, deep mud etc ) a few longish UK tours, as well as the daily commute on the GS in and out of London. All rounder?. You bet!. Ok, the engine is weezy at higher revs, but low down and mid range is better than most. Reliable?. VFR800..... regulator/rectifier, down-pipes made of rust anyone?. If I owned a Varadero, what could I do to maintain it or bolt-on,,,,,,,, nothing!. It'd bore me shitless. I can do most of the GS service stuff now, not including the rear end, but then I couldn't change a chain and sprocket set either (every 1--15k 
). You guys stick to your Jap crap and and stare out of the windows and leave the GS bikes to real men and real travellers ( 
) .
). You guys stick to your Jap crap and and stare out of the windows and leave the GS bikes to real men and real travellers ( ) .
stankflapper said:I bought my 1150 GSA cause of a daft notion.
I had a zx9 that was great for scratching but shit for distance and luggage work. I had a K100 that did the distance but was shit for scratcing when you got there (no point going out on it!).
So in my naivety I thought (after a bit of reading) GS.... does it all.
It doesn't.
It's a fine bike. tad dear for what it is. Not as bomb proof as what I hoped (after watching an episode or 2 of LWR) but it's an alright bike indeed.
If you are looking for a magic bullet - forget it and grow up a bit (like I had to). If you are some kind of brand looney then don't even add to this thread - just F@ck offI'm Just adding a thread to get some converse going (perhaps about reasonable REASONS to do it).
They do OK so don't shit yourself from getting one (just don't expect miracles
Man, you f@cking swear a lot. Even though I've had a few BMs, I wouldn't consider myself a brand looney. F@ck all to do with that f@cking look at me, I'm a cahnt with a BMW. It's all about having the best bike for the job. For me, I need a bike which will be fun to commute, tour, scratch and off-road on. Now, sportsbike are right oot the fackin window, cos I'm too big. Trail bike s are not on the f@cking list cos they're no good at scratching and shite at touring. I use mine every day, and never had a problem with it. If you want a bike to last for years in immaculate condition, don't live in the fahking cold north of europe where they put tons o f@cking salt all over the f@cking road. Or wash the f@cking bike when you've been out on it...
F@ck cahnt bollox...
Oooohhhh that feels better. Haven't spoke proper english for ages
p.s. I had a ZX9R and it was shite for scratching....probably cos my fat arse cheeks used to drag round corners. Each to his own eh....
Ha ha ha
It's really funny drinking loads of wine, then reading your own posts....I think I better f@ck off to bed.
G'night
franco said:Man, you f@cking swear a lot. Even though I've had a few BMs, I wouldn't consider myself a brand looney. F@ck all to do with that f@cking look at me, I'm a cahnt with a BMW. It's all about having the best bike for the job. For me, I need a bike which will be fun to commute, tour, scratch and off-road on. Now, sportsbike are right oot the fackin window, cos I'm too big. Trail bike s are not on the f@cking list cos they're no good at scratching and shite at touring. I use mine every day, and never had a problem with it. If you want a bike to last for years in immaculate condition, don't live in the fahking cold north of europe where they put tons o f@cking salt all over the f@cking road. Or wash the f@cking bike when you've been out on it...
F@ck cahnt bollox...
Oooohhhh that feels better. Haven't spoke proper english for ages
p.s. I had a ZX9R and it was shite for scratching....probably cos my fat arse cheeks used to drag round corners. Each to his own eh....
It's really funny drinking loads of wine, then reading your own posts....I think I better f@ck off to bed.
G'night
I think that what Stankflapper is saying is that all the GS hype has given us the image that the GS is THE bike to have. There is that image, call it a fashion if you like.
anyone that thinks the GS is a fashion statement , or THE bike to have really shouldn't be riding a GS - IMO
anyone that thinks the GS is a fashion statement , or THE bike to have really shouldn't be riding a GS - IMO
James Burton said:You tell him Stanky , ( he's got ginger hair you know )
He normally pick's on me
And..........
Waiting for my "hat" picture now Burton
stankflapper
Guest
Fanum said:My point is though that w@nkflapper just can't ride properly and is now whinging
Well, there was some actual decent opinions in there in the end cheers for those who could see my point but first to take Farnums "hook". - I've seen you call people arrogant twats on here before, it's easy sitting in your hovel typing isn't it? You'd behave a bit different toe to toe I'd bet! I think you ought to respect peoples varying opinions or STFU.
As for the GS, I done plenty of reading before buying and a test ride. It DOES scractch a bit (though I could overtake myself on a GS with me on a sport bike if that makes sense - that may well change as I dial in only done 2 000 miles so far on the gs), it tours excellently, no complaints there.
High speed bombing is my biggest moan I suppose. I'm sure an 1130 cc displacement engine should have longer legs. Bought mine with the y piece so I'm looking now at a BB chip for a few more ponies.
Main Point - in a "to gs or not" part of a forum, lots of people from lots of other bikes will be looking for lots of pro/con type threads to help them decide on ownership so I thought I'd try to put a relevent one i n as a genuine "first impressions" type owner of a month or so.
All the dyed in the wool input about which colour is fastest etc and unbiased brand loyalty whilst being mildly amusing or a bit strange isn't actually that helpfull when deciding what to go for.
To be honest I'm finding the whole forum a bit clicky and filled with the type of BMW owner I've been well warned about, pity.
sven
Registered user
If you wanted a quick bike, but with better long distance abilities than your ZX9,then perhaps you'd have been better off with a sports tourer e.g. VFR, Sprint ST1050, K1200S etc.?
The R1200GS is also considerably quicker and lighter than the 1150GS, and a much better roadbike in my experience (still a bit slow at the top end though).
The 2006 Fazer 1000 is well worth considering too as it's probably every bit as quick as a ZX9, the riding position is perfect and the chassis is superb. A real sports bike with an upright riding position. And as for the FI issues - what FI issues; nothing wrong with the demo bike I tested
The R1200GS is also considerably quicker and lighter than the 1150GS, and a much better roadbike in my experience (still a bit slow at the top end though).
The 2006 Fazer 1000 is well worth considering too as it's probably every bit as quick as a ZX9, the riding position is perfect and the chassis is superb. A real sports bike with an upright riding position. And as for the FI issues - what FI issues; nothing wrong with the demo bike I tested
Well if anyone does find a bike that will let me commute to work (and back) in all weathers, tour the continent with all my kit in comfort, make me giggle like a kid when I get to some twisty roads, let me stray from the tarmac and get covered in mud (maybe), exceed the speed of light in a straight line (where permissible officer), be simple enough so I can do my own servicing, be cheap to insure, cost me under £5000 new, and return over 50mpg.....then please let me know .
Until then my 1150GS will just have to do.
Jack of all trades and master of none, perhaps...but it works for me, as it seems the 650/1100/1150/1200GS's do for others.
HTH
Until then my 1150GS will just have to do.
Jack of all trades and master of none, perhaps...but it works for me, as it seems the 650/1100/1150/1200GS's do for others.
HTH
chrisB
Guest
Wow,
This one has ruffled a few feathers hasn't it....
What we have here is a failure to comminicate...
Someone seems to be missing the point here. You simply cannot compare a bike like the ZX9 to a GS, they are totally different concepts in what they are designed to achive.
For one side to slag off the other seems pointless when discussing such matters and resorting to abuse solves nothing.
Solution:
GS for everyday use/touring/fun
ZX9 for track days etc etc
+
when not using either.
easy ain't it.
This one has ruffled a few feathers hasn't it....
What we have here is a failure to comminicate...
Someone seems to be missing the point here. You simply cannot compare a bike like the ZX9 to a GS, they are totally different concepts in what they are designed to achive.
For one side to slag off the other seems pointless when discussing such matters and resorting to abuse solves nothing.
Solution:
GS for everyday use/touring/fun
ZX9 for track days etc etc
+
when not using either.easy ain't it.
Well,
Hi stankflapper,
I like your "Signature". Thats was a great line in that movie.
And, the GS is not a perfect bike, unless it's a red one.
All joking aside, where on this site did you read that the 1150 or any GS is the do-all end-all bike.
But, you know in my neck of the woods it does have that rep.
PS:
I am not a Brand Looney, I am just Looney.
Hi stankflapper,
I like your "Signature". Thats was a great line in that movie.
And, the GS is not a perfect bike, unless it's a red one.
All joking aside, where on this site did you read that the 1150 or any GS is the do-all end-all bike.
But, you know in my neck of the woods it does have that rep.
PS:
I am not a Brand Looney, I am just Looney.
Attachments
DavidHale
Registered user
I think you'll find that most people (particularly Fanum) will say exactly the same to your face. Why not come along to one of the many meets going on and find out? Opinions is the one thing this forum is not short on!stankflapper said:
nick
Registered user
Hmmm ....
Economical (50+ mpg)
Motorway cruiser (120-130 mph if you really want to)
Scratcher (fastest bike I have ridden on mountain roads)
Tourer (loads of luggage and the handling is still OK)
Commuter (good steering lock and easy to manoeuvre in traffic)
Comfortable riding position (500+ miles in one day and I can still walk upright)
Off-roader (OK, heavy, but still more capable than I am)
.... I think it does just about everything.
Economical (50+ mpg)
Motorway cruiser (120-130 mph if you really want to)
Scratcher (fastest bike I have ridden on mountain roads)
Tourer (loads of luggage and the handling is still OK)
Commuter (good steering lock and easy to manoeuvre in traffic)
Comfortable riding position (500+ miles in one day and I can still walk upright)
Off-roader (OK, heavy, but still more capable than I am)
.... I think it does just about everything.
stankflapper said:
I'd like to see that
I like Franco the f*t B*st*rd I dont fit sports bikes.
The GS as some have said is a jack of all trades ,individualy thiers better bikes for scratching/touring/off roading etc etc But then again Ive a mate with a 15 year old XJ600 who commutes, scratches (well wobbles) and tours on it.
I almost sold my GS (an 1100) shortly after getting it, I was disapointed in the performance coming from a 1200 Trophy. fitting a eprom chip (cheap one from ebay) transformed the bike, more power and smoother. Still not as grunty as a 1200 Trophy but much better. It takes time to get into the GS experience, wait till the winter, fit crash bars and handle bar muffs and go out and play in the snow, if you drop it pick it up and keep going
I now do more miles in the winter than in the summer.
At least you didnt buy the fashion victims GS.......the 1200
I bought my 1150 GSA cause of a daft notion.
...........
So in my naivety I thought (after a bit of reading) GS.... does it all.
so who's the muppet here ??
...........
So in my naivety I thought (after a bit of reading) GS.... does it all.
so who's the muppet here ??
C'mon now laddies.
I don't think the problem is with what you said in the original post kicking the thread off, it was the way it was said. The 'grow up' 'f@ck off' 'shit' etc, just came across as not very nice, and I suspect that's why you got the reaction you got.
Now I'm sober, I would agree with some of your points.
Scratching - One one hand, the GS is not as good at scratching as a ZX9R in some cases. On a racetrack, no. On 80% of the roads round my neck of the woods it's as fast or faster than a ZX9R where the twistiness of the roads negates any horsepower advantage, and the tightness of the bends and surface of the roads means it's easier to go round on a GS style bike than a sportsbike. Supermoto bikes like 650KTMs etc would be great round here as they're nimble. But in the Alps, petrol stations are few and far between, and the ADV can do a whole day without needing fuel (unlike me) So for me, it's the perfect bike for hooning round on the local mountain roads.
Touring - Some bikes may be better and comfier for long distance touring, but I've done 1000 mile days on my ADV (admittedly walking like John Wayne at the end of it), but it's such a versatile tourer. Earlier this month, I was up in the Alps and Auvergne. Doing long days in the saddle, but had the sheepskin buttpad so was never a problem. The beauty of the ADV is that in the mountains, it's so versatile. We went up past Val d'Isere to the Col de l'Iseran, and half way up, spotted a sign for a lake, which took us up a rocky road a few kms into the mountains. The road was bouldery in places, muddy in others, and we had to cross a couple of streams. Sure a K1100LT MIGHT have been able to get there too, but it wouldn't have as easily as the ADV did, whilst the ADV tours as well (for me) as the K1100LT does.
Commuting - In an ideal world, I'd probably go to work on a T-Max 500 with an open top helmet on, but the ADV is good enough. Bit big and often gets stuck in traffic whilst scooters fly through the gaps, but for me, it's big road presence with the fog lights on, ABS, 52Litre topbox, adds up to a good commuting package.
Now, things I don't like about GSs.
Lack of power. Sure it's more than enough for me in 95% of riding, but sometimes I'd LOVE to have the rush that only big superbikes give. I've had Blades, GSXR1100s, ZX9R, etc and they are awesome. I remember going round the mountain section of the TT course absolutely flat out on the GS1100 and desperately wishing it had more guts. Mind you felt the same on my VFR and even an MV Augusta 750. Never felt I needed more on my Fireblade over the mountain. Now I'm an old Dad though, and these cases are few and far between.
The seat on the ADV (especially for the pillion) is crap, for me with the buttpad, I can live with it. On the 1100/1150 I found the lack of legroom surprising. Even with the seat on the 'high' setting, it was cramped. Lowering the pegs would help, but my big size 12 feet were already hitting the deck on corners, so I left it as it was. The ADV definitely has more room.
I'm getting fed up typing now, so in summary..
Yes there are better bikes to scratch on, better bikes to commute on (especially in tight cities like Nice), better bikes to tour on (if you're on roads 100% of the time). At the end of the day though, I love it, and for me, at the stage I'm at in life, it's THE best all round bike I've ever had. I'm a 43 year old BMW rider..If you'd told me that at 21 years old I woulda nutted ye...ha ha ha.
So, sorry for swearing at you last night, but I was very drunk, had some Scottish pals staying and reverted back to type....
I don't think the problem is with what you said in the original post kicking the thread off, it was the way it was said. The 'grow up' 'f@ck off' 'shit' etc, just came across as not very nice, and I suspect that's why you got the reaction you got.
Now I'm sober, I would agree with some of your points.
Scratching - One one hand, the GS is not as good at scratching as a ZX9R in some cases. On a racetrack, no. On 80% of the roads round my neck of the woods it's as fast or faster than a ZX9R where the twistiness of the roads negates any horsepower advantage, and the tightness of the bends and surface of the roads means it's easier to go round on a GS style bike than a sportsbike. Supermoto bikes like 650KTMs etc would be great round here as they're nimble. But in the Alps, petrol stations are few and far between, and the ADV can do a whole day without needing fuel (unlike me) So for me, it's the perfect bike for hooning round on the local mountain roads.
Touring - Some bikes may be better and comfier for long distance touring, but I've done 1000 mile days on my ADV (admittedly walking like John Wayne at the end of it), but it's such a versatile tourer. Earlier this month, I was up in the Alps and Auvergne. Doing long days in the saddle, but had the sheepskin buttpad so was never a problem. The beauty of the ADV is that in the mountains, it's so versatile. We went up past Val d'Isere to the Col de l'Iseran, and half way up, spotted a sign for a lake, which took us up a rocky road a few kms into the mountains. The road was bouldery in places, muddy in others, and we had to cross a couple of streams. Sure a K1100LT MIGHT have been able to get there too, but it wouldn't have as easily as the ADV did, whilst the ADV tours as well (for me) as the K1100LT does.
Commuting - In an ideal world, I'd probably go to work on a T-Max 500 with an open top helmet on, but the ADV is good enough. Bit big and often gets stuck in traffic whilst scooters fly through the gaps, but for me, it's big road presence with the fog lights on, ABS, 52Litre topbox, adds up to a good commuting package.
Now, things I don't like about GSs.
Lack of power. Sure it's more than enough for me in 95% of riding, but sometimes I'd LOVE to have the rush that only big superbikes give. I've had Blades, GSXR1100s, ZX9R, etc and they are awesome. I remember going round the mountain section of the TT course absolutely flat out on the GS1100 and desperately wishing it had more guts. Mind you felt the same on my VFR and even an MV Augusta 750. Never felt I needed more on my Fireblade over the mountain. Now I'm an old Dad though, and these cases are few and far between.
The seat on the ADV (especially for the pillion) is crap, for me with the buttpad, I can live with it. On the 1100/1150 I found the lack of legroom surprising. Even with the seat on the 'high' setting, it was cramped. Lowering the pegs would help, but my big size 12 feet were already hitting the deck on corners, so I left it as it was. The ADV definitely has more room.
I'm getting fed up typing now, so in summary..
Yes there are better bikes to scratch on, better bikes to commute on (especially in tight cities like Nice), better bikes to tour on (if you're on roads 100% of the time). At the end of the day though, I love it, and for me, at the stage I'm at in life, it's THE best all round bike I've ever had. I'm a 43 year old BMW rider..If you'd told me that at 21 years old I woulda nutted ye...ha ha ha.
So, sorry for swearing at you last night, but I was very drunk, had some Scottish pals staying and reverted back to type....
The lake
I'll do a full ride report later, but here's the lake I was on about
Another of my favourite pics, coming down the other side of the Col
This was further down the same road (a very eventful day). Not a car you see too often, even in Monaco. This was british registered. The guy had just been round the Le Mans circuit and was on his way down to meet the family in Tuscany. Had a chat with him for about half an hour. Nice bloke, really enjoying the car too.
I'll do a full ride report later, but here's the lake I was on about
Another of my favourite pics, coming down the other side of the Col
This was further down the same road (a very eventful day). Not a car you see too often, even in Monaco. This was british registered. The guy had just been round the Le Mans circuit and was on his way down to meet the family in Tuscany. Had a chat with him for about half an hour. Nice bloke, really enjoying the car too.
Similar threads
