Opinions Needed

[rdover]

Motorway/highway riding:
Depends on the rider! I do about 20k km per year with about 50% on big roads and my GSA with its sargent seat is just as good as my old 1150RT (ST100 style) for weather protection, windblast etc but I found the RT too warm in summer because I wasn't getting the air circulation because of the fairing. Long distance? No problem for me but again it's the rider not the bike, I've got mates who tour europe for 3 weeks each year on fireblades!

Speed!
I got a day on the K12GT last week and it is waaay faster but then I found I couldn't have as much fun as on the GS. I ride the GS like a hooligan through corners, traffic, over bumps, hills and on the swooping bends with a grin on my face and a whoop always on my lips and mostly at legal(ish) speeds. I can get my kicks at 50mph on the GS more easily than at 90mph on a fast bike and that is the essence of the GS.

Only you can make these subjective comparisons but if it makes you happy when you ride it then it's the bike for you.

 

[Steptoe]

I see thousands and thousands of Yamaha FJR 1300's on the roads here and across europe. Roads absolutely chock a block with them.

 

[rdover]

 

[aspad]

You can make the GS quite comfy for long days.
Add a bigger screen (I got the Secdem from nippy norman), and tobinators (also sold by nippy and the man himself on this site) and voila you have a comfy touring bike AS WELL as a massively fun bike in the twisties (already been said by Mr [Ex] Pan) AS WELL as a capable dirt road/logging road/fire trail adventure bike.
It is the perfect bike for touring in a country like OZ where there is a good mix of all three and would be the perfect bike for you in Western Canada if you also interested in all three.
If you want a comfy tourer just for the tar then get the the Pan or an RT if you want versatility, adventure and smiles per mile then get the GS and add a couple of bits to customise to your taste.
It is a brilliant all round bike and staggeringly capable accross a range of biking activities...

 

[Steady Eddie]

Stealing thunder

Is there enough room behind that wall for two?

After 3 GSes I fancied a change and switched to a 1200RT. I'm sure I've another post on here comparing the two, but Zoltan's quote is reasonably accurate - certainly the no buffeting bit. If you like the ST but hate the weight and are worried about the height, then an RT would, at the very least, be worth a test ride.

I [ short arse , average rider ] had an 1150 GS which was a great bike , but just too tall for a short light weight like me , and the lack of weather protection was an issue .

I test rode the 1200 GS , and thought it an excellent bike , with the added bonus that it was lighter than it's predecessor [ a big plus for me ] .

I then test rode the 1200RT , and found it ideal for me - just light enough , plenty of weather protection - over 300 miles to the tankful , goes well enough .deceptive bike - not everyone's cuppa , but a very good bike - I liked it so I bought one [ and whislt waiting for it to arrive I " booked another test ride " 3 weekends on the trot cos I liked it so much .

Unfortunatley I had to sell it earlier this year , and am currently without a bike ..... but would buy another tomorrow .

Steve

 

[Roytonlad]

Well, Decision made, deal done!

After much head scratching and seesawing I traded the ST1300 for my new 07 GS, Red with spoked wheels, brought home Thursday

I have read many of the comments, good and bad about the GS on this site and in the future would like to add my own findings in as fair and unbiased manner as possible.

Just completed 100k and here are my first impressions (I know, not much to base any lasting thoughts)

Grin factor: out of 5
Handling: out of 5
Seat/riding position:

So I would say that's a good start

I will provide a more detailed account as I get more miles in.

In the meantime I have a couple of questions for the "experts":

1. Should I break it in as per the dealers instructions - not over 4000 RPM for the first 1000K?
There is a thoery out there that the standard break in recommendations of the manufacturers don't allow the pistons to bed in properly, at least for Japanes 4s. And to maximize long term performance that they should be run in fairly hard, change oil after 100-200K.

2. What is the best/most usefull first modification/accessory?

Thanks for your responses

Roytonlad

 

[mikepg]

Wow - 100k already lol! (suspect a typo?)

Running in - just ride it normally! The oil they use for the fist 600miles or so is a wee bit thinner than the normal stuff and then at its first service some proper stuff is used ('stuff' is a good words I think).

After the first service, fill its lungs! - but watch the oil level.

There are loads of mods available - and it depends how deep your wallet is. I personally think it is best to ride it, and suck and see. There's loads talked about seats, and aftermarket screens - aspad does a good summary.

you might venture into a US GS Forum : http://www.advrider.com/ for more kit available in your neck of the woods too.

Most of all - go get some muck on it!!

 

[POG]

Well, Decision made, deal done!

After much head scratching and seesawing I traded the ST1300 for my new 07 GS, Red with spoked wheels

Now paint it black and ride it like you stole it. Watch the oil sight glass as well. Enjoy Black is faster than anything else

 

[skyenet]

It is a brilliant all round bike and staggeringly capable accross a range of biking activities...

Could not have put it better myself. Gets even better every day

 

[BAKERMAN]

2. What is the best/most usefull first modification/accessory?

Picked up 1200gs from Battersea with 14 miles on the clock now has 200.

And I think you need to do 200 odd miles to get to like it.

When they first came out I didn`t like it at all after only 2 miles

After 200 I now love the bike, but 3 things still need sorting THE SEAT and riding position, it pushes my forward footpegs to far back.

And the SUSPENTION needs taking off and throwing in a skip

Last time it was the engine that I thought was strangled, but this ones fine.

So YOUR QUESTION answered, OLINS and a CORBIN SEAT.