Rode the new 1200GS Adventure yesterday

[snerkler]

As some might have seen from my other post I have a Tiger 1050 at the moment, and GSX-R 1000, and considered trading the pair in for a GSA, hoping that I would be more impressed than the last time I rode one. A lot of my comparisons will be against the Tiger, as that the GSA would be the obvious replacement.

After teetering out of Rainbows somewhat awkward car park I was amazed how quickly I felt at home on the GSA, I was almost immediately 'throwing' it into the corners as thought I'd had the bike for years, and I would say more confidently than I do on the Tiger. I was truly amazed. Everything felt so much more composed than the Tiger, it felt so planted and would take anything I threw at it. Don't get me wrong, I am not an aggressive rider, nor have I ever taken a bike to its limits, or anywhere close, but it just felt like it'd eat corners up for breakfast.

The only thing that I did not get to grips with straight away was setting off on the GSA. On the tiger you can get going smoothly with hardly any revs, but on the GS it would shudder and rattle if the revs were too low, making me wobble a little. I'm sure this was just me being unfamiliar with the bike, and the characteristics of a twin. The extra weight of the bike was noticeable picking it up off the side stand, but was no trouble really. Once riding I've no idea where the weight went, but it certainly didn't feel heavy in the slightest.

I have to say I love the characteristics of the engine, and the way it powers you out of corners, very addictive. The characteristics of the Boxer are so different to the triple of the Tiger. The Tiger is wonderfully smooth, whereas the Boxer feel almost agricultural in comparison, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I like the character. The Tiger feels quicker off the mark, but after that the GSA surpasses it imo, the extra torque makes so much difference when you're up and running.

I was really impressed with the brakes, they fill you full on confidence, and you feel as though you could stop on a sixpence. On the Tiger after the initial bite they don't feel that powerful (although obviously are), and you feel as though you have to really squeeze that lever to get them to pull you up fast.

The wind/weather protection on the GSA was amazing, so much better than the Tiger in every department, I've never ridden a bike with so little buffeting (something I experience a lot on bikes due to me being 6'4"). The only downside to the lack of buffeting was that it increased the wind noise around the helmet. I didn't have time to play about with the screen settings, but hopefully it would make a big difference, maybe someone can comment on this? Alternatively would tobinators, or a screen spoiler help?

I never rode the bike hard enough to casue the ASC to kick in, but knowing it was there on the damp roads made me feel more comfortable.

Now onto the ESA, which is what I wanted to try out the most. I must admit I did not notice a massive amount of difference between Comfort, Normal and Sport, but then like I said, I'm not someone that pushes bikes too hard. I did however notice that the bike absorbed the potholes better in comfort, and when you ride around Sheffield that is a blessing. Trust me the roads are shocking, and I would say the worst I've ridden on in the UK. Setting the bike up on extreme offroad and soft soaked the potholes up even more, and I think having this ability is worth the ESA alone. There's nothing worse than after a full days ride having to ride home being bounced about on the thousands of potholes. I would be so nice just to ride home in comfort.

I personally think that overall the GSA is a better bike than the Tiger. It was so much more planted, and I felt more confident on the GSA, a bike I'd only spent 2.5 hours on, that the Tiger, a bike I've had for 3 years. Yes the Tiger is probably a touch quicker, but only by a gnats, plus I don't thrash my bikes anyway.

I was so impressed by the GSA I ordered one as soon as I got back. I've ordered the Smoke Grey, even though from the pictures I prefered the yellow. But in the flesh the yellow isn't that nice. It's a dull mustardy kind of yellow, very much like the yellow of the AA vans 10-15 years ago. I've pretty much ordered a fully loaded one, have ordered the Dynamic Package, premium package, top box and panniers and alarm. I could've have the bike ASAP. I don't know how I resisted but I said I'd wait for the new plate, which part of me is regretting right now I just want to get on the bike and go around the world I can't wait.

Sorry for the long winded post, I just can;t stop talking about the bike. If anyone can let me know the best way to reduce the wind noise I'd appreciate it

 

[Toad]

Nice choice.

You'll enjoy it when it arrives

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Nice report

Try the Touratwat screen spoiler, works on my 2006 GSA and it's 100mph with visor up and no buffeting

 

[andyshooter]

As some might have seen from my other post I have a Tiger 1050 at the moment, and GSX-R 1000, and considered trading the pair in for a GSA, hoping that I would be more impressed than the last time I rode one. A lot of my comparisons will be against the Tiger, as that the GSA would be the obvious replacement.

After teetering out of Rainbows somewhat awkward car park I was amazed how quickly I felt at home on the GSA, I was almost immediately 'throwing' it into the corners as thought I'd had the bike for years, and I would say more confidently than I do on the Tiger. I was truly amazed. Everything felt so much more composed than the Tiger, it felt so planted and would take anything I threw at it. Don't get me wrong, I am not an aggressive rider, nor have I ever taken a bike to its limits, or anywhere close, but it just felt like it'd eat corners up for breakfast.

The only thing that I did not get to grips with straight away was setting off on the GSA. On the tiger you can get going smoothly with hardly any revs, but on the GS it would shudder and rattle if the revs were too low, making me wobble a little. I'm sure this was just me being unfamiliar with the bike, and the characteristics of a twin. The extra weight of the bike was noticeable picking it up off the side stand, but was no trouble really. Once riding I've no idea where the weight went, but it certainly didn't feel heavy in the slightest.

I have to say I love the characteristics of the engine, and the way it powers you out of corners, very addictive. The characteristics of the Boxer are so different to the triple of the Tiger. The Tiger is wonderfully smooth, whereas the Boxer feel almost agricultural in comparison, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I like the character. The Tiger feels quicker off the mark, but after that the GSA surpasses it imo, the extra torque makes so much difference when you're up and running.

I was really impressed with the brakes, they fill you full on confidence, and you feel as though you could stop on a sixpence. On the Tiger after the initial bite they don't feel that powerful (although obviously are), and you feel as though you have to really squeeze that lever to get them to pull you up fast.

The wind/weather protection on the GSA was amazing, so much better than the Tiger in every department, I've never ridden a bike with so little buffeting (something I experience a lot on bikes due to me being 6'4"). The only downside to the lack of buffeting was that it increased the wind noise around the helmet. I didn't have time to play about with the screen settings, but hopefully it would make a big difference, maybe someone can comment on this? Alternatively would tobinators, or a screen spoiler help?

I never rode the bike hard enough to casue the ASC to kick in, but knowing it was there on the damp roads made me feel more comfortable.

Now onto the ESA, which is what I wanted to try out the most. I must admit I did not notice a massive amount of difference between Comfort, Normal and Sport, but then like I said, I'm not someone that pushes bikes too hard. I did however notice that the bike absorbed the potholes better in comfort, and when you ride around Sheffield that is a blessing. Trust me the roads are shocking, and I would say the worst I've ridden on in the UK. Setting the bike up on extreme offroad and soft soaked the potholes up even more, and I think having this ability is worth the ESA alone. There's nothing worse than after a full days ride having to ride home being bounced about on the thousands of potholes. I would be so nice just to ride home in comfort.

I personally think that overall the GSA is a better bike than the Tiger. It was so much more planted, and I felt more confident on the GSA, a bike I'd only spent 2.5 hours on, that the Tiger, a bike I've had for 3 years. Yes the Tiger is probably a touch quicker, but only by a gnats, plus I don't thrash my bikes anyway.

I was so impressed by the GSA I ordered one as soon as I got back. I've ordered the Smoke Grey, even though from the pictures I prefered the yellow. But in the flesh the yellow isn't that nice. It's a dull mustardy kind of yellow, very much like the yellow of the AA vans 10-15 years ago. I've pretty much ordered a fully loaded one, have ordered the Dynamic Package, premium package, top box and panniers and alarm. I could've have the bike ASAP. I don't know how I resisted but I said I'd wait for the new plate, which part of me is regretting right now I just want to get on the bike and go around the world I can't wait.

Sorry for the long winded post, I just can;t stop talking about the bike. If anyone can let me know the best way to reduce the wind noise I'd appreciate it

I get my gs on the same day same spec good luck,

 

[Giles]

Do you wear ear plugs? If not, you should!! For less than £100 get some moulded plugs made for you. I can't ride without them.

 

[snerkler]

Do you wear ear plugs? If not, you should!! For less than £100 get some moulded plugs made for you. I can't ride without them.

never go out without them

 

[fatbastard]

Nice one , I've often thought about the Tiger 1050 but had a test ride on a
R1200GS and bought one but have always wondered what the Tiger would have been like . Hope you enjoy

 

[MIKE R]

Nice to meet you at Rainbow, Snerkler.

It's a cracking bike, and I don't take it back until Tuesday...already done almost 200 mikes on it, plus another 200+ tomorrow going to see a friend and then 70 back to Rainbow on Tuesday A.M.

I also like the torque....very similar to the 1150 but so much quicker. It goes, it handles and it stops! The exhaust note is addictive.

I also have a Tiger which I like. Although the Tiger is lighter and probably faster is a straight line I think I ride the GSA faster. Better chassis, suspension etc. It's so planted on the road. Although it's a definite improvement on the 07 GSA I had I didn't notice too much difference with the 09 model I rode for a couple of hours about a month ago. I've got a deal on my GT which I will probably take and I am considering selling the Tiger privately in the summer.

I put my name against one in December (like you a matt grey) depending on the test ride and aim to pick up the new machine on the 'new' plate so we may meet again.

Best wishes

Mike

 

[Mike Murphy]

Enduro Gearbox

Did you order the Enduro gearbox(lower first gear)? that would solve your issue ‘talking off’, makes the bike much more manageable. However if the test bike had it fitted already, don’t ever try the standard box!!!!!

 

[snerkler]

Nice to meet you at Rainbow, Snerkler.

It's a cracking bike, and I don't take it back until Tuesday...already done almost 200 mikes on it, plus another 200+ tomorrow going to see a friend and then 70 back to Rainbow on Tuesday A.M.

I also like the torque....very similar to the 1150 but so much quicker. It goes, it handles and it stops! The exhaust note is addictive.

I also have a Tiger which I like. Although the Tiger is lighter and probably faster is a straight line I think I ride the GSA faster. Better chassis, suspension etc. It's so planted on the road. Although it's a definite improvement on the 07 GSA I had I didn't notice too much difference with the 09 model I rode for a couple of hours about a month ago. I've got a deal on my GT which I will probably take and I am considering selling the Tiger privately in the summer.

I put my name against one in December (like you a matt grey) depending on the test ride and aim to pick up the new machine on the 'new' plate so we may meet again.

Best wishes

Mike

Good to hear from you, and good to hear you're enjoying the bike. I'll probably bump into you from time to time then

 

[snerkler]

Did you order the Enduro gearbox(lower first gear)? that would solve your issue ‘talking off’, makes the bike much more manageable. However if the test bike had it fitted already, don’t ever try the standard box!!!!!

The dealer didn't say anything about the gear box so am assuming it was standard. Perhaps Mike R can clarify this as he took the bike out straight after me.
I didn't realise the enduro first gear would make it easier to set off. Am I right in thinking though with the enduro first gear you would have to shift up much sooner? If so I think I'd rather just get used to pulling away with more revs rather than having to change sooner.

 

[tommygun]

Just for the record.....

I'm happy with my 06 GSA

 

[snerkler]

Is there a 'running in' period for the GS/GSA? I know with the Tiger there was a pain staking running in period. Can't remember exactly what it was but it was something like 3000 RPM for first 100 miles, then 4500 for next 300 miles, and so on until 1000 miles I think

 

[karlp]

The dealer didn't say anything about the gear box so am assuming it was standard. Perhaps Mike R can clarify this as he took the bike out straight after me.
I didn't realise the enduro first gear would make it easier to set off. Am I right in thinking though with the enduro first gear you would have to shift up much sooner? If so I think I'd rather just get used to pulling away with more revs rather than having to change sooner.

Don't get too excited about the 'enduro' box.

If you are off road or doing 5mph behind a lorry going up a steep hill then yes it will require less 'slipping' of the clutch.

I have had one - not noticed that much of a difference in the real world - it is only 10% anyway.

You should not require that many revs to get moving - it is like anything just needs getting used to it.

 

[MIKE R]

The dealer didn't say anything about the gear box so am assuming it was standard. Perhaps Mike R can clarify this as he took the bike out straight after me.

I think it is the 'standard' box.

Mike

 

[NorthernBoy]

I had no idea that there was an option on which 'box it came with. Is the same true for the standard bike?

In London, in heavy traffic inching forwards I'd often want a lower first gear, as would I when going down a wet ramp into Canary Wharf, or yes, even on the odd occasion when I'm up Mont Blanc wanting to descend a scary trail just with engine braking.

 

[Gazzabart]

me 2

Just for the record.....

I'm happy with my 06 GSA

+ 1

 

[flying circus]

no need to worry about length of report, snerkler found it very helpful i too am 6'5" and want a 1200 gs only other bike in the frame is a tiger 1050 did read somwhere it i the only engine that bmw admit too liking have took 1200gs out for a hour why my bike was serviced thought the front suspension was amazing loved everthing about the bike but the exhaust note!!! i have heard better sounding washing machines, suppose bmw know this too hence mods on pipe on new dohc model hope it stands up to winter dirt salt ect. not rode a tiger yet but folk always say the sound/noise is totally addictive and can threaten your licence if only it were shaft/belt drive. good luck with your new bike

 

[snerkler]

no need to worry about length of report, snerkler found it very helpful i too am 6'5" and want a 1200 gs only other bike in the frame is a tiger 1050 did read somwhere it i the only engine that bmw admit too liking have took 1200gs out for a hour why my bike was serviced thought the front suspension was amazing loved everthing about the bike but the exhaust note!!! i have heard better sounding washing machines, suppose bmw know this too hence mods on pipe on new dohc model hope it stands up to winter dirt salt ect. not rode a tiger yet but folk always say the sound/noise is totally addictive and can threaten your licence if only it were shaft/belt drive. good luck with your new bike

I actually really like the soundof the new dohc GS's. I have to say that although the triple of the Triumphs is a lovely sound, I think it's disappointingly muted on the Tiger thanks to the bloody euro regs. It sounded much nicer on my 06 Sprint ST