Seriously thinking...

[davlon]

...about changing my 08 VFR for a 1200GS...

Why? - well my right wrist aches after 5 miles and I'm going off the "sporty" look, beside that it's mainly because I just can't get it out of my head. I'm forever on the BMW website, trawling through forum websites etc... Bottom line I've caught the "I want to swap" bug.

One question - the VFR has a seat height of 805 which suits me fine (inside leg 32") the GS isn't alot higher, but was wondering what you all think about the lower seat and/or lower suspension options??

Do they change the handling? look daft?? best thing going???

Cheers and Hi to all

Dave...

 

[oblertone]

Welcome ...

... and I think sir will find his inside leg measurement entirely satisfactory ! There's quite a few on here that changed from VFRZZRNINJABASTARDS to the GS so you won't be alone.

As to seat height, the search function is your friend but go and test ride the GS of your choice with both seats; all dealers keep alternate seats for just this occasion. Then go and buy the bike of your choice

 

[Mick W]

Hi Mate

I too always had the GS bug and last Monday whilst on holiday I went to Alan Jeffereis at shipley to check them out, within the hour ordered an alpine white brand new one.

I picked it up Friday and after the initial oh my god this is different to my FZ1, loved it to bits after 20 mile or so, not been off it all weekend.

I am a 32 inside leg too the standard version with it's seat in it's lowest position is perfect. No need here for the low seat or suspension version.

Go have a sit on one, my misconception of them being heavy was laid to rest, it is comfortable manageable and pretty much perfect.

I am now back to enjoying the ride and not looking for the destination.

 

[original_concept]

I switched from a VTEC VFR and you've got the same leg length as me.

Yup, the GS is higher, but you get used to it and is preferable. As for weighty wrists, snap again. I used bar risers on the VTEC, the GS is fine as standard.

You don't need a lower seat (ouch, ouch, ouch) or lower suspension. I had thoughts about a lower seat, but I regularly spend 5-10 hours on a GS and the low seat would have killed my bum/thighs. Also, I get off a GS and not feel utterly shattered, after riding the VTEC for many hours you know all about it (18hrs and 1000miles, took me 2 days to recover).

The GS knocks the VTEC into next week and beyond [1]. Apart from the lights, the VTECs lights are far better than the GS, but a HID solves that problem.

If you do any 2up/heavy luggage the VTEC's 800 feels gutless, whereas the GS doesn't.

I don't miss the VTEC at all, well apart from the 'kick', which I had 'removed' by having the valves synced properly.

There's quite a few ex-VFR owners on here.

[1] though I had a Boxer engined bike before the VTEC, so going back to a boxer was like going 'home' - low down torque.. yum.

 

[ultrasound]

I made exactly the same move. swapped my VTEC for a 1200gs.
I bought the VTEC new and had tested the gs at the same time and hated it (Also hit a pheasant on the test ride which didn't help).

however after a year i couldn't work out what the vfr was for. Too sporty to tour in comfort, too slow to be sporty, it felt compromised

Now on my second GS/GSA and not looked back.

The finish is terrible and half of it has been replaced under warranty but nothing else really fits the bill

 

[gsman1]

Seat height

I am 31.5 inside leg standard seat fine for me.

...about changing my 08 VFR for a 1200GS...

Why? - well my right wrist aches after 5 miles and I'm going off the "sporty" look, beside that it's mainly because I just can't get it out of my head. I'm forever on the BMW website, trawling through forum websites etc... Bottom line I've caught the "I want to swap" bug.

One question - the VFR has a seat height of 805 which suits me fine (inside leg 32") the GS isn't alot higher, but was wondering what you all think about the lower seat and/or lower suspension options??

Do they change the handling? look daft?? best thing going???

Cheers and Hi to all

Dave...

 

[davlon]

oblertone > thanks for the confidence in my inside leg! but a tad harsh on VFR owners - we're only a confused bunch

Mick W > it's a toss-up if I go to Allan J or the one in York, suppose it will be who gives me the most for the VFR

original_concept > you're just making my "swap bug" worse!

ultrasound > It's nice mate to know I'm not alone!

gsman1 > that seals it mate!

Thanks for all the quick replies - I could now do with advice on how to persuade the wife that you get an automatic bike upgrade after 2 years - as I've decided that "it's the same bike without the fairings on luv" wouldn't wash...

Cheers

Dave...

 

[original_concept]

Just park the GS next to the VFR and she'll see straight away how much 'more' bike you're buying!

Give it up, you're just days away from switching.

HTH

 

[good'oleboy]

I am 31.5 inside leg standard seat fine for me.

Just buy the friggin' thing you will not regret it. With all the pot holes about the uk you will be glad you did . GS s not much out there that can equal it. might be lighter might be faster might be loads of other stuff better ...but they are not a GS

 

[Jedmeister]

You'll be fine.....

I've got a 30" inside leg riding a R1200 GSA with standard seat - on tiptoes if I try and put both feet down but absolutely fine with just one foot.

 

[Mr K]

29" inside leg and Proper 1200GS with stock seat on low setting for the last 5 years and 51,000 miles.....

 

[Alex B]

The GS is infectious.

Once you get one, you'll never shake it off.

Even if you sell one, you'll always get pulled back in or feel the "draw".

Go on...

You know it makes sense.

 

[Bryn]

The GS is infectious.

Once you get one, you'll never shake it off.

Even if you sell one, you'll always get pulled back in or feel the "draw".

Don't I know it

 

[zico]

Ive went the other way. Pick up new VFR1200 tomorrow after 5 years of GS ownership. really liked the GS and would have another, but always missed my last VFR. Cant wait to get back on the viffer. No disrespect to the GS as it is a great bike. Will still contribute to this site with my views on new steed. Happy biking.

 

[v8legend]

Ive went the other way. Pick up new VFR1200 tomorrow after 5 years of GS ownership. really liked the GS and would have another, but always missed my last VFR. Cant wait to get back on the viffer. No disrespect to the GS as it is a great bike. Will still contribute to this site with my views on new steed. Happy biking.

As Arnie would say, 'You'll be back'

 

[Kelv]

The GS is infectious.

Once you get one, you'll never shake it off.

Even if you sell one, you'll always get pulled back in or feel the "draw".

Go on...

You know it makes sense.

This is true - I recently sold my trusty 1100gs -red which I had for 10 years ( arguably the best ). Two weeks down the line just ordered a new GSA and pick it up next week - Get a quote from BMW re Insurance. great price . Do it!

 

[Ferret55]

Low seat problem

Be aware that on long rides they can be uncomfortable. The "dip" in the seat locks you into place, meaning you can't shift around as much.

Don't they do a proper lowered GS these days, that's what I'd look at.

Mind you, I'm perfectly happy with my 650GS (twin). Enough bike for me!

 

[Stretchamus]

Be aware that on long rides they can be uncomfortable. The "dip" in the seat locks you into place, meaning you can't shift around as much.

Don't they do a proper lowered GS these days, that's what I'd look at.

Mind you, I'm perfectly happy with my 650GS (twin). Enough bike for me!

Want an R1300GSA

Best regards Stretch

 

[veefour]

Interesting thread, I'm in exactly this position now - in the process of selling my VFR VTEC (sold last night on ebay) and my 10 year old F650GS goes tomorrow.

The plan is to go for a new R1200GS having tried one last weekend and found it surprisingly good (surprising to me, not you guys obviously!). I've also been wondering about the seat height as I can get both feet flat on the ground on the VFR but not quite on the GS. It probably hasn't helped that before setting off from te dealer I shifted on the seat to get comfortable and nearly overbalanced and dropped it on the forecourt! Fortunatley I recovered it without revelaing my momentary panic or the dealer noticing I think I'll be fine once I get used to it.

Anyway I was just wondering what sort of deals, if any, people are getting these days on new bikes? Seems to me that buying a new GS with Premium and Dynamic packs is not a small investment but not sure if the BMW bike dealers are as tough as the car guys in sticking to their list prices?