Could be true.... The 1150 would 'trickle' at barely above tickover in 1st gear, and then pull away smoothly (without any clutch involvement) as the throttle was opened. The 1200 won't do this - no 'trickle', no smooth running just above idle, and (if you try to pull away from this speed without clutch slip or rear brake) a surge of power with the slightest tweak of the throttle. Unpleasant? Not quite, but bordering on it. Lots more clutch-slipping required in slow traffic than on the 1150. But don't "they all do that, Sir"?
I had the impression that the 1200 was geared higher than the 1150 because of this behaviour since it won't run at walking speed in 1st (or any) gear. Probably it's just due to the 1200 having a much lighter flywheel.