Some things I have learnt, and some advice I'd like

[KMD]

Recently bought a '56 plate R1200GS with only 3,000 miles on. It was still on it's original Michelin Anakee tyres which appeared almost unaffected by the miles. As I was about to set off on a 2,500 mile trip and had already decided I didn't like them, they were replaced with Michelin Pilot Road (Trail)4's. I have learnt that these were a good choice and are without doubt one of the best tyres I've ever used and definitely suited to the GS.

I couldn't get the suspension dialled in right. My other bike, an 1150GS has Ohlins front and rear and has probably spoiled me a bit. The front on the 12 was not too bad, but even wound up the back had my feet on the floor and once ground the centre stand in a compressed right hander. So, Ohlins or Wilbers? I have a lot of experience with Ohlins and can't fault them. But I have no experience of Wilbers and would ask for comments please.

The screen on my 12 left me with quite harsh wind roar and some buffeting, which I couldn't dial out with moving the screen. Can I ask for recommendations for a replacement please? Looking around the site the MRA Vario seems to get a thumbs up but I'll happily take suggestions.

The seat. Not quite sure how BMW brought this bike to market with this seat. It's fucking dire ! Could I ask for comments on Sargent seats, Powerbronze seats, or just an Airhawk please ?

A lot of requests in one go I know, but as this bike is likely to stay with me for quite a while (my 1150 has been with me for 12 years and is still in the garage), I'd like to get the right parts on it for long distance, long term ownership.

 

[Bendy toy]

I like the Givi airflow 330 screen. It's good plain but better with winglets.
Seats I prefer Kahedo to Sargent. But many won't agree. Either borrow and test or buy used seats and sell on until you get what you like.
My brother has a Wilbers on an Aprilia Pegaso 650. It floats over poor surfaces.
Ohlins will be better but only you can decide if any additional benefit is worth the cost.

 

[Alan R]

I have a 2011 r1200gs with esa Wilbers fore and aft. Bespoke to me and fitted by me. You give your weight and riding style to Revs Racing and they fit the Wilbers units to your esa equipment by return of post. Probably not relevant to a non esa model and may well be less costly for non esa. The ride quality is transformed and is well worth the cost, particularly if as you say, the bike is a keeper. Also, you could get your seat reupholstered by Tony Archer who will fit gel pads - not expensive and very effective.
Alan R

 

[NigelM]

How tall and heavy are you? Guess that you're a big bugger.

 

[KMD]

How tall and heavy are you? Guess that you're a big bugger.

6 foot and 13.4 Nigel, but two up and full luggage. Know what you're saying but in truth, I don't think we were overloading it really.

 

[phooey]

Yep, the seat is a disgrace on a bike that costs 10 K +

I have a corbin ( I had one on a previous bike ). You are welcome to 'borrow' it on a deface it replace it basis. PM if interested.

 

[KMD]

Yep, the seat is a disgrace on a bike that costs 10 K +

I have a corbin ( I had one on a previous bike ). You are welcome to 'borrow' it on a deface it replace it basis. PM if interested.

Brilliant offer thanks phooey

 

[phooey]

I'm up and down from Scottish Borders to Leeds this week so if you want to trial it now is a good time to make arrangements.

 

[KMD]

I live in Leyburn and work in Northallerton, so I could probably intercept you somewhere along the line. What are your travelling times ?

 

[Lord Snooty]

+1 on the Wilbers, mine were also fitted by Rev's Racing.

Seat - I have just bought a pair of Moto Skiveez shorts and am trying them out to see how they go. I have an airhawk but it has magically transferred itself to the pillion seat for 'er indoors. I may well take the riders seat to a local trim shop and have it reshaped and gel pads fitted.

 

[Deleted account 190920002]

Dunno how bro and I manged in the sixties visiting aunties and uncles and nearly aunties and uncles all over Caithness and the rest. We only had an old velo 500 Mac but we never had any problems with seats suspension or most of the rest, well the speedo never worked. Maybe our expectations where not that high or perhaps old age does something to our backsides and the rest. An old saying of gradad Jonnnie herring skipper "contentment, never loose it boys" but I think I have.

 

[Pukmeister]

I had wilbers on my last GS and they were excellent (can't afford WESA for my GSA). Tried lots of seats, a Sargent works best for me ( feels too firm initially, but once used to it huge mileage is bearable).

 

[Deleted account 190920002]

Sorry to keep on but perhaps we've lost sight of what the freedom biking does for us. It's like this guy I sail with he got rid of a fine old yacht and decided he wanted a boat with standing headroom showers a nice shity and a wheel instead of a tiller. But he's still not happy it seems we forget the main enjoyment and look for that in foibles that we presume will give us nirvana. But it/ they don't well not to me anyway. I'll shut up now.

 

[Bryn]

Seat - I have just bought a pair of Moto Skiveez shorts and am trying them out to see how they go. .

Have you gone for the adventure pair? I asked the question about coccyx pressure relief over on ADVrider and got this reply

Bryn, we have actually slightly modified the design of our CRUISER style to specifically address this issue. We've noticed that the upward slant on many of the "cruiser" style seat places pressure on the coccyx. We have slightly re positioned the pad density of our CRUISER style to address this very issue. Although our ADVENTURE should offer some relief in this area, the CRUISER is specifically designed to address this concern. I hope that answers your question.

 

[Rockred]

I have the Givi 330 with winglets, the best mod by far for me.

 

[mpgscott]

I like the Givi airflow 330 screen im 6"3 and its great, what i like about it is the fact its easy to change and drop the screen on the odd hot day so you can quickly change to having lots of air flow at you. Most of the time its raised and i can ride happily with the visor open no issues.

Seats i really rate the sargent seats, and the missus loves her pillion one also vast improvement over standard. If your ever up Inverness way feel free to give me a shout and give the sargent a try. Due to work this year flippen bike hardly moves.

Thats amazing a 2006 bike with only 3K miles, why do these people buy bikes, i thought mine was bad with just 2K miles at 3years old but that one you found is mental.

Afraid i cant comment on suspension, the standard setup was rubbish but i swapped to an ESA adventure and love the ease of changing it.

Enjoy...

 

[Bendy toy]

The dampers and springs are the same so ESA/WESA or plain manual adjust wont make a fraction of difference to the ride. The hydraulic preload adjust will be well worth having. Grovelling under the bike with a C spanner wont be much fun especially if you have a Mudsling.

Come to think of it the Mudsling gives far better protection than any hugger on the market. Huggers are all too short to be much use.

 

[Lord Snooty]

Have you gone for the adventure pair? I asked the question about coccyx pressure relief over on ADVrider and got this reply

Yes Bryn, went for the Adventure pair. They seem to do the trick so far, headed out at 8.30 this morning and back at 1.30, although we had four stops, am off to Germany next week so that will be another test of their comfort. Am planning a 400 mile ride on one of the days and will report back on their comfort.

 

[Bryn]

Yes Bryn, went for the Adventure pair. They seem to do the trick so far, headed out at 8.30 this morning and back at 1.30, although we had four stops, am off to Germany next week so that will be another test of their comfort. Am planning a 400 mile ride on one of the days and will report back on their comfort.

Look forward to hearing the feedback ....still getting a sore backside after 100 miles with everything I've tried... Be good if these are an answer

 

[KMD]

You're right, it sat in his garage under a cover all it's life, only went on one trip. The lad had to buy a new battery so he could sell it ! He kept it in test though, and the MOT's show a sorry story of mileage just to the testing station each year. I assured him it will get about a bit more now mind