test riding a 1150GSA tomorrow

[Jeremy]

Now that I've sold the 1200GS, have ridden the 1200GSA, I'm off to SLM tomorrow to test ride a 1150GSA. I rode one a few years back and was highly impressed and just want to make sure the next bike is a keeper. It needs to commute and I have a 10day West Coast of Ireland/Scotland combo trip coming up at Easter.

What's the betting I'm going to prefer 1150GSA v 1200GSA? Met a guy at Newlands Corner today who'd ridden 3yrs and 50k miles on the 1150GSA before recently buying the 1200GSA. He did his utmost to persuade me towards a 1200GSA.

Jeremy

 

[blues n twos]

Hi Jeremy,

I will say 1150 because I have one and am biased

It will come down to your personel choice in the end. Having had a 1200 you might think that you are going back to an older model

1150 a lot simpler mechanically but do you do your own servicing etc

I like the 1200ADV and in a year or two I might be tempted. A friend of mine has the 1200ADV and I have riden it and its a beast and a half.

Also about 5k difference in price has to be considered

Good luck with your test ride

Jon

 

[cookie]

i think you will find it a bit of an old barge* after the 12.

nice bikes though




*that should have f*cked half the site off. i can go through the rest of the day with a smile on my face & a spring in my step

 

[Steptoe]

Given a choice of an 1150 ADV or a 1200GSA - i'd go for the 1200GSA .

Because i prefer the 1150GS with a big tank.

 

[ROLLINSDAN]

Now that I've sold the 1200GS, have ridden the 1200GSA, I'm off to SLM tomorrow to test ride a 1150GSA. I rode one a few years back and was highly impressed and just want to make sure the next bike is a keeper. It needs to commute and I have a 10day West Coast of Ireland/Scotland combo trip coming up at Easter.

What's the betting I'm going to prefer 1150GSA v 1200GSA? Met a guy at Newlands Corner today who'd ridden 3yrs and 50k miles on the 1150GSA before recently buying the 1200GSA. He did his utmost to persuade me towards a 1200GSA.

Jeremy

The best person to ask is Blowzorn, he did 120K miles on his 1150 GSA, he now has a 1200 GSA.

 

[Jeremy]

Back from SLM minus a 1150GSA and edging more towards the 1200GSA. I'm obviously less of a man than most as the 1150GSA felt so unwieldy. It was a low seat version and the position felt postively scrunched up resulting in lower back pain. Looks wise I still think she's a beaut.

But have also redisovered my HP2 and what a hoot on knobblies it is even on the M25. Maybe I have the right bike after all.

Thx for all the comments.

 

[BTBR]

Back from SLM minus a 1150GSA and edging more towards the 1200GSA. I'm obviously less of a man than most as the 1150GSA felt so unwieldy. It was a low seat version and the position felt postively scrunched up resulting in lower back pain. Looks wise I still think she's a beaut.

But have also redisovered my HP2 and what a hoot on knobblies it is even on the M25. Maybe I have the right bike after all.

Thx for all the comments.

I have to agree with you, as great as the 1150 GSA is, its a lardy old lump.

Even more so when its fully fueled up and loaded etc.

But it is my understanding that the 1200GSA is even heavier, plus the seat is taller.

What you need is a nice 1200..... I'll keep my eyes open for you.

 

[Deadskin]

But have also redisovered my HP2 and what a hoot on knobblies it is even on the M25. Maybe I have the right bike after all

Surley it'll be a "hoot" around the West Coast of Ireland/Scotland

I couldn't reach the floor on a 1150gsa let alone the HP2
so went for the 12GSA and the little off roader option

 

[dave b]

I have had a 1150 gsa for 2yrs now and could'nt think of a better enduro ...till....i test rode a 1200 gsa , you still get that feeling you're riding a BIG bike but handling wise it is superior , the screen is a HUGE improvement and i found the riding position a little better than the 1150. Either choice is a very good choice in my opinion ..go for it !

 

[jnrobert]

Is there really a choice?

I've owned the 1150 Adventure and currently have the standard 1200GS. I recently test rode the 1200 Adventure and wouldn't even think twice in choosing it over the 1150.

If I was in the market for a new bike I would also pick it over the standard 1200 but its not as cut and dried in comparison to the 1150. I use my GS mainly for commuting and it gets hot here in the summer so that screen and the sheer bulk of the 1200 Adv. is not as big an advantage. If I lived in Europe, I wouldn't hesitate to go with it.

 

[Jeremy]

I think that's all very clear cut. Cheers for all the feedback.

Jeremy

 

[Piggers]

Just traded my GS12 for an 1150GSA.

They are totally different with various advantages and disadvantages.

Just try them and choose the one you like. They are both great bikes.

So far I feel the 1150 has the nicer motor (smoother and quieter), but the 12 is quicker. I didn't like Servo assisted brakes on the 1200 (would recomend avoiding) I think they have dropped this on the later bikes. 1200 handles better, but not too much in it. Looks the 1150 wins hands down in my books.

Whichever bike you choose make sure you are prepared to slag the other off to the enth degree

 

[Trippy]

It was a low seat version and the position felt postively scrunched up

Going to look at one on sunday that has the BM low seat, not sure if this will be a good thing to have off roading or whether as you say it will feel squashed. Still theres bound to be some short arse out there that'll buy it or do a swap if I want to get rid. What would a tip top one be worth to flog?