Test rode my first GS today

[Mewcenary]

I took out a 1250GS today. Triple black. All lookling very tidy (2023 model, second hand). Dealer was very good, giving me 1h30 (could probably have had more!) to go out and play.

My riding history is mostly inline 4s, currently riding a GSX1250. Never ridden an adventure bike or any bike with any feature more modern than ABS.

Thoughts from the ride:

1. It really does sound like a tractor. But it is deceptive, as it chugged up to (eek) speeds almost by stealth.
2. Fun and commanding road position.
3. Incredibly stable which was impressive, including slow turns. Took me a while to get used to this and trust the bike more in turns! Felt lighter and more flickable than the GS1250
4. Could feel the bike compensating for my throttle mistakes with the various dynamic riding modes, which was clever.
5. Indicators are fiddly! The scroll wheel means they are further away from your thumb than I am used to, and there is precious little tactile response when using them.
6. Kept bashing the engine casing when putting feet down - nothing major, but would need to get used to the big lumps sticking out the side.

Sat on the GSA as well for comparison. It's all personal and subjective, but I don't like the GSA as much, it looks too much like a cow.

Decisions, decisions! This one comes with full Vario luggage -- tested if my lid (Neotec 3) fits in the top box, and it does (pretty easily once expanded).

 

[Bigcats]

You won't regret it

I just felt like I should have bought this bike years ago instead of living with the others that had niggles

Though I have the GSA

Had mine just over 18 months now and absolutely love riding it every time

 

[Hann]

My riding history is mostly inline 4s

Two cylinders are all you need!

I have a big four, too - ZZR14, but i much prefer the character of a decent twin.

The GS1250 was described perfectly thus: `it effortlessly wafts along, but can spring into action when required.`

I think you`ve already made your mind up, enjoy the GS!

 

[NeilCol]

I recall my first ever ride of a GS….completely changed my riding life for the better.
No chain. Power no matter the revs. So easy to turn and lean the bike in.

It was just amazing…had ridden a few up to then and only the then triumph Explorer was close. The deciding factor being the Triumph was newer and wasn’t any about in my price bracket.

Problem now I own one, is that all other bikes I e ridden just don’t seem to do it for me. My first did for me so well, that despite some horror stories you hear about the 1250 (it was the same with the 1200 too back then) from owners I’d had such a great experience I couldn’t bring myself to really consider another bike.

Yes, the new Explorer was very good…you could also get some great deals making it cheaper, and it looked very good too.
But it just want the one for me.
After that, unless it has shaft drive it’s not a consideration.

 

[littleade]

Is your heart set on a GS? If not and you're attracted by the boxer experience try the 1250RS too. I've swapped to one after having 3 GS' because:

I'm an old less tall fcuker so it's easier to manage at slow speeds
I no longer carry a pillion
I don't go touring around Europe
The RS is cheaper
The RS is not as common as muck ( I know the GS is very good, I had 3 ffs but sometimes it's nice to be a bit different)
It's got the same engine and gearbox and shaft drive too
It doesn't have telelever but USD forks and road biased suspension
It has a 17" rather than 19" front wheel
The last 2 are statements of fact rather than trying to say they're better
the OE RS screen is crap so you'd need an after market one (that IS a statement of fact )

Plus arguably it's the bike many GS riders should have bought in the 1st place. I read that on here so it must be true.......

 

[snerkler]

I’m sure I’ve responded to this before even mentioning bashing the engine casing when putting feet down and about the GSA looking like a cow, has this been posted elsewhere, Facebook perhaps?

 

[Buttertub]

I don't think you'd go far wrong with the GS they are a great all round versatile bike that will do most things very well.

Handling for a big bike is superb and engine is super tractable with great low down torque. The longer you have it the more you'll ending up appreciating how capable it actually is in the real world.

Having said that, i used to have a 1250 (the Gt version) and really liked it, silky smooth, loads of low down torque and i could ride it all day without any aches or pains. i still miss it on occasions after letting it go 6 year ago.