Tested a 1200gs

[DaveK671]

I liked it, although at 24 i feel a tad too young to own one hehe. But age aside, the bike was quick enough, handled sooo much better than i was expecting (just as good as my current FZ6), brakes were amazing and was uber comfy.

Few questions tho. I tested a 59 plate brand new gs with all the bells and whistles. Im assuming it had the asc and electronic adjustment etc, does this make much a difference for the normal day to day ride? Tyre pressure control and fuel range etc was also very handy, though not sure if it would be worth the extra. Also, the gear change was pretty notchy through all the gears, the clutch sounded very clunky engaging and the bike felt like it was going to shake itself to bits whenever i fully openend the throttle to overtake. Is this normal?

The niggles aside, i was generally very impressed with it and will certainly be considering one

Cheers, Dave

 

[GSmonkey]

Yep - too young. Go and blow your hard earned on a litre sportsbike and get it over with.......otherwise you'll always wonder

 

[EggChaser]

Hi there

Some riders love the ESA Suspension, however whether you really need it kind of comes down to how often you will change a) What you are riding on (tarmc vs dirt) b) what weight (pillion/luggage) you are riding with and c) if (in your mind) you are wearing a pipe and slippers or a set of Rossi/Chris Pfeiffer Leathers when you set out.

If any to these parameters changes a lot or is likely to change whilst you are out and about then ESA is very good. If however nothing much changes then setting up the bike correctly and leaving it alone saves a load of cash.

Also if you have ESA it is difficult to change to aftermarket shocks at a later date.

I think the jury is still out on how useful ASC is.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring - has helped me once - within 200yards of having my tyres changed, but I don't think it has paid for itself yet.

The fuel range thing is not very linear, so you are probably better off working out how much you can do on a full tank. Although I think most riders find the countdown from Orange Low Fuel Warning to 0 is resonably accurate (but you get this without the computer)

With regards clunky gearbox/clutch and acceleration vibes they do smooth out a bit over time but it is kind of part of the character of a BMW Boxer as such I hesitate to say it but "They All Do That"

 

[wildbeeste]

the gear change was pretty notchy through all the gears, the clutch sounded very clunky engaging and the bike felt like it was going to shake itself to bits whenever i fully openend the throttle to overtake. Is this normal?

Cheers, Dave

As you get older you get deafer sonny
You need the loud noises and clunk and vibrations to reassure yourself that you are still alive (and wake some of us up)

The gearchange should not be notchy though avoiding the clunk can be achieved with practise but it comes back as soon as you are not looking.
The shaking to bits under acceleration feeling is not right.

Get a sports bike - do a few track days and you will then appreciate the BMW more (apparently)
Basically just ignore everything and do what you want

 

[tunnie]

Hello!

Yay another person my age! I am also 24

I test rode a 2009 bike and was amazed by it too, hence i am picking up a 56 plate one next weekend

2007 there was a spec update, the 56 plate i have is almost exactly like the demo bike, very slight differences in the spedo, but the computer is all the same. The 56 did not have all the fancy electrical suspension, but the ride was just as good!

I too have had comments about my age and the bike, but so what? Its still pritty quick off the line! Its comfy, its fast (enough for me), and me being 6ft4 great position for riding, i love the upright position.

Looking forward to doing some touring!