Think I may have the GS bug! Looking for advice.

[m33ufo]

Hi All

Just joined the forum 10 minutes ago to get a little more clued up on the GS.

I've had bikes on and off since passing my test in 1990. My taste has changed dramatically over the years, I stated off with a new ZXR750H2 (probably still the bike I have the fondest memory of) just after passing my test and over the following 10-15 years owned a VFR750, a YZF750, a Fireblade, a couple of R1's, a couple of MVAgusta F4's and most recently a CCM R30 and a Buell 1200 Firebolt. Not had anything for a couple of years but I'm obviously not a beginner.

A mate has just bought an R1200GS and I think I may have picked up the GS bug. I have just a few questions which perhaps you guys could help with.

1. Whilst the GS isn't that heavy it is a LARGE bike. I'm 5'9, am I going to have difficulty with tottering along in slow moving traffic? Also, is the low seat option going to make a big difference?

2. My ideal would be the Adventure model but I'm assuming they are slightly taller than even the standard GS, is this the case? Are they going to be a GS too far for my 5'9 height?

3. What options should I be considering? Heated grips and luggage are probably my only must have. Is the ABS a worthwhile addition?

4. What are the best deals you guys have been offered on a new 07 model bike? I've heard of £1200 off a 2007 bike for deals before end of December.

5. Is it worth holding off for the 2008 bike?

Thanks in advance and apologies if similar questions have been discussed many times before.

 

[Geordie Steve]

Hi m33ufo, may I be the first to welcome you to the site!

I can't answer all your questions (someone will be along in a moment or two though...) However, I'm also 5'9" and I've got a 1200 with the standard seat. I've never really had any problems with the height - although it will no doubt feel very large and a bit top heavy after the Buell. My previous bike was an SV650S and I managed ok!

You quickly get used to it, you just need to plan in advance for junctions. I usually ride mine with the seat set in it's higher position, as it feels more comfortable. And I always have the rear preload jacked up about as far as it will go... you will too, once you see the difference it makes to the handling.

As far as extras are concerned, the heated grips and luggage are a godsend. After that, it depends on how the bike suits you and how much spare cash you've got. I've added bar risers and lower footpegs for comfort, an MRA screen for better wind protection and a GPS. Oh, and engine bars are a good idea... I've never dropped it yet, but it'll probably happen one of these days.

Mine's an 05 model and I'm not looking to replace it any time soon. So someone else will have to chip in with info on the Adv and the new model.
My main advice would be - get one!

Steve

 

[mikepg]

Hello! for what it is worth here goes:

1. - At 5'9" on a GS you are absolutely ok (unless you have a 20" inside leg measurement! ). - so presuming that your body proportion is pretty regular you will be absolutely fine and riding slow and in traffic is far far easier on a GS than all of your previous bikes for loads of reasons. I would not get a low seat - it may appear like a good idea at first, but after a few hours, you might regret it and want a wider angle between calf and thigh.

2. - regarding the GSA - see comments above. It's all in your mind.

3. - Heated grips, ABS and top box (go the full hog if you can afford it) - I can't comment an any other stuff, but as a minimum, I think that's enough - loads of contrary opinions on ABS - but up to you.

4. Can't comment, but loads of chat on this forum about spectacular deals.

 

[Hawk]

Hi All
Just joined the forum 10 minutes ago to get a little more clued up on the GS.
A mate has just bought an R1200GS and I think I may have picked up the GS bug. I have just a few questions which perhaps you guys could help with.
1. Whilst the GS isn't that heavy it is a LARGE bike. I'm 5'9, am I going to have difficulty with tottering along in slow moving traffic? Also, is the low seat option going to make a big difference?
2. My ideal would be the Adventure model but I'm assuming they are slightly taller than even the standard GS, is this the case? Are they going to be a GS too far for my 5'9 height?
3. What options should I be considering? Heated grips and luggage are probably my only must have. Is the ABS a worthwhile addition?
4. What are the best deals you guys have been offered on a new 07 model bike? I've heard of £1200 off a 2007 bike for deals before end of December.
5. Is it worth holding off for the 2008 bike?

Hello and welcome.
If you check out my bikes you'll see a similar history before arriving at the GS.
1) Height wise no problem. Filtering is a little trickier. Don't try and take on HGV wing mirrors When I took mine for it's first service last week I filtered for 99% of my journey at peak morning rush hour to Manchester ~60 miles. Didn't find it a problem but I can't understand how people put up with commuting like that day in, day out
2) I think the ADV is slightly bigger but it all depends if you're prepared to pay the extra for that over the standard GS.
3) I have heated grips, luggage, ABS and on board computer. Would have liked tyre pressure monitors but couldn't get it at short notice. Definitely get grips and luggage (you should get 10% off at time of purchase ) . ABS? Up to you, I wanted it for that one time it pays for itsself.
4) Pre-reg about £1250 off but I pushed for that for me as first owner.
5) Up to you. IMO you'll pay top dollar for one. Pays your money takes your choice. More of an update than totally new methinks.

 

[Dave56]

Hi mf33ufo & a warm welcome to the asylum .
I`m 5` 10" & recently took a test ride on the GSA, I found it to big and with the seat in the lower position I could only just touch the floor, this I found a little intimidating, so I then tried the standard GS - this I immediately felt more comfortable on & with the seat in the standard position I could easily touch the ground.

After that test ride I bought a new `07` GS, fully loaded - Panniers, ABS, Computer, Chrome exhaust, heated grips, White indicator lenses, 12 months tax, 2 years warranty, Full tank of fuel & delivered (tommorow) for £9825 - and it was`nt a pre-registered one - bargain IMHO. (Wollastons Northampton).

So I would try them both, have a lengthy test ride and see what you think, but I know that you won`t be disapointed.

Good luck and hope you enjoy the site .

 

[GSmonkey]

Get a test ride. Dealers will let you out for 2/3hrs which is what you need. Get a low seat on the standard model and give it a go.

At 5'11" I am comfortable on the standard (not adventure) seat on the adventure. The low seat was too low for me, so maybe you'd cope. Only way to try though is to go for a test.

 

[m33ufo]

First off, can I thank you all for the very warm welcome, much appreciated.

The general concensus seems to be that I'll get away with a standard seat on a GS. I would probably have gone for the lower seat option as a matter of course but hopefully it will work out after I gain a little confidence.

Test ride seems to be the way ahead, it's a shame that the bike side of Rydale BMW Cardiff (now Sytner) has closed down. As awful as they were on the car side I did hear some good feedback from the two-wheel department.

If anyone hears of some good deals on the GS then I'd appreciate hearing details.

Cheers

 

[m33ufo]

Hoping I fit the Adventure, they look absolutely stunning!

What colour GSA's did they make in the 07 model???

 

[Ozzie3]

I have had loads of other bikes and now realise that the GS is by far the best, easiest to ride and live with day to day.
Although I have not yet done a distance tour, as i only had the beast on the 1st September 2007.For commuting to work it is brilliant. Loads of comfort and good visability as your face is looking in the right direction and not at the front wheel. For me the must have extras are heated grips,boxes and CHROME EXHAUST. I also have the on board computer but thats just a gimmick really.
The best part of a GS is the ease you can embarrass sports bike riders.
Oh and I reckon that a front fender extender is a must.

 

[Dave56]

fender extender

I`ll second that Ozzie3, a front fender extender is a definate MUST, didn`t have one on the 1150 and the front of the engine use to get covered in c**p.

 

[mart6061]

Hello and Welcome, I have an 07 GS (not GSA), I'm 5ft 7, waist.... only joking. I have the standard seat in the low position and dont normally have any problems. If touring with lots of pre load and the bike is on the side stand on a heavy camber I cant get it upright without assistance or first moving it. This is the only height/short leg related problem i get. My previous bike was a 600 hornet so it was a big change for me.

Spec Big screen, Fender Ext, GPS, Panniers, ABS, Heated Grips, Alarm, Spokes, Computer. I think I got it about right.

It been to France for a week and a three week tip to Greece, commute to work and hunts race reps on sunday mornings. What more could you ask for?

 

[m33ufo]

I'm 5ft 7, waist....

You sound very much like a mate of mine

Really looking forward to getting a GS now, I've decided to pop alone to the NEC and take a look at the 08 model before finally deciding what to get. In the interim I'm going to try getting a test ride on the current GS and perhaps a GSA. Going purely on looks alone I'd dearly love a GSA.

In all probability I'll go for an 07 GS or GSA and save a few quid.

 

[Bananaman]

I am 5'10" and had no problem with the 1150 GS.
Have just bought a newer 1150GSA (in the faster silver colour) and don't feel as comfortable with not being able to have soles of my feet on the ground when stopped. Tippy toes only I think will be a prelude to graceful lie down on an adverse camber

I have quite a short inside leg measurement (31" - we all have our crosses to bear), so I have decided to get the seat refurbished, ie lower and comfier from a well known company in Wike. I suppose it all depends how large your inside leg measurements are
As others have suggested I would book a test ride on a few and see which one fits.

 

[m33ufo]

I have quite a short inside leg measurement (31" - we all have our crosses to bear).

Don't feel bad, actually measured mine on the weekend, I am apparently 30.5" lol!

Took a look at a new GSA today, totally loved it - I want one! Trying to decide on whether I want to spend almost 11K on it now (full spec bike, rrp is just over 12K) or hold off for the new model.

Apparently dealers have a 13% margin and most are willing to offer around a 10% discount on the current GSA. I love the bike in white.

 

[m33ufo]

Oh well, bit the bullet and ordered a GSA. Has every extra under the sun in Alpine White, I just have to decide on some luggage. I need to get some new kit so have arranged to collect it early December after I've hopefully picked up a bargain or two at the bike show!!

 

[oblertone]

Well done that man ...

... now bite another bullet and sponsor the site; it'll be worth it for access to the 'For Sale & Wanted' section where you can source endless amounts of bling

 

[gingercoastie]

Oh well, bit the bullet and ordered a GSA. Has every extra under the sun in Alpine White

You are wise beyond your years sir