Terry NW
Registered user
johnnybravo said:Here we go...
these are just my own thoughts. I've actually gone the other way 12GS to 1150GSA. I went from a VFR800 to the GS. First tried a GSA and coming from the VFR I found the height a bit intimidating although I really liked the ride. Then tried the 12, felt closer to the VFR to ride, bit lower, lighter to push around and there weren't that many around. I liked it and bought. And I would still be riding it very happily had some eejit not turned it (and nearly me too) into a tin can!
So eventually the insurance paid out (not quite as much as I was expecting) and I wasn't able to replace the 12 with a new one - especially as the price has hoiked a fair bit in 18 months. I decided to have another look at the 1150adv. First impression when I sat on it was 'thought everybody said these were really tall'. Certainly the seat's higher than the 12 but having got used to that the step up (no pun intended) to the GSA wasn't such a big deal. Then the ride, I wouldn't say there's really that much to choose between the two. The 12 is a bit more flickable but conversely feels less planted than the 1150. I'd say also that low speed stability on the 1150 is better too.
The 1200 engine does rev higher and on paper is more powerful but you need to rev it more to get the power. The 1150 gives its grunt lower down. Depends how you ride but for me the 1150 power delivery is great and I don't think in the real world there's that much to choose between the two bikes. Also a power commander will give an 1150 very similar engine power to the 1200. And there's something really satisfying about only having to stop for fuel every 300 miles or so.
I would say the riding position of the 1200 is superior to the 1150adv but bar risers from nippy norman will sort this brilliantly. Which leads me to my next point nippy sells two different risers for different height riders which was when I came to the shocking discovery that I'm 5'8''!! Yikes that's 2 inches shorter than I thought I was and I KNOW I used to be 5'10''.
So I'm officially a shortarse and I ride a GSA (with standard seat) and love it. It's definitely heavier than the 12 but you'll only notice that getting it off the sidestand and pushing it around. It's definitely taller but you'll soon get used to reaching a bit further with your foot and maybe sliding to the side of the seat if need be (don't feel the need very often).
The final thought is an intangible - the way it makes you feel. Having owned both I'd say the 1150adv feels more special. Can't explain it - just does. Remember also that of course BM don't make them any more so what's on the road is all there is, while they're churning out more 12GSs than R1s. This came home to me on a recent rideout from North Oxford Garage. So many 12s and just 3 of us riding 1150 adventures, again felt a bit unique, a bit special.
So it's over to you. Both bikes will entertain and satisfy you beyond expectations. I don't think that there's really that much to worry about on reliability. I do think that the 12 will feel more accessible if you haven't ridden a GS before but I think in a strange way the 1150 will feel more rewarding (maybe characterfull) in the long run.
Whichever you buy make sure you get some tobinators pronto - can't tell you what a difference they make.
Phew, that's off my chest.
Happy buying,
Rob
i've taken all the views on board, thanks you al very much for spending time on the replys..
Now all i need is to get a few hours on each one !!!
cheers again guys
terry
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