Leaper1979
Registered user
I rode the GS from Kings Langley to Essex last Friday, this was my first ever ride of a GS and it was on damp roads in the dark and I really did think I had made a massive mistake. Where was the front end feel?, I'm 6,2 and my blooming feet don't touch the floor, and that engine is like a Massey Ferguson!, this isn't looking good at all, I got it home and put it in the garage, not sure what to do. 1 hours ride and I thought I had made a massive mistake.
So I came back to the UKGSer forum for a bit of reassurance and I read the thread saying you shouldn't test ride it, you need a whole day or a weekend if you can blag it.
Maybe she does deserve another chance, thousands of people can't be wrong, surely!
Well today was the first proper outing on my new (to me) 2007 GS1200, a jaunt from a damp Essex over to Kings Langley to meet the father in law on his brand new GS12 and a full day out getting used to the steeds.
Heeding the words of the tossers I ventured off down the motorway putting the wooden front end, aggressive front brake, lofty ride position, one footed stops and general oddness of the thing to the back of my mind and got on with riding the thing.
Well after 230 miles on a mixture of A and B roads, gravelly farm tracks and busy town traffic I can honestly say, hand on heart, I am head over heels in love with the ugly ole girl.
The GS is a revelation!
I sit here writing this with no aches or pains, no butt cramps or achy wrists, I could climb back on board and ride to Scotland right now!
The view over traffic is astonishing, it brings a whole new meaning to forward planning, I can see the car three vehicles in front slowing down allowing me plenty of time to plan accordingly.
Fuel, I filled up twice today and still have plenty left, this real sized fuel tank is amazing!!
The engine, I realised its not a screaming 4 cylinder, it's silky smooth if you change up early and ride the torque, be gentle and she's smoooooth, be aggressive and she's growly.
The ride, it's like a magic carpet, wafting over potholes, lumps, bumps and debris like they aren't there, no seesaw action just a gentle up and down almost oceanic ride.
This is the first time I genuinely can't find fault with a bike, if I've got a goodun and the reliability holds up I swear this will be a keeper FOREVER.
I just want to thank the tossers who posted their valuable knowledge on this forum as it definitely helped me see the light and give the GS the time it deserved to shine through and show me what it's all about.
All the best and hope to see you on the road! I'll be the one with the huge grin on my face!
So I came back to the UKGSer forum for a bit of reassurance and I read the thread saying you shouldn't test ride it, you need a whole day or a weekend if you can blag it.
Maybe she does deserve another chance, thousands of people can't be wrong, surely!
Well today was the first proper outing on my new (to me) 2007 GS1200, a jaunt from a damp Essex over to Kings Langley to meet the father in law on his brand new GS12 and a full day out getting used to the steeds.
Heeding the words of the tossers I ventured off down the motorway putting the wooden front end, aggressive front brake, lofty ride position, one footed stops and general oddness of the thing to the back of my mind and got on with riding the thing.
Well after 230 miles on a mixture of A and B roads, gravelly farm tracks and busy town traffic I can honestly say, hand on heart, I am head over heels in love with the ugly ole girl.
The GS is a revelation!
I sit here writing this with no aches or pains, no butt cramps or achy wrists, I could climb back on board and ride to Scotland right now!
The view over traffic is astonishing, it brings a whole new meaning to forward planning, I can see the car three vehicles in front slowing down allowing me plenty of time to plan accordingly.
Fuel, I filled up twice today and still have plenty left, this real sized fuel tank is amazing!!
The engine, I realised its not a screaming 4 cylinder, it's silky smooth if you change up early and ride the torque, be gentle and she's smoooooth, be aggressive and she's growly.
The ride, it's like a magic carpet, wafting over potholes, lumps, bumps and debris like they aren't there, no seesaw action just a gentle up and down almost oceanic ride.
This is the first time I genuinely can't find fault with a bike, if I've got a goodun and the reliability holds up I swear this will be a keeper FOREVER.
I just want to thank the tossers who posted their valuable knowledge on this forum as it definitely helped me see the light and give the GS the time it deserved to shine through and show me what it's all about.
All the best and hope to see you on the road! I'll be the one with the huge grin on my face!
