Upgrade from Tiger 800 to 1200GS Adv?

[mc_clean_david]

I currently have a Tiger 800 and got a ride on the Triumph Explorer when it was in for service last week. Loved the 1200 so got a ride on the GS Adventure and I'm hooked! Always said I'd never ride a GS but it is the machine- the comfort, power and size is just right!

Bit worried about the weight when I have to push bike back into garage up a slight hill!

Anyone recently changed from a 600 / 800cc to 1200 GS?

 

[vRSG60]

I changed from an F650GS (my 1st bike) to an R1200GS LC, glad I did. The weight is lower down than a Tiger 800, my mate has one and it feels top heavy.
The weight of the GS only comes into play when you stop, as you say.
I'm by no means a riding God but the GS feels great to me. I've just been around Europe on mine. Better fuel economy than my mate's Tiger too.
The GSA would be a step too far for me I think, 5'-6" & 29" I/S leg so the extra weight and height just put me off.

 

[Dirty Ming]

I'm about to do the same. Haven't ridden the Explorer but a mate has one and it's way heavier than a GS, and more of it higher up. The GS roadie is only about 15kg heavier than the Tiger but as said it's lower down so no more effort to move about

 

[mc_clean_david]

I have spotted a 2008 R1200GS ADV with low miles - the only thing putting me off it is the age - are there much differences in the years of GS models?

 

[Bryn]

There are lots of differences...single cam engines were made up until 2009, 2010 saw the twin cam's arrival....you need to spend a bit of time perusing the forum and get up to speed with the differences before you make a decision.

There are plenty here on the For Sale And Wanted....that's where I'd be looking

 

[Meloman]

I had a 2013 Tiger 800 ABS and thought it was a great bike and a lot of bang for the buck. But in 2014 a deal came along on a low mileage 2010 R1200GS and after owning them side by side for several months, the Tiger was sold and I never looked back. I've put 10K trouble free, fun miles on the GS including many mild off road adventures and am now waiting to buy a 2017.
I understand your question was relative to an Adventure model but the experience is the same, just the weight is different. My driveway is a slight uphill into the garage and my 70 year old body has no trouble pushing it in. In fact, the GS always felt lighter than the Tiger even though it was heavier.
If you're leaning towards a pre 2013 water cooled model, I would suggest considering the 2010 - 2012 DOHC models as they are the pinnacle of the air cooled series and are lighter, smoother and more powerful than the previous models. Also, the availability of ESA(electronic suspension) is a big plus.
I had a new 2000 R1150GS back in the day and it was a great bike but I found it to be too tall and too heavy and eventually sold it and drifted away from ADV bikes until I got the Tiger which rekindled my interest and as they say, the rest is history.
Good luck with your decision.