The handlebar mounts are reversible, moves the bars forward about 2 inches. 10 minute job
What to buy (new bike)
- Thread starter Neil W
- Start date
The handlebar mounts are reversible, moves the bars forward about 2 inches. 10 minute job
I have something totally different from the GS a tuned and uprated 1982 GSX1166 Katana but fancy a newer bike.
I've now found a Guzzi dealer in Shipley who has just go in a demo Stelvio NTX.
That said I'm not really in the mood to try and sort anything out at the minute as I've lost two of my GSD's this week one 13 1/2 yrs old dog (my ex work dog) due to old age and the second this morning an 8 month old bitch through either a brain anuerism or a massive heart attack.
Never gets any easier
I've now found a Guzzi dealer in Shipley who has just go in a demo Stelvio NTX.
That said I'm not really in the mood to try and sort anything out at the minute as I've lost two of my GSD's this week one 13 1/2 yrs old dog (my ex work dog) due to old age and the second this morning an 8 month old bitch through either a brain anuerism or a massive heart attack.
Never gets any easier
If you're up in Shipley then call in to Allan Jefferies, the longest established BM dealer in the UK, a family-run shop that only sell bikes. I've had 3 new GS's from them
(I did a total of 60,000 miles on my 1150 Adventures and bought a 1200 GSA last year and have no regrets.)
I think I will try a Super Tenere if I can find a dealer with a demo nearby, but as stated I think proces need to come down a lot.
How big are the panniers?
I am using Vario's and find they are OK for two of us so personally do not need the GSA capacity.
Defo gonna wait for Triumph before buying anything else.
How big are the panniers?
I am using Vario's and find they are OK for two of us so personally do not need the GSA capacity.
Defo gonna wait for Triumph before buying anything else.
Super Tens panniers are in my opinion probably only about 26-28 litres useable space and wouldn't be big enough for a couple for 10 days away.
The price and pillion comfort were the only other problem. If it had better set up pillion pegs, a larger tank,came without that luggage and was priced at £10,000 I would buy one.
The price and pillion comfort were the only other problem. If it had better set up pillion pegs, a larger tank,came without that luggage and was priced at £10,000 I would buy one.
Thing is after 9 years of owning the R1150GS I REALLY DID want to buy a 2011 model R1200 GSA, I've ridden a 09 model R1200GS in the Alps and it was a hoot.
The GSA was okay but this is the major rub, the 2011 twin cam 1200 GSA demonstrator that was specced up to over £15000 with every option on was on reflection a bit of a disappointment. My bike is worth £3000 and it was nowhere near twice as good as it is despite 13 years of development, never mind worth 5 times more.
I think I was expecting it to be a much better bike with all the hype it gets and it just wasn't.
When I first rode the 1150 (both hire bikes in the Alps , demonstrators and my own bike) they had the wow factor and I realised why the press had been raving about them since the 1100 Gs first came out. Then having ridden the 1150 Adventure in the past it was even better.
With the 1200 GSA that wow factor just wasn't there, I can't really put my finger on why .
It may be because I was expecting the Yamaha to be disappointing and was pleasantly suprised by how good it was (not quite there for me but nearly).
If the Stelvio is no better I will have to either plum for a lower specced Adventure and mould it to what I want or wait until the spring and have a real good look at the upcoming Triumph.
Unless I can persuade BMW to start making the old 1150 adventure again but with the 1200's better gearbox
The GSA was okay but this is the major rub, the 2011 twin cam 1200 GSA demonstrator that was specced up to over £15000 with every option on was on reflection a bit of a disappointment. My bike is worth £3000 and it was nowhere near twice as good as it is despite 13 years of development, never mind worth 5 times more.
I think I was expecting it to be a much better bike with all the hype it gets and it just wasn't.
When I first rode the 1150 (both hire bikes in the Alps , demonstrators and my own bike) they had the wow factor and I realised why the press had been raving about them since the 1100 Gs first came out. Then having ridden the 1150 Adventure in the past it was even better.
With the 1200 GSA that wow factor just wasn't there, I can't really put my finger on why .
It may be because I was expecting the Yamaha to be disappointing and was pleasantly suprised by how good it was (not quite there for me but nearly).
If the Stelvio is no better I will have to either plum for a lower specced Adventure and mould it to what I want or wait until the spring and have a real good look at the upcoming Triumph.
Unless I can persuade BMW to start making the old 1150 adventure again but with the 1200's better gearbox
Well I tried out a new 2011 model Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX today and it was very interesting. it works out at just over £12000 on the road and that includes heated grips, SW Motech 38 litre panniers and rails, ABS ,Traction control, engine bars and auxilliary spot lights inc Brembo radial front calipers plus two charging/ power output sockets. It is also pre wired for the Tom Tom Rider 2 and the mount is £80 extra.
Good points
1). The overall finish is if anything looks and feels much better than the BMW, loads of stainless fasteners, anodising etc
2). Engine has loads of character and is reasonably quiet, feels as powerful as the dohc boxer I tried and despite the official figures it feels as if it produces more torque. it was mechanically noisier than the GSA but no worse than the Yam (in its defence the Guzzi and the Yam were both due their first service)
3). The handling was very good the Marzocchi front end felt really planted at speed and it handles the bends very well. The rear end is very well controlled and stable
4). The brakes are superb, suprisingly the back brake was both very powerful AND controlable.
5). The switchgear was as good as typical Japanese stuff and well set out and the instruments were good.
6). General ergonomics were also very good the bars to peg set up is really comfortable and the seat is much much better than the BM's . At low speed the bike felt more manageable and better balanced than the GSA.
7). The gearbox was very good cold, but became clunky near the end of the test ride when stuck in heavy traffic and 26 degrees of heat. According to the dealer it is due an oil change at the first service
8). Pillion comfort according to my wife was better than the GSA and much much better than the Yamaha, she did struggle getting off as the panniers are set quite high and leave very little room to manouevre off the bike due to there being less room between the pillion pegs and panniers.
9). According to the onboard computer the bike was averaging over 50 mpg overall on all the tests rides
So this has put the cat amongst the proverbial flying rats, I am going to have to try another go on the GSA in the dry (and from a dealer who actually knows how to do something as simple as set up a set of handlebars so the controls aren't all angled up over forcing your wrists up at an uncomfortable angle). Also to be fair to the GSA ireally need to try one that has a few more miles undrer its belt and has settled down.
Good points
1). The overall finish is if anything looks and feels much better than the BMW, loads of stainless fasteners, anodising etc
2). Engine has loads of character and is reasonably quiet, feels as powerful as the dohc boxer I tried and despite the official figures it feels as if it produces more torque. it was mechanically noisier than the GSA but no worse than the Yam (in its defence the Guzzi and the Yam were both due their first service)
3). The handling was very good the Marzocchi front end felt really planted at speed and it handles the bends very well. The rear end is very well controlled and stable
4). The brakes are superb, suprisingly the back brake was both very powerful AND controlable.
5). The switchgear was as good as typical Japanese stuff and well set out and the instruments were good.
6). General ergonomics were also very good the bars to peg set up is really comfortable and the seat is much much better than the BM's . At low speed the bike felt more manageable and better balanced than the GSA.
7). The gearbox was very good cold, but became clunky near the end of the test ride when stuck in heavy traffic and 26 degrees of heat. According to the dealer it is due an oil change at the first service
8). Pillion comfort according to my wife was better than the GSA and much much better than the Yamaha, she did struggle getting off as the panniers are set quite high and leave very little room to manouevre off the bike due to there being less room between the pillion pegs and panniers.
9). According to the onboard computer the bike was averaging over 50 mpg overall on all the tests rides
So this has put the cat amongst the proverbial flying rats, I am going to have to try another go on the GSA in the dry (and from a dealer who actually knows how to do something as simple as set up a set of handlebars so the controls aren't all angled up over forcing your wrists up at an uncomfortable angle). Also to be fair to the GSA ireally need to try one that has a few more miles undrer its belt and has settled down.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
That was interesting about the guzzi might try one myself, i test rode the yamaha super tenere yesterday and was surprised how good it was, comfy quite punchy as well only thing was the buffeting but i am 6ft 1 i would need to change the screen, i rode solo so would need to take the wife for another test ride but i liked it, the dealer was prepared to discount quite a bit i felt because there not shifting as many as they would like, ive already got a ducati 1198 so of course i must test ride the multistrada next.
Guzzi definitely has loads of character, I was put off the Super Ten by the price, luggage,pillion comfort and lack of range
CuzGS
Registered user
1200 GS, ABS, Heated grips, Vario Panniers
Its all bikes to all men
Ive had mine years and when I open my garage door its always the bike I either get on or wish I was getting on, cant say more than that really.
I used to own a ford focus and mates would take the piss saying everyones got one, well thats because theyre bloody good cars, GS is the same, not perfect but they dont sell those numbers for being just "OK"
Its all bikes to all men
Ive had mine years and when I open my garage door its always the bike I either get on or wish I was getting on, cant say more than that really.
I used to own a ford focus and mates would take the piss saying everyones got one, well thats because theyre bloody good cars, GS is the same, not perfect but they dont sell those numbers for being just "OK"
Thing is after 9 years of owning the R1150GS I REALLY DID want to buy a R1200 GSA, I've ridden a 09 model R1200GS in the Alps and it was a hoot. Me too, I did and was underwhelmed
The GSA was okay but this is the major rub, the 2011 twin cam 1200 GSA demonstrator that was specced up to over £15000 with every option on was on reflection a bit of a disappointment. My bike is worth £3000 and it was nowhere near twice as good as it is despite 13 years of development, never mind worth 5 times more. Agreed, £15k for one is absolutely barking, no wonder they are perennially giving away panniers
I think I was expecting it to be a much better bike with all the hype it gets and it just wasn't.
When I first rode the 1150 (both hire bikes in the Alps , demonstrators and my own bike) they had the wow factor and I realised why the press had been raving about them since the 1100 Gs first came out. Then having ridden the 1150 Adventure in the past it was even better. Agreed - 1150GSA is my perfect bike, the power delivery, the gear ratios, the rock solid handling and ultimately the overall simplicity - plus it looks the business
With the 1200 GSA that wow factor just wasn't there, I can't really put my finger on why. I felt likewise and only kept it 3 months
Unless I can persuade BMW to start making the old 1150 adventure again but with the 1200's better gearbox - That would be nirvana and I'd order one now
You are so right
Are there many Guzzi dealers about 
Planning to change sometime next year so may try and line up rides on the Guzzi, Yam and new Triumph.
I read a good review for the Guzzi in a bike mag last week, it does sound like the price / spec combination is quite compelling, but I would guess the Yamaha will be the cheapest to run / service and Triumph will have a lot more dealers than Guzzi.
I am definately starting to get the feeling the Guzzi may just tick all the boxes...assuming they are reliable - how long have these bikes (or the components there made from) been around, assuming they don't regularly break down in a hugely expensive manner (no names mentioned) I would be very interested.
Planning to change sometime next year so may try and line up rides on the Guzzi, Yam and new Triumph.
I read a good review for the Guzzi in a bike mag last week, it does sound like the price / spec combination is quite compelling, but I would guess the Yamaha will be the cheapest to run / service and Triumph will have a lot more dealers than Guzzi.
I am definately starting to get the feeling the Guzzi may just tick all the boxes...assuming they are reliable - how long have these bikes (or the components there made from) been around, assuming they don't regularly break down in a hugely expensive manner (no names mentioned) I would be very interested.
About 60 years+, making shaft drives
The Stelvio with the 8v motor came out in 2007/2008 . the complaint originally was it was too peaky. Guzzi revised the ignition for the following year and remapped the early bikes.
The complaint since 2008 has been it looked bug eyed, that the 18 litre tank was too small and that the 6.5 inch rear rim was designed for 180/55 tyres and wouldn't take the industry standard 150/70 tyre.
The rear rim was sorted that year on the NTX, and this year a new fairing upper has been designed with a larger screen and the tank is now 32 litres but physically smaller.
According to the dealer he was quite open about the fact that when the single sider first came out on the earlier bikes they had a batch of drive bearing failures (sound familiar- same bearing as the 1150gs). Guzzi did a full recall and fitted new redesigned bevel boxes to all bikes.
Also the first 4 valve engines had a batch of poorly hardened cam followers which led to a recall and redesign.
Couldn't knock Moto Strada in Shipley for their openess , knowledge and enthusiasm for the make
The complaint since 2008 has been it looked bug eyed, that the 18 litre tank was too small and that the 6.5 inch rear rim was designed for 180/55 tyres and wouldn't take the industry standard 150/70 tyre.
The rear rim was sorted that year on the NTX, and this year a new fairing upper has been designed with a larger screen and the tank is now 32 litres but physically smaller.
According to the dealer he was quite open about the fact that when the single sider first came out on the earlier bikes they had a batch of drive bearing failures (sound familiar- same bearing as the 1150gs). Guzzi did a full recall and fitted new redesigned bevel boxes to all bikes.
Also the first 4 valve engines had a batch of poorly hardened cam followers which led to a recall and redesign.
Couldn't knock Moto Strada in Shipley for their openess , knowledge and enthusiasm for the make
Cheers. I will try and get a go on one, hopefully by next year some used NTX's will be around with low mileage and at a good discount over new, hopefully it will only be a few k to change if I like it.
Was thinking of doing the Super Tenere experience to get a good go on one of them. I have three Triumph dealers within an hours ride so a test on one of them should be easy.
Was thinking of doing the Super Tenere experience to get a good go on one of them. I have three Triumph dealers within an hours ride so a test on one of them should be easy.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
I'm going for a test ride today on the guzzi at a dealers in Chelmsford Newcombes. It's best to test ride them all close together otherwise I forget what there like, I'm a bit like that, I know what people are saying about price on the tenere but the dealers are giving big discounts especially if no part x involved plus they don't break down which helps, I will let you know how I get on with the guzzi.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Had the ride on the guzzi, well I liked it a lot I'm not that mechanically minded so don't know to much about the specification, it felt more comfortable than the tenere I took the wife with me and she was comfy on the back no luggage though, felt plenty powerful enough for that sort of bike the screen was ok for me and I'm 6th 1inch it was adjustable, couldn't believe it held 23 litres it doesn't look big enough but it does, it felt heavy at a standstill but on the move felt quite nimble im used to my ducati 1198 though!.... Overall I thought it was a good package there doing low rate finance as well and you get heated grips luggage and extra front lights all in, now to try the multistrada which is about 3 grand more.
Trying out another (hopefully properly set up) GSA at another dealer on Wednesday.
The worry with the Guzzi is the fact that the nearest dealer is over 120 miles away. Something as basic as the first service at 600 -1000 miles is a five hour jobbie. It means a 2 1/2 hour trip down there and a 2 1/2 trip back so it will end up a 10 hour day just for a service. It is a shame because it was avery good bike
The worry with the Guzzi is the fact that the nearest dealer is over 120 miles away. Something as basic as the first service at 600 -1000 miles is a five hour jobbie. It means a 2 1/2 hour trip down there and a 2 1/2 trip back so it will end up a 10 hour day just for a service. It is a shame because it was avery good bike
Have been up to Motorrad Central at Dalkeith today and tried out their 1200GSA demo, what a difference (as they say they don't like sending out a demo until it is run in and has had its first service)
The bars were set up right for starters and with a few miles under its belt (800 plus) the engine was an absolute belter, loads of mid range grunt out of corners and the roll on in sixth from 60 was much better than any pre dohc engine 1200's I've ridden. Obviously the tyres were well scrubbed in and the brakes settled.
I only needed an hour on some really nice twisties and a short run on the A1 to realise what a belter the bike actually is.
If anybody is interested they are doing a cracking deal on gsa's in stock this month as advertised in the MCN, the bikes already fitted with the ABS/ESA packs ie fully specced up are coming with free panniers from BMW and a free genuine BMW tankbag alloy top box and pannier /top box inner bags (from Motorrad).
I was going to wait till September to buy a new bike but made a deal there and then on a basic 1200 GSA with the comfort pack plus pannier rails etc. So will be taking delivery for the end of this month.
It just goes to show what a difference the set up of the bike makes and the attitude and set up of the dealer.
The bars were set up right for starters and with a few miles under its belt (800 plus) the engine was an absolute belter, loads of mid range grunt out of corners and the roll on in sixth from 60 was much better than any pre dohc engine 1200's I've ridden. Obviously the tyres were well scrubbed in and the brakes settled.
I only needed an hour on some really nice twisties and a short run on the A1 to realise what a belter the bike actually is.
If anybody is interested they are doing a cracking deal on gsa's in stock this month as advertised in the MCN, the bikes already fitted with the ABS/ESA packs ie fully specced up are coming with free panniers from BMW and a free genuine BMW tankbag alloy top box and pannier /top box inner bags (from Motorrad).
I was going to wait till September to buy a new bike but made a deal there and then on a basic 1200 GSA with the comfort pack plus pannier rails etc. So will be taking delivery for the end of this month.
It just goes to show what a difference the set up of the bike makes and the attitude and set up of the dealer.
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