Which One ?

[sidestand]

I've had an R80 GS for almost 2 years now & really enjoy riding it, but at 50bhp, it's not really up to long distance 2 up touring with all the gear......

So I've been looking around for nice long distance tourer/utility bike.
It's got to be a shaftie ( I've had several years on K1200 RS's & now have a K1200S - so have got used to them)
Tried the Guzzis - Stelvio, Norge, Griso, & 1200 Sport, but they all have disappointing mid range power.
The VFR 1200 is just a variation on my K12S
I'm not old enough for an RT yet - so I keep coming back to the R1200 GS .

Question is, which one ?
Tried the standard GS with a low seat (I'm a shortharse) & it was fine, but I didn't really rate the weather protection for a touring bike

Yesterday, I tried the GSA with a low seat - the weather protection is much better, with that wider screen & big tank, but jeesus is it a big barsteward & I was really on tippy toes.
I'm going to have another try next week & taking my son along to see how I can manage with a pillion.

Is there an aftermarket seat you can fit that gets you down an extra inch or so lower than the standard low seat ? As the GSA is definately my favourite, but I don't want to end up on a bike I can't manage.

Balderstons gave me another option, which is to fit standard GS shocks, but that adds another £800 or so to the price - so I'd like to keep that as a 'final solution' - I don't really want to get into the 'factory lowered' territory, as it compromises suspension & limits resale value.

Be grateful of any tips from all you lot in the know.

 

[oyster]

Hi Sidestand, I wonder if you are ready yet to come off the four cylinder yet?
you mention that you are not old enough for an RT!
The RT seems to be the one you need, re weather protection & low seat.
I have a 2010 GS with a low seat, also inside leg 29 inches, perfect solo bike, but when you add a pillion, plus camping gear, hell, brain in gear at all situations.Though a fun bike, for a sunday rideout 'two up' on the 'b' roads of our land!

 

[Packer]

You can lower the suspension.

 

[sidestand]

Well, I had my try out of the GSA yesterday with the boy on the back & have made my decision.

It's going to be a 2010 GSA with all the toys ( ESA, ABS ),
Standard seat, but borrow a low one from the dealers for a couple of weeks -
then I'll get myself a Kahedo extra low seat from Touratwat afterwards.
The ESA buggers up the low suspension option, but the Kahedo seat does the same job for almost £600 less! - plus I likes the ESA on me K12S anyway

Just waiting for the numbers £££££ so we can do the deal - then roll on Christmas

Thanks for the advice folks

 

[Wrinkly]

Try a Sargent seat,very very good over long distance plus they are narrower at the inner thighs than the standard gs/gsa seat which helps get your feet much closer to the ground.

Steve

 

[sidestand]

Did the deal today .........

Ordered one of these

£13500 with all the toys & free ally panniers.
Plus Kahedo low seat to start with

Pick it up early December - Merry Christmas

 

[casperfelix]

Did the deal today .........

Ordered one of these

£13500 with all the toys & free ally panniers.
Plus Kahedo low seat to start with

Pick it up early December - Merry Christmas

Way to go. Traded in my beloved 1150GS for a 2008 1200GSA this summer. Don't regret it at all. The 1200GSA is the best bike I've had by a long way. Though it is a big son of a b****. But that's half the fun.

 

[cheap'n'cheerful]

Sidestand
I've had an r80 gs for 22 years and they are more than capable of two touring with camping gear but you just have to accept your'e not going to get there as quick as a modern bike .

Cheers C'n'C

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Well, I had my try out of the GSA yesterday with the boy on the back & have made my decision.

It's going to be a 2010 GSA with all the toys ( ESA, ABS ),
Standard seat, but borrow a low one from the dealers for a couple of weeks -
then I'll get myself a Kahedo extra low seat from Touratwat afterwards.
The ESA buggers up the low suspension option, but the Kahedo seat does the same job for almost £600 less! - plus I likes the ESA on me K12S anyway

Just waiting for the numbers £££££ so we can do the deal - then roll on Christmas

Thanks for the advice folks

I've got a Kaheedo Low Seat on my GSA (29 inch inside leg) and it's fine but doesn't half make yer bum sore after about 50 miles so I've got an Airhawk as well which makes all the difference. I've done an 800 mile day before with that combo and the comfort was excellent

 

[sidestand]

C N'C - I've got an R80GS & I agree it's a great bike, but I really do struggle for space when I take the boy camping.

Ta for the info on the Kahedo seat Nice n' Fat .....I've got an airhawk seat pad that I use for touring on me K - I'll give it a try out

 

[RADZIOL]

hi sidestand where did u get the deal? thx

 

[sidestand]

hi sidestand where did u get the deal? thx

Got it from TJ at Balderstons Peterborough - there's a link at the top of the page.
I think he's still got 2 left

BTW - the Kahedo seat wasn't in the deal.

 

[RADZIOL]

will call them tmrow thx

 

[RADZIOL]

they tol me 14K

 

[sidestand]

Sorry mate - maybe the other 2 have something on them mine doesn't
Also, straight sale & no PX on my deal.....plus I've been dealing with them for years now.

 

[Nico]

they tol me 14K

Suggest you try with Chandlers in Brighton they are showing an offer of £13,450 on their website.

 

[sidestand]

Mine !

Got the Kahedo seat fitted in the picture, & they're going to do the ACF50 treatment for me before I get it dirty

Pick it up on 7th December

 

[sidestand]

Side on view with the seat

 

[LoggyDriver]

WOW


Wish I had the dosh for that puppy, a very nice looking bike. Hope you crank up some great miles on her...

 

[geordie458]

Side on view with the seat

I want one !!!