Who’s switched to an RS from a GS

g00ner

g00ner

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Sold my 1250GS ‘cos I wasn’t using it, now I miss owning a bigger bike :comfort

There’s a lovely looking 18 plated 1200 RS on Autotrader that’s probably £3k less than equivalent GS. I avoid motorways unless I have to and live in Kent so it’s back roads to avoid traffic generally. Anyone made the change and enjoyed it or vice versa? I love the GS range but don’t ride with pillion and sometimes the 1250 felt like it was taking me for a soin rather than me riding it IYKWIM.

Own a 701 currently and a dinky 300 XTrainer
 
I did . Had the R1250RS for 4 years and 30k miles . In fact it’s up for sale in an Exeter showroom . Really enjoyed it pretty close to sports bike for a big bike . I’m now back on the R1300GS but I’m looking at a R1300RS too . As an all rounder I think the R1300GS is the best bike around , but for proper sporty riding you can’t beat an RS
 
I went from Triumph Explorer to 2016 R1200RS. Had the RS for over 8 years and 35,000 miles all around Europe. Fantastic bike. I would have kept it but the sporty riding position, 20 degree lean forward, does not suit me now I am older. Back to an upright bike earlier this year but a V85.
I had a number of GS variants as loan bikes over the years, 1200, 1250 and 1300. After riding the RS the GS felt a little vague as the telelever isolates you from the road compared to the forks of the RS plus the extra weight and higher centre of gravity.
 
I moved to a GS in 2007 after a string of assorted bikes. First time I had panniers and top box so could go places. Never got abroad though. Attended the off road place in south Wales but I was never an off roader.

I found the GS very comfortable and the performance was quite adequate on all roads. Even enjoyed a few gentle track sessions.

After almost 6 years I moved to a mint R1200R Anniversary model and thought it might be a keeper.

But - the R1200RS was launched in 2015 and I ordered one over the phone without seeing a real one.

It arrived in June 2015 and still lives in my garage. I’ve loved it for over 50,000 miles. Been on North Sea ferry 9 times. Been on track a few times.

It’s tailored to fit me and is all day comfortable. I always ride solo.

Over the GS I like the smaller wheels. I like a 10 to 15% improvement in fuel consumption. I like it’s a rare thing.

I’ve never felt a desire to “move up” to a 1250 or 1300. What can they offer me beyond an empty wallet?


IMG_5135.jpeg
 
wessie said:
I went from Triumph Explorer to 2016 R1200RS. Had the RS for over 8 years and 35,000 miles all around Europe. Fantastic bike. I would have kept it but the sporty riding position, 20 degree lean forward, does not suit me now I am older. Back to an upright bike earlier this year but a V85.
I had a number of GS variants as loan bikes over the years, 1200, 1250 and 1300. After riding the RS the GS felt a little vague as the telelever isolates you from the road compared to the forks of the RS plus the extra weight and higher centre of gravity.
Click to expand...
I’ve read you can raise the bars a little, help the back out a bit
 
Boxerboy55 said:
I moved to a GS in 2007 after a string of assorted bikes. First time I had panniers and top box so could go places. Never got abroad though. Attended the off road place in south Wales but I was never an off roader.

I found the GS very comfortable and the performance was quite adequate on all roads. Even enjoyed a few gentle track sessions.

After almost 6 years I moved to a mint R1200R Anniversary model and thought it might be a keeper.

But - the R1200RS was launched in 2015 and I ordered one over the phone without seeing a real one.

It arrived in June 2015 and still lives in my garage. I’ve loved it for over 50,000 miles. Been on North Sea ferry 9 times. Been on track a few times.

It’s tailored to fit me and is all day comfortable. I always ride solo.

Over the GS I like the smaller wheels. I like a 10 to 15% improvement in fuel consumption. I like it’s a rare thing.

I’ve never felt a desire to “move up” to a 1250 or 1300. What can they offer me beyond an empty wallet?


View attachment 460462
Click to expand...
I’m far from a sporty rider but. 1. They’re rare as you said and 2. I do fancy trying a track day (a slow one with instructors)
 
g00ner said:
I’ve read you can raise the bars a little, help the back out a bit
Click to expand...
Friend had a 15 plate r/s ,had a go and it was comfortable.I then had a r/s as a courtesy bike and it was one of the most uncomfortable bikes I have ridden on par with a r9t the only difference was that my friends bike had the bar risers on .
 
g00ner said:
I’ve read you can raise the bars a little, help the back out a bit
Click to expand...

I raised the bars 25mm, but didn't bring them forward

I also lowered the pegs.

Kept me on the bike for more years but right hip pain made it no longer comfortable after an hour or so. Nothing else sets off the hip, just that lean forward. Sitting upright on the V85 is comfy until my bladder intervenes.
 
I also have weak wrists, but I avoided any handle bar mods by cutting the screen down to allow the breeze to support my body. Quieter too. Combined with highest seat and lowered pegs it’s all day comfortable.

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, a recent ride home was 202 miles in 4.1/2 hours in one non-stop stint.
 
I swapped in 2023 after 3 GS' the last being a 2020 1250 GS TE Exclusive. At the time I fancied another bike but didn't want to shell out a big wedge for another 1250 GS or an even bigger one for the 1300. I'd tried the 1200 RS twice before but SWMBO didn't want to ride on the back so I stuck with the GS' until in 2023 when she said she wasn't really bothered about going on the back anymore so I test rode both the 1250R and 1250RS. The R was soon discounted as I just couldn't get used to the wind battering on a naked bike after being on a GS. The RS was better in stock form, but still not right for me, but the more engaging ride won me over compared to the wafty cosseted GS.

I ordered the 1250 RS SE with the tubular bars (which you can get non BMW versions of) and the low seat and the bestest colour.

Once I got it I soon replaced the screen with the Puig max touring jobby and have since added a 790mm seat to replace the 760mm one as it was too hard and the knee angle too acute, up and back risers and bar end weights. It's still not GS comfy but is a big improvement for me (5'7" short and a 29 inside leg) on the stock version with the clip ons and 820mm seat. Can you get a test ride?20240508_125818.jpg
 
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Lupin Blue was the fastest colour for sure. I have regrets about selling mine. Had a sit on a 1300rs at the Show today..... Nice😎IMG_20190805_113309.jpg
 
I went from a 2016 1200GSA to a 2018 1250RS. Really loved the sportier ride and connection to the road of the RS. My partner also preferred the pillion position on the RS, contrary to what you’d think.

The GS/A is still (I think) the most capable all rounder there is - it’s like a motorcycle, but just a bit better… and that’s the reason I wanted to swap. I missed the ‘bike’ feeling, and pitching the RS into a fast roundabout, hanging off then powering out was pure joy! It has those ‘sports bike’ notes that are missing on a GS.

That said, I’m in Kent/East Sussex too and love blasting around the quiet backroads. The GS handles bumpy, gnarly roads better than the RS, but you pay for it with that feeling like you’re sitting on it, and it’s doing the riding.

I used the GSA for riding up the motorway to see the kids every week, all weathers, and it was awesome. Did a bit of touring on it, and it was great. But I didn’t often take it out just for a ‘blast’ - I did the RS though. I’d just get on it and cane it for an hour or two, just for kicks - so I guess that’s the difference. If I was riding to Scotland again, then spending a week exploring, I’d take a GS/A.

For the backroads, and really tiny single lane roads round Kent and East Sussex, I now have an Aprilia Tuareg 660 - which is amazing fun. It leaps over potholes and bumps, which actually makes me seek out gnarly roads! It’ll still do 200 miles to a tank and sit on the motorway, comfortable at 80, all day, no stress - it’s the only bike I have, for what it’s worth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
littleade said:
I swapped in 2023 after 3 GS' the last being a 2020 1250 GS TE Exclusive. At the time I fancied another bike but didn't want to shell out a big wedge for another 1250 GS or an even bigger one for the 1300. I'd tried the 1200 RS twice before but SWMBO didn't want to ride on the back so I stuck with the GS' until in 2023 when she said she wasn't really bothered about going on the back anymore so I test rode both the 1250R and 1250RS. The R was soon discounted as I just couldn't get used to the wind battering on a naked bike after being on a GS. The RS was better in stock form, but still not right for me, but the more engaging ride won me over compared to the wafty cosseted GS.

I ordered the 1250 RS SE with the tubular bars (which you can get non BMW versions of) and the low seat and the bestest colour.

Once I got it I soon replaced the screen with the Puig max touring jobby and have since added a 790mm seat to replace the 760mm one as it was too hard and the knee angle too acute, up and back risers and bar end weights. It's still not GS comfy but is a big improvement for me (5'7" short and a 29 inside leg) on the stock version with the clip ons and 820mm seat. Can you get a test ride?View attachment 460468
Click to expand...
That’s a fine looking bike

I’m looking for a local one to try for size

Whitey said:
I went from a 2016 1200GSA to a 2018 1250RS. Really loved the sportier ride and connection to the road of the RS. My partner also preferred the pillion position on the RS, contrary to what you’d think.

The GS/A is still (I think) the most capable all rounder there is - it’s like a motorcycle, but just a bit better… and that’s the reason I wanted to swap. I missed the ‘bike’ feeling, and pitching the RS into a fast roundabout, hanging off then powering out was pure joy! It has those ‘sports bike’ notes that are missing on a GS.

That said, I’m in Kent/East Sussex too and love blasting around the quiet backroads. The GS handles bumpy, gnarly roads better than the RS, but you pay for it with that feeling like you’re sitting on it, and it’s doing the riding.

I used the GSA for riding up the motorway to see the kids every week, all weathers, and it was awesome. Did a bit of touring on it, and it was great. But I didn’t often take it out just for a ‘blast’ - I did the RS though. I’d just get on it and cane it for an hour or two, just for kicks - so I guess that’s the difference. If I was riding to Scotland again, then spending a week exploring, I’d take a GS/A.

For the backroads, and really tiny single lane roads round Kent and East Sussex, I now have an Aprilia Tuareg 660 - which is amazing fun. It leaps over potholes and bumps, which actually makes me seek out gnarly roads! It’ll still do 200 miles to a tank and sit on the motorway, comfortable at 80, all day, no stress - it’s the only bike I have, for what it’s worth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
The riding it rather than it taking me out is a strong reason for trying one - that plus the back lanes you know well. Lots of them near me have grass down the centre which the GS copes with - not as well as the Africa Twin I owned but the boxer engine made it worthwhile


I can’t afford a 1250 or 1300 and the price of an newish 1200RS (2018) makes it attractive
 
My mate had my old 30th anniversary 1200gs done 45k miles on it, fancied a change to something lighter, bought a 1250 RS last year … he says
Yes it’s lighter and cheaper but it’s not a patch on the gs in terms of riding on the poor quality roads we have in this area (Cambs) he’s looking for something else instead now,Transalp, Tenere etc type
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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