GS1150 v GS1200

I've just had my first service (GS1200) at 950 miles and was loaned an 1150 (18000 miles) by Pidcocks who were doing the service so I thought I'd jot down a few of my impresions of both as a very rough and ready comparison.

To put my views into context; I'm new to 'Boxer' ownership I've had loads of Guzzis though, so not too different (cue oportunity for flaming ).

I've always fancied a GS but due to a dodgy leg was always put off by the weight and size/height of them. So, when the 1200 came out I just had to test ride one!
Needles to say I was impressed and ended up buying one. What I didn't do, however, is ride an 1150 to compare at the time.

Anyway, here are my thoughts:

First off, the 1150 was no higher (pos. shorter?) than my 1200 with seat on highest setting and was easier to swing a leg over. The riding position felt quite different with my knees bent more and the bars further back. This I didn't like so much as I prefer to have more weight over the front of the bike and prefer the set up on the 1200.

Once started the engine sounded mechanicaly a lot quieter. On pulling away it needed far less revs and pulled really well form low down, far more so than the 1200. Also mid-range grunt seemed better and it was only when using the top end of the rev range that I felt the 1200 had more 'poke'. Everywhere else the 1150 seemed more flexible (and smoother). The only fly in ointment ( and for me it was a humungeous bluebottle) was the awful fueling at lower revs which made it hard to hold a constant throttle - the 1200's fueling is pretty much spot on in comparison.

At a standstill the 1150 had felt heavier than the 1200 but as soon as you moved off I felt the opposite to be true, the 1150 actually felt marginally better balanced and lighter - I was very surprised to say the least

It was only at high speed that I felt the benefits of the 1200's reduced weight. It felt more nimble, easier to change direction and more planted/stable at the same time. Partly helped by the more 'front end' biased riding postion maybe?

Only a quick comparison I know. I'm also aware that the 1150's engine is hardly run in at 18000 miles let alone my 1200 at 950 miles!

When I returned the bike I asked if I could swap engines, Pidcocks declined

I do prefer my 1200 because I feel it's a more refined bike and that appeals to me. Also, I love that 'two stage' throttle with it's top end rush (which is only getting better with every mile!).
However, the 1150 is a heck of a bike and, IMVHO better than the 1200 in some areas.

Cheers
Andres

*newbie reply warning*

Is it possible that you were a little bit more agressive with the 1150, given that:
a) It's not your bike
b) Your bike is pre-first service, so still under-going the break-in process?

Was the 1150 stock?

*excuse the newbie'ness*

No, absolutley not I'm afraid.

I've run my bike in using the 'ride it like you stole it' technique and have been using full on throttle for many miles now - actually that seemed to me to be the only time the GS1200 had more power. The rest of the time the 1150 was far more tractable.
Obviously my engine is not by any means fully bedded in yet but the difference was pallpable and I doubt that would make a big difference.

Pidcocks did admit that the loan bike was a 'good 'un' but even so.....

Andres

You'll find that your 1200 becomes much smoother and more tractable at lower revs as you put more miles on it.

Mine is so much better now at 11000 miles compared to when new.

This thread should be fun

Obviously Andres is a complete liar and is not to be trusted, eh

good fair comparison from my viewpoint

Good comparison. It surprised me as well that the 1200 is actually taller! Tobers is right - the 1200 engine will develop a lot more low down torque as the miles go on and should become quite tractable from 2k rpm up though I reckon the 1150 still has a bit more between 2k and 3k.

Paul

SQD8R said:

good fair comparison from my viewpoint

Click to expand...

I agree with you SQD8R, good to see an unbiased comparison.

Thanks for the reassurance that my engine will improve with more miles, although I tend to agree will Paul that there is a fundamental differance there between the two engines.

Any way, sod all this - it's sunny outside and I've taken the afternoon of to go and ride my bike. At the end of the day my GS puts a massive smile on my face every time I swing a leg over her so I'm happy

Andres