Two months in and bored of my 1200GS
Discussion
Harry H said:
I doubt you're missing much but the GS can be made to Tango very well. It's a capable bike covering ground efficiently. But the engine is never going the be exciting as where an inline 4 picks up as you start to thrash it the GS flat twin just sort of runs out of puff. It's all about the torque.
I think that's the issue, from a technical point of view, it's an excellent, efficient bike but unless torque really floats your boat, it's never going to really excite. I'll give it a run anyway and then decide whether to book some test rides.Really sorry to hear that Mosdef.
After our discussions about new bikes I thought that you'd get the new (and far better looking) Versys. I do love my Crossrunner but don't think it has the sort of power delivery that you're looking for.
I'd suggest the Crosstourer as being worth a test ride. The engine is amazing and should give you more of what you're looking for. It's also still a physically big bike which should help.
I hope you get this all sorted.
After our discussions about new bikes I thought that you'd get the new (and far better looking) Versys. I do love my Crossrunner but don't think it has the sort of power delivery that you're looking for.
I'd suggest the Crosstourer as being worth a test ride. The engine is amazing and should give you more of what you're looking for. It's also still a physically big bike which should help.
I hope you get this all sorted.
Also got a 2016 GS - replacing my 2015 model which I eventually was able to reject due to a persistent electrical issue.
This one is fine but, to be honest, I preferred the air cooled model, a bit slower but with more character.
I understand where you're coming from.
Surely a different exhaust will just make it sound better and not really improve performance.
Dynamic mode does make a difference.
This one is fine but, to be honest, I preferred the air cooled model, a bit slower but with more character.
I understand where you're coming from.
Surely a different exhaust will just make it sound better and not really improve performance.
Dynamic mode does make a difference.
I think perhaps the GS is just too capable for you.
I have an early liquid cooled one and it is fantastic! The engine has lots of charictor, its just diffrent.
The standard exhaust is horrible though. Looks alight but stiffels the engine and makes it a bit "clackerty"
The off the shelf exhausts are very expensive, but akapovic are good.
I built my own. Took a stock exhaust and gutted it. Not much louder but it make a massive difference to fuel economy and make it pick up better at hight RPM.
Went from averaging 45/50 mpg to getting 60-65 mpg
I have an early liquid cooled one and it is fantastic! The engine has lots of charictor, its just diffrent.
The standard exhaust is horrible though. Looks alight but stiffels the engine and makes it a bit "clackerty"
The off the shelf exhausts are very expensive, but akapovic are good.
I built my own. Took a stock exhaust and gutted it. Not much louder but it make a massive difference to fuel economy and make it pick up better at hight RPM.
Went from averaging 45/50 mpg to getting 60-65 mpg
Have you considered an Africa Twin ?
I test rode the Duke and GS, and found them to be pretty decent, the GS was, as you say, bloody boring and I felt like I needed beige trousers and a beard to fit in with the other GS owners, and the KTM was wildly powerful, but I have a sports and track bike for when I wanted to go fast
The AT is admittedly quite low on power compared to the other two, but the engine matches the chassis well and it's fun enough to ride and fast enough to be OK without being bonkers quick, which after all, isn't what these tyres of bikes are about
Also, quite a bit cheaper than a Multistrada, GS or KTM at 10.5k
I test rode the Duke and GS, and found them to be pretty decent, the GS was, as you say, bloody boring and I felt like I needed beige trousers and a beard to fit in with the other GS owners, and the KTM was wildly powerful, but I have a sports and track bike for when I wanted to go fast
The AT is admittedly quite low on power compared to the other two, but the engine matches the chassis well and it's fun enough to ride and fast enough to be OK without being bonkers quick, which after all, isn't what these tyres of bikes are about
Also, quite a bit cheaper than a Multistrada, GS or KTM at 10.5k
Sounds like what you need is a Husqvarna Nuda R. Still with a BMW motor but definitely not boring - check the vid...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdrlSkl-hzA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdrlSkl-hzA
SteelerSE said:
Really sorry to hear that Mosdef.
After our discussions about new bikes I thought that you'd get the new (and far better looking) Versys. I do love my Crossrunner but don't think it has the sort of power delivery that you're looking for.
I'd suggest the Crosstourer as being worth a test ride. The engine is amazing and should give you more of what you're looking for. It's also still a physically big bike which should help.
I hope you get this all sorted.
Thanks Steeler, glad to hear you're enjoying your Crossrunner. I had a look at the Crosstourer at around the time you bought your bike and the insurance quote (central London admittedly) was £1,300 pa for TPFT - absolutely nuts! Might have to check that again as I can't believe they're any more prone to being nicked than a GS.After our discussions about new bikes I thought that you'd get the new (and far better looking) Versys. I do love my Crossrunner but don't think it has the sort of power delivery that you're looking for.
I'd suggest the Crosstourer as being worth a test ride. The engine is amazing and should give you more of what you're looking for. It's also still a physically big bike which should help.
I hope you get this all sorted.
Davel said:
I preferred the air cooled model, a bit slower but with more character.
Could it be as simple as that? I ride a VFR which many say has a fairly characterful engine. I think it sounds like a sewing machine personally until you get the revs up.Had a test ride on an R nineT last year. It's got the air-cooled version of the 1200GS lump and I thought it was super characterful. Don't know if it was the air-cooled bit or the Akra pipes, but I loved the sound and loved the torque - shame it ran out of puff just when the VFR would be
I'm not sure if this has been posted here before, but: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkdDpfBcrK8
I have an Akrapovic can on my GS Adventure, and no, it makes no more power, but it does sound a lot better. If you find the GS a bit dull, it could well be the power delivery if you're coming off an IL4, but as others have said, A Ducati Multistrada is definitely not dull, and is well worth a try out. I didn't take to it simply because of the seat, giving me no room to move about, but it may suit you just fine. It certainly won't disappoint you in it's performance, but then neither will an XR.
I have an Akrapovic can on my GS Adventure, and no, it makes no more power, but it does sound a lot better. If you find the GS a bit dull, it could well be the power delivery if you're coming off an IL4, but as others have said, A Ducati Multistrada is definitely not dull, and is well worth a try out. I didn't take to it simply because of the seat, giving me no room to move about, but it may suit you just fine. It certainly won't disappoint you in it's performance, but then neither will an XR.
Thanks very much for all the suggestions; I had a longer ride in Dynamic mode yesterday and I was definitely slightly happier but also had the Mrs on the back for half the time I was on the bike, so for that chunk of the ride, I wasn't really going for it in any way. For general transport, it's a great bike but doesn't really stir the soul in any way. I'm going to try and track down a GS with a proper exhaust and see if that helps at all (even though the power delivery and engine characteristics won't change, something a bit rortier might add a bit of enjoyment).
Otherwise, it's going to be trade in time and the list of potential replacements seems to be getting longer!
Otherwise, it's going to be trade in time and the list of potential replacements seems to be getting longer!
Sadly you will lose a lot of money and probably so will I.
Chester, who sold it to me, and other main dealers have loads in stock and so offer a pittance - even at just a few months old.
They even said that they would move it on and not sell it there.
Of course a new Akra can is about £750 at the dealer so don't buy until you decide what to do.
Chester, who sold it to me, and other main dealers have loads in stock and so offer a pittance - even at just a few months old.
They even said that they would move it on and not sell it there.
Of course a new Akra can is about £750 at the dealer so don't buy until you decide what to do.
It's a really personal thing, which bike / engine configuration provides enjoyment / character.
For me, I find the modern beemer flat twins just about the dullest engine configuration out there. Zero character for me and very close to the next dullest, the parallel twin.
The whine of the gear driven cams on the older VFR800s/750 can be quite addictive at lower speeds. I tend to buy Triples, V twins or 250/500cc two strokers these days.
For me, I find the modern beemer flat twins just about the dullest engine configuration out there. Zero character for me and very close to the next dullest, the parallel twin.
The whine of the gear driven cams on the older VFR800s/750 can be quite addictive at lower speeds. I tend to buy Triples, V twins or 250/500cc two strokers these days.
jackh707 said:
Try the KTM 1190 adv, not as big and burly as the 1290. Head banging good fun.
I've ridden the versys thou and the GS1200 extensively and the KTM would be my recommendation for your requirements
Thanks Jack, I read a few reviews of the KTM 1190 yesterday and it sounds great (as others on here have also said). Time to find one and give it a try. I've ridden the versys thou and the GS1200 extensively and the KTM would be my recommendation for your requirements
It could simply be the reality of living with a GS. I think a lot of these adventure bikes are bought with lofty aspirations to extended touring sessions like Long Way Round. The reality of a commute from Surrey to London with full metal luggage doesn't quite match rhe sales pitch and riders start to feel a little disappointed. Hopefully, wherever you look next will provide the satisfaction you're after.
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