Two months in and bored of my 1200GS

[steve_k]

I went from a blackbird to a 1200 gsa at first I missed the power but after a few weeks found my self riding the smaller roads at slower speeds but faster than I could on a sports bike and seeing more of the country.

I have now downsized again to the 800 gs for less weight and to ride more tracks and gravel roads.

Stick with it for a bit longer and turn down a few B roads you might just click with the bike and see a different countryside than going everywhere flat out or do a trip to the Alps and it will all make sense :-)

[spareparts]

Preferred engine configuration is different between everyone. For road riding, I love the low down torque of a twin. I find most IL4s exceptionally dull despite their linear delivery and headline banging power. They lack the low down pull of a twin, and I generally don't ride at 9-12k rpm for 99% of the time which is where most IL4s come alive.

[jhoneyball]

I know it is a controversial view, but I dont get on well with the LC BMW 1200s. The last of the aircooled 1200s (like my 3yo R1200R) are a perfect setup. The newer ones add in lots of modern stuff, alongside the old fashioned stuff, and it just doesnt gel for me.

[Bikesalot]

Pack a bag or the panniers and head to Belgium or the likes for a weekend. See how it feels then.

[stupidbutkeen]

Get a mt09 tracer, Not to everyones taste but its fun with enough torque and power to keep it interesting and comfy enough to do a ironbutt challange without any aches or pains afterwards.

[Mosdef]

I think I need to give it a bit more time and see whether I gel with it. The main problem is my choice is fairly limited due to my height, weight and the fact I need to carry a pillion around town fairly often. The GS takes care of these things well (better than the Tracer, Versys 1000 etc) but then so might the KTM 1190 (although the insurance costs on the KTM are absolutely insane - TPFT is the same as fully comp on my GS, which is still around £1.4k per year due to central London parking). A test ride on the KTM will tell!

[Steve Bass]

maybe try the 1290 Super Adventure as it's a closer comparison to the GS.
The 1190 is a bit "focussed"

[fergus]

Is the KTM 1190 due for an update shortly? That may drop prices of the current 1190.

[N Dentressangle]

I had no great love for the water cooled R1200GS which I had for a day either. I was happy to get back on my 2010 GS, and wasn't tempted to stick a deposit on the new model.

I had a test ride on an S1000 XR last week. It was a proper hooligan bike - comfortable riding position, tons of power, great handling. I agree with the previous poster who thought it made you hoon it everywhere - I did. I wasn't so keen on the revvy, undergeared 4 cyl motor, or the crap screen, but otherwise it'll be on my list for when I'm fed up with my GS.

[Tribal Chestnut]

Tried an S1000XR last year and loved it, apart from the annoying vibration through the seat at 6000 or so. Could've put up with it, but for the best part of £20k I thought it was a bit of a piss take. Also took out an 1190 adventure which was also brill. Both bikes were too wide to be ideal for London, then there's the theft issue. Settled on another Yamaha in the end for a fraction of the price.