GS1200 vs GS1250

[Dr Jekyll]

Tried a 1250 while my 1200 was in for a service, very very impressed. Noticeably smoother engine and I'm sure I could feel the extra performance. The suspension seemed better as well, might have been my imagination but others have reported the same, even the gear change seemed improved. Also it has a splendidly clear TFT display rather than the irritatingly difficult to read instrument panel on my 1200. Sounds a minor point but does make it easier to ride.

It's the bike the 1200GS should have been. The niggling irritations dealt with and feels smoother and faster.


Whether it's worth several thousand to trade up, not quite sure.

[Ceeejay]

Depends on how old your 1200 is really..

From what I understood the 1200 entered its best moment around 2017 with a slightly better gearbox and TFT screen. If you've got that already its probably not worth the few thousand to upgrade.

My last 1200 was a GSA from 2015... that got shopped in for an XR, which although a great bike didn't suit me (a bit too excitable). I was looking around at low mileage 1200 Rallyes just after the 1250 came out (was some good value trade in's at the dealers), but then stupidly tried the 1250 demo, and was bitten and fisted the kumquat there and then, for a 1250GS Rallye...

I'm enjoying riding again now.. not sure whether I'm enjoying it a few thousand more than a 1200, but you're only young once (or as a GS owner, only middle aged once!!)

[Blippy]

Ceeejay said:

Depends on how old your 1200 is really..

Pretty much this, underneath there's not too much difference between a late model 1200 and the 1250.

- It's the same updated suspension with the auto preload sense (if you have to select rider/2/2+luggage on the dash then you don't have this. My '13 obviously didn't but my '67 does);

- No Brembos on the 1250. The new brakes didn't feel any better/worse to me but anecdotally there's been some quality issues;

- A few cosmetic tweaks, same bodywork but black buttons on the switch-gear, the usual refreshed paint options and gold rims on the Rallye;

As a package I'm not sure that would be enough to tempt me onto a 1250 as this stage either. That said the one loaner I had out was on a pissing wet commute so not much time to judge the new engine sadly.