Confession - 1200GS Demo

[SpeedStar]

I have a confession to make. Do not look down upon me, I was weak but I can justify it...

In my excitement over the ST and needing something to get me through this harsh time we are all dealing with in this ongoing freaking waiting and waiting for time to pass so we can get our bikes, I did an afternoon demo on a 2011 1200GS.

I went to the local BMW clubhouse and had some coffee and donuts while checking seat height (lower and upper position as the GS is the same as ST at least on paper) and bar position. Then, the sales guy offers me a demo on the new unit they just put out with only 26 miles on it. I couldn't say no and didn't have anything else to do for the day so I took him up on the offer.

I have ridden the GS before but it was different this time as I evaluated it knowing what I have coming my way. I must say, it was very enjoyable. I also had a blast treating it like a demo of course as I put 125 hard and fast twisty miles on it up into our local mountains.

Afterward, I am even more sure I have made the right choice in the ST and hope to be able to wait it out till it gets here.

The sales guy did notice the chicken stipes were gone on the EXP's... 8)

 

[HoebSTer]

this is like being married, you can sometimes look, but no touchy!!!! In this case a quickl spin is like a look, buying it would be like touching it!!! That is a no no!!!

Nice strength my friend!!!

 

[SpeedStar]

Jeff, thanks for the understanding. The GS ride just gave me even more reassurance that I am going to love everything about the ST.
Being short, I had no issues with the GS seat height in either low or high position. I think the ST has very similar ergonomics to the GS and a posted seat height that is the same in both positions. I was fine with it.
The added HP compared to my Strom was quite fun. The brakes on the GS are much better than my Strom and I think the ST will far outshine the GS there as well. So my ride served it's purpose in pacifying my needs for a little while.

So as you say, I did look but under no circumstances had any inclination to touch. That will be saved for the new Super Tenere! 8)

 

[Grunt58]

When you hear the call of the "dark side", just think about those service rates and lack of a solid dealer network. My 12k service on my GS cost me almost $700.00 US.

 

[SpeedStar]

I agree Grunt58, no fear of the dark side pulling me over. I can think of plenty of other things to spend an spare $700 on. Waspworks comes to mind. 8)

 

[eemsreno]

I also had the opportunity to demo a 2010 GSA 1200 the other day. I already had Tenere orderd but had never riden an Adventure bike. I thought it was great! Can't wait for the " REAL THING" .

 

[Jakeboy]

A 125 mile test ride is great! A friend of mine has a 1200 GS and I've ridden it a bit. It's a very nice bike and a lot of fun to ride.

I'm glad this forum is one where we don't bash other peoples rides (too badly). I was considering the GS before the announcement for the S10 was made. I think I made the best choice given my own motorcycle criteria at this point in time. I've owned and gone cross country on RT's, HD's, Hayabusas, V Stroms (current) and quite a few others. The S10 looks like it's going to get the job done in spades and is a significant upgrade from my Strom.

Having said that, my last trip was a run out to the Black Hills via Milwaukee, WI, with a few good bro's. In the group was a Suzuki GSX 1100G, Suzuki DL 1000 (mine), BMW R 1100 RT, HD Heritage Softail, and HD Ultra Classic. I was the guy with the can of chain lube. Ha ha! We've all been riding together for years and they're all as excited about my new S10 as I am!

 

[hANNAbONE]

Actually the GS was gonna be my next scoot.

Then the 800XC Trumpy was announced

Then the Yammy S10

I didn't buy the GS because of all of the problems with final drives and electronics.
Too buggy, too much maintenance, TOO MUCH COST to Own/BUY

Kicked the Trumpy to the curb -- too much money for not a lot of bike.

Ordered the S10 - feels right....really REALLY right.!

 

[S_Palmer]

The GS was at the top of my list, until I rode one. Loved the engine, hated the handling, I couldn't wait to get back on my Uly. I put a deposit on a Triumph based on on the shops estimate of list price. When the the pricing came out I almost choked, they wanted $12,710 OTD.
I called Yamaha and got an ST for the same price. Traction control, adjustable suspension, tubeless tires, a great reputation and a dealer in every podunk town in America. The ST just looked like a no brainer to me.
The only downside I can see to the ST is weight which if the people who have ridden it are right, it won't be a factor for the way I plan to use the bike. Can't wait for May!

 

[Swagger]

..... The only downside I can see to the ST is weight which if the people who have ridden it are right, it won't be a factor .....

Trust me, the weight will be of absolutely no concern. It really does not feel like a heavy machine .... and I know .... having had MT-01's, Max's, Pans and having currently got an FJR1300.

 

[RomKnight]

Its always good when we have the chance to test the competition. It makes us feel good about our choices. The XT12 does not disappoint anyone but brand fanatics often with arguments like "just because (its not BMW)".

Waiting is a virtue and in this case very well rewarded in the end.

 

[fredz43]

It will be interersting when our USA mags are able to get the S10's back to their respective headquarters and do some thorough evaluations. I say that because I was just reading the December issue of Motorcyclist and in the specs they list both weight with full tank and with empty tank on their scales. For the 2010 GS1200 they list 537 pounds with tank empty and 569 pounds with its 5.3 gallon tank full. Now Yamaha lists the S10 as 575 wet. If wet means tank full, it will be interesting to see what the mags measure. If it really is 575 with 6 gallons of fuel, these bikes weigh the same.

 

[GrahamD]

It's 268Kg fully fueled.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12836924&postcount=2381

BMW GS 1200 Adventure.

Claimed weight: 90% fueled, road ready: 259kg's
Actual weight: Fully fueled: 273kg's

Yamaha Super Tenere (alluminium bash plate, head light protector and pannier racks fitted)

Claimed weight (wet): 261kg's
Actual weight (Wet): 268kg's

BMW GS 1200

Claimed weight: 90% fueled, road ready: 229kg's
Actual weight: Fully fueled: 242kg's

KTM 990 Adventure

Claimed weight (Dry): 209kg's
Actual weight (Wet): 240kg's

Cheers
Graham

 

[fredz43]

Interesting that this GS1200 wet weight was 37 pounds less than Motorcyclist magazine measured on their scales. I'm still looking forward to their full evaluation and measurments of the S10, just to see what they come up with using the same scales.

Thanks

 

[ptfjjj]

I once owned a BMW sedan and the maintenance requirements and cost drove me nuts. Yeah, their bikes and cars are really nice machines, but all of the time and money spent at the dealership getting it serviced and inspected really soured me on the company. Not to mention that the insurance cost nearly doubles that of others. Even if they offered me free maintenance for the life of the bike, all of the trips to an "authorized BMW" service center for the multitude of required maintenance inspections would keep me from buying one. Nothing against those of you that have, or will have, one; they are just not for me. Thankfully, Yammy came up with the S10 and gave us all another option.

 

[Maybert]

I once owned a BMW sedan and the maintenance requirements and cost drove me nuts. Yeah, their bikes and cars are really nice machines, but all of the time and money spent at the dealership getting it serviced and inspected really soured me on the company. Not to mention that the insurance cost nearly doubles that of others. Even if they offered me free maintenance for the life of the bike, all of the trips to an "authorized BMW" service center for the multitude of required maintenance inspections would keep me from buying one. Nothing against those of you that have, or will have, one; they are just not for me. Thankfully, Yammy came up with the S10 and gave us all another option.

+1

Have had 4 beemer bikes, all good machines. Maintenance costs, however, were through the roof.. but they did kiss my ass when I came in for service!

 

[Koinz]

I don't think there was anything else out there other than the GS that directly competed. The vstrom is more road oriented, but I have seen several nice off road versions. The tenere will definitely scramble the oems to do better.

 

[k woo]

I was on the verge of getting a GS this winter because it was the type of bike I love until I found out about the Super 10's coming to the US. There is no way I would buy a GS now for 3 reasons:

1 Sticker price
2 Maintenance costs
3 Final drive failures

 

[trinc4me]

My friend was right when he said BMW stands for Bring More Wallet

 

[markjenn]

Interesting that this GS1200 wet weight was 37 pounds less than Motorcyclist magazine measured on their scales.

You sure they weren't weighing the Adventure (GSA) version? It's about 40 lbs heavier than the regular GS.

The S10 vs. GS (not GSA) weight analysis has been done by a lot of different folks. The math and publications I trust show that with comparable fuel and equipment, the S10 is about 35-lbs heavier. Not a deal breaker. But not desirable either.

- Mark