best durn motorsickle I've ever owned...

[rivi]

The snow is beginning to melt up high, the rain is only intermittent during the week, the roads are drying, the temps are cool, and I'm finally able to sample the bike I purchased three months ago. I'm so happy to be aboard a boxer twin again. The KR had 'tude and was stinking fast, but that's about all. The inline four just ain't fer me. The 1200 boxer, and specifically the GS package is now, without doubt, my all time favorite bike, moving ahead of the previous champ - the R1150R. Comfy and extremely capable do-it-all machine, that's easier and, yes, even more fun to ride than that 140 rear wheel h.p. beast. Since I've settled on one bike again, this feel s-o-o-o right! :055:

The upcoming 1200 Roadster is gonna be a knockout if they keep it pretty...

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/61844928-L.jpg

[Bones]

Rivi,
I know what you mean. I am selling my FZ1 with somewhere near 140 hp at the crank, and it is a really great bike. But the 1200GS, once I it, felt like "home" but a lot lighter, more nimble and pulls harder.

Just drove home today from a trip, 8 hours in the car. It was cold, but got out for a 20 minute ride on the GS and it put a smile on, for sure. Yeehaaa. Riding season almost here.

Great bike, huh?

Jeff

[Promethean]

How tall are both of you? and can you flatfoot the GS? I was at the local BMW dealer this weekend for a workshop and had the occasion to try a GS. There's no way I'd be able to even keep the bike vertical on tippy toes. I'm 5'7".

[Bones]

Abhijeet,
I am 5'7" and my GS has the low seat. I wouldn't exactly say I can flat foot. But I can be on the balls of both feet wearing Vendramini Marathon boots. It is taller than my R was, but it hasn't been a problem. If you want the GS to feel real low, go sit on an Buell Ulysses then get on the GS.

I will email you a picture direct.

Jeff

[arkline]

I've held my GS lust in check for a long, long, long time. I think it is basically too tall for me, maybe an inch with the low seat which is advertised at 31.8 inches. But there it is. The Sargent for the 1150R is claimed to be 31.8 but the GS seat should be narrower at the front. So maybe it's a wash.

Every time I take my bike to the dealer for service, they loan me an F650GS. I really like the SUAB riding position. The 650's Seat is 30.7 inches and is a bit of a reach for me so I end up floating my left cheek off the seat at stops. Small price for the rest of the ride.

[Bones]

Ark,
If you actually like the 650, you should NOT test ride a 1200GS with the low seat unless you are ready to buy one. That is what happened to me. I had NO intention of buying one for exactly the same reasons you profess. Then, the dealer said, "just take it for a ride...just for fun." They put the low seat on. Done deal. And I didn't like the 650 at all, just for frame of reference.

Jeff

[fnfalman]

I can flat foot the GS on one foot and that's good enough for me. I'm 5ft6 with short legs. However, I have my name on the waiting list for the KTM 990 Adventure. It's a much superior offroad vehicle and since that I already have two street bikes, I don't want another street bike with offroad intentions. I want the other way around.

[GPM]

Have to agree with the assesment of the GS. I put 15,000 miles on my K1200RS and was quite happy with the bike overall. It handled well, had plenty of power and was quite comfortable. What it didn't have was attitude.

The new GS is a different bike altogether. The power may not match the dyno numbers of the K bikes, but for me its all about useable power. Having just passed my 600 mile break in, I'm finding that the GS has power where I want it. The K bike would cruise at 130 with ease, but wanting to keep my license, I couldn't. While I've only seen about 110 so far on the GS, I was laughing all the way up. The thing is just a hoot to ride.

With a set of Jesse bags, a Laminar Lip and a few other goodies this might be the perfect bike. I'm planning a little six day trip next month. Can't wait to put some miles on her and see how much better it can get.

BTW, I'm 6'2" and can just flat foot the bike with the seat in a high front, low back configuration. Seems to be the most comfortable position for the seat while avoiding the 'slide the jewels into the tank' problem.

Thanks again Bones.

[arkline]

Bones,

You're absolutely right. It's like that "first one's free" business.

Oh, yeah, they try to get you anyway they can.

"Nice bike".

"Yessiree, sure is. Would you like to take a test ride"?

"Well, um, not right now. Got errands to do, ya know."

"So why don't you just sit on it. See how it suits you. Here, I'll hold that for you".

"Um, well, I've really got to get going. Nice bike, though".

"Here, just touch it. It'll be okay. Can't hurt anything to just touch it, can it"?

"Oh, well I suppose not...."

And there it goes. Your money, I mean. It is insidious.

[geechie]

Rivi,

Man, the bike looks good in that photo... a splash of red in sere landscape. I may not know what I like, but I know art when I see it!

George

[Moose]

I'm goin' say it one more time. Waiting for the R1200R is like holding my breath underwater. And I don't relish the thought of drowning. :icon_redface:

[Bones]

Harry,
I just installed a Laminar Lip. It is working well for me, BUT, I am curious to see what you think as an over 6 footer. I am only 5'7". I put the lip up as high as it will go and is just works. When I sit up a few inches in the seat, it doesn't work so well. The lip actually works GREAT at 80-90 mph. Think I can use that as an excuse? Also, I found the mounting system offered by Laminar lip to be wanting. So I went to Lowes and got some rubber washers, nuts, bolts and mounted accordingly once I knew where I wanted it. Let me know if you want details.

BTW, I find that the stock shield at anything but lowest and most raked back position just creates turbulence.

Jeff

[GPM]

Jeff,

I think it is a great solution for the money. I've only had it on for a week or so. As you noted, the mounting system is a concern. I've run it up a bit over 105 and she held together, so maybe its a non-issue. If those stick on mounts show any sign of deteriorating, I may follow your lead. Yesterday I added the Touratech windshield support. With the lip adding pressure to the top of the shield I wanted a bit more support. I'll take her out today and see if it helps.

As far as protection goes, its a big improvement. Mounted about 4 1/4 inches above the top edge, if I sit bolt upright I can get airflow through the vents on my Shoei X-11. that's with the shield one notch from full upright. The main thing I notice is that the airflow is much smoother with the lip. For me, the combination of the stock shield, my height, and my helmet yielded a lot of turbulence.

I see Wunderlich makes a short shield that just covers the instruments. I may try one of those this summer. I switched shields on my KRS between summer and winter. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to cold, but like the air flow through the mesh gear when the temps hit 100 or so.

[jamming]

Harry, are you going to the ERC? If so we'll check it out then.
Roger

[GPM]

Not sure on the ERC. I've got some other commitments that may make it a no go. Told Bob not to hold a spot, but if I can get away, I'll show up.

[Bones]

Harry,
Are you referring to the ERGO windscreen from Wunderlich? Also, is there a USA distributor?

I found yesterday, during a 125 mile ride, that the Laminar Lip works pretty well to quiet things down. I can't say it 100% buffet free, but it is a lot quieter than the stock screen alone. It also REALLY takes wind pressure off the body. So I am wondering if it won't be too hot when the weather gets hot. A small screen that rakes back toward the rider would make for some cleaner air, but I haven't found anything for the GS that fits that bill.

Jeff

[GPM]

Jeff,

BMW of Santa Cruz is the US distributor for Wunderlich. On their website they call it the Flowjet windshield. It sells for $149.95. Go to their website, click on 'Online Store', then 'R Bikes' and finally 'R1200GS' and you'll find it.

For the price I think the Lip is going to work for me. The only thing I've found that seems to offer better protection is the Aeroflow. Since its well over $400, I'll probably stick with the lip.

Now, I need to get out to the garage and install the Hepco Becker engine guards that FedEx brought this afternoon. Want to get them on before the Corbin seat shows up next week.

I'm starting to think some kind of 12 step program may be needed here.....

[Bones]

Harry,
I think you will love the Corbin seat, because you are tall enough to deal with the problems it created for me: it is wider at the front, so I could not get my feet to the ground. BUT, it is well made and I think it would be really comfortable to ride long distance with, and nice looking.

Thanks for the Wunderlich info. I will be ordering the Flowjet shield today....and will see you at the 12 step meeting later this week!

Jeff