Buy a GS1200 or GS1200 Adventurer?

[nygsrider]

Hi all,

I am about to upgrade from my old 96 GS to either a new GS 1200 or a new GS 1200 Adventure and had a few questions for other GS riders, especially Adventure riders.
I live on Long Island, NY and most of my riding will be on asphalt or at worst riding on hard pack occasionally for camping. I understand that the Adventure is for more rugged riding but there are a few things about it that make it desirable as a long haul touring. The pros:
- Large gas tank
- Extra weight for when those 18 wheelers go by
- Better suspension for the potholes
- Better Windshield for highway driving
The biggest negative to me is the extra width of the gas tank. However, I am not one to cut lanes so I’m not that concerned. The extra weight around town isn’t a big deal since I won’t need to fill up the 8 gallons unless I’m on the road, around town I can just keep 4 or 5 gallons in it.

Anyone feeling chatty :buds ?

Thanks Paul

[FredRydr]

Paul,

Try the hexagonal forum.

Fred
'07 Hexagon

[DarrylRi]

No need, I've moved it to the Hexheads forum. It should get more response here.

[The_Veg]

I've only ridden the reg'lar GS, but to me the only huge real-world difference would seem to be the fuel tank size. And that boils it down to one question: how many miles is your bladder good for?

[ultracyclist]

Isn't the R12ADV geared just a bit lower in first?

[The_Veg]

Oh yeah, that too. I wish my reg'lar GS had that lower first, and I read somewhere that for 2008 the reg'lar models will get it. Might have to find a sucker with whom to swap gearboxes... :deal

[SNC1923]

I agonized over this decision for about 18 months. I'm a very similar rider to you, lots of long haul and not much in the way of crazy off-roading.

I went with the adventure for all the reasons you listed. Other reasons include the bike's great and cavernous luggage. I also believe that it may retain a slightly better resale value, but that's just a guess. The fuel tank capacity is wonderful. The bags are wider than the tank, but in truth, neither prevents lane splitting.

I moved from an 1150RT and I never looked back; it's a wonderful motorcycle that has given me 15,000 trouble free miles in six months.

If you're going to get one, take a hard look at an '08. They've done some gearing changes that look pretty appealing to me.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

[adamceckhardt]

If I could do it again, I'd go with the adventure. Not because I'm a hard-core off roader (I'm NOT) but because it has those features that make for better touring. I love mine, but by the time I put the bigger tank and windsheild on, I could have paid for a factory adventure:doh

[sfarson]

I've owned both.

I prefer the 12GS ADV for its size (I'm 6'4"), its range, its stock wind protection (screen, winglets, tank), and its gnarly looks.

I liked the 12GS for its lighter weight. I'm also of the opinion I'd rather go down that dirt road on the lighter 12GS than the ADV. Believe the vast majority would never need the extra suspension travel found on the ADV.

[podsobinski]

Get the GS 99.9% of the time there will be no difference except for $$$$ and weight and maybe a tiny bit better MPG. You can always upgrade a GS to fit your riding style as you use it and see other peoples options and how they work.

gpodzo

R1150GS '02 with 84,000 "old war horse"

[soffiler]

Isn't the R12ADV geared just a bit lower in first?


No, it isn't. The GS and GS-Adv (hexhead) are geared identically.

See for yourself:

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/group.jsp?g=enduro

Hit "more info" on each bike, then use the pull-down menu to access "Drivetrain"

[henzilla]

Oh yeah, that too. I wish my reg'lar GS had that lower first, and I read somewhere that for 2008 the reg'lar models will get it. Might have to find a sucker with whom to swap gearboxes... :deal

The '08 gets a new redesigned tranny according to one report. I bet they will NOT swap of course. Read lower first gear and a stretch taller at other end.

I currently have both, The GS rides like a Roadster, the ADV rides like my RT...when the tank is full! You definitely feel wider, but not any wider than the cylinders. AND 9 gallons of fuel is heavy to horse around or pick up. I made the adjustment to added weight since I rode an RT also quickly and the ADV is set up for anything I can imagine doing. The extra knee protection and those winglets are the Meow! I rode the GS this morning, seemed very nimble after riding ADV all day yesterday.

[meisco]

Hi nygsrider

The negative you listed (weight of a full tank) isn't a negative at at all. I always fill my tank full and have found no problems.

The protection offered by the larger tank and the winglets mentioned by Henzilla are GREAT. The extra fuel capacity isn't so much for the long ride, but for the long commutes so I don't have to fill up so often.

The only disadvantage I've found is seat height. This may not be a problem if you are 5' 10" or taller. I'm 5' 8" and have learned to 'finesse' the bike a bit. But it isn't a real big problem as I'd still buy the GSA again.

The GSA just looks and feels like a 2 Wheeled Hummer. I think it's worth the extra $$.

Good luck! Let us know which bike you pick!

Pete

[HankPfister]

MY TAKE: I went from a R1100GS to a R1200RT, then to a R1200GS. I liked the RT, but it felt heavy. Long days in the saddle and it was GREAT! But on twisty little back roads it was cumbersom, and I pretty much would stay away from gravel roads. I decided to replace it with a GS. I felt the GS-Adventure would be more like the RT weight wise, and windprotection wise. I wanted lighter, nimbler, fun, take any road, and still take in an occasional all day high mileage ride. There will be a time when the 200 mile range of my GS might fall short, but I can prepare for that when the time comes (like in summer of '09 when I head to Alaska :buds ). But for 90% of my riding the GS is the bomb! :clap A Givi windscreen and winglets from the Adv. give it excellent wind protection.

[nygsrider]

Thanks for all the information and opinions. I am definitely going with the GS Adventure.
I am 6’2” and expanding so height should not be a problem and I think that all the extras that come stock on the Adventure easily negate the extra money.

Of course this decision could change at any moment (I’m driving my wife crazy), but for now it’s a definite maybe!

Thanks, Paul

[MisterMo]

Thanks for all the information and opinions. I am definitely going with the GS Adventure.
I am 6’2” and expanding so height should not be a problem and I think that all the extras that come stock on the Adventure easily negate the extra money.

Of course this decision could change at any moment (I’m driving my wife crazy), but for now it’s a definite maybe!

Thanks, Paul

I sense you're like me and are looking for a logical reason to support what is likely an emotional decision. If you're in NYC, you really don't NEED what the GSA adds. I've got a GS and am more than happy with it for all of the reasons mentioned in previous posts. I prefer the lighter weight, sleeker look [oxymoron], etc.

However, there IS something cool about the GSA, and it's rugged, macho stature. Get the GSA. It's what you want and if you get the 'lesser' GS, you'll always say "I wish I'd...." With the GSA, you won't have buyers remorse and that alone is worth the extra $$. Enjoy.

....my .02