| Author | Message | ||
     Budsurf |
The local beemer dealer had demo rides going today so I took the opportunity to try out the 800 and 1200 GS bikes. They were both nice but I think the 800 was more fun than the 1200. At the end of the day though, I was glad to be going home on my ULY. It is good to know that I bought the right bike. | ||
| Okc99 |
Tell us more. Talk about the power delivery, feel, etc when you roll on both the 800 and 1200. Compare it to the feel of the Uly. A couple of pros/cons. Don't forget to use lots of adjectives | ||
| Itileman |
Definitely tell us more. I've heard there's a real heat issue with the 800gs -did you find that to be true? | ||
| Budsurf |
The 1200GS was really smooth off idle, the down side to that was that it didn’t feel like it pulled much down low. Engine performance improved with the rpms up. The transmission was smooth like mayonnaise. The bike had great wind protection. With how smooth the bike was at idle, I was surprised that it was kind of buzzy at speed. The gear indicator and fuel gauge made me jealous. The 800GS pulled nicely down low (but not like the Uly). Even though the weights aren’t that far off from each other, the 800 feels much smaller than the 1200. While I’m sure it would be great in the dirt, the tall front wheel made quick turn transitions some work. The tranny and gauges were nice. The seat was small, I wouldn’t want to tour on the stock one. I didn’t have any heat issues. The Uly feels like you are being pushed by the hand of god off the line and the exhaust note is the devil telling you to keep twisting the throttle. The torque and handling of the Uly make it ridiculous fun to ride. I can deal with the heat and lack of gauges. If I had the money, I would consider adding an 800GS to the garage for dirt oriented trips. Being that I can only afford one bike (and I hardly ever get it in the dirt) I’m staying with my Uly. Okc99, I’m sorry for the lack of adjectives. | ||
| Dr_greg |
I test rode an R1200GS a couple years ago. I was left with an overwhelming impression of a HUGE motorcycle. The Uly kind of disappears when you climb aboard; not so the 12GS. --Doc | ||
| Froggy |
A gear indicator and fuel gauge can be added no problem along with many other gauges. Take a look at my Lightning sometime  | ||
| Werewulf |
kind of apples to oranges, but i just bought a beemer r1200r....it has quite a few things in common with the gs.. it too would be a nice off road bike, if you could only turn off the abs brakes.. the power is amazingly smooth right up to redline.. i was really suprised how much more powerful the r was than my 04 rt...it hauls butt... no heat issues, because you arent near the pipes and if its hot outside, im on the beemer... brakes are outstanding...i average 44 mpg... handling is rock solid... the only downside in my book, is that the motor is almost silent and i like a little rumble...the dealer support network for beemer is really lame in my area, even worse than buell.. ive owned a bunch of buells and beemers.. this bike is the cream of the crop.. | ||
| Supertoon |
I took my Uly in for a fork seal replacement at a dealer/client who happens to sell KTM. I ended up taking a 08 990 Adventure for a serious test ride. Very comfortable, smooth and excellent power. Very confidence inspiring on gravel roads! After the uly, I enjoyed the low speed drive-ability and the smooth power delivery (also seeing out of a rear-view mirror for the first time in three years). I could really like this bike...but 17 000.00 clams before taxes and luggage etc...  Anyway, try one if you get a chance and post your comments.. |
