The 1200 Water Boxer Thread

[Scott Brady]

I have been riding the new water boxer 1200 GS for the past two months, and am finding it to be better than the outgoing model in nearly every notable category. The motor is stronger, smoother, simplified. There is a wet clutch now, more durable than the dry and can be removed from the front of the motor. The traction control and multi-mode terrain system is magic, especially with standard all-terrains. We have been testing both the stock GS and a heavily modified Touratech GS.

The new GS is better on the dirt than the outgoing GSA - a lot better. The wet clutch (control) and traction control are magic.

Put fuel in it and ride around the world. . .

With the GS/GSA being such a significant evolution of this famous exploration platform, it seemed fitting to start a thread to capture new products, media tests and images. If you buy a new GS, post it up :drool:

 

[Bullsnake]

My GSWC out in Colorado this last week - coming off of a '10 GSA I would have to agree that this bike is AMAZING!

 

[Titanpat57]

Scott,

How do feel about making this a commuter bike for about a hundred mile a day round trip? It would be nice to have a strong cruiser, but with the capabilities to be used off road in comfort, I have to wonder if it just be wasted on pavement.

Thanks,

 

[Christophe Noel]

Titan, I don't have a ton of experience with this bike, which is to say less that 350 miles in total spanning just a week. However, I took that shot above of Scott on the Tourtech GS and that trail was approaching the limits of what I would have imagined the bike was capable of. We had the stock GS and the decked out Tourtech on that ride. Having put time on both that long day, the Tourtech build is astoundingly good.

Back to your question, I do think the new GS would make for a fantastic commuter. I might file it in the overkill category for commuting, but that's really a matter of perspective. The new GS is extremely rider friendly. The balance of the bike makes it feel more like a big 650 than a whomping 1200. All of the controls are crisp, easily actuated and intuitive. The riding position is comfortable and commands a good view of traffic. It's super comfy at speed, smooth as silk, and has piles of power. It handles as well as my R1100s in the twisties.

On every score it is a fabulous machine. My only disappointment was handing the keys over at the end of the week.

 

[Titanpat57]

Titan, I don't have a ton of experience with this bike, which is to say less that 350 miles in total spanning just a week. However, I took that shot above of Scott on the Tourtech GS and that trail was approaching the limits of what I would have imagined the bike was capable of. We had the stock GS and the decked out Tourtech on that ride. Having put time on both that long day, the Tourtech build is astoundingly good.

Back to your question, I do think the new GS would make for a fantastic commuter. I might file it in the overkill category for commuting, but that's really a matter of perspective. The new GS is extremely rider friendly. The balance of the bike makes it feel more like a big 650 than a whomping 1200. All of the controls are crisp, easily actuated and intuitive. The riding position is comfortable and commands a good view of traffic. It's super comfy at speed, smooth as silk, and has piles of power. It handles as well as my R1100s in the twisties.

On every score it is a fabulous machine. My only disappointment was handing the keys over at the end of the week.

Thank you Flounder..

I use to make the same commute over 30 years ago on my 78' 750F SS Honda (only missing on snow days), and the thought of the open road is really gnawing hard. I'm not jaded believing I am as strong or quick as I was 30 years ago, but I'm not attracted to the Harley scene, although I understand how some people could be.

After seeing a group of guys last year at the VT Overland rally...it's been on my mind ever since. I guess I just want to do it one time, right. The thought of taking it out on back trails (and I'm sure my physical capabilities will determine the level of terrain) and fires roads would really open up another avenue I wouldn't typically experience with a true limited road bike.

The more I read about this bike, the more I like it...big, comfortable (I'm over 300) and solid. The amenities are amazing in some of the stock machines they have over in Danbury, CT...thanks again.

 

[MattScott]

I feel like I'm supposed to like this bike, but I just can't get into it for the life of me.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I feel like I'm supposed to like this bike, but I just can't get into it for the life of me.

You have to ride it. It's absolutely brilliant. Without a doubt one of the most impressive motorcycles I've ever ridden in 20+ years. No motorcycle is perfect, or so I've always thought. This one, the new GS, is as close to a perfect machine as I've ever ridden. It's an unreal machine.

I agree, just gawking at it in the OJ office doesn't do much for me either. Piloting it into a tight turn and then ripping the throttle open on the exit will redraft your opinion of it.

 

[MattScott]

You have to ride it. It's absolutely brilliant. Without a doubt one of the most impressive motorcycles I've ever ridden in 20+ years. No motorcycle is perfect, or so I've always thought. This one, the new GS, is as close to a perfect machine as I've ever ridden. It's an unreal machine.

I agree, just gawking at it in the OJ office doesn't do much for me either. Piloting it into a tight turn and then ripping the throttle open on the exit will redraft your opinion of it.

I'm sure it's great to ride, it just looks like the lovechild of a starwars space ship...

 

[Christophe Noel]

I'm sure it's great to ride, it just looks like the lovechild of a starwars space ship...

I'm not overly moved by the aesthetics, either. The little dorsal fins by the radiator fans didn't bother me at first, but the do look strange now.

I will say it's more attractive than many of the road biased Bimmers as of late.

 

[Cabrito]

I think the picture in the first post makes it look pretty cool..

 

[gearguywb]

How is the riding position compared to the Hex Head? Loved my GSA but could never really get comfortable due to a knee issue. Tried lowered pegs and raising the seat but with the foot behind the knee riding position it never really worked for me.

 

[Willman]

I'm sure it's great to ride, it just looks like the lovechild of a starwars space ship...

:bike_rider:

 

[CDMartin]

Rides like a bat out of hell, but way to much plastics. I do miss my 1150 GS at times.