Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS

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#1 | Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:55 pm

Hello everyone,
As per the title I currently have a 2017 (MY2018) 1200GS TE which is my 2nd LC GS, the other being a 2015 TE. I've previously test ridden 2 1200RS' before buying both GS' but am considering changing my current GS sometime next year so once again the RS will be in the frame.
I'm 5'7" and 11 stone so not a large chap and the main reason I chose the GS over the RS was my wife preferred the pillion on the GS. I also preferred the GS on the typical poorly surfaced B roads we have in the UK over the 1200RS with the previous generation ESA.
My current GS has the latest generation ESA and seems more compliant than the previous one so I was wondering has anyone had both RS' and found the same. Also have any of you come from an LS GS to the RS and if so what differences good and bad have you found between the 2 please. Obviously I'll be taking a test ride but even with a decent one it's not always possible to find out everything you need to know about the bike on the day.

My wife isn't bothered about going on the back of a bike anymore so I don't "need" the GS for that and I only use my bike for pleasure, mostly 100 mile jaunts or days out with the occasional stay away few days with mates on another forum

Thanks

Ade

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#2 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 5:58 pm

Hello Ade. Welcome to another UKGSer.

I own a 2016 RS and I have recently ridden the new version when my bike was being serviced.

I am not far from you so ride some familiar roads in the Cotswolds, Wales & the Welsh Marches.

The main difference in the suspension is that the new RS now has self levelling preload like the GS if you select this option in the menu (I'm assuming it is an option).

On my RS you can select one of three options for preload which means you can find yourself feeling the bumps if you remain in dynamic mode on an uneven surface. I guess with your more slender frame, you would notice this more. I tend to have a damping effect with my 100kg.

When I rode the new RS I did not come away thinking the suspension was much different. I did a familiar 70 mile loop to Stow, Bibury etc. I felt at home on the bike. It felt a bit more nimble which was the intended design brief, as well as being noticeably quicker. None of the changes are enough to make me want to spend a large amount on upgrading.

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#3 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:20 pm

Zitat von littleade im Beitrag #1
Hello everyone,
As per the title I currently have a 2017 (MY2018) 1200GS TE which is my 2nd LC GS, the other being a 2015 TE. I've previously test ridden 2 1200RS' before buying both GS' but am considering changing my current GS sometime next year so once again the RS will be in the frame.
I'm 5'7" and 11 stone so not a large chap and the main reason I chose the GS over the RS was my wife preferred the pillion on the GS. I also preferred the GS on the typical poorly surfaced B roads we have in the UK over the 1200RS with the previous generation ESA.
My current GS has the latest generation ESA and seems more compliant than the previous one so I was wondering has anyone had both RS' and found the same. Also have any of you come from an LS GS to the RS and if so what differences good and bad have you found between the 2 please. Obviously I'll be taking a test ride but even with a decent one it's not always possible to find out everything you need to know about the bike on the day.

My wife isn't bothered about going on the back of a bike anymore so I don't "need" the GS for that and I only use my bike for pleasure, mostly 100 mile jaunts or days out with the occasional stay away few days with mates on another forum

Thanks

Ade

See this - the guy owns a GS and has 'one term ' tested the latest RS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpjfz9KUpnc

Double Lupin owner

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#4 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:23 pm (Last edited: Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:25 pm)

I have had two GS TEs and have just changed to the RS which I am picking up from the dealer next week. I had a fairly long test ride including a few miles with my wife on board, and we felt that the bike would be equally good for touring, with the same sort of comfort levels as the GS. The suspension was possibly a little firmer, but I forgot to check what mode it was in, so may have been in Dynamic rather than Road. I found the auto preload invaluable on the GS, making it seamless to change from solo riding to two-up, so didn't want to buy the earlier version of the RS which doesn't have this. This feature is part of the ESA suspension which is an option on the RS. It comes as part of the Premium package which is already included on the Exclusive model which I am buying, or can be bought as an individual option.

I only have a 31" inside leg despite being over 6' tall but had no real problems with the GS because I had the low chassis version. The RS is a little lower so is even more manageable, but the downside is a more bent knee riding position than the GS. Also because I have a long back it is a bit of a reach down to the bars, and the standard RS screen does nothing for me, only going up to chest height even in the high position - though the GS was not much better so I had to fit a taller screen to that. I've bought some bar risers and a V-Stream tall touring screen for the RS.

The main reason for the change was that I prefer the look of the RS and and I much prefer the feel of riding it, it seems somehow a more involving ride than the GS. Interestingly, according to the Cycle Ergo website the ergonomics of the RS are very close to that of the Honda CX500 which is a bike I did a lot of miles on in my youth and which I have very fond memories of, so maybe that's why the RS feels so right to me!

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#5 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:23 pm

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #2
Hello Ade. Welcome to another UKGSer.

I own a 2016 RS and I have recently ridden the new version when my bike was being serviced.

I am not far from you so ride some familiar roads in the Cotswolds, Wales & the Welsh Marches.

The main difference in the suspension is that the new RS now has self levelling preload like the GS if you select this option in the menu (I'm assuming it is an option).

On my RS you can select one of three options for preload which means you can find yourself feeling the bumps if you remain in dynamic mode on an uneven surface. I guess with your more slender frame, you would notice this more. I tend to have a damping effect with my 100kg.

When I rode the new RS I did not come away thinking the suspension was much different. I did a familiar 70 mile loop to Stow, Bibury etc. I felt at home on the bike. It felt a bit more nimble which was the intended design brief, as well as being noticeably quicker. None of the changes are enough to make me want to spend a large amount on upgrading.

Ah ha, I've been rumbled LOL. I get what you mean regarding not changing to the 1250 which is why I'm considering an RS for a change rather than getting another GS, but if the RS doesn't tick the boxes I'll keep my current bike as like you I'm not spending thousands to get basically the same bike as I have now, all be it with the better engine. This might be a bit rose tinted glasses syndrome but I actually preferred the early ESA as the previous 3 options Soft, road and dynamic I think they called them suited me perfectly where as the current road/dynamic options not so as dynamic on my current GS feels part way between road/dynamic on the old one and road between the old soft and road. This could be due to the previous pre load on the rear maybe being a bit higher in the single helmet setting due to my weight rather than what the auto gives me now but that would only be a guess on my part. On the plus side the gearbox is better on this 1 and I like the GSAP which I didn't have last time round. So in essence I'm not desperate to get rid of my current GS as it's only done 4.5k miles so should be good for a few years yet as I'm not taking out the expensive extended warranty but if the RS gets my juices going I could just be tempted, though I'd want the exclusive with both optional packs so I get the things I already have on my current TE. My plan is to take one out when mine goes in for a service in the spring and see what I think.

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#6 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:27 pm

Zitat von andygriff im Beitrag #3
Zitat von littleade im Beitrag #1
Hello everyone,
As per the title I currently have a 2017 (MY2018) 1200GS TE which is my 2nd LC GS, the other being a 2015 TE. I've previously test ridden 2 1200RS' before buying both GS' but am considering changing my current GS sometime next year so once again the RS will be in the frame.
I'm 5'7" and 11 stone so not a large chap and the main reason I chose the GS over the RS was my wife preferred the pillion on the GS. I also preferred the GS on the typical poorly surfaced B roads we have in the UK over the 1200RS with the previous generation ESA.
My current GS has the latest generation ESA and seems more compliant than the previous one so I was wondering has anyone had both RS' and found the same. Also have any of you come from an LS GS to the RS and if so what differences good and bad have you found between the 2 please. Obviously I'll be taking a test ride but even with a decent one it's not always possible to find out everything you need to know about the bike on the day.

My wife isn't bothered about going on the back of a bike anymore so I don't "need" the GS for that and I only use my bike for pleasure, mostly 100 mile jaunts or days out with the occasional stay away few days with mates on another forum

Thanks

Ade

See this - the guy owns a GS and has 'one term ' tested the latest RS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpjfz9KUpnc

Thanks, I've already watched it though TMF's GS is a 2014 TE so doesn't have the latest gearbox or ESA. He's got a GS vs RS video coming out so that should be useful depending on which GS he compares the RS to.

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#7 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:33 pm

Zitat von littleade im Beitrag #6
Zitat von andygriff im Beitrag #3
Zitat von littleade im Beitrag #1
Hello everyone,
As per the title I currently have a 2017 (MY2018) 1200GS TE which is my 2nd LC GS, the other being a 2015 TE. I've previously test ridden 2 1200RS' before buying both GS' but am considering changing my current GS sometime next year so once again the RS will be in the frame.
I'm 5'7" and 11 stone so not a large chap and the main reason I chose the GS over the RS was my wife preferred the pillion on the GS. I also preferred the GS on the typical poorly surfaced B roads we have in the UK over the 1200RS with the previous generation ESA.
My current GS has the latest generation ESA and seems more compliant than the previous one so I was wondering has anyone had both RS' and found the same. Also have any of you come from an LS GS to the RS and if so what differences good and bad have you found between the 2 please. Obviously I'll be taking a test ride but even with a decent one it's not always possible to find out everything you need to know about the bike on the day.

My wife isn't bothered about going on the back of a bike anymore so I don't "need" the GS for that and I only use my bike for pleasure, mostly 100 mile jaunts or days out with the occasional stay away few days with mates on another forum

Thanks

Ade

See this - the guy owns a GS and has 'one term ' tested the latest RS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpjfz9KUpnc

Thanks, I've already watched it though TMF's GS is a 2014 TE so doesn't have the latest gearbox or ESA. He's got a GS vs RS video coming out so that should be useful depending on which GS he compares the RS to.

Yes - he does have a tendency to to compare things to his now rather out of date bike. Even the GS bodywork has changed a bit since 2014.

littleade likes the post

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#8 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:46 pm

Zitat von fred_jb im Beitrag #4
I have had two GS TEs and have just changed to the RS which I am picking up from the dealer next week. I had a fairly long test ride including a few miles with my wife on board, and we felt that the bike would be equally good for touring, with the same sort of comfort levels as the GS. The suspension was possibly a little firmer, but I forgot to check what mode it was in, so may have been in Dynamic rather than Road. I found the auto preload invaluable on the GS, making it seamless to change from solo riding to two-up, so didn't want to buy the earlier version of the RS which doesn't have this. This feature is part of the ESA suspension which is an option on the RS. It comes as part of the Premium package which is already included on the Exclusive model which I am buying, or can be bought as an individual option.

I only have a 31" inside leg despite being over 6' tall but had no real problems with the GS because I had the low chassis version. The RS is a little lower so is even more manageable, but the downside is a more bent knee riding position than the GS. Also because I have a long back it is a bit of a reach down to the bars, and the standard RS screen does nothing for me, only going up to chest height even in the high position - though the GS was not much better so I had to fit a taller screen to that. I've bought some bar risers and a V-Stream tall touring screen for the RS.

The main reason for the change was that I prefer the look of the RS and and I much prefer the feel of riding it, it seems somehow a more involving ride than the GS. Interestingly, according to the Cycle Ergo website the ergonomics of the RS are very close to that of the Honda CX500 which is a bike I did a lot of miles on in my youth and which I have very fond memories of, so maybe that's why the RS feels so right to me!

Thanks for the detailed reply Fred. I've got a lowered GS too as my inside leg is only 29". My wife didn't like the seating position on the RS as I was leant more forward being only 5'7" which was a bit of a disappointment TBH as I was rather struck on the Lupin blue RS but went with the GS which she preferred. I rode 1 again as well as a Z1000SX before I bought this one and decided on the GS again even though I didn't test ride the lasted one beforehand as the salesman said it was the same as the GS I already had except the gearbox was better (which I wish I had done). As I've said in my other reply I'm wondering if the time is right for an RS as there were things I liked more than the GS including the looks, more connected ride and it seemed more direct throttle wise- I remember just how easy it was to overtake cars in normal NSLs with just a roll on roll off of the throttle, no drama no brakes just lovely. I do like the plush ride on the GS and it's road presence though. Decisions decisions....

fred_jb likes the post

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#9 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:53 pm (Last edited: Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:57 pm)

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#10 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Fri Nov 22, 2019 1:14 pm

Just one thought, you say your wife is no longer bothered about riding pillion with you, so the earlier concern that on the RS you lean forward whilst a pillion rides upright is no longer a concern. Guessing she still has her riding gear and just might be tempted on some occasions, if you were to fit bar backs / risers these would both lift the bars and move them backwards (such as Ilium but others do the same), your position would be less prone and as a shorter rider I think also more comfortable - this would close the gap between rider and pillion to some degree too.

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#11 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Fri Nov 22, 2019 1:41 pm

The resale value will be much higher on a GS than any RS, at least here in the USA.

I ride 2016 R1200RS, 2018 R1200GSA, 2016 Honda PCX150
my wife rides 2016 R1200RS, 2015 Honda PCX150

darrell likes the post

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#12 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:34 pm

Zitat von Boxerboy im Beitrag #10
Just one thought, you say your wife is no longer bothered about riding pillion with you, so the earlier concern that on the RS you lean forward whilst a pillion rides upright is no longer a concern. Guessing she still has her riding gear and just might be tempted on some occasions, if you were to fit bar backs / risers these would both lift the bars and move them backwards (such as Ilium but others do the same), your position would be less prone and as a shorter rider I think also more comfortable - this would close the gap between rider and pillion to some degree too.

Thanks for the reply,

She does still have her kit, but hasn't been on the back of this one so it would be nearly 3 years by the time I come to think about changing it in the spring. It's fair to say it's not a "shared interest" and she's not bothered about riding pillion anymore which would as you suggest open the way to me having an RS should it tick the boxes, but as ever the test ride would be the clincher, though your suggestion of bar risers is a good one should I need to change the ergonomics to suit me being a shortie, though it didn't feel overly wristy when I sat on 1 at the NEC this week

I do like my GS though-it's the first time I've ever bought the same bike twice as it's such a capable and comfortable bike. I rode it to the dealers in Wolverhampton just over a week ago in the biblical rain we had and it just didn't effect the GS at all. I could see the faces on the car drivers thinking what's this nutter doing out on a bike it this! The one thing I would like is a bit more of an involved ride, but that's not got to be at the expense of comfort which hopefully will be where the RS comes in

Boxerboy likes the post

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#13 | RE: Current R1200GS owner thinking about switching to the RS datum

Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:40 pm

Zitat von MrVvrroomm im Beitrag #11
The resale value will be much higher on a GS than any RS, at least here in the USA.

Thanks for the reply, though I'm not quite sure what your point is- I'd be buying a new exclusive with both optional packs on it if I got 1 as those things are already on my GS and I wouldn't want to be without ESA, heated grips, cruise control and GSAP. Cost wise a RS exclusive with both packs is around £1500 less than the current version of my GS so cost to change wouldn't be as high as me going for another GS (which is unlikely anyway), or someone thinking of going from RS to GS that's for sure, but it still won't be cheap!

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