A 'do everything' bike and the demise of the 11S?

[Paul]

Worrabout this then:



Sticky out cylinders: check
Shaft drive: check
Sexy as a sexy thing: check



luggage: check



I popped over to Corsa Italiano in Colliers Wood, south London, this morning to have a look at one in the flesh. Very pretty bike and it looks to be very solidly screwed together. They are registering a demo bike in March which I might just have to try out...

Paul

[julian]

[quote="Paul"]Worrabout this then:



Sticky out cylinders: check
Shaft drive: check
Sexy as a sexy thing: check

Nope! Looks like the back of my fridge.

[bmwonder]

Nope! Looks like the back of my fridge.

Does it have vee twin comprerssors then?

[Paul]

Nope! Looks like the back of my fridge.

Philistine!

[minivin]

Worrabout this then:

luggage: check



Paul

That aint luggage, it's a poofs handbag

[thall]

Last year I bought my first BMW - a 2004 boxercup - after years of owning every sports bikes from GSXRs to 916's and extensively modifying every one (turbo's nitrous) I eventually ended up with a very trick highly modified Mille (which I incidentally have'nt sold yet despite the fact I'll probably never ride it)
Every Tuesday was a thrash out into Linconshire and every Sunday was a breakneck run through Derbyshire to Matlock Bath or out to Sherburn with a similar group.
Last June I went on a 5 day ride with several others to the west coast of Scotland mine was the only sportsbike although I really enjoyed the break my Mille was crushingly uncomfortable and could carry zero luxuries I was amazed with the performance of a GS and RS despite my constant jibes about pipes and slippers and their constant tourettes power ranger response.
On my return I decided I needed a different bike and embarked upon many weeks of trawling dealers (except BMW) nothing I saw inspired me except a 999 but this was going to have the same limitations as the Mille - deep depession ensued and I felt physically sick with my alternatives. On recommendation I finally rode an 1100s(BC) and after 5 minutes wanted to take it straight back however after an hour had fallen in love with it and just had to have it.

Sure I miss the warp speed of the Mille but I can certainly ride the BM considerably faster than the Mille on A roads at anything up to 120 it inspires confidence and I smile from ear to ear each time I pass GSX's and R1's into and through corners and laugh as they pass me on fast straights knowing fine well I'll get them in the next bends.

I awaited the release of the 1200 with trepidation thinking would I be temped to invest more? would it devalue my bike?
I love the styling and my hat off to BM that they may attract more sportsbike fans to the brand, but would I buy on? no !
Too radicle and almost certainly will have compromised on comfort and lost some of the main appeal of the 1100s

Will I leave my S alone as I promised my wife when I said "there's no trick parts available" and "I have no intention of modifying it"? certainly not and once the Milles gone will be investing further - Tom

[herrman]

All,
After riding an ST in April last year- IMHO a cracking bike to ride but far to ugly to EVER have a place in my garage and then having a bit of a mishap with my 2nd S in May I have been looking forward to the launch of the 1200s, I think that like many others I had been hoping for a more powerfull and lighter version of my favourite bike.
Like Chris I do think that BMW have made a major f--k up in trying to compete in the Sports Twin market, SV1000,Ducati and Aprillia have surely got that side of the market sewn up, Sure I'll be test riding the 1200S but I reckon that the GS1200 will be staying in my garage for the forseeable future!!

Peter.

.

[theseadog]

What's the other GUzzi thingy called that MSG MGS, oh bollox you know the one I mean the sporty looking little number that was always shown in Red, had a touch of the S about it.

Now that IS sexy.....
and shaft
and BIG sticky out jugs

erm, No it's okay that last part was still the bike I was talking about, whew !

Toodle Pip

[Malc]

A Griso appeared briefy in the bike park at work a couple of weeks ago and it was indeed lovely. If I had the cash I'd go for an HP2 with road wheels.

[Rods]

i would argue that the 1200gs does everything that the s can - though undoubtably there are some things that the gs can do that the s can do.

i use my s as a winter bike - it keeps my commute interesting, has enough poke for my observing with the iam should somebody turn up on a gixxer 1000 (my old yamaha xj600 would have been left behind a little!!), it is comfy etc etc.

one of the things that i found the s could do that the 1200gs couldn't was keep me warm! i have only ridden an 1100gs in the summer, and i haven't ridden an 1150gs at all (though they both look like they may offer better weather protection than the current incarnation), but on testing a 1200gs for a couple of days in december, with heated grips, handguards, screen... it wasn't as warm as my s (which doesn't have heated grips, but i do have bar muffs on).

i agree the s is a fantastically versatile bike, and i don't think bm have a replacement lined up.

[Gromit]

I like the Griso - but am somewhat disappointed a. by the fact Guzzi didn't use (or develop) the overhead cam Daytona motor for it (emmissions rearing their ugly head again) and b. that it may not actually be that quick. Personally I reckon a bike of its ilk needs to be more aggresive in the propulsion dept. The on-paper torque figures are a bit sad, unfortunately - especially for a 2-valve large capacity twin. An 1150R motor would murder it (as would a B*ell - but I didnt't say that ). I'll reserve proper judgement until I get a spin on one though.

Must admit, although it's not as pretty, I do like the like of the Breva 1100. It does seem to tick a lot of boxes - shaft drive (hopefully a reliable one), big air-cooled motor, fit handling, bags of character and the ability to take hard luggage and a passenger in comfort. Having a sit on/poke around one up at OnyerBerk recently, it does appear extremely well finished too - all the wiring etc is especially neat.



I reckon it looks kinda funky. I'd lose the chrome strip on the tank cowls though - definitiely mega-naffola. But it has still got one of the most beautiful engines ever slung between a pair of wheels.

[bmwonder]

There's Griso parked round the corner from me. I have to say that it looks better in the flesh than the one on the pic here. I'd agree that the finish looks good. THis one is a daily driver and so it looks like the finish holds up quite well too.Looks like Guzzi are screwing them together quite well.

As for an all rounder to replace the S. I can't belive anyones mentioned the Trumpet ST? That's got to the nearest to a direct replacement to the S surely? Motor with character, great handling, decent comfort. Okay the quality could be a bit better than Triumph belive it is (but I think that can also be applied to a certain Bavarian company!). I might well get another S, but I definiately give the Trumpet a go before I did.

[Paul]

That aint luggage, it's a poofs handbag

Ooh you bitch!

[RoLoo]

...how about this ; believe me, it can do everything !
(torque, torque, torque !!)

Suzuki's GSX 1400 F



(...and keep the S for fun)

[bmwonder]

Proper bike! Nice!