Other Bikes » Convince me to buy another RS...

OK, well not really but advice appreciated!

I'm strongly thinking of changing my 5-year-old 1200RS later this summer. I've absolutely loved it so a 1250RS (likely around a year old) is my default favourite to replace it; however I do want to consider the competition first. In particular, on paper I'm interested in the new Suzuki GSX 1000GT and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (or a slightly earlier incarnation) and will try to get myself some test rides.

Any thoughts on either of these? In particular I'm interested in practicalities which won't necessarily be obvious from a test ride (and maybe even reasons to not even bother with one?) Eg, I think I read somewhere that the Suzuki doesn't allow for a topcase, which if so would be a major vote against. Or a centre stand.

I don't have currently have a huge amount experience of different big bikes to compare; having returned to riding about 6 years ago, so most of that has been on the RS. I did try an S1000XR last year, and I have to say that really wasn't for me - far too race-bikey really; I much prefer the low revving, broad power band of my RS. Is that what the SX and GT will be like, I wonder? - if so perhaps I need look no further than another RS...?

Me too! far too race-bikey really; I much prefer the low revving, broad power band of my RS

I moved over from japanese ujm 2005 and I also prefer the lazy delivery, enjoy the 'all day' ride R1200 engines.

I know that short stroke multi cylinder/twin longer stroke bigger bore may 'on paper' give the same power for the same fuel/air ratio but the way twins deliver is, for me, more relaxing on a long ride.

Yes, at a given speed, same power, despite the lower/higher revs it is more than likely the piston speeds are similar but 'cruising at 70/80mph on 7/8/9000 rpm seems less enjoyable then 3/4/5000.

I always seemed to want another gear on my ZRX 1100/1200 even at half the available revs.

Revs may make power but mid range torque is where we ride most of the time.

Having said that a 1200cc ktm twin delivers power higher up the range and according to a rider I travelled with in Norway, was a jirky,inconsistant,high fuel use problem at lower speeds, in either a low or high gear compared to my RS. His companion was never comfortable and daytime head banging is not what she expected to get on a touring holiday.

A first question is, “Why?”

As much as I get enamored with a new bike, I always ask what it’s going to do for me that my current bike won’t. If the new bike was for a completely different type of riding, that makes sense. If it adds needed features that can’t be added to the current bike by other means, that makes sense.

Just because it’s newer seems like a pointless reason to upgrade. Since you are considering another RS, that tells me you’re pretty satisfied with it.

Of course, in the interest of candor, I’m a cheap SOB.

Zitat von Freddyfruitbat im Beitrag #1

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Eg, I think I read somewhere that the Suzuki doesn't allow for a topcase, which if so would be a major vote against. Or a centre stand.

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I'm in a similar boat to you as far as returning to riding and not having a lot of experience on other bikes.

However, looking at the reviews of the Suzuki and Kawasaki, they seem to both miss a lot of features like (in aggregate) center stand, heated grips, nav through the app (yes, I use it) and a few others. Another plus for the BMW is after market support. You can get a Hexcan to control accessories, other luggage options, bar changes, etc.

Zitat von Freddyfruitbat im Beitrag #1

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OK, well not really but advice appreciated!

In particular, on paper I'm interested in the new Suzuki GSX 1000GT and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (or a slightly earlier incarnation) and will try to get myself some test rides.

...

I did try an S1000XR last year, and I have to say that really wasn't for me - far too race-bikey really; I much prefer the low revving, broad power band of my RS. Is that what the SX and GT will be like, I wonder? - if so perhaps I need look no further than another RS...?

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For me, buying a bike is not very much about practicality. More about lust.
Although- my last couple of bikes- a Moto Guzzi V85tt and my current R1250RS have me sold on cruise control and heated grips.

Have you considered a Ducati? They are a big twin, lots of torque at low RPM and they sound nice. I have really, really enjoyed riding Ducatis- they handle superbly. My Multistrada was fairly practical and very comfortable. I had bags on it, so it could carry a few things. The gas consumption was rather poor, though. I hope the newer ones are better.
I love the looks of the 950 SuperSport, but practical...it is not.
And frankly- there is nothing wrong with the R1250. It is a superb bike. And if you have any farkles, they should transfer right over.

Zitat von jrt im Beitrag #9

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For me, buying a bike is not very much about practicality. More about lust.
Although- my last couple of bikes- a Moto Guzzi V85tt and my current R1250RS have me sold on cruise control and heated grips.

Have you considered a Ducati? They are a big twin, lots of torque at low RPM and they sound nice. I have really, really enjoyed riding Ducatis- they handle superbly. My Multistrada was fairly practical and very comfortable. I had bags on it, so it could carry a few things. The gas consumption was rather poor, though. I hope the newer ones are better.
I love the looks of the 950 SuperSport, but practical...it is not.
And frankly- there is nothing wrong with the R1250. It is a superb bike. And if you have any farkles, they should transfer right over.

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Thanks for all the replies; some really useful stuff to think about here.

Have to say that the thought of buying a chain-driven bike again in itself fills me with horror - I sometimes forget how much I enjoy the RS's lack of chain maintenance - but on top of that, a bike with a chain but no centre-stand? What the hell is that all about?! And given that I do prefer the RS engine characteristics etc, and like pretty much everything else about the bike, it's hard for me think why I might want to consider going elsewhere now. Anyway though, I've found myself a Suzuki S1000GT test ride on Thursday so we'll see.

Regarding the question of why change from my RS1200 to an RS1250 now... fair comment. I've no immediate desire for anything different, and do love this bike. And I'm certainly not one of those who insists on always having the latest model/technology, and who needs to be seen riding a new machine with this year's reg plate, either. My bike's a 2017, with 25,000 miles on the clock, and I've had it since about year old/ 3,000 miles - my plan would be to replace it with a 1250RS of similar vintage. I feel my 1200 is getting to the age when things could start going wrong, and given that I've got four tours (so far) planned between now and summer 2023, given that the funds are available it might be timely to upgrade after the first one of those. (Cue lots of people saying "my RS has done 75,000 miles and never missed a beat - but you know what I mean...).

There's nothing like an RS.
Maybe a big KTM but what about the cost and reliability (even worse than BMW).
I've not seen one in real life but from what I can tell the new Suzuki is nothing more than the old Suzuki configured the same as a Z1000SX. Poor old Suzuki finally realizing that nobody except bike journalists is interested in that awful Katana thing they brought out, and they need to start selling bikes to avoid full-on corporate closure. Even if the bike is really good and better than the Z, it's still only a Suzuki.
And yes what is the point in having a bike with touring pretensions that uses a chain and no centre stand? I think a bike journalist should try to answer that one.
Buy a Honda and I'll challenge you not to vomit every time you look at the exhaust pipe (even bigger than the RS's).

I look at new bikes but being retired and having a host of hobbies means that I can't really afford one.

Besides, my 2015 RS still does it all.

Money no object? KTM 1290GT or a SX1000H2.

The RS is unique for sure and a very solid choice.

I have a friend who is lusting over the new Aprilla V4 “sport tourer” but test rides can be elusive also.

Id consider the V4 multistrada too.

You may also test ride a K1600GT. That motor is intoxicating

I am with Dave H "far too race-bikey really; I much prefer the low revving, broad power band of my RS"
If I was to try something other than the RS it would be a Multistrada, both the 950 and the 1200 and plus varieties.