View Full Version : Suzuki GS1200SS - Opinions pls
As work is a little quiet I have spent some time thinking about what my next bike could be. Haven't ridden anything, but quite keen of the look and sound (with good pipes) of a SV1000S.
Alternatively, looking through Bikepoint there are a number of GS1200SS's at quite cheap prices (and one on Kiwibiker) with bugger all km's on them. Does this mean those who have purchased an GS1200 didn't like them and are selling them soon after? Or are they just cheap as chips brand new.
Who's got some opinions on the GS1200SS, good bike/poor bike, reliable, as solid as other Suzuki's?
Paul in NZ
19th May 2005, 09:36
Just my opinion but...
Cheap as chips brand new due to old but proven technology but they did not quite achieve the cult status they have enjoyed in Japan and thus the quirky looks weigh against them in the used market.
We looked at them but didn't like the pillion accomodation or luggage carrying potential... Appart from that we didn't see a problem unless you were expecting modern sports bike performance.
Once they get cheap enough....
I'd consider seeing if you could graft the arse end (seat side panels etc) off a Bandit onto one and I reckon it would be a great 2 up bike...
Cheers
Hitcher
19th May 2005, 09:39
And they were mauled by that guy with the Ugly Stick before he hammered the bejeezus out of the Yamaha FZ6 and the BMW K1200S...
Pwalo
19th May 2005, 09:40
Go down to the bike shops and blag as many test rides as you can. It's free and it's the only way to tell what sort of bike you like.
The GS1200ss is pretty much a restyled Bandit 1200 from what I understand so will probably be similar to your 600. The SV will be quite different, but I quite like parallel and V twins so give it a go and see what you think.
Good luck mate.
James Deuce
19th May 2005, 09:45
Bear, I reckon this is right up your alley, knowing your personal philosophy on bikes.
I took one for a test ride, and I think they are an excellent mix of old school styling and mid 90's tech. I was really impressed with how compliant the suspension was, and how it tracked through tight corners for such a big bike.
Coldkiwi
19th May 2005, 12:17
i've heard of quite a few satisfied owners but I did ride an example that made a bucket of slop look razor sharp. I'm not sure if thats suggests build quality is a bit variable or whether the example I used had just been badly maintaned. Tyres were complete soap but it had really bad vibrations that were quite unsettling on the mway. I was kinda dissapointed in the lack of detailing but like its been said, they're pretty cheap so maybe you're happy with the overall value?
James Deuce
19th May 2005, 12:25
i've heard of quite a few satisfied owners but I did ride an example that made a bucket of slop look razor sharp. I'm not sure if thats suggests build quality is a bit variable or whether the example I used had just been badly maintaned. Tyres were complete soap but it had really bad vibrations that were quite unsettling on the mway. I was kinda dissapointed in the lack of detailing but like its been said, they're pretty cheap so maybe you're happy with the overall value?
The one I rode was smooth as a baby's buttery bottom, so the one you tried must have been a bad one. Fair call though, and an obvious thing to look out for.
Blackbird
19th May 2005, 12:52
One of my riding partners has just knocked off the Southern Cross (3800 km in 5 days) on one and I was really impressed with how it went. Goes well on gravel roads too! It had Givi luggage on as well. I think they're restricted to 180km/hr as standard but with the restriction removed, they do ~240km/hr. Suggest you PM Jantar if you want to know more about them.
Geoff
Thanks guys, just thinking about the options at this stage. When I get more serious I'll see about test riding one and see what I think.
Cheers,
Paul
Badcat
19th May 2005, 16:25
As work is a little quiet I have spent some time thinking about what my next bike could be. Haven't ridden anything, but quite keen of the look and sound (with good pipes) of a SV1000S.
Alternatively, looking through Bikepoint there are a number of GS1200SS's at quite cheap prices (and one on Kiwibiker) with bugger all km's on them. Does this mean those who have purchased an GS1200 didn't like them and are selling them soon after? Or are they just cheap as chips brand new.
Who's got some opinions on the GS1200SS, good bike/poor bike, reliable, as solid as other Suzuki's?
hey bear.
it's mine in the for sale.
it's a great bike, but i have a baby now and open road riding just doesn't happen for me - that's why the Ks are so low.
let me know if you've done some test rides in welly and want to buy mine- maybe i could deliver it!
a decent ride as a "goodbye" would be perfect!
ken
ken
White trash
19th May 2005, 16:26
GS1200SS is a great bike, I thought the 100hp/180kph restriction wouldn't worry me but after about 17minutes, it annoyed the fuck outta me. That FAT midrange is purrrrfect for pulling outstanding 2 up wheelies up the Wainui side of the 'Nui hill. The lack of cornering clearance gave me the shits also and if you do buy one, make sure the original rear tyre has been junked, they're crap.
SV1000S? I'm not a V-twin fan but I really enjoy that one. Nice and comfy for long rides but sporty enough to give excellent handling and feedback. Nice and light at 189 dry and (I reckon) a great looking bike. This machine also performs superlative monos up the Wainui hill (Ask Mark_NZ) although I've only done them solo.
Go for a new SV in silver, ask for me, and you'll get it for an unbelievable price and I'll chuck in a pair of Yoshi' cans. :niceone:
Bikes are like womans corsets, you don't know which one will fit you best until you try them for size. Alledgedly.
I vote take as many test rides as possible on as many bikes as possible, that way you'll find one that fits just right.
Ixion
19th May 2005, 16:37
Bikes are like womans corsets, you don't know which one will fit you best until you try them for size. Alledgedly.
I vote take as many test rides as possible on as many bikes as possible, that way you'll find one that fits just right.
Nah, I've tried and tried. Just can't get a corset that fits me no matter how many I try on. :killingme Good line to charm them off the original wearer though :devil2:
SPORK
19th May 2005, 18:36
To me they look like they modelled it on a whale.
Grumpy
19th May 2005, 18:45
Surely the GS1200 would have to be one of the best value for money bikes on the market at the moment, closely followed by the RF900.
Used to get a 1200 as a loner when my bike was getting serviced. Loved it.
Surely the GS1200 would have to be one of the best value for money bikes on the market at the moment, closely followed by the RF900.
Used to get a 1200 as a loner when my bike was getting serviced. Loved it.
I can't believe this rubbish............test ride a buell, bang for buck no competition. Enough said.
Badcat
19th May 2005, 20:54
I can't believe this rubbish............test ride a buell, bang for buck no competition. Enough said.
Rubbish?
last buell i test rode - (a new m2 at hamilton road and sport) made so much mechanical noise i could never have bought it.
when running, the buell sounded like someone stirring an enamel mug full of bolts...
i bought a cagiva raptor instead.
maybe different people like different bikes?
who'd have thought it?
oh, and where are those 1200cc buells available new for $10K?
Rubbish?
that was too easy..........thanks for the bite!
Crazy Steve
19th May 2005, 22:01
Let me and a friend take out at the same time a GS1200SS and a SV1000S..
The SV1000s was a demo...And went gud..:)
The GS1200SS was new and went awesome..:):)
I like the GS1200SS....Great monos..and fcking real smooth...
Get a Gs1200ss i say....And fck they cheap!!!!
Crazy Steve.
;
;
Hamish has one, if you want to flick me a PM we'd be happy for you to come and have a look/talk. Hamish's is one of the black/red ones (they brought 3 of them in).
You may even be able to buy his one as he's been making noises about buying a GSXR1000. Not quite sure why, I'd rather it was the MV F4 1000, but it's his choice..... (Not, I hasten to add, that I have anything whatsoever against GSXR's - I just personally prefer Italian Exotica.)
;
;
Thanks for your thoughts - and the offers to sell me a bike. Food for thought, cheers.
Paul in NZ
20th May 2005, 12:44
;
;
I just personally prefer Italian Exotica.)
;
;
I don't particually care where my erotica comes from as... oh... ah hem
Lou Girardin
20th May 2005, 14:33
that was too easy..........thanks for the bite!
Nice one LED, get shot down and pretend it was a troll. :msn-wink:
Lou Girardin
20th May 2005, 14:34
1200SS = a Bandit minus the sophistication.
By sophistication do you mean technological advances that have been made between the inception of the GS1200SS and the Bandit.
Was this an opportunity by Suzuki to gain some sales by selling an older model without the need for any development, enabling a cheaper new bike price?
Badcat
20th May 2005, 15:01
Nice one LED, get shot down and pretend it was a troll. :msn-wink:
yep - he really had me on the ropes there.
Badcat
20th May 2005, 15:17
By sophistication do you mean technological advances that have been made between the inception of the GS1200SS and the Bandit.
Was this an opportunity by Suzuki to gain some sales by selling an older model without the need for any development, enabling a cheaper new bike price?
from what i heard, the bike stemmed from a prototype at the 2000 tokyo auto show. yoshimura actually made the first one as a showpiece - but the response was so huge they passed it on to suzuki to build it.
they were quite popular - but maybe not as big as suzuki thought....
suzuki NZ have been bargain hunting in other markets for years - that's why they have bikes so cheap as the rf900s were - and street magics - scooters etc, and those canadian market hyabusas etc.
they are an interesting mix of technology:
twin rear shocks when the slabside GSXRs were single shocked
GSXR1000 electronic instruments
Very large and ugly exhaust
so it's a parts bin special and a wierd mix, but mine's a great bike.
k
Lou Girardin
20th May 2005, 15:32
By sophistication do you mean technological advances that have been made between the inception of the GS1200SS and the Bandit.
Was this an opportunity by Suzuki to gain some sales by selling an older model without the need for any development, enabling a cheaper new bike price?
Bandit came first, go figure!
SpankMe
20th May 2005, 15:35
The GS looks like something out of Mad Max.
<center>
<a href="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1071&fullsize=1"><img src="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_SV%20girlie%2013%20a.jpg">
Bikes don't look nicer than this.</a></center>
The GS looks like something out of Mad Max.
Mad max is pretty cool!
Lou Girardin
20th May 2005, 16:12
The GS looks like something out of Mad Max.
<center>
<a href="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1071&fullsize=1"><img src="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_SV%20girlie%2013%20a.jpg">
Bikes don't look nicer than this.</a></center>
Strangely enough, it doesn't look like that with you on it. :no:
James Deuce
20th May 2005, 16:14
http://www.motorrad-bild.de/images_textbildarchiv/sport/spencer/crosby3.jpg
riffer
21st May 2005, 09:00
Ahhhh - the plastic fantastic :love:
I used to love watching that bike as a kid.
Grumpy
21st May 2005, 09:45
I can't believe this rubbish............test ride a buell, bang for buck no competition. Enough said.
Have and you got to be joking!
Edit- I'll have to admit though, the brother rides a XB12S and that is a horny looking bike.
Krayy
21st May 2005, 10:34
...smooth as a baby's buttery bottom...
What the??
I have a baby, and whats usually attached to her bottom ain't butter! :no:
Paul in NZ
21st May 2005, 11:26
What the??
I have a baby, and whats usually attached to her bottom ain't butter! :no:
Peanut Buttery?
Try the SV. 1200ss is probably a bit dated now.
Hitcher
21st May 2005, 13:43
Peanut Buttery?
Smooth or crunchy?
SPman
21st May 2005, 14:44
Aquaintance had a Gs1200 - GSXR 1100 carbs, cams, etc - 135 ish at the rear wheel. Reckoned it went quite well!
Not well enough though - he sold it and got a ZX12R!
Badcat
21st May 2005, 15:23
Aquaintance had a Gs1200 - GSXR 1100 carbs, cams, etc - 135 ish at the rear wheel. Reckoned it went quite well!
Not well enough though - he sold it and got a ZX12R!
yep -= i have the gsxr cams and an igniter box for mine, but haven't installed them. i love the smooth midrange and thought i'd wait till i NEEDED a whole lot more top end....
k
Uncle B
21st May 2005, 16:24
Bear
I've got an SV and likewise if you want to PM me about them I'd be happy to babble on about the twin.
Nice one LED, get shot down and pretend it was a troll. :msn-wink:
I was going to go to the effort of justifying the fact that it was an M2 but that would be slagging the marque and all Buell riding legends, so in short Lou............bite me!! :msn-wink:
Badcat
22nd May 2005, 18:51
I was going to go to the effort of justifying the fact that it was an M2 but that would be slagging the marque and all Buell riding legends, so in short Lou............bite me!! :msn-wink:
phew - another master stroke from LED - we're not worthy!
hondacmx450
23rd May 2005, 08:13
GS1200SS is a great bike, I thought the 100hp/180kph restriction wouldn't worry me but after about 17minutes, it annoyed the fuck outta me. That FAT midrange is purrrrfect for pulling outstanding 2 up wheelies up the Wainui side of the 'Nui hill. The lack of cornering clearance gave me the shits also and if you do buy one, make sure the original rear tyre has been junked, they're crap.
SV1000S? I'm not a V-twin fan but I really enjoy that one. Nice and comfy for long rides but sporty enough to give excellent handling and feedback. Nice and light at 189 dry and (I reckon) a great looking bike. This machine also performs superlative monos up the Wainui hill (Ask Mark_NZ) although I've only done them solo.
Go for a new SV in silver, ask for me, and you'll get it for an unbelievable price and I'll chuck in a pair of Yoshi' cans. :niceone:
hay just wounder how much will a new sv 1000 cost from you mate is getting one from aucks but just wounder how good a price you r ofering could you pm me please he is also getting a bout 2 g worth of gear
hondacmx450
23rd May 2005, 19:46
that was too easy..........thanks for the bite!
hahaha you r a shit that buell of yours is a cool ride led bit man you caught a whale :killingme :killingme :killingme :killingme :killingme
hahaha you r a shit that buell of yours is a cool ride led bit man you caught a whale :killingme :killingme :killingme :killingme :killingme
Thanks for the back-up but I am afraid that badcat has got me again that last one had me in fits of laughter!!
Badcat
24th May 2005, 16:56
Thanks for the back-up but I am afraid that badcat has got me again that last one had me in fits of laughter!!
<sarcasm off>
i'm only pulling your leg, LED.
glad you see it.
;)
k
Bear
I've got an SV and likewise if you want to PM me about them I'd be happy to babble on about the twin.
Cheers VTWIN, will get in touch when the time comes.
Jantar
25th May 2005, 14:50
One of my riding partners has just knocked off the Southern Cross (3800 km in 5 days) on one and I was really impressed with how it went. Goes well on gravel roads too! It had Givi luggage on as well. I think they're restricted to 180km/hr as standard but with the restriction removed, they do ~240km/hr. Suggest you PM Jantar if you want to know more about them.
Geoff
Following the SC rally I carried on and toured the rest of the country that the Rally didn't cover.
I have had my GS1200SS since June last year. My reason for buying it was quite simply the price. It is one hell of a good bike for less than $10000 new. I have made it even better with the addition of GIVI luggage and a Scottoiler. The bike handles well and is stable on almost roads. It doesn't roll into corners as quickly as I'd expect from its low centre of gravity, but then again, it is a breeze to change lines part way through a bend if required.
I am averaging 18 km/l for fuel consumption, and running Pirelli MTR23/24 tyres rather than full sports tyres. If you are considering one of these bikes, Bear, then I would suggest that you try it out on an extended ride and use the riding style you are accustomed to. My brother-in-law also has one and he complains of sore wrists after a couple of hours riding, but I have never experienced this. I did feel cramped in the legs after around 3-4 hours riding (one tank full of gas), but after riding the Southern Cross I have adapted, and this sensation no longer appears.
FROSTY
29th May 2005, 13:55
I seriously concidered one when I bought my vifferarri.
I diddnt only because the viffer came up first.
I like the way you can just keep adding HP and improving the handling by relatively simple stepps.
and for a shortass. (1.75m) the bubble just seems to create a cone of still air to hide behind.
Bonez
2nd June 2005, 19:27
Took one for a testride in Waipuk earlier this year. Great value. I found it a bit cramped compared to the Integra, also with a lot of weight on the wrists. Mind you I guess it's something you adapt to. Good luck on what ever you decide to
buy next.
degrom
7th January 2007, 18:27
I seriously concidered one when I bought my vifferarri.
I diddnt only because the viffer came up first.
I like the way you can just keep adding HP and improving the handling by relatively simple stepps.
and for a shortass. (1.75m) the bubble just seems to create a cone of still air to hide behind.
What kind of HP can you get out of a bike like this?
fallofalot
7th January 2007, 18:59
You really need get out and road test these bikes before making such a comparison. A V-twin requires quite a different riding style to a straight four.
I had an SV, now have a firestorm and four cylinder bike (a new Z1) in between the Vtwins I am now a dedicated V-twin rider. Personally I thing the 1200ss is f'ken ugly, it's old technology, the motor based on a bandit, which I rode and found boring to ride. I recall the 1200ss is also restricted to 180km/h
My blue SV 100 sports was a reall attention grabber, add some scorpion pipes and it sounds awesome.
Best advice is to go out and test ride as many diffrent bikes as you can before making a decision.
My 5c worth if it helps.
Jantar
7th January 2007, 19:13
What kind of HP can you get out of a bike like this?I don't know that anyone has finally determined the answer to that question. A mate of mine has fitted carbs and cams from a GSX1100 and is getting 130 HP at the back wheel. I should add that he has also changed the exhaust, but I can't remember which one he settled on.
Lil_Byte
7th January 2007, 19:31
My last bike was GS1200ss that was before I wrote it off.
It was a great bilke to ride and great on longer trips. The only problem I had with it was the 180kph resriction which lasted about a week after I got it.
It has a cheap feel to the finishing which may count against it but I was totally pissed when the insurance company when they wrote if of as I loved the bang I got for my back with this bike
MVnut
7th January 2007, 21:21
GS1200S are sooooooooooo ugly they had to retail em for $9995:sick:
James Deuce
7th January 2007, 21:24
Depends on your point of view.
MV America looks like the front fender and headlight of a 1955 Morris Oxford.
At least the GS1200SS is styled after a racebike that had some wins in a competitive field of bikes.
Dai
8th January 2007, 00:06
I have been riding one of these since last April. Clocked up 15000 km since then.
What are my impressions?
1) Lots of torque not a lot of top end.
2) Top heavy
3) Suspension is crap, front forks need rebuilding and rear shocks replacing.
4) Exhaust is just plain ugly and should be replaced
5) Good on gas but I could do with more power. 100 hp at crank is not enough for me.
6) Lots of torque = lower rear tyre life. On my 3rd rear and 2nd front.
7) Riding position is uncomfortable. I have a 30" inside leg and after a long ride have pains in my hips. New rearsets (adjustable) would help as would handlebars that sat up about 30mm or so higher. This would give a more comfortable riding position
8) Distinct lack of any sort of customising gear in this country, loads in Japan though.
Still not sure where the engine originated. Lots of stories that it is a detuned Bandit mill but havent confirmed this. If so then there are lots of goodies that can be added to the power plant to give it a little more oomph.
Would I change? Yes if I coulds afford the bike I really wanted.
Am I happy with it? Yes. It does almost all I ask of it and with a little tweaking it will only get better.
I am going to stick with this bike for a while longer. I'll spend some cash getting it running and handling the way I want it. When I get a new bike I will probably keep this one to play with. See how far I can take this power plant/ frame combination. I reckon it would be a great basis for a 1/4 miler.
Bonez
8th January 2007, 05:04
GS1200S are sooooooooooo ugly they had to retail em for $9995:sick:I'd say it's a lot of bike for your buck. I've seen some with the fairing removed and a bit pin striping added. Don't look to bad at all. Some MVs look like they've run into the back of a truck. I guess you get what you pay for?:dodge:
degrom
8th January 2007, 07:43
I am sure you can convert it into a street fighter if you don't like the looks of it.
To me I would rather go full faired or no fairing at all.
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