Suzuki GS1200SS - Opinions pls

[LED]

hahaha you r a shit that buell of yours is a cool ride led bit man you caught a whale

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]

Thanks for the back-up but I am afraid that badcat has got me again that last one had me in fits of laughter!!

i'm only pulling your leg, LED.
glad you see it.



k

[bear]

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]

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:Me]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

GS1200S are sooooooooooo ugly they had to retail em for $9995

[James Deuce]

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]

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]

GS1200S are sooooooooooo ugly they had to retail em for $9995

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?

[degrom]

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.