Suzuki GS1200SS - Opinions pls

[bear]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[bear]

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]

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]

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.

[Biff]

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]

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. Good line to charm them off the original wearer though

[SPORK]

To me they look like they modelled it on a whale.

[Grumpy]

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.