GSXR 1000 or K1200S?
A couple of months ago, on our hunt for our next bike, we
found ourselves looking online. Our ideal machine, HAD to fit the following criteria:
- Our lady fleet rider must be able to ride it
- It must be comfortable enough to commute
- It must be comfortable enough to tour on
- It must be able to perform on track
- Over 120hp would be nice
We imagine that most people want to be able to do everything
on their bike too, and it's so easy to get carried away - especially when you're not 100% sure what you want. You soon realise that you can get another bike for the money, and after reading all the reviews and watching all the videos, you become aware of bikes that you had never considered.
We wanted to keep an open mind, and for that reason we considered the following bikes:
We wanted to keep an open mind, and for that reason we considered the following bikes:
- BMW K1200S
- Fireblade
- GSXR 1000
- GSXR 750
- ZX10R
- R1
After some research and several conversations with people
who owned these bikes, we decided to book a test ride on the K1200S and the GSXR 1000 k6.
Coming from the GSXR 600 SRAD and the R1200GS, we felt that we could trust the
BMW and Suzuki brands.
The K1200S was the first bike we tested and what we really liked about the K1200S was that the tank
range and more upright position enables you to ride for longer, but
160hp means plenty of fun on track too.
With it being quite heavy (227kg), we did think it would be difficult to change direction quickly on track. But the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), heated grips and ABS make this faired beast really attractive. Not to mention, pillion comfort and re-sale value!
Everything about this bike was great. Honestly! There was no wind wobble in the mirrors, the vibes from the driveshaft were hardly noticable (unlike some of the reviews we have come accross), the screen was very well positioned... The list goes on.
This bike is incredibly well made, and you can tell this immediately - but it did lack something.
Something that was noticable when you step off the bike and look back as you walk away. It just didn't give us that 'tingle' that you get when you step off a superbike. It has a different kind of appeal, it gives you the confidence that you can explore the road and carry on exploring with the peace of mind that the bike will not skip a beat. And this bike should be praised for that.
With it being quite heavy (227kg), we did think it would be difficult to change direction quickly on track. But the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), heated grips and ABS make this faired beast really attractive. Not to mention, pillion comfort and re-sale value!
Everything about this bike was great. Honestly! There was no wind wobble in the mirrors, the vibes from the driveshaft were hardly noticable (unlike some of the reviews we have come accross), the screen was very well positioned... The list goes on.
This bike is incredibly well made, and you can tell this immediately - but it did lack something.
Something that was noticable when you step off the bike and look back as you walk away. It just didn't give us that 'tingle' that you get when you step off a superbike. It has a different kind of appeal, it gives you the confidence that you can explore the road and carry on exploring with the peace of mind that the bike will not skip a beat. And this bike should be praised for that.
And the Gixxer, well – it's plain nuts, but it just will not be
as comfortable in the long distance stuff as the BMW. On the 45 minute test ride (after taking out the BMW) we immediately noticed the scrunched seating position, the restricted space in front of you (and behind you), and the aggressive acceleration - which was addictive.
Like the BMW, ~160hp means it will be seriously fun on track, both on the straights and in the bends (if we can put the power down).
Like the BMW, ~160hp means it will be seriously fun on track, both on the straights and in the bends (if we can put the power down).
After the test ride – it took us a while to make up our minds. We loved the
relaxed riding position and the torque of the BMW, the luggage, the screen, the dials...
But the GSXR is just so sexy.
Ah! Are we the only ones that do this? Back and forth from one bike to another.
But the GSXR is just so sexy.
Ah! Are we the only ones that do this? Back and forth from one bike to another.
Let's face it, both bikes are awesome - and both deserve to be recognised for how excellent they are. You could argue that they don't deserve to be compared because they sit in different classes, but we genuinely were interested in these bikes for different reasons - at the same time.
Yes, the GSXR is better looking, it feels faster and will probably gives you more 'street cred' - but when you're riding, is it really that important what you're riding? As long as you're enjoying yourself, that's all that matters.
Did we go for the Bimmer in the end? No.
Why? Well you already know. Because #Bthou and because we could still go for the Bimmer in 10 years time.
We managed to save a few pennies by going with the GSXR 1000 k4 instead too - win win!
P.S. - the #Bthou is seriously quick on track! We can't wait for the next track day..
All the best
BirotarUK
BirotarUK
I was doing the same when looking at new bikes, back and forth between them but every time I thought I could walk away from the busa I found myself dragged back at it to take another look
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