Is the 1200GS the “One Bike to Rule Them All?”

[Iggster]

I have owned multiple bikes simultaneously for years. While there’s nothing wrong with this, I have come to a crossroads on multiple-bike ownership… This all began in June when I took a trip to Europe and rode through the Alps on a rented F650GS. I fell in love with everything, especially the bike. Within 2 weeks of getting home, I sold my 1974 R90/6 and bought a wonderful barely-used 2011 F650GS. I mainly use the 650 for commuting, grocery-getting and day rides around SLC. I also own a 2004 Road King, which I use almost solely for touring.

I’m not sure what brought this on, but in true “Lord of the Rings” fashion, I am now on a quest for the “one bike to rule them all.” I am considering selling both the Road King and the F650GS and getting a 1200GS or GSA. I know the Ducati Multistrada is a contender, but I just plain don’t like it. Not interested. Already owned a KTM Adventure...not interested in that, either. I have ridden the 1200GS and really do like it. I am a street rider 95% of the time. My offroading consists of gravel roads to get me to a campsite or reservoir. Also, I don’t own a car, so this “one bike” needs to get me through the SLC winter as well (I do have a bus pass for the really nasty days!).

Thanks for any thoughts from current or past owners of any of these models! OK, let’s discuss…

[cozmo2312]

Originally Posted by Iggster

Also, I don’t own a car, so this “one bike” needs to get me through the SLC winter as well (I do have a bus pass for the really nasty days!)]

[KankakeeBenjamin]

I think there are a million opinions however mine is that the gsa is the king. This is if you were limited to one bike. I think the gs/gsa is the best all around motorcycle. I have a multistrada now and it just isn't as good as my gsa was at everything.

[Gillus]

Originally Posted by kankakeebenjamin

i think there are a million opinions however mine is that the gsa is the king.

+1

[stevie88]

Originally Posted by KankakeeBenjamin

I think there are a million opinions however mine is that the gsa is the king. This is if you were limited to one bike. I think the gs/gsa is the best all around motorcycle. I have a multistrada now and it just isn't as good as my gsa was at everything.

I have been through quite a few bikes too, I currently have 4 in the garage, an 08 Monster S4RS Tricolour, an 05 Boxercup Replica, an 12 tenni green Griso and a 2013 Stelvio NTX. The Stelvio pushes all my buttons in a way that the departed 08 GSA never did. For me it's a better all round bike.

[TuonoBiker]

Originally Posted by stevie88

I have been through quite a few bikes too, I currently have 4 in the garage, an 08 Monster S4RS Tricolour, an 05 Boxercup Replica, an 12 tenni green Griso and a 2013 Stelvio NTX. The Stelvio pushes all my buttons in a way that the departed 08 GSA never did. For me it's a better all round bike.

Now that's a line up, Stevie. I could do without the Stelvio, but wow.......the Griso? The S4RS Tricolore? The boxer cup??? Incredible collection. Fantastic.

What color is your boxercup?

[stevie88]

Originally Posted by TuonoBiker

Now that's a line up, Stevie. I could do without the Stelvio, but wow.......the Griso? The S4RS Tricolore? The boxer cup??? Incredible collection. Fantastic.

What color is your boxercup?

It's red, white and blue.....just like any good German bike should be.

I put 46k miles on the GSA and really enjoyed that bike. It handled well and was a great long distance machine after adding the RDL. The Griso actually led me to the Stelvio and I'm not missing the GSA. The Stelvio stock seat is pretty good, the bike handles high speeds better, the ride is more comfortable and it handles better at both high and low speeds. If you want to tractor along in first gear idling it'll do that just fine, if you want to run 100 mph it'll do that with ease. It's comfort zone is about 20 mph faster than the GSA was. Plus that Guzzi motor makes a wonderful sound.

[TuonoBiker]

Originally Posted by stevie88

It's red, white and blue.....just like any good German bike should be.

I put 46k miles on the GSA and really enjoyed that bike. It handled well and was a great long distance machine after adding the RDL. The Griso actually led me to the Stelvio and I'm not missing the GSA. The Stelvio stock seat is pretty good, the bike handles high speeds better, the ride is more comfortable and it handles better at both high and low speeds. If you want to tractor along in first gear idling it'll do that just fine, if you want to run 100 mph it'll do that with ease. It's comfort zone is about 20 mph faster than the GSA was. Plus that Guzzi motor makes a wonderful sound.

Nice...perfect colors for the boxercup!

I really love guzzi's and will hopefully own one someday. The Griso is one of my fav's, the retro-styled V7's are great too. Glad you like the Stelvio - they definitely are kinda cool, right now I guess I'm still on the honeymoon with my GSA (new this past august).

I sat on the stelvio at the dealer last summer and there is something special/unique about it. And by "special" I don't mean in the short-bus way.

Italian bikes are all special....I'll have another someday. Sort of miss the Tuono sitting in the garage...sort of.

[oldfool]

I am going to say yes. I happen to ride the gs hp2 which I consider the best all around bike. I know there are other bikes for other things but for all around use the gs is hard to beat. The good thing is whatever version of gs fits your personal riding needs they deliver a very useable platform to do it with. Richard. Have fun

[taoman]

I own a 2008 GS and a 2012 GSA- the GSA rules- period. I work around my 30" inseam.

[stevie88]

When I owned my 08 GSA I though it was the best all round bike too. Now I know better.

[k woo]

No

[WildAnCrazymtl]

Yes !

[Conrad]

The R1200GS, overall, when everything and every issue is taken into consideration, is difficult to match, let alone beat as an all-around ride.

[TimothyCaseTimothy]

I live in Denver and only needed my car maybe a grand total of a week or two over the winter...I work an odd schedule, so my commuting isn't super hardcore...loaded up on heated gear and got through on the GSA no problem... As long as the streets were dry or just becoming wet...