Anyone with a 1200GS willing to loan a test ride around Tampa?

Serge · 01-11-2008, 10:21 PM

I'm in Tampa. Seriously thinking of upgrading from the Dakar to a 1200GS.
I've got a line on one up north for a fly and ride but would like to take one for a brief spin first.
I'm not interested an anything serious, no highway miles, just a brief run around a neighborhood would satisfy my reservations.
You'd be well compensated with whatever is required.

Horatio · 01-12-2008, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serge

I'm in Tampa. Seriously thinking of upgrading from the Dakar to a 1200GS.
I've got a line on one up north for a fly and ride but would like to take one for a brief spin first.
I'm not interested an anything serious, no highway miles, just a brief run around a neighborhood would satisfy my reservations.
You'd be well compensated with whatever is required.

This may be a dumb question, but wouldn't the dealer allow you to test ride one? If the Tampa guys won't, I sure would talk to the guys in Orlando. I am pretty sure they would want you to try it as they would be thinking sale. Talk to Frank there.

Zrexrob · 01-12-2008, 04:31 AM

Just buy it!

sonic578 · 01-12-2008, 11:55 AM

If you get close to the east coast, near Ft. Lauderdale, let me know. You're welcome to take a spin on my 05 GS anytime. It's a pretty long haul for you to travel across the state, but just sayin' in case you're here for some other reason.

Serge · 01-13-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horatio

This may be a dumb question, but wouldn't the dealer allow you to test ride one? If the Tampa guys won't, I sure would talk to the guys in Orlando. I am pretty sure they would want you to try it as they would be thinking sale. Talk to Frank there.

Not a dumb question. Tampa doesn't have any and Orlando doesn't have one I'm interested in. I wouldn't take one of theirs for a test ride if I wasn't going to buy it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeagerda

If you get close to the east coast, near Ft. Lauderdale, let me know. You're welcome to take a spin on my 05 GS anytime. It's a pretty long haul for you to travel across the state, but just sayin' in case you're here for some other reason.

Thanks for the offer yeager, doubt I'll be down there anytime soon though.

Serge · 01-14-2008, 06:36 PM

And the verdict is.......Dakar stays.

A local ADV'er let me borrow his 1200 this evening for a brief spin. I owe him a few beers and diner.

I really really liked the 1200. Just not enough to trade a paid for Dakar for another payment.

Some observations:
The power was great, duh....
Tranny seemed to shift similar to mine. Not too smooth but nothing dramatic. Never got past 4th though.
Seating position seemed a bit cramped but I've got the Dakar dialed in for me, no reason the 1200 couldn't be made similar.
Maybe my imagination, but more wind noise.
Finally, the 1200 seemed a bit easier to lean into turns. Think that's the 19" vs 21" front? Or maybe the Telelever vs forks?

Thanks again for saving me quite a chunk of change.

graemebo · 01-19-2008, 07:47 PM

Glad to do it!

01-11-2008, 10:21 PM	#1
Serge ^OP Parrothead Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Tampa Oddometer: 174	Anyone with a 1200GS willing to loan a test ride around Tampa? I'm in Tampa. Seriously thinking of upgrading from the Dakar to a 1200GS. I've got a line on one up north for a fly and ride but would like to take one for a brief spin first. I'm not interested an anything serious, no highway miles, just a brief run around a neighborhood would satisfy my reservations. You'd be well compensated with whatever is required. Serge screwed with this post 01-14-2008 at 06:26 PM

01-12-2008, 04:31 AM	#3
Zrexrob Fla Mountains...yep! Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Clermontvegasville, Fl Oddometer: 1,380	Just buy it! __________________ Dual-Sport Kripz member since 1984. Seven deadly sins Seven ways to win Seven holy paths to hell And your trip begins...

01-12-2008, 11:55 AM	#4
sonic578 Studly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Location: SE Florida Oddometer: 697	If you get close to the east coast, near Ft. Lauderdale, let me know. You're welcome to take a spin on my 05 GS anytime. It's a pretty long haul for you to travel across the state, but just sayin' in case you're here for some other reason. __________________ Dave '11 GS

01-19-2008, 07:47 PM	#7
graemebo Hello Feng's Mansion! Joined: Dec 2005 Location: San Antonio Oddometer: 103	Glad to do it! __________________ Graeme 04, 525 EXC 05, R1200GS

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01-14-2008, 06:36 PM	#6
Serge ^OP Parrothead Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Tampa Oddometer: 174	And the verdict is.......Dakar stays. A local ADV'er let me borrow his 1200 this evening for a brief spin. I owe him a few beers and diner. I really really liked the 1200. Just not enough to trade a paid for Dakar for another payment. Some observations: The power was great, duh.... Tranny seemed to shift similar to mine. Not too smooth but nothing dramatic. Never got past 4th though. Seating position seemed a bit cramped but I've got the Dakar dialed in for me, no reason the 1200 couldn't be made similar. Maybe my imagination, but more wind noise. Finally, the 1200 seemed a bit easier to lean into turns. Think that's the 19" vs 21" front? Or maybe the Telelever vs forks? Thanks again for saving me quite a chunk of change.