Road Test Suzuki GS1200SS 2002 model
February 3rd 2008 07:57
As you know by the previous posts, I have been searching for a replacement motorbike but its been bit of a mission in finding something that meets all my requirements. Anyway, whilst trawling though the ads on Trade Me, I came across a Suzuki GS1200SS, hmmm price was right for a 2002 NZ model but did I like the styling?
But then as it was a nice Sunday, I thought I would take a look. From what I can tell, the 1200SS has the same engine, frame etc as the Bandit 1200 but different styling, more of a retro muscle bike look from the late 80s. On first impression I thought it might be a little too sporty in styling with the lowered bars and more prone seating. But after taking it for a ride for well over an hour, I have to say that I was quite impressed as it was a lot of bike for the money.
Pretty smooth through the revs although like Bandit, quite sluggish until the engine warms up. Gear change is just a subtle clunk, brakes good and the Metz tyres were nice and grippy.
Clocks consisted of just a rev counter and a digital speedo and nice to have a clock too.
Idiot lights are nice and bright with a fuel light blinking on for when you go onto reserve.
This bike also came with a single seat pod , making it all the more attractive possible purchase. I decided to try another bike the same which I knew was for sale, same year but less kms. Straight away as I drove up the road, I could feel something different, the bike felt less sure footed and handled awfully around round abouts and suspect round surfaces. I could only put this problem down to the tyres (Dunlops) and maybe the suspension setting? But it was very unnerving and not something you would want to deal with in the wet.
So needless to say I went and bought the other one. Picked it up yesterday and went for a good long ride around the Port Hills, Lyttleton etc and it wasn't too bad at all. Bit of a handful around the tight twisty stuff but on the faster sweeping roads, very good indeed.
Although when I sent pics through to my brother, he said 'Crikey, looks like something the 'Toecutter' would ride?' All you movie fans out there will know what he is on about and feel free to leave a comment if you know or think you know the movie?
kiwiauthor rating so far 8/10, style, price & condition although exhaust note could be just a little better.
Just another item of interest to motorcyclists, is a new piece of kit I have just recently bought.
For those of you who are wondering what this is? Its a back protector, has a large velcro waist strap and shoulder straps like a back pack. This fits under your jacket nicely and should protect your back in the event of a spill. Its one of those things you never hope to use but I'd rather pay $70 for this than the possible other option, so well worth a look if you ride bikes.
words and photography by Heath Ling
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Comment by Anonymous
Cheers
Dave
Comment by Anonymous
Thanks for reading the post, and as for Suzuki, I had to sell it to pay for house renovations but I would buy another though as they tend to be cheaper to buy for a newer model bike, so on that front, great value for money.
As for the styling, you either like it or not, it did tend to grow on me, but if I got another one, I would get it sprayed in the traditional Suzuki colours. Do a search on google images and there are some great pics on there.
As for a bike for commuting, depends on how and where you are riding, if it's a lot of central city stop and starting, then you could go for something like a 650 BMW Daker or Suzuki 650Vstrom although a bike like the Gs1200 has a bigger road presence but all depends on economics eg fuel etc. I found the riding position took a while to get used to as it's a semi racing postion.
Best thing is to try lots of different types, sizes and find the best all rounder really. If you use a bike every day then general running costs should be looked at and also if you use it every day, then think about repairs for a slow speed knock or spill.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Heath
Comment by t1201971