Rockster 80 Vs R1200 GS Adventure...

[RocksterGT]

I know it sounds kinda crazy but yeah... Last weekend I tried an Adventure on a 400miles trip and I loved it! Smooth riding, easy turning, awesome braking, total autonomy, etc.! So now I'm considering trading in my Rockster 80 for an Adventure... I'm aware there's a whole world of difference between them but I'd like to hear what someone else has to say about it (besides the guy at the dealership who lent me the Adventure).

thanks guys...

[sweatmark]

No doubt about it - the R1200GS is a better bike. My neighbor bought one last year, trading in a very trick R1100S... absolutely loves the GS. Last summer we went on a spirited ride, myself on Buell XB trackday bike, and I had plenty of challenge keeping up with a competent rider on R1200GS.

Compared to the R1200 bikes, the R1150s are heavy, slow, and vibration-prone. I still love my Edition 80 Rockster (because it's a heavy iconic neo-retro pig), but recognize that our brothers over in the R1200R section have lots of good stuff to talk about. The R1200GS does most everything a bit better than the Roadster/Rockster.

[riceburner]

the only things I don't like about the R1200GS are:

1) the front end "feels" very light, and flighty - I much prefer the "planted" feel of the heavier 1150 bikes.

2) there's not as much low down (sub 3000 rpm) grunt on the 1200s. with the 1150 I can virtually crawl along in 3rd or 4th at walking pace and then ride off (if necessary) - can't do that on a 1200. Plus I think the 1200s feel "harsher" than the 1150s - but that's a VERY subjective thing.

I'm also not too sure about the home maintenance side of things....