This review comes with the perspective of owning a 2017 R1200RS with the previous gen water cooled boxer making 125hp.
The new GS is rated at 136HP I believe by virtue of the new "shift cam" engine. The new GS also has the TFT display, ESA with adjustable height, quick shift assist pro, CC, heated seat & grips. A host of other features I am probably going to be remiss at having knowledge of, but you get the idea.
I am 5"11 with a 31 inch inseam, and had no problem flat footing the GS. The adjustable suspension height can be set to "low" to make it easier for the vertically challenged. The GS feels light and manageable at every point, be it peddling around via leg power or highway speeds. It just feels very manageable, maneuverable and light at all times. In the hour I spent on the bike, I ran through the mountains, and did some freeway time as well. In the twisty bits, the GS is a weapon. It corners very well, makes mid corner adjustments a breeze, and is very stable. Noticeably more composed than my C14. The GS ergos are very comfortable, and the wind protection was really good as well, which surprised me. TFT display was great, and the controls were all really intuitive and nicely thought out.
Now to the major difference for this year, the engine. The older 125hp boxer is a decently quick bike. The new boxer flat out stomps! There is noticeably more power in the mid and upper ranges, and the new engine really likes to rev. So for example, a 60-90 mph top gear roll on felt much stronger on the new boxer. Power delivery is very smooth, and cruising at highway speeds the engine is quite smooth and pleasant just like my boxer.
MSRP was 22K, which is a lot of money. However, when I consider a new Versys 1K is $18K, and has less poke, and chain drive, than the GS, than it seems more rational. Honestly, as much as I like the Versy 1K, I would spend the money and buy the GS.
Conclusion: Very impressive, but I doubt a GS is for me right now. I might however be tempted to sell the C14 and my RS in a year or so for an RT, or GS Adventure and go down to one bike.
The new GS is rated at 136HP I believe by virtue of the new "shift cam" engine. The new GS also has the TFT display, ESA with adjustable height, quick shift assist pro, CC, heated seat & grips. A host of other features I am probably going to be remiss at having knowledge of, but you get the idea.
I am 5"11 with a 31 inch inseam, and had no problem flat footing the GS. The adjustable suspension height can be set to "low" to make it easier for the vertically challenged. The GS feels light and manageable at every point, be it peddling around via leg power or highway speeds. It just feels very manageable, maneuverable and light at all times. In the hour I spent on the bike, I ran through the mountains, and did some freeway time as well. In the twisty bits, the GS is a weapon. It corners very well, makes mid corner adjustments a breeze, and is very stable. Noticeably more composed than my C14. The GS ergos are very comfortable, and the wind protection was really good as well, which surprised me. TFT display was great, and the controls were all really intuitive and nicely thought out.
Now to the major difference for this year, the engine. The older 125hp boxer is a decently quick bike. The new boxer flat out stomps! There is noticeably more power in the mid and upper ranges, and the new engine really likes to rev. So for example, a 60-90 mph top gear roll on felt much stronger on the new boxer. Power delivery is very smooth, and cruising at highway speeds the engine is quite smooth and pleasant just like my boxer.
MSRP was 22K, which is a lot of money. However, when I consider a new Versys 1K is $18K, and has less poke, and chain drive, than the GS, than it seems more rational. Honestly, as much as I like the Versy 1K, I would spend the money and buy the GS.
Conclusion: Very impressive, but I doubt a GS is for me right now. I might however be tempted to sell the C14 and my RS in a year or so for an RT, or GS Adventure and go down to one bike.