mcn review on 11/ gsx1250fa abs substantiated?

[ferenc]

hi, i'm still in search of a replacement bike for my '91 vx800 and came across this month's MCN review of the gsx1250fa abs.
anyone out there have any first hand experience with this bik and willing to offer unbiased (!) feedback?

what would be a good otd $?

how does it differ from the 's' version?  i recall sitting on an 's' version and my knees did not tuck in behind the tank indents.

thanks in advance for any tips/suggestions,
ferenc

[Jay S.]

I'm curious too. It is on my short list for my next bike. It's funny how much press the new Ninja 1000 got, but the GSX1250 seems to be in the dark. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. When I read the last comparison the GSX was much more suited to sport-touring...

Hope some of the folks here will reply.

[Oxblood]

I have had my GSX 1250 SEA (touring edition of the bike, comes with the luggage) since December. My previous bike was a DL650 V Strom. I have to say, I am pleased with the GSX. I have ridden it every day since purchasing it. I use it as a daily commuter as well as for touring It has met or exceeded my expectations in every way.

I find it nimble and agile enough for daily commuting in vancouver's congested, miserable traffic. Add heated grips (I had the dealer install the V Strom heated grips), and you are good to go in cooler weather. Last winter the bike was off the road for just ONE day when we had a light dusting of snow here. Otherwise, rain or shine I rode.

In June of this year I attended the STN national in Custer, SD. The bike was a dream to ride there and back, handling the twisties on routes like US 12, WA SR 20, US 93, etc very well. The bike was stable in crosswinds, and comfortable for long days (Croak and I did a couple of 400 mile days heading back to Vancouver).

Later this summer I then took the bike up to Castlegar for Bubba Zannetti's Borscht Burn and BBQ gathering. The bike did a good job of keeping up with Croak on his Tuono as we made our way along BC 3, and it handled the roads in the Kootenays on Saturday's ride just fine.

It is big, it is a bit heavy, but it is an all around good ride.

[MCRyder]

Cycle World did a GSX1250FA vs. Kawasaki Ninja 1000 comparison:

http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/05/24/kawasaki-ninja-1000-vs-suzuki-gsx1250fa-gallery/

I have an '08 1250SA.  I've been on long tours (600 miles days) and sport rides (Texas Hill Country and Arkansas), the bike did well with all it was asked to do.  Not sure if the tank was changed on the GSX-FA, looks the same.  See about getting a test ride.  Looking to get a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 for more sport-oriented riding, add sidecases to the 1250 for sport-tour duties.