Who has ridden an 89 GS and a more modern GS? What are your impressions?

[slipperymongoose]

Well yesterday after filming had wrapped up on my R6 video I was taking the all important test ride to see if there were any kinks in my perfect conversion, after we finished cods offered me a spin on his 89. Wow is all I can say the entire time I was on it I had the biggest grin, it must have been the clip - ons because it was a really fun time, even though it was around the block the way the bike was setup was just fun and I really liked it. By the same token when cods took mine for a spin he said how light the bike felt in compared to his. So what does everyone else think? Have you ridden an 89 and then a more modern late 90's or even 00's or even mid 90's GS? What are you comparisons?

[codajastal]

Well yesterday after filming had wrapped up on my R6 video I was taking the all important test ride to see if there were any kinks in my perfect conversion, after we finished cods offered me a spin on his 89. Wow is all I can say the entire time I was on it I had the biggest grin, it must have been the clip - ons because it was a really fun time, even though it was around the block the way the bike was setup was just fun and I really liked it. By the same token when cods took mine for a spin he said how light the bike felt in compared to his. So what does everyone else think? Have you ridden an 89 and then a more modern late 90's or even 00's or even mid 90's GS? What are you comparisons?

[knowles]

I have an 89 and i put on 2006 bars, and i like them better then the clip-ons. its only about 2-3 inches different for me. but i like the reg bars better. i"m sure im the only one because everyone wants the clip-ons now.

[adidasguy]

I'd say that is a yes? 


Junior: Light, nimble. Loves twisties. Maybe due to thin Gimbel seat and the far-back Gimbel rear sets. The low, thin seat makes me feel more like I am IN the bike rather than UP and ON the bike.

Trey: A little more sluggish feeling. Trey's German seat is higher than Juniors Gimbel seat. Trey has Raask rear sets.

Suzi: with all the fairing and stuff, she seem the  heaviest and more a commuter than a back roads bike for the twisties. She does do well on the twisties, but Junior WANTS to do twisties. Suzi also has a thicker German seat which puts me 2 or 3 inches higher than when on Junior.

I'd say any bike can be the same. It varies with the seat type, seat thickness, handlebars (stock, 89's or Euro's), rear sets (stock, Raask or Gimbel) and the fairings or lack there of.

All have stock rear shock and links. Junior has progressives. Trey and Suzi have 0.85's. All have stock tires. Suzi has Euro bars. Trey and Junior have 89's.

[codajastal]

I'd say that is a yes? 


Junior: Light, nimble. Loves twisties. Maybe due to thin Gimbel seat and the far-back Gimbel rear sets. The low, thin seat makes me feel more like I am IN the bike rather than UP and ON the bike.

Trey: A little more sluggish feeling. Trey's German seat is higher than Juniors Gimbel seat. Trey has Raask rear sets.

Suzi: with all the fairing and stuff, she seem the  heaviest and more a commuter than a back roads bike for the twisties. She does do well on the twisties, but Junior WANTS to do twisties. Suzi also has a thicker German seat which puts me 2 or 3 inches higher than when on Junior.

I'd say any bike can be the same. It varies with the seat type, seat thickness, handlebars (stock, 89's or Euro's), rear sets (stock, Raask or Gimbel) and the fairings or lack there of.

All have stock rear shock and links. Junior has progressives. Trey and Suzi have 0.85's. All have stock tires. Suzi has Euro bars. Trey and Junior have 89's.

Ok now I am confused

[BaltimoreGS]

I have an '89 and an '01 and the biggest difference is me is the size feel of the 2.  Even though it is pretty much the same bike mechanically, the restyled GS's feel a good bit bigger with the wider seat and tank.  I feel really cramped on the '89 (I'm 5' 10" and 230lbs).  The '89 bars feel closer to together than the '01.  I've never measured to see if there is a difference or if it is all in my head.  It is hard to compare the performance of the 2 because my '89 has a lot more wear so it feels a little loose and sloppy compared to the relatively low mile '01.

-Jessie

[bud_44]

Thanks a lot for this question.  I'm 5'10" and weigh 220.  I still haven't had a chance to sit on a GS500F, 2004 or newer.  From what you said I should not have any problems.  About 30% of my riding will be two up with my wife.  Her weight is 110 pounds.  Do you think the two of us on the bike will be a bit much or will it be OK?  Thanks for your help.  Ride safe my friend.

Bud 

[adidasguy]

I have an '89 and an '01 and the biggest difference is me is the size feel of the 2.  Even though it is pretty much the same bike mechanically, the restyled GS's feel a good bit bigger with the wider seat and tank.  I feel really cramped on the '89 (I'm 5' 10" and 230lbs).  The '89 bars feel closer to together than the '01.  I've never measured to see if there is a difference or if it is all in my head.  It is hard to compare the performance of the 2 because my '89 has a lot more wear so it feels a little loose and sloppy compared to the relatively low mile '01.

-Jessie

89 bars are closer - hence the tank clearance problem when put on an 01+ bike. I agree the larger tank makes it feel bigger.
I need to do some careful measurements between the models. We know the side stand is shorter on the new models. Why? frame is basically the same. Motors are swappable. Newer seat is thicker. I noticed on the center stand, newer bike has more clearance below the rear wheel. With everything so much the same - I have to find out why the side stand is shorter.