GSF or GSX 1250?

I am looking for a 1250 and was wondering if there is any extra weather protection on the GSX1250FA?

I am leaning towards the GSF as it's easier to put on a set crash bars to protect the motor and the fact that its make access easier for servicing, but will consider the GSX if the fairing does actually offer some protection.

You can fir oggy knobs to the GSX , but I have the GSF so can't comment on the weather protection

paul wrote:You can fir oggy knobs to the GSX , but I have the GSF so can't comment on the weather protection

x 2

The GSX headlight is far superior to the pathetic candle fitted to the GSF1250S if night riding is a consideration. Of course the naked GSF is not so afflicted.

The fairing give no more protection from the elements.  They are essentially the same bike with a different dash.

Its a motorcycle. You should embrace the weather. Screens only do so much like shift the wind from your chest to your head, other than that, your legs will cop it regardless.
If you want better weather protection - buy a car......... or a gold wing. 

Ironman wrote:Its a motorcycle. You should embrace the weather. Screens only do so much like shift the wind from your chest to your head, other than that, your legs will cop it regardless.
If you want better weather protection - buy a car......... or a gold wing. 

While I essentially agree I have owned wet bikes and dry bikes. Wettest being the FZ1 and driest being my current VFR1200F.
To answer the OP the GSX has slightly better suspension but if buying either used you should factor in the cost of a suspension service/upgrade.

Thanks for the responses folks.

Re suspension, go after market, if so which one or stock if work needs to be done?

Alheng wrote:Thanks for the responses folks.

Re suspension, go after market, if so which one or stock if work needs to be done?

.
The popular change on the front is: fit Racetech gold valves and springs suitable for your weight (1.0kg/cm is popular but if you are under 90kg you might want to go for 0.95 kg/cm or softer, depends what you are chasing) - talk to you suspension specialist for piece of mind and expert opinion. 5 weight oil with the above changes will work well.

Re the rear, I fitted an Ohlins - it is brilliant.

How often do the Ohlins need to be rebuilt?

I saw a bike with  rear Wilbers shockie, but some searching on the net indicated they are great BUT that they have to be rebuilt every 2 years??  Seems a pretty short life to me.

No idea - mine's done over 40,000kms and doesn't feel like it needs a rebuild.

Speaking from experience, Riding with Chook (GSF) and myself on my GSX, the GSX offers no more weather protection. We both rolled into Rutherglen completely soaked.

At the time I fitted mine, R&G were the only company to offer crash knobs for the GSX, damn expensive too, but I can testify to their effectiveness.

madmax wrote:Speaking from experience, Riding with Chook (GSF) and myself on my GSX, the GSX offers no more weather protection. We both rolled into Rutherglen completely soaked.

You would have got soaked on a Goldwing riding into Rutherglen that morning


Seriously though, that day we dried out and got wet again numerous times, I doubt the bikes made any difference, my boots were certainly better in the wet than MM's though 

The goldwing actually has a heater for your legs and feet. Just directs air from around the exhaust manifold - nice idea.

Chook wrote:my boots were certainly better in the wet than MM's though 

At least they dried out quicker than yours did

Ewok1958 wrote:No idea - mine's done over 40,000kms and doesn't feel like it needs a rebuild.

20,000ks is the service period. They check and replace orings etc so they get replaced before they fail.

I have the tall Givi touring screen, I dont seem to get that cold on it. I also have big handguards and hot grips. Ive got the GSX1250FA. 

I took mr CBR1000rr out on Tuesday night and froze.