From other thread
I took out a new 1200 GT Pro for 2 1/2 hours this morning and did a good 100 miles or so.
Thoughts ?
Looks nicely screwed together.
Great TFT with easy navigable menu using a joystick
It’s immediately very comfortable.The seat is brilliant as is the screen.
On high position it was very good at providing protection whilst still giving a small amount of cleanish air around/over the body.
On low, the airflow was directed at upper chest,which is fine in my opinion.
High
Low
The screen is adjustable one handed on the fly.
The engine ?
Well…..it’s certainly not lacking in power.The T-plane crank with it’s uneven firing order puts out something like 148bhp and 130Nm of torque.
It does sound a bit odd.It’s certainly lacking that lovely triple growl of previous models, yet it doesn’t have the grunt of a twin.
Sitting at 60 mph in 6th is about 3500 revs and 70mph is 4200 revs.
Redline is 9500.The bike flies from about 5500 revs but that means you need to knock it down a couple of cogs for a decent overtake, unlike something like a KTM 1290 which has instant grunt.It’s also lacking in much engine braking.
The throttle, which must be fly by wire is also a tad odd.It doesn’t have any play like a Multi V4 but feels a bit disconnected at low revs.Also, at a standstill, if you let the clutch out towards biting point then the revs increase.Feels odd but may well be a design feature to aid a quick getaway.
Indicators are quite clever in that a short press enables 3 flashes before self-cancelling and a long press gives about 8.
Quick shifter was good. Not as good as on my 1290R but ok.The gearbox was a tad notchy though.
I averaged 48mpg over my short ride.
Heated grips have three stages but even on high could barely be felt.
Heated seat wasn’t working !!!
Handling was good but it’s missing that low c of g tip in feeling that is so prominent on the latest KTMs and obviously a GS trait.
Good points
Great seat/riding position/comfort
Easily adjustable and useful screen
Shaft drive
Back lit switch gear
Good TFT
Bad points
Needs revs to ….er….make progress
Heated grips are weak
Heated seat was fucked !!!
Low down fuelling.
Overall thoughts ?
I was slightly underwhelmed.
Comparing it to my 2021 KTM 1290R, it’s not as powerful or grunty, the handling is nowhere near as sure footed and you need to get it above 5500 revs to really get a shift on.
It’s lacking the grunt and engine braking of a twin but the 1-3-2 firing order masks it being a triple, even if it provides more grip and stability.
I’m sure it’ll sell well and is a good bike if you must have shaft drive.
But ,IMHO, the latest 1290 is streets ahead, and I’ve only ridden the SAR !!!