I upgraded from an F800GS. All the extras that came with the 30yr SE made it worth getting. Fantastic bike that's able to put a smile on my face no matter what the road/traffic/weather/mobile phone users (delete as you see fit) can do.

As a born-again rider with quite a few years away from bikes apart from an occasional test ride or moving a bike for a friend, it was quite a step up for me when I was persuaded to move up from the F650GS that I had used to refresh my skills and get used to the very different traffic from when I had been last on 2 wheels. Having said that, it is not a step that I have regretted and from the moment that I rode away after changing to the Adventure I have not been able to wipe the grin off my face - so the wife says anyway! The poise with which the bike handles, the presence on the road, the balance - all go to create what seem to me to be an easy bike to ride and enjoy.

True, the bike is big and heavy but it is possible to pick it up despite the weight even if you have to do it yourself - as with most things it is technique. I am roughly 6ft tall and I need the seat on the lower setting to feel comfortable, but that is exactly what I feel when I am on the bike - a great improvement for me. All told I am more comfortable riding the Adventure than I am driving most cars, something that I am grateful for given a history of (non bike related) back problems. With the comfort goes a commanding view of the road ahead and the clearly laid out controls in front of you.

I am now on my second Adventure, the first having met with a driver who did not see the roundabout or me already on it. At least that is what the police said - something of a feat given the sheer bulk and presence of the bike with rider in hi vis clothing. Fortunately I was largely unhurt, due in no small part to the exceptional brakes and all the electronic wizardry that let me brake hard, steer and pray all at the same time - and then the rest was down to the protection that goes with the bike - the cylinder head guards, the protection bars and the stout foot pegs- and of course the clothing I was wearing.

ESA allows me to adjust for any situation that I am likely to come across and whether on my own or with a pillion and luggage the bike is responsive and easy to control. It takes a substantial pothole to trouble the suspension even if encountered during cornering and it handles well on uneven and disintegrating surfaces and gravel. The screen and the bodywork give excellent protection from wind and rain for someone of my height and build and my pillion has not complained about buffeting thus far. The range provided by the larger tank is comforting if you venture into areas not well served by petrol stations and I don't consider the consumption to be excessive for such a large bike, but how you ride it can make a real difference in that area.

When out on the bike it does attract some disapproving looks from the anti-GS brigade, but when I park up it is amazing how often I am engaged in conversation by someone who wants to discuss the merits of the bike. It is equally amazing how often people profess to the dislike of the bikes based on perception and not experience.

All in all a great bike, fun to ride, easy to control, great carrying ability and comfortable with it.

I test rode a 56 plated ex demo bike from CW's in Dorchester after a visit to the BMW factory in Berlin,it didnt take long to decide this was the bike for me. It has such presence on the road and is so well put together. The ride position is ideal for me at 6.03 tall, its comfortable and riding two up makes little, if no difference, to the handling.
Three trips through Europe put the miles up to 18000 so it was time for a change. The only option in my mind was another GSA. This time a brand new one, 30 Years Special Edition. So far ive only taken a trip to Germany and back via Paris with my 12 year old son, it was fully laden but still had plenty of grunt to cover 1300 miles in a weekend without fuss or discomfort.
Being so high up allows an excellent view of the road ahead, despite the weight (1/4 tonne with a full tank) its glides through bends and roundabouts.
It dwarves sports bikes whenever I park it next to them but always encourages discussion from other riders.
There is a bit of a stigma attached to the bike where, those who don't know any better, class GSA owners as sheep, all they have to do is ride one and they will be smitten - so long as they're over 5.10 - Ewan and Charlie can't be wrong (nor can the sales figures)
In all,I find it hard to say anything bad about the machine, service (provided by CWs) cannot be faulted, the availability of 'bolt ons' is endless and all you can do is smile whenever you ride one.

HAD 1200GS BEFORE, BUT IT WAS WRITTEN OFF, TREAT MYSELF TO ONE OF THESE TO MAKE UP FOR THE DISAPPOINTMENT, IT IS MASSIVE, IM 6FT AND HAVE TO HAVE THE SEAT ON THE LOWEST SETTING, BUT IT HANDLES BRILLIANTLY, IT SHOULDN'T BUT IT DOES, MY ROUTE TO WORK IS 12 MILES OF TWISTY BUMPY BACK ROADS AND THE ADVENTURE MAKES IT FEEL LIKE A MAGIC CARPET RIDE, IT ALSO HAS THE ABILITY TO REALLY LIGHT UP THE RODE WITH ITS FACTORY SPOTS, WENT OUT WITH MY WIFE ON THE BACK FOR A LITTLE 300 MILE RIDE, MIXTURE OF A, B AND DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND MOTORWAY, SET THE SUSPENSION VIA THE ESA AND FORGOT SHE WAS ON THE BACK, ITS THAT GOOD, STABLE AND SECURE BUT REALLY CAN BE HUSTLED ALONG, BETTER THAN THE GS, JUST MAKE SURE YOUR TALL ENOUGH, ITS ALSO FUN WHEN THE PETROL STATIO ATTENDANT ASKS YOU IF YOU HAVE A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK AFTER YOUVE PUT £34 IN IT, 320 MILES TO RESERVE RIDDEN 2 UP QUITE QUICKLY AND THE SCREEN PROVIDES VERY GOOD WIND PROTECTION, NOT CHEAP, BUT WHAT A BIKE

The second I swung my leg across this behemoth I instantly fell in love with her.
I took her for a test ride from CW in Dorchester and was amazed that something so large and unwieldy looking could in fact be so light, manageable and a pleasure to throw into the tightest of bends.
I've added a few extras to personalise her a bit over the years. My favourite being the full Remus exhaust system which makes her just growl like the beast she is!
I've also got the big Aluminium luggage set which is wonderful when touring. There is not much you have to leave at home! Even if you're just nipping down to the local video shop you look as though you're just setting off around the world! lol!
I've also got a sheepskin rug to sling over the saddle on long trips, although I have to admit I am still undecided as to whether it helps at all. I still get a numb Bum :-(
If I had to specify a complaint it would be that I would of liked an 18" front wheel rather than the 19" to give me a larger choice of sticky tyres. There is no way I would ever take her off road. It would break my heart if I ever dropped her. YouTube however is full of cleverer people than me doing all sorts of incredible stuff off road with them.