Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

The Things We Ride
Post Reply
Geecee68
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2019 7:50 pm
Location: Surrey
Has thanked: 85 times
Been thanked: 40 times

Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by Geecee68 »

I have a 2017 Manual Africa Twin. Great bike and I've done some long tours on it. After the most recent I've realised that it is missing 3 things. Cruise control, tubeless and a decent sized tank. I've been looking around and you can't ignore the BMW's. I rarely go off road, maybe gravel roads to get to view points or camping spots. I've been looking at the GS's and the RT's. Obviously the RT is road only.

Has anyone switched from an AT to something else? I know I could go to an ATAS, just wondering if anyone went to a BMW and regretted it?
dibbs
Posts: 978
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2015 7:42 pm
Location: Essex
Has thanked: 419 times
Been thanked: 158 times

Re: Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by dibbs »

Hi GeeCee
I found my 2016 AT uncomfortable on road (brilliant off road) and when i sold it i bought a cheap Triumph Tiger 800 XC which i find miles more comfortable and smoother on the road. I did test ride a GS1250 Rallye and loved it, and also look at the new Triumph 1200 shaft drive model it is apparently very good!
Helicoptermanr22
Posts: 519
Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2016 11:43 am
Location: Portishead
Has thanked: 21 times
Been thanked: 131 times

Re: Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by Helicoptermanr22 »

Yep regretted the 1250GS Rallye.
Actually very noisy and vibey and suffered from Tinitis with it.

Had a 18AT manual then went back to a 2020 AT dct , , then a 2022 AT DCT,
rode a 18 model GS 1200 last week and felt positively agricultural and clunky compared to my AT.

Not sure if that helps!
Geecee68
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2019 7:50 pm
Location: Surrey
Has thanked: 85 times
Been thanked: 40 times

Re: Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by Geecee68 »

Helicoptermanr22 wrote: Sun Jul 17, 2022 6:49 pm Yep regretted the 1250GS Rallye.
Actually very noisy and vibey and suffered from Tinitis with it.

Had a 18AT manual then went back to a 2020 AT dct , , then a 2022 AT DCT,
rode a 18 model GS 1200 last week and felt positively agricultural and clunky compared to my AT.

Not sure if that helps!
This helps a lot. Does your new 22 AT have cruise control? I love my current AT but on long Spanish motorways, I get wrist ache. Tried the little throttle snap on attachment but its not perfect. And you opted for DCT just for a change? people either love them or hate them seemingly...I'm ambivalent. I have a scooter and I love that!
Magnusson
Posts: 240
Joined: Sun Apr 25, 2021 5:09 pm
Location: Earth
Has thanked: 287 times
Been thanked: 132 times

Re: Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by Magnusson »

AT 22 has cruise control. DCT is brilliant.
Champagne taste on beer budget.
Helicoptermanr22
Posts: 519
Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2016 11:43 am
Location: Portishead
Has thanked: 21 times
Been thanked: 131 times

Re: Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by Helicoptermanr22 »

Yep as said it has CC, lucky enough to have owned a fair few recently but this ones a keeper definitely. Absolutely love it and the DCT 22 version is great in traffic being smoother than the 2020 model.
Get around 200-220 for 18 Litres which is pretty good
Attachments
51863778-5B24-43E1-809E-BD9210C9073C.jpeg
51863778-5B24-43E1-809E-BD9210C9073C.jpeg (285.98 KiB) Viewed 3340 times
petecam
Posts: 381
Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2015 11:18 am
Has thanked: 34 times
Been thanked: 56 times

Re: Anyone switch from an Africa Twin to a R1250GS?

Post by petecam »

I’ve gone the other way from a GSA1200 to a AT1100 Adventure Sport (manual).

Let me say as preamble both are brilliant bikes. In fact are there really any bad bikes these days?

Brilliant as the GS was, I fancied a chance and it was a handful at times on the trail. While the AT is not exactly light either it’s 30kg less and you really notice it off tarmac, it’s also much easier to manoeuvre around.

I do in addition think the 18/21” wheel setup is far better in the dirt and doesn’t really disadvantage you on the tarmac. The AT rides much better than it’s size would have you believe.

The comfort and fuel range are compatible on the AT to the GS.

What I do miss is the boxer engine and the AT is down on power. I could just do with a little more poke and bottom end.

Oh and I do miss maintenance free shaft drive !

I’d say it’s a tough call but for road only go for the GS. For dirt and road the AT.

Cheers
P
Post Reply

Return to “BIKES”