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2012 GSX 1200 SE - anyone have one?

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14K views 25 replies 22 participants last post by  msp54  
#1 ·
Looking at 3 sleds and the GSX SE is one of them.

Can anyone comment on the quality of the build, issues, comfort or anything else you might want to add.

Tossing around 2 skidoo sleds: GSX 1200SE, Adrenaline 1200.

I am wondering how the power feels on the GSX, good torque, top speed, comfort?

Thanks

Brad
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the info....I have not been able to locate one to sit on, it is summer and all are put away. I found a crated black one and I might just go for it, but worried....they are pretty hard to find as it seems people snapped them up...hard to buy a sled with out sitting on it, if I wait it might be gone....
$9500, plus $300 setup and prep.

Not too bad at all...

Thanks for the info for sure...

Brad
 
#6 ·
I have a 2011 and a 2012 GSX SE. The sled is a winner all around. The airshock works as advertised and I have really come to love the heated seat. Power and speed is relatively the same in this sled as it is in any of the other 1200's. In 2011 only myself and my brother out of six of our riding group had 1200's. In 2012 a 600 etec rider and a 600 SDI rider converted. During the Spring order we converted an 800 ptek rider. I'm sure the remaining 600 etec rider will convert when he's ready for a new sled. The 1200 is a real gem and the GSX SE is a great sled.
 
#7 ·
I have a 2012 GSX SE with 4736 miles on in it's first year. I averaged 15mpg. I have not touched a thing on this machine. Even the well know clutch rattle seemed to get softer the more miles I put on it. I'm still on the same belt and Hi-Fax. The sled handles like a dream, holds the corners very well and it takes the bumps very well, the best skid I've ever owned and I rode a Polaris M-10 for 2 years. The one thing I did do to the machine was to put a pair of SnowTrackers (http://www.snowtracker.com/)on the skis as I did get some darting on firm trail conditions. The air shock option is a must have if you get the choice.
 
#8 ·
I have a 2012 GSX 1200 SE. I also have a 2010 GSX ETEC 600. When I got my 600, I was blown away as to how smooth that motor ran. Quiet, little smell, smooth, idled at 1250 every time, easy on gas. Additionally everyone of my friends who drove it were more than impressed as well. It was the best sled I have ever owned up until I bought the 1200. IMO, that 1200 GSX SE is in a class of it's own. I never even considered a four stroker but after reading all the reviews, I can honestly say that sled is incredible. If you are going to use it for boondocking and busting powder then it's probably not the sled for you. It does everything else at an exceptionally high level. Now that 600 seems TOO light on the trail. That 1200 just feels so much more planted. Another thing I like, I can hear my ETEC at all speeds. Above 40mph, you do not hear that 4-TEC at all. Gas mileage could be a tad better but would I buy this sled again? The answer is 100% yes. In fact, I would take two of them.
 
#9 ·
Bought one for my wife last year. Can't say anything bad about it. We only put 300 miles on it due to lack of snow, but I put about half of those on, and it is honestly the best riding sled I've ever been on, of any brand. If I hadn't bought a boat this summer, I would be on a 1200 myself this winter. I got around 16 mpg and my wife got around 18. I think a lot of it has to do with a steady throttle thumb. For me, the torque is very addicting. I love this engine! The air suspension soaks up everythingfrom small stutter to huge moguls and this sled really is light for a 4-stroke. Definitely recommend, and I would scoop it up at that price.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
I bought a 09 1200 Renegade new and a 2012 1200 gsx se new. I get about 1-2 miles per gallon better out of the GSX. I think it's because the 15"track compared to the 16". I have 3987 miles on the 2012 and have not had a warranty claim. The 09 has 6700 and has also been great.

Since your question was which to buy...Having both, I would buy the Gsx Se again new. There are no deals out there on them though. So would I be unhappy by saving several grand and buying a Adrenaline Gade. NOPE! Great sled too... Just less goodies, but you can buy most of the stuff and put it on. Except air susp. (I do like the Air Susp. but it stays on the second setting most the time)

The power of the adrenaline and GSX Se is the same by feel, however They went to the 1.25 x15" Ripsaw in 2012 and it hooks up better than the 1" in prior years of GSX. The Renegade had the 1.25" stock but again it's a 16" wide track.

Good luck!
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have deposits down on TWO 2013 GSX-SE's. Trading two 09' etecs that have over 9,000mi. each and have been pretty much flawless. I hope I'm not disappointed! I had to have all the goodies and we are primarily trail riders and are old people to boot so the GSX-SE's made sense. I can now officially say I spent more on a snowmobile than on the brand new honda car I bought in 1991. I have some health issues and am close to losing my job so at least I will have one helluva good winter on these sleds if it snows. We don't wear backpacks or motocross helmets and ride sitting down most of the time. I'm thinking of putting monster energy stickers on both sleds just for the fun of it
 
#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have the 2011 GSX SE. I rode it back to back last year with an Etech 600 and there is no comparrison. My only complaints are the limited top end and so far with every chasis adjustment possible I can't get it to stop pushing in high speed corners. It doesn't push horribly but it does push. The sled needs another 20 or so HP then it would be perfect.
 
#16 ·
Burt Lake Marina in Indian River Michigan had one 1200 and one 600 e teck late last spring. 1 231 238 9315 . My wife and i both have the 1200 gsx se and we love them. The only thing i dont like is if your gonna do a lot of riding at 20 to30 mph thing sounds like a Mack Truck. Our young son is learning to ride by him self and slow speeds are common for us. Get above that and super queit .