Advice…. Please

Hi all

I'm after some advice regarding the big Beemer. I've decided I've had enough of cramming (I'm 6'3" and 18 stone) myself on a sports bike, going at twice the speed that you lose your license and arrive not being able to walk. Need something that is good for the Sunday morning blast, riding two up and good for touring…. Logical choice - The GS.
Only problem is which one? I prefer the look of the 1200GS but people tell me they aren't as reliable as the 1150's also adventurer or standard GS? What options/extras are worth getting….

Please help,

From GS.confused.com

Hi Bust3r.


You will get 100 different answers.

Your best bet is to try the bikes.

I've got a GSA1200 and I love it.

I tried the standard GS12 when they first came out in 2004 but it did nothing for me and I bought a KTM 950 Adv instead.

But when I tried the GSA12 in 06 it was a revelation.

You're the right size for one too,as a couple of mates who were under 6' found the GSA a bit of a handful,especially when full of juice.

Go and try them both.

If you have a beard and drink flat real ale,then I suppose you could consider an 1150,but otherwise stick to a modern GS.

like he said - try them first if you can. They are both very different beasts - and it will probably boil down to which one you feel most comfortable with. I have the 1150 which to my eye is the better looking one Adv or not to Adv - the main difference between them is obviously the petrol tank - and, therefore, the weight - especially when fully filled up.

The Adv model should come with panniers already fitted - essential if you want to go touring but will probably be difficult NOT to get any model without them already fitted.

As for other bits and bobs - you are only limited to how much is in your wallet - there are literally 1000's of shiny blingy bits for your B M W.

There are those who says that the 1200 has gone 10000s of miles without missing a beat but there will be others who have taken it back to the dealer for such or such to be replaced. The 1150 is an older design and more sorted out but can, like anything else mechanical, still go wrong.

Best thing to do is just buy one and enjoy the thing - I did

Get your self down to a dealer and test ride for a couple of hours minimum. Don't just try the GS, try the RT as well. You won't regret it in the long run, just have a job getting that big smile off your face when your lip sticks to your teeth
Andrew.

....just wait for the smile

.......as you know bikes are a very personal thing, so I can only give you an opinion based on my own experience. A year ago I bought an 06 GS1200 - I haven't stopped smiling since. True it doesn't have the straight line acceleration of a sports bike, but its not far off, and in my opinion in the right hands you'll make it up on the bends. Its just the overall flexibility of the bike, it will scratch, it will tour, it will do everything.

When mates spend half an hour squeezing very little into back packs and tank bags, just clip the pannier(s)/ top box on and set off. If you have pillion, sit them on the back in an upright, comfortable position and away you go.

Exploring and get caught out on a dirt track ahead......hey! no problem, there's that smile again. Take it into a crowded car park, its like riding a bicycle, weave in and out, the steering is light the balance gives you all the confidence you need.

1150, 1200GS or GSA, that's down to personal preference.
The BMW garages are full of sports bikes that have been traded in for GSs or RTs. As others have suggested take for a long ride before deciding....they take a bit of getting used to, particularly after a sports bike.

I took the new 08 GS out a few weeks ago, that to me is a huge step forward from my 06. Much smoother, better power banding, I really loved it. If I could afford to change it I would. But I love my 1200GS so no problem.

Maybe you will always be happiest on a sports bike, but give the beemers a try, you'll need at least a couple of hours to start to get the feel for it, but there's a lot of guys on this site who wouldn't go back to a sports bike......no way!

Good luck,

Mike