1150 or early 1200?

[paganman]

Hello all, my 1st post here so be gentle with me.
I've been thinking long and hard about what to replace my Aprilia RSVR with as I recently sold it as I never used it, always prefering to take my 100,000 '98 VFR750. The VFR does commuting duties all year but is a bit cramped for me and SWMBO to tour on as we are both tall.
Been looking at GS adventures for some time, and we've tried one for size at the dealers and the space is great.
Can't afford new unfortunately, so was budgeting around £8000 for it in the new year.
Can anyone give me some advice on if it's worth getting an early 1200 or a late 1150 adventure with all the kit on (panniers satnav etc.)?
What areas will I need to look out for on both these models, stuff that's worth having as extras and any tips or advice gratefully recieved.
Many thanks.

 

[oblertone]

Hmmm ...

... where's the 'can of worms' smilee when you need it !

This is an internet forum for the GS, one feature of which is the proliferation of opinions about which GS is best; particularly when it comes to the 1150/1200 divide. Realistically the only way to decide is to get to a dealer who has both and test ride them, because they are very different machines.

With your budget you are looking at the very best 1150GSA, with bling and some change, or a used 1200GSA; the choice is yours and can only be determined with some arse time.

Once you've made your choice, come back here and pay £12 to subscribe, you can then view the 'For Sale' section where you can fulfill your dreams.

ps - 1150GSA is the way to go

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Hi and welcome, for 8k your over budget for an 1150ADV, you should be able to buy a minter for around 6k, that would leave 2k for bits but mainly fuel for a lot of riding. Should you go for the 12 then I reckon you could get around a 2 year old low mileage bike. The best thing to do is have a look through the bikes for sale, that will really tell you what they are selling for.

If you haven't ridden one yet, then I would suggest trying both out, but if you do make sure you take them for a long ride to 'get into them', then I'm sure you will love them. They really are as good as we all say

Good luck

 

[polecat]

Hi and welcome, for 8k your over budget for an 1150ADV,

Er. Excuse me. He can have mine for £8K

 

[David Nimrod]

Hi and welcome, for 8k your over budget for an 1150ADV,

Or spend £3k on a mint 1100 or good 'ordinary' 1150, and £5k to fund extensive traveling

What you do with the bike and where you go is the 'Adventure'

 

[Wrinkly]

When I first saw your question I immediately thought late 1150.
But with 8k to spend I would go for a 1200,just make sure it's an mu model

Both great bikes just different in subtle ways,and you would be able to buy the mintest of mint 1150 with lots of change.

As others have suggested go and try them both,it's the only way to know which you prefer.

The 1200 is the better bike,but there are some people who are just amblers and it takes them a while to catch up .

Steve

 

[SimonL]

1150 or 1200?

I had a great trip round the Alps this summer on my 2004 1150, with two mates on 2011 1200's - one a GSA. Surprisingly there was no noticeable difference in performance, but I probably used a bit more throttle than they did. Fuel consumption was also about the same.

I felt pretty pleased with my old 1150 as a result. I have ridden a 1200 since, an oldish one, and didn't feel there was enough of difference for me to bother swapping. Also my budget didn't really stretch to a 1200 at the time.

So the 1150 is a perfectly capable bike, with lots of smiles per mile. And it is RELIABLE!

But why do I keep looking at 1200's in the classifieds? Not sure really, maybe it's just that the 1150 isn't cutting edge, with its round tank, old panniers, etc. But can I justify an extra £5K just for that little bit extra?

P.S. My next bike will definitely be a 1200!

 

[illustratedman]

Bike

I'd go 1150 without any doubt at all, it maybe older technology, heavier, not as powerful but it is finished and bolted together better in my opinion and the performance difference is so small in the real world it does'nt matter a jot.

 

[MickDB1]

Ive a nice 1150 dowin nowt in me shed - if yer interested


http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276350

 

[big stu]

How do.
I had a Honda cbr1000f for a while, was in the same boat, fantastic bike as per VFR also bit of a nip with the Mrs. and chuck over oxford panniers.
On this site there is a thread, DON`T TEST RIDE JUST BUY.
And i did a GSA, 3 weeks ago, mate you will not regret it, love it , all day comfy, fair skips along.
As per £££ don`t sweat it, in the new year if dealers have stock sitting and you walk in with the cash. Work on the bike WITH panniers first, get what you want not make do for now thinking! If the dealer don`t bite ,smile and walk away slowly saying " never mind, we tried," ( bet you will not get to the door before he calls you back ) insider info , your bike is out there. Once you have your dream bike with all the bells and whistles , work on the rest it will come the sat nav, comm`s bit by bit, but you will have your dream bike and it is amazing how it comes together.
Hope it work`s out for you,
All the best,
Big Stu