JMo
Guest
Hello everyone - yep, yet another 'what do you think of these etc.' threads...
I've just joined and had a quick scout round the site and it seems there are plenty of honest opinions out there, and I'm particularly surprised how badly some dealers seem to be rated - like most people new to BMW ownership, I always though the sales and service care was a big part of what you are paying for...
I've always liked the concept of the 1150GS Adventure, as a sort of 'all road' touring bike - I know they are really way to big and heavy to ride nadgery trails, but I'm thinking more dirt and rock roads - heading down to Greece, that sort of thing, and more to the point, as a suitable luggage carrier for a decent tour.
I had a brief test ride on a 1150GSA last year, and while I thought it rode beautifully, at the time didn't put a deposit down as I felt it a lot (too much) of money for a bike that seems a bit vibey over 5000rpm (ie. much over 80mph) for doing any great distance at continental motorway speeds... but I still ache after one of those white & blue final editions, and am seriously thinking of buying a year-old low milage example from a dealer... (I'm sure someone will jump in and say that is stupid in itself?!)
I know an F650 would be far more manageable in the dirt (and still pretty sorted as a tourer), and that the KTM990 is likely to be far more of a hoot (until it falls to pieces or blows up x), but to be honest, the 1150GSA is really the only bike of that type I'm considering, so I don't need convincing in that respect... However, I do have a few related questions that I hope you can help with:
1. Not naming any names, but it seems some dealers are much better than others - and even those are not always consistant... on the whole how have you been treated as a s/h bike customer?
2. Warrenty (and any extended/dealer warrenty) - are they worth the paper they are written on, and do the dealers/the manufacturer do their best to sort any problems and make sure you are happy?
3. Pros and cons of the 1150 vs 1200 engine - although to be honest the styling of the 1200 is not really my thing... I know some people say the regular 1200 is vastly superior as an everyday bike, but then it also seems to have plenty of detractors (especially on here?!) and a friend of mine had one for a while but felt it was a 'master of none' (he sold it for a profit mind you!).
4. long(er) term reliability of the 1150 engine/transmission, the electrics, and general servicing costs...
5. also, I've seen a few tatty ones only a 2 or 3 years old, what are the finish niggles I can expect, and what are the other general weak points (the seat subframe when loaded with luggage I believe?)
6. Security - I know most bike alarms are more trouble then they're worth - but what are the standard ignition locks/immobiliser like? has anyone had their bike stolen/or attempted to be stolen? or is the prospect of pushing the big bastard into a van too much for most theives to consider?
Hope these sort of questions are not too tedious...
Looking forward to some insight...
Many thanks in advance,
JennyMo
xxx
I've just joined and had a quick scout round the site and it seems there are plenty of honest opinions out there, and I'm particularly surprised how badly some dealers seem to be rated - like most people new to BMW ownership, I always though the sales and service care was a big part of what you are paying for...
I've always liked the concept of the 1150GS Adventure, as a sort of 'all road' touring bike - I know they are really way to big and heavy to ride nadgery trails, but I'm thinking more dirt and rock roads - heading down to Greece, that sort of thing, and more to the point, as a suitable luggage carrier for a decent tour.
I had a brief test ride on a 1150GSA last year, and while I thought it rode beautifully, at the time didn't put a deposit down as I felt it a lot (too much) of money for a bike that seems a bit vibey over 5000rpm (ie. much over 80mph) for doing any great distance at continental motorway speeds... but I still ache after one of those white & blue final editions, and am seriously thinking of buying a year-old low milage example from a dealer... (I'm sure someone will jump in and say that is stupid in itself?!)
I know an F650 would be far more manageable in the dirt (and still pretty sorted as a tourer), and that the KTM990 is likely to be far more of a hoot (until it falls to pieces or blows up x), but to be honest, the 1150GSA is really the only bike of that type I'm considering, so I don't need convincing in that respect... However, I do have a few related questions that I hope you can help with:
1. Not naming any names, but it seems some dealers are much better than others - and even those are not always consistant... on the whole how have you been treated as a s/h bike customer?
2. Warrenty (and any extended/dealer warrenty) - are they worth the paper they are written on, and do the dealers/the manufacturer do their best to sort any problems and make sure you are happy?
3. Pros and cons of the 1150 vs 1200 engine - although to be honest the styling of the 1200 is not really my thing... I know some people say the regular 1200 is vastly superior as an everyday bike, but then it also seems to have plenty of detractors (especially on here?!) and a friend of mine had one for a while but felt it was a 'master of none' (he sold it for a profit mind you!).
4. long(er) term reliability of the 1150 engine/transmission, the electrics, and general servicing costs...
5. also, I've seen a few tatty ones only a 2 or 3 years old, what are the finish niggles I can expect, and what are the other general weak points (the seat subframe when loaded with luggage I believe?)
6. Security - I know most bike alarms are more trouble then they're worth - but what are the standard ignition locks/immobiliser like? has anyone had their bike stolen/or attempted to be stolen? or is the prospect of pushing the big bastard into a van too much for most theives to consider?
Hope these sort of questions are not too tedious...
Looking forward to some insight...
Many thanks in advance,
JennyMo
xxx
