1200GS vs ST1300

iaing

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I sold my 1150GS in the summer and replaced it with an 1100S.
The GS was the best bike (from about 25 in the last 15 yrs) I've had. Although the Boxer Cup looks the bo**ocks, I miss the GS.

However, I may soon be going from weekend fun to daily transport. I'm tempted by the new Pan but should I just go back to a GS but get the 12??

Iain
 
Ive been riding (mostly) Jap nikes for 21 years and have only very recently found BMW(GS1150A) I think you have to do and go where your heart tells you. The most important thing is that you are sticking with 2 wheels. If it were my choice i'd definately go with the bumby.
1/ no worries over chrome & winter crud getting in where you cant get (easily)
2/ the GS is a true 100% go anywhere do anything bike.
3/ the Gs will be much more fun. you can still do the twisties with ya mates
4/the GS will hold its value far better and longer than the Pan
5/ who wants a bike named after a cooking implement
is that enough?

maybe the real question you should ask is why do i want a pan?
can a beemer give me what i want from the pan.
for me the answer couldnt be easier. For you the road is a little harder.
just be true to yourself and youll come up with the right answer (for you) good luck mate whatever you decide.
 
Thanks

RT too fat, Pan seems easier to chuck around and has much more power.

Gs is where my heart lies but new one seems less substantial than the 1150.

I think I'll probably go for the fun option - GS obviously.

Pity I can't get a GS for cost - I can with a Pan!
 
phew~~~~~~~~~you need both

well as the proud owner of an '04 Pan( my second, I had an 1100 before) and also the just as proud owner of an 80G/S and an 100GS I have to say from my perspective you need both!!!
But I aint ridden a 1200. However for sure the 1150RS or RT aint in the same league as a Pan. Pans handle great (as long as you have Bridgestone BT020F tyres) munch miles, can hack it with most sports tourers and for sure I rate mine and I dont hang about.
But then I love my airheads too. In fact my now much modified 100GS will be my preferred winter bike. I would not even consider taking the Pan on the Elefanttreffen for example...........
So as someone already said go with what you feel. if you do lots of 'A' road and motorway cruising the Pan wins easy. The more 'B' roads and less accessible stuff you do the more the GS makes sense.
Hence you need both..................well a Pan and a airhead !!
I just did a 1000 miles in Scotland and was really glad I was on the GS. Conversely a trip to the south of france is a much better ride on the Pan
Dood'
 
Theres one on ebay

I was watching it to see what they went for. This one looks in good nick with good luggage.

here
 
1200GS V Pan

Being the owner of a 1100GS ( Love it to bits ) Having rode the early Pan ( ST1100 ) for many years and now the new un. The 1300 is a big step up..( less weight, more power) electric screen. Greater weather protection.ABS thats smoother than the 1100RT,GS and K1100's. I think it all depends what you want. Both bikes do the touring job and when asked can pick their skirts up for the twisties..Its wether you prefer the faired Pan or trailie BM
 
If you need to travel long distances at speeds above 100Kmh then test the 1200 for as long as you can to assess the protection the screen affords you.
I am 6 feet tall and find the bike very uncomfortable at speed over long distances.
I purchased the 1200, amongst other things, for twice a month 600 Km round trips to the Pyrenees and the motorway riding is very very uncomfortable!
A severe headache, sore arse and knackered shoulders follow all daytrips.
Once in the pyrenees, the 1200 is brilliant fun and hairpin bends result in hilarious angles of lean and the bike powers up or down hills effortlessly.
I have ordered a Wunderclit screen and hope it cures my wind problem. If not I would have to reconsider what bike I would buy to replace the 1200, the motorway part of my journey really is that bad!
Build quality on my bike is generally excellent but some components are "lightly" (shit) built considering the price and my aspirations/expectations for a BMUU.
If anyone knows how to get the wind protection on the GS up to or near RT levels (without taking the piss!) then I would like to know.
I would recommend the GS as a bike to own, but with the above reservations.
 
Wednesday 20.10.04.

Bonjour.
 

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Where you will use it most is the key i reckon.

I spent all of August touring Europe on the GS - brilliant fun. Best on B roads - less so on M/ways.

If you spend more time on m/ways then maybe the Pan is the answer - but then you may as well buy something even more suitable for straight lines - LT, Wing etc.

If it's versatility you want then the GS is the way.
 
My plans have changed slightly now.

All the above makes sense and I think as an everyday bike I might have just gone for the Pan.

However, it 'ain't going to be every day now so I'll keep my 1100s until March and get a 1200GS I think.

Thanks for all your thoughts.:beer:
 
iaing said:
My plans have changed slightly now.

All the above makes sense and I think as an everyday bike I might have just gone for the Pan.

However, it 'ain't going to be every day now so I'll keep my 1100s until March and get a 1200GS I think.

Thanks for all your thoughts.:beer:

Iaing,

You know it makes sense or you wouldn't be here. If you do more motorway type stuff then the Pan is hard to beat, however if you want a genuine 'do anything, go anywhere' bike its got to be a 'GS'
 
iaing said:
My plans have changed slightly now.

All the above makes sense and I think as an everyday bike I might have just gone for the Pan.

However, it 'ain't going to be every day now so I'll keep my 1100s until March and get a 1200GS I think.

Thanks for all your thoughts.:beer:

Good idea, the Pan has a couple of problems that haven't been sorted out...yet:D
 
lobblox lobblox its all lobblox
I would take the GS on any motorway for any length of time there is a small and truly insignificant amount of buffet, but i would say if you dont want to feel the elements get a car!!!! the GS as near to perfection as man can get
 
Yes indeed I do a lot of commuting on the GS and tend to ride at around 130 to 140 KMH I have no problems with comfort with it....

Its an 1100 by the way....

I agree that the PAN or my preffered FJR1300 have better protection, but riding an FJR1300 with the screen up at 140 is just so BOOOORING
 
Pan V GS

Can only comment on 1150GS v ST1100

Have been riding ST1100 at work for 8-9 years, yes its a mile muncher but my 1150 GS is far more comfy on a long run. The seat is miles better than the pan, as is the position of the handlebars. Also at least with the GS you can see the muck, unlike the pan.

Ive ridden the ST1300 and its a vast improvement on the ST1100, but i still prefer the GS

I totally agree that it is a do anything bike, and yes I've had trouble with buffeting, and have now got it as good as i can with tobinators and an adventure screen. Given that the 1150 and 1200 GS are both about as aerodynamic as a brick i reckon The wind noise etc. is a small price to pay for versatility. :D
 


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