1200gs which to go for…

[Jason11]

Hi

Hoping you good people can give me some advice.

I’ve been on the hunt for a GS for a while now unfortunately I’m either too late or they are just out of budget !

Im hoping to find a 2008 > for the upgraded abs and the esa suspension and one with around 30k

A adventurer would be the king of the crop but im on a strict budget and they’ll be out of my price range so that isn’t a option

I’ve managed to get the budget up to 4k now hopefully this can get me something but would be needing luggage that be either included on the bike or to buy separately ; id look for the vario setup which again seems to vary in prices but realistically I’d be expecting to pay £500 I’m guessing?

Would the 08/10 be my best option to try and pick up?

Other than the usual anything else to look out for seen the fuel gauge seems a common problem is this an expensive fix / easy to do ?

Any common issues the ESA?

Do you think with my budget and expectations this is something achievable or am I living in hope and need to rethink the plan of action.

Prices seem to be all over at the minute, some bikes seem to be advertised for a few days then sold others seem to be up for sale for a while and still for sale.

Thanks in advance

 

[DrFarkoff]

Yeah 4 k for an Adventure of that miles and spec is a tad optimistic

Either go for an 1150GSA ... pre 03 (Long black sparkplug cover is single spark and ABS2) Post 03 with the Tadpole shape sparkplug cover is a twin SPARK and servo ABS (Or NON ABS )

OR a basic Twin Cam 2010 on if you spot one

Worst case scenario as late a version of the 06 Onwards as possible

ESA is a gimmick and is prone to seizing up if not used! Denzo on here can recondition the shock

Here is something important to learn about the world of BMW big boxer twins!

MILES DO NOT MATTER !!!! Service History and CONDITION do!!! (even then they can be tarted up!)

P.S. an Adventurer is a Triumph BMW version is an R XXXX GS Adventure

 

[Jason11]

Yeah 4 k for an Adventure of that miles and spec is a tad optimistic

Either go for an 1150GSA ... pre 03 (Long black sparkplug cover is single spark and ABS2) Post 03 with the Tadpole shape sparkplug cover is a twin SPARK and servo ABS (Or NON ABS )

OR a basic Twin Cam 2010 on if you spot one

Worst case scenario as late a version of the 06 Onwards as possible

ESA is a gimmick and is prone to seizing up if not used! Denzo on here can recondition the shock

Here is something important to learn about the world of BMW big boxer twins!

MILES DO NOT MATTER !!!! Service History and CONDITION do!!! (even then they can be tarted up!)

P.S. an Adventurer is a Triumph BMW version is an R XXXX GS Adventure

Thank you, some top tips

condition is something that will be a deal breaker that’s for sure

Not come across many 2010 within budget

Think the phone automatically added the r to make it an adventurer but a GSA would be nice for the bigger tank but not going to be do able as you said

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The early 12's up to the twin cam's were really good bikes so don't be put off.

Most will have been well looked after and any issues they may have had back in the day will be long gone. A lot will be self serviced or done by an independant so do not be put off by that as in my opinion, the owners tend to look after their bikes more.

ESA can be an expensive faff on bikes if you have problems with it so don't see it as a must have option.

You may get a half decent early ADV (060-08) for that money and you wouldn't be dissappointed with it.

I would just increase my search parameters a bit.

 

[Rasher]

Many years ago I had a 2008 MU (Model Upgrade) which was the 2nd gen of the original 1200, got a good deal on an Non ESA one - as the crowd all wanted the knowbs, bells and whistles and the non ESA ones dealers found hard to shift. I fitted Wilburs shocks to mine and it was awesome, typically i'd get a new Twin Cam model as a loaner when having service work done...

....The engine was definately a bit better than the 08 (which allegedly had more power and was better than the 06/07) and I really liked them, the ESA worked OK on them, but the Wilburs on mine gave a better ride, felt as compliant as the ESA in Normal, yet handled as well as the ESA in Sport - and had huge adjustment range so could easily be dialed in for 2-up fully loaded tours.

I would say the 2010/11 twin cam models are worth paying a little extra for, and if you find a non ESA one it is likely going to be at a better price, and if the shocks are knackered you can fit Wilburs and have an amazing handling bike....

...I never really liked the GSA, it muted the sporty punch of the engine and felt a bit more cumbersome, mega tank range was not enough to make it desireable to me, even as an avid tourer - i'd rather fill up every 2-3 hours as opposed to 4-5 and have a lighter, faster, better handling machine. I'd only take the GSA if I had a long commute and it meant filling up twice a week instead of 3-4 times.....

....Alternatively consider the KTM 1190 / 1290, with the KTM woes you can probably get a very tidy low miles 2015 bike for well under £5k, I was offered a mint 8,000 mile 2016 model 1190 with extras for £5500 recently, a huge amount of bike for the money, I have had 3 1x90s now and clocked up 50k on them, mate put 70k on a 2013 1190 with no issues (fuel sender - and they all do that sir, although only needed one across my 9 years / 50k of KTM ownership)

 

[Santa-2512]

The early 12's up to the twin cam's were really good bikes so don't be put off.

Most will have been well looked after and any issues they may have had back in the day will be long gone. A lot will be self serviced or done by an independant so do not be put off by that as in my opinion, the owners tend to look after their bikes more.

ESA can be an expensive faff on bikes if you have problems with it so don't see it as a must have option.

You may get a half decent early ADV (060-08) for that money and you wouldn't be dissappointed with it.

I would just increase my search parameters a bit.

The 06 GS is sort of a sweet spot bike - depending on month of manufacture

It has a fuel float as opposed to the problematic fuel strip , but may have the problematic servo assist brakes

But everything on it is fixable , and there are many specialists out there, and on here who can fettle the bejesus out of them.

As Dr Farkoff says condition and service history,

They are fairly forgiving tractors, mine had crap servicing , but a proper service , good quality right spec oil & oe filters work wonders

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The 06 GS is sort of a sweet spot bike - depending on month of manufacture

It has a fuel float as opposed to the problematic fuel strip , but may have the problematic servo assist brakes

But everything on it is fixable , and there are many specialists out there, and on here who can fettle the bejesus out of them.

As Dr Farkoff says condition and service history,

They are fairly forgiving tractors, mine had crap servicing , but a proper service , good quality right spec oil & oe filters work wonders

I think you are right. My 06 GSA has had the crap beaten out of it and never ever let me down.

At 160,000 miles she's sat forlornly in the shed but I know, a gallon of fuel and a new battery and she'd be away.

 

[oldnfat]

As other have said DO NOT get hung up on ESA. Having had it my last twin cam didn’t. You get infinite adjustment rather than preset, cheaper to replace/repair and you lose nothing in terms of ride quality…. In fact I prefer it.

Twin cams are great but a post 2008 is also great. In my experience it is less “viby”, has a more relaxed cruise (longer 6th gear).

Also, whilst I appreciate a GSA is better looking than the GS imo, I think the GS is the better everyday bike.

If you can find a run out 2009 SE I think you could get a decent one for your budget. As others have said, service history and condition mean more than miles.

 

[Bem]

Your budget would not have to increase by too much to get a 2014 LC - again make sure of service history, and ideally turned 36k so you get the benefits of the free replacement drive shaft along with the major valvetrain check.
There are plenty reported examples of this model with over 100k on the clock

 

[Jason11]

Thanks everyone for advice, a few keep popping up and I’ve missed out on a couple unfortunately to late noticing them.

Prices seem to be all over the place I’m definitely going to aim for a 08-12, I’ve got just over 4k so hopefully that’ll find me one

I’m still on the hunt hopefully one will come soon

 

[gspod]

2007 07 BMW R1200GS ABS R 1200 GS ENDURO TOURER RED NEW MOT HPI CLEAR | in York, North Yorkshire | Gumtree

WE HAVE 160 BIKES AT ANY ONE TIME ON EBAY HOWEVER ON [Website URL removed] THE FULL STOCKLIST OF 400+ BIKES IS AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE ----------------------------------------------- 2007 07 BMW R1200GS ABS, 39k miles only, will have new 12 months MOT for purchaser, clean

www.gumtree.com

 

[IrishGaucho]

I had an 08 for a few years and it was absolutely amazing. Done 40k on her, sold it with about 70k and I've seen her for sale a while later with 100k and going strong not a bother.

Like others said, mileage is not that important as long as it has been well maintained and taken care of. The only thing I'd keep an eye for buiing a high mileage one is the clutch, as that's quite a big job where you have to split the bike in half pretty much.

Other than that, the rest should give you nothing but smiles.

 

[glenn2926]

I had an 05 GS. Had it for a few years and it did have a couple of problems. BMW could not have been more helpful though. Left hand switch gear packed up and was replaced FOC, final drive oil seal let me down in France, BMW assist rescued me and replaced the seal and I was back on the road in less than 5 hours. I did need to pay but BMW refunded me. The clutch did go and again BMW were great, I paid for the parts and BMW fitted it FOC. The bike was purchased second hand by me from Alan Jeffries in Shipley and they were always very easy to deal with.