2003/4 R1150GS Twin Spark OR 2005/7 R1200GS - Advice Sought! (Routing, also)

[Kitsilano]

Looking for (gentle) advice and guidance from members (but willing to take some moderate abuse in the process!). So, I am planning to ride a low mileage bike from U.K./Europe back to SouthEast Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong or Shanghai, depending upon route). Having previously purchased and shipped a 2005 BMW R100R Classic (from U.K.) and then a 1981 BMW R100CS (from Germany) I have come to the conclusion that I would rather spend the money on petrol and ride it back as far as I can, than spend dosh on a shipping crate and space in a container! (End destination: Auckland, N.Z.). It's yet another mid-life crisis event........and that's BEFORE I seek approval from domestic management.
My heart is set on a 2003-03 BMW R1150GS twin spark with the Blue/White striped colour scheme (older technology and less of a reliance upon the 'central harness' electronics scheme). My head says that for around the same price/a little more, I can opt for the R1200GS Red/Black colour scheme (newer engine design and frame technology but perhaps electronics vulnerability?). (My additional preference is for spoked wheels on whichever model I finally select - more from a sense of 'aesthetics' than from any technical knowledge, I openly admit).
QUESTION: Can I ask for experience-based open and honest advice between the choice of these 2 models - again, I am looking to do this on a low-mileage bike of up to 20k miles existing on the clock and a record of 1-2 registered owners, previously.

Separately, I'd appreciate (preferably recent) experience-based advice on my current travel planning. My initial route is going to be to Baku, either a northern route via Central Europe or else through the Balkans/Istanbul, then across the Caspian Sea by ferry, to Turkmenbashi. The mess in Afghanistan/Pakistan and associated risk as I see it, means a route via Almaty and then into/straight across China or else south inside China and then pop through via Nepal into India/Burma/Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore. None of this is set in stone and I would break the journey for a couple of months in either Baku or Almaty and garage the bike there (I have some contacts). Does anyone have sound advice/caution/encouragement/alternatives, please?

 

[Running Antelope]

That's a similar question to one I've been asking myself. For various reasons, I've been away from GSs for a few years but would like to come back and have limited resources. I've thought long and hard about whether to go for a late 1150 or an early 1200. You can pick up both for similar prices and similar mileages - I've been looking for under 20,000 miles. My instinct would be to go for a late 1150. I may be talking nonsense (and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I am!) but I have a feeling that the late 1150s may be a tad more reliable than the early 1200s. I've had both and like both.

Good luck on the trip! It sounds amazing and you have my total respect. I don't know about the later part of your voyage but I have worked in Baku. It's ok. My only comment would be to make sure you avoid Nagorno Karabakh as the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijahn is still going on there. If you make the trip, keep us informed.

 

[Flipfly]

Opt for the 1200 and get really good breakdown cover

 

[oldnfat]

Having had both my suggestion is avoid servo assisted brakes of the early 1200s. If this has been removed and the FD is OK/been repaired then go for the 1200. The impression that you can fix an 1150 with a bit of wood and a hammer is false. Both are complex bits of machinery.

In terms of your route, having done some of it....I wouldn't take either. Both are too heavy and complex. If I were to do the route again I would consider a g650 Sertao or something similar. If you do take the big bike then I strongly suggest a new rear shock (assuming it is the OEM unit) and get the FD remade. I have not had the FD go on either but others have. As far as shocks are concerned, the rear went on both my 1150 and 1200 whilst on tour. This being the case I would go for the 1200. A bit lighter and easier to handle....and the motor is virtually indistructable.

There are many who have taken the route you have on Horizons Unlimited with great advice....I would also consider the Adventure Bike Handbook as a great reference. I have a copy you can borrow if you pm me your address as long as I can have it back.