Another possible newbi

[Georgeeboi]

Hi all, thinking I might need a gs for a bit of comuting got about £3000 to spend a bit of two up with the wife and general blasting about when not on my ducati, I've seen a few 1150 in that price range but are they any good I don't know nothing about gs but like the look of them comfort wise any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Mr K]

C'mon!

 

[Dean]

Hello and welcome Georgeeboi

Is the 1150 a good bike? no! in my opinion its not its a stonking "fantastic" bike but so is the 1100,1150 and 1200 also the models below are fantastic... best thing to do is look around then a few test rides a bit of deep thought, take your time

lotts of different opinion on the matter here most swayed by what they ride of course, and lotts of threads of info, come in and look around put your feet up and enjoy

To be honest if I could convince my wife to go two's up with me and beleive me I have tried to acheive this life goal over the years then I would without doubt have a 11 to 12. but alas I remain a selfish soloist and realy enjoy my bike.... swmbo's who would have them tut ,tut, tut

good luck in your choice what ever it may be.

 

[Bryn]

For 3k you could get a really nice 1100 and have the change for a little trip as well

A well cared for one will give you years of service Welcome to the site BTW

 

[Georgeeboi]

Thanks for the advice, I've seen a gs 850 on a 2000 plate for 3.5k it's very clean with full history but 4 owners, is that model a little under powered though also most of them seem to be corroded on the engine a bit is that ok sorry for my ignorance only ever had sports bikes.

 

[Doctorbiker]

Don't worry about corrosion too much - all the bare alloy ones seem to do it. I have black finsih on mine and they don't appear to be as bad. Get a fender extender and crud catcher fitted to help protect front of crank case. Never ridden 850 - always thought they were never marketed in UK so all are grey imports of one kind or another, although this really is not a problem these days.

Just get one, ride and enjoy ot for a long time.

S

 

[Udders]

Sell the italian heap and buy a decent 1150 with the extra £1500!

 

[Georgeeboi]

A bit harsh, I love my duke!

 

[Udders]

After you've had a GS for a while you won't want anything else cluttering up your garage!

 

[raginmund]

I got my 1150GS for £3100 with 53k on it, about a year ago. It now has 61k and I haven't had any problems.

Done a two-week tour, carried loads of gear, and done an IBA saddle sore 1000, as well as blatting about.

I've spent a relatively small amount on farkles (h/guard extenders, lights, beak).

If you're after a less frantic (but very usuable ride) than your ducati, then I think you're onto a winner. Load-carrying and stability are big plusses for 2up too.

 

[Georgeeboi]

Cheers for your thoughts, part of me really wants to px my 1198 duke and go the whole hog for a 1200 GSA but all my riding mates which are mates from 30 yrs are all on sports bikes,we go away abroad every year normally to wsb or gp race for 5 days, I'm starting to get problems with aches and pains as mentioned in another thread, actually I may need a hip op so I'm in dilemma,I'm trying to talk them round may take a while though, oh and now the girlfriend says she wouldn't mind doing a bit of traveling on the back now! Why didn't she say that before I bought the ducati er!

 

[jacko]

Italian sports bikes... love em or hate em... I loved mine!

But lower back stiffness, pain in the wrists at lower speeds meant I went elsewhere...

Dabbled with a Rocket III and had a real hoot with that, but not really my scene...

Advised to look at a GSA. So I took a 1200 out for a test. I found myself laughing outloud as I rode it along - It was that much fun!

I have found, having bought a new 1200GSA a couple of years ago, that the GS out handles most things I have ridden and my mates on sports bikes that I ride with...

Load it up with luggage and the Missus and it doesn't phase the bike one little bit.

Just got back from a trip with mates on VFR's, ZZR's etc...
The only time I found it lacking was when 'the boys' got the bit between their teeth and zoomed off at speeds well into 3 figures. But that doesn't last on a bike trip for long.... well, not that anyway

So do you sacrifice cracking handling, perfect riding position for not causing too many aches and pains etc etc for 5 mins of 120mph+ once a year?

I did and haven't looked back. I don't think you would either.
Let the Duke go!

 

[STUBBS]

not an 1150

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242408