Big GS for a short commute?

[andeebee]

Hi All,
Have signed up for my second term to this forum as I have the 'buy a GS' thing in my head again. Have hankered over one of these big BM's since visiting a Bike show many moons ago and 'the need' wont go away.
Money has always been the big stumbling block, but now in a position to hurl £5K at a GS that would be a keeper.
Question is I have a relatively short commute of 13 miles to work. I can choose a twisty lane route or motorway. But will I be seeing problems with a 1150/1200 GS being used on these short miles?
I was considering a F800GS but the vibration stories have put me off. I know I probably wouldnt experience vibration issues on this short ride but I want to be able to use the bike for longer rides also. My wrists took a battering on previous Jap bikes and I just want a comfortable cruiser now.
Cheers,
Andy

 

[DrAlf]

If it's 13 miles each way I reckon you'll be fine with an 1150/1200. Maybe take the long way home a few times a week just to be sure.

Good luck and enjoy GS ownership

 

[Caesi]

Go for the 1200 if you can afford it. Otherwise you'll always look at them and wish you had one instead. I commute/filter on a GSA through London: 5miles each way and always with a big smile on my face.


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[sanensafe]

I go a whole 5 miles to work on mine daily. Sometimes I set off early and go a longer route if the weather is fine. No ill effects on the bike to date. When I get the chance for a couple of hours blast into the lanes there isn't much that will keep up.

 

[adventuredon]

I now go 4 miles each way in london if I don't cycle...but come July I'll have 13 mile route. Better for the bike, more chance of binning it..probably

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[Caesi]

I now go 4 miles each way in london if I don't cycle...but come July I'll have 13 mile route. Better for the bike, more chance of binning it..probably

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To be fair: I force myself to cycle the short commute as well but the GSA is just sooooooo much more fun


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[Bungy]

For your budget would go for the best 1150 I could find and just use it.

 

[DrAlf]

Go for the 1200 if you can afford it. Otherwise you'll always look at them and wish you had one instead.

Only if its in HP2 flavour. The 1150 is the better bike and for your 5K you should get a cracker

 

[Sgt Bilco]

You'll get a good early 1200 for your 5k and they are great bikes. The 1150 is a great bike but the 1200 is a lot lighter and has a bit more oomph.

I'd try one of each to see which you prefer.

 

[twizzle]

If I had £5k and a need for a GS - I would buy this one in a heartbeat. ( Currently up for £5.3k)

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/405519-R1200-GS-Adventuire-2006

 

[sagalout]

I use mine (1200TC) for a 15 mile each way commute. Sometimes I'd like something smaller (well, thinner) as the wide bars aren't always ideal for filtering when traffic gets tight, but on the flip side the riding position is good for seeing over traffic and a cars do notice you (especially with aux lights and a loud exhaust).

 

[Jamieboy]

I've a 9 mile London commute and have used two 1150 GS for it. First one I used for 5 years, current one for just over a year. Neither have any issues and I think they're great bikes for it.

As long as the bike gets up to temperature I think they benefit from being used so often.

In terms of which GS my preference is for 1150s and you'd get a cracker (and some change probably) for 5k. I'd opt for a pre-servo brake model 2000-2002. Others will say different, of course.

 

[Wreford Miles]

If I had £5k and a need for a GS - I would buy this one in a heartbeat. ( Currently up for £5.3k)

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/405519-R1200-GS-Adventuire-2006

That's the one to buy

 

[Bryn]

Hi All,
Have signed up for my second term to this forum as I have the 'buy a GS' thing in my head again. Have hankered over one of these big BM's since visiting a Bike show many moons ago and 'the need' wont go away.
Money has always been the big stumbling block, but now in a position to hurl £5K at a GS that would be a keeper.

Andy

Welcome to the site Andy.... There you have it ..... the bike of your hankerings

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/405519-R1200-GS-Adventuire-2006

 

[andeebee]

That GSA did catch my eye. Its the cleanest I have seen. Its the mileage I cant adjust to mentally although I can see its been well looked after. Tempted.
Thanks for feedback on route to work.

 

[Pukmeister]

I do twelve miles each way on my daily commute. I've done this for the past 18 months including through Winter. The GSA is my usual choice as it's much more nimble and comfy than the R1 in traffic queues, though the R1 makes the BMW feel like a tractor. Both bikes are equally as quick for the overall journey due to the traffic volume involved. The only downside is my Chrome exhaust finish has suffered with the winter salt, the rest of the bike is still mint. Wash it regularly!

The trip by bike is typically 18 mins door to door in heavy traffic and I park outside my office (or 38 mins by car and then fight for a parking space). Add in a motorway accident and it's more like 25 minutes versus 2 hours.

 

[(RIP) trickytree]

I've got a GS Lite......OK, it's a 1150 Rockster with GS bars and pegs.....and have always believed it to be the perfect do anything bike. Great for cutting through traffic, as like my old Harley FXR it's got some road presence to it, cagers cop a eyeful in there mirrors and get the feck out of the way.....well the ones that are awake or not reading the paper or putting there make up on.
Bike never fails to put a smile on my face and has the ability to make even a mundane journey worth doing. Can't help with the 8 hours of drudgery in between however.

 

[hairyhippy]

Yep my 1150 GSA is big and loud and proud. Great presence on the road for a similar journey. Strongly recommended. Mine is half the price and twice as quick as public transport.

 

[ymfb]

With a budget of £5 k and wanting a GS, I'd have thought 57,000 miles was not an issue. There are plenty that have double that and few in the sort of condition that nice n fats, not sure what your waiting for.

 

[ymfb]

I forgot to add, my commute on a 2016 GSA is a massive 3 miles, although yesterday it was via Bovey Tracey.