Buying a 1200GS advice please

[Griffin]

Hi i'm new to this site
I'm thinking about buying a GS 1200 next year, as they hold there price well there is not much differance between new or second hand so i might as well go for a new one does any one know of any good dealers in the middlesex/surrey area that would give me a good trade in price for a honda CBR-F 600 2003 or a good deal

 

[Piggers]

Glad to hear that you have seen the light..

Generally, as the 1200's sell so well, it usually difficult to get much of a deal on them.

Piggers

 

[Big Lee]

If you`re waiting until next year hold on until the ADV comes out & so you can compare the ADV to the "sports" version but with any you`ll then have a couple of months wait!

A CBR 6 should be easy to sell on

 

[Tim Cullis]

Generally, as the 1200s sell so well, it usually difficult to get much of a deal on them.

On the other hand, second hand prices are merely 'asking' prices. South London Motorcycles have five second-hand 1200s on their website. I've been dealing with SLM for a couple of years now and they're an OK company. How the deal is put together and what you get for the Honda is immaterial, it's the extra you have to contribute over and above the trade-in that's important.

If you join the GSClub UK then SLM and other dealers will give you 10% off the price of accessories, clothes, spares and servicing.

Tim

 

[Jimb]

Griffin, Keep the Honda and read EVERYTHING on this site and others refering to the 1200 failings and breakdowns, only then can you make an informed choice.
If then you do go down the BMW road still keep the Honda for when you need it.

 

[Griffin]

Griffin, Keep the Honda and read EVERYTHING on this site and others refering to the 1200 failings and breakdowns, only then can you make an informed choice.
If then you do go down the BMW road still keep the Honda for when you need it.

Interesting i'm surprised to get a slightly negative comment about the bike much appreciate your honesty.
I would have to trade in my old bike as cost will pay a big part in this I will however will not buy until next year.
The main reason for getting this bike is that I can use it for my job when I have to work in London (I can get plenty of tools in those boxes) Also I would like to do some traveling on it in the summer with the girlfriend.

 

[Tim Cullis]

Griffin

Ignore the sniping from owners of obsolete models, they are only jealous. The 1200 is a fine beast, I've done over 20,000 miles in my first year of ownership and am about to depart on another trip that will put on 4000+ miles.

Tim

 

[Davel]

Don't think that you'll have many problems with a 1200GS.

Go for the 'faster' yellow & black version.

 

[chasr]

I wondered how many replies you would get before the inevitable 'expert' implies how bad the 1200 is - mine is one of the first and no problems to date. Jimb doesn't own a 1200 and, I'm sure, feels he rides the better machine - even if it is a lardy, top heavy, underpowered, ugly pile of sh*te ridden by ancient pipe-smoking, slipper-wearing duffers

However, Jimb is right in that there's a wealth of info on this website and it's worth trawling through. I would remind you that only those with problems tend to post, the vast majority of riders with reliable machines won't write in to say so.

I can get plenty of tools in those boxes

They will probably fit, but check the weight limit of the panniers you buy.

Best of luck.

 

[Mouse]

Pannier weight limits: 10kg. Top box: 5kg.

The 1200 has certainly had its fair share of teething problems. But the BMW warranty service is second to none, at least that's been my experience of it.

 

[iangough]

Griffin,

As an ex fireblade owner and relatively new to this 'style' of motorcycling i can safely say that....

The R1200GS is a brilliant all-rounder. And idiot proof when it comes to riding fast. You have to jack the preload up on the rear for added ground clearance when really going for it on fast roads (not uk roads of course)

I have done 17k in one year on mine (normally did 7k/year on the blade).

That speaks volumes.

Of the 17k ive done about 10k 2 up abroad and the bike has never broken down but it has had its problems.

(final drive shaft/cam chain tensioner oil seal thingy to name the main two)

Due to the excellent but mind mangling expertise on this site, i have had phases of mechanical paranoia mixed with accelerated wisdom with how to get the most out of BMW and their dealrships.

The main thing to do is to have the dealership check that the bike has had all of the essential and recommended changes.

If you like the occasional tinker then the BMW is for you, cos there's always something to tighten up, or a little rubber thingy to press back on/replace etc etc.
If you like maintenance free, total handsoff motorcycling then consider carefully.

However, there's one big thing that overules all this, and that is the feel of the bike. And that's where the BMW comes into its own.

So, just go for a test ride. That's how i ended up owning one. I did it for a joke...

Who'd of thought it.

One final point. On the road, you'll always be quicker IMHO on a BMW than on a sports bike.

 

[Piggers]

This is what happened to the last Honda rider to follow me round a sharp bend.
http://www.hdnumber8.f2s.com/4thdec rideout/index.html

I don't think that it is because the 1200 handles better (ie. could be ridden faster than any other bike in the right hands), just that it goes round corners so easily...

Take one for a test ride, you'll need at least half a day to get used to it though, especially the front end, if you are used to conventional forks.

Had mine since April 05 nothing gone wrong yet.

Most of the problems appear top have been on the earlier 2004 models, so with a new one you should be fine.

Piggers

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi i'm new to this site
I'm thinking about buying a GS 1200 next year, as they hold there price well there is not much differance between new or second hand so i might as well go for a new one does any one know of any good dealers in the middlesex/surrey area that would give me a good trade in price for a honda CBR-F 600 2003 or a good deal

Just make sure it Starts and Stops, other than that you'll enjoy riding a 12GS.

Very fast (for a GS) and handles well (for a trailie)

Crap Screen and Seat are most complaints

 

[Griffin]

Thanks for the many replies I'm going to try one out next week i'll post how i get on.

20kg of tools in the panniers will be plenty!

 

[Mr K]

I love mine.
Been to Romania on her this year.
It's the farthest and most foreign place I've ever been and she never missed a beat.