Buying a GS - Advice Please!

[ejwrea]

Probably like a lot of you I have had enough of riding a bike in the foetal position and have decided to sell my Triumph Daytona and move to something a bit more comfortable to ride. So far all roads have lead to BMW GS'. As you can probably guessed I am not overly familiar with the range and only really know of them by reputation - all good so far.

At the minute I have approximately £5k to spend and need to find a decent bike that I can take touring. I am looking to buy early next year as I am in the process of buying a house at the mo which is absorbing all my cash!.

Can anyone point me in the direction of do's and don'ts of buying a GS and things to look out for if one exists on this site?

All advice is very welcome and would love to know where I can find a bargain, what is decent mileage for a second hand bike etc.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you all!

 

[Rasher]

Get the newest lowest mileage bike you can, if buying a 1200 consider one that comes with warranty.

I am no expert, but with a £5k budget a tidy 1150 may be a better bet as the 1200's have quite a few common (and sometimes expensive) faults, and the earlier the 1200 the more likely you are to experience them.

 

[ejwrea]

Thanks Rasher for the quick response. I saw what looked like a really tidy 1150 on my way into Wales today and I kinda think a decent 1150 is all i will be able to afford unless I finance myself to the hilt - something I do not want to do.

I take it that the best thing to do is keep trawling Bike Trader, eBay etc?

Also, can you expand on what are the common faults to look out for on the 1150 and or 1200?

Thanks for your help.

 

[jamesv]

1150

£5k will get you a nice 1150. They are better built than the 1200's but not as quick and a bit heavier, but do have a few less probs. GS s are very easy to ride quick, have all day comfort and have great visibility as you are fairly high up.

I love mine!!!!!!!!!! Good luck.

Regards,

James

P.S. Check out the Blue and White models (BMW motorsport colours).

 

[siwhite]

Have you considered an F800GS? More likely to be available for your budget...

 

[ejwrea]

To tell you the truth I hadn't really considered it as I have only really know of the 1150 and 1200. What is the 800 reputation? I know they use them at the BMW off road school in Wales, but are they any good over long distances? I am all ears....

 

[Big Nick]

The F800GS would be a good choice as long as your're not lugging a pillion a lot which is the only reason I didn't get one instead of my 1200

You should get a decent early one for a shade over £5k

 

[Vern]

Get a decent 1100 and have a holiday with the money you save

 

[Rasher]

Talking about faults can get you shot around here, but from what I do know about 1200's...


Fuel Pump Controllers can go pop, supposedly modified now but there is a thread on here about "387 failures so far" (and that number was from a couple of years back) late 2008 and early 2009 models have suffered recently - not the end of the world as they "only" cost £85, I am going to change mine before my next trip AND carry a spare (many owners do carry spares) as I don't want to risk loss of power mid overtake / in the fast lane of a busy motorway.

Early models had problems with EWS attenna's (immobliser) but they I believe all the "dodgy ones" were recalled - worth checking recall history if looking at any 1200.

The "biggie" seems to be Final drives, many reports of failures at low mileages, again BMW supposedly "fixed" them on later models but they still seem to fail quite regularly even on later bikes and some lucky owners have got through 3 or 4 in 50K, whilst other bikes can get past 50k on the original - seems to be pot luck.

Oh, and it would appear getting a working fuel gauge is also a lottery, even 2010 models seem to have issues, no idea why BMW cannot get these to work as every other car / bike manufacturer on the planet manage it - and even when working they are not very accurate reading loads of fuel left for half a tank then plummeting down to fumes in the next quarter tank.

Many long term BMW luddites complain the finish is not so good on 1200's (compared to 1100s / 1150s) but mine looks OK to me and the general finish such as paint on wheels seems pretty good (assuming it stays on for the next few years) and much thicker than that on any Jap bike I have owned.

Apart from that usual checks for any other bike, especially as BMW parts and servicing can be expensive (Labour rates about 1.5x - 2x that of Jap dealers)

Make sure clutch is good and smooth, brakes are not warped (some reports here, but probably no worse than other bikes and I got through two sets in 10k on last Jap bike) wheel bearings are OK and probably most important on a 1200 that there is no play in the Final Drive.

I have to say for doing everything the GS is a great bike, especially if your trying to slow down from race-rep pace, handling is much better than you would think and the bike is roomy, comfy and great two-up.

Can't really comment on other BMW's as I have not ridden them, but try and get a test ride on whatever your looking at, preferably a long one because they take a bit of adapting to.

Good luck

 

[Tonyplod]

New GS

Buy a GS you only need heated grips and ABS, dont bother with the rest of the gadgets that should keep the cost down.

 

[vaclove]

800 might be a good choice

Hi there,
I was in similar position 2 years ago. Considering 800GS or 1200. Finally went for 800 with the vision that I will "upgrade" one day once I become more experienced.....
In these 2 years I simply fell in love with the 800 and dont want to give it up at all. It is a great bike and if you can get it for your budget, it will be a good choice.
1150 and 1200 are also nice bikes. They have the boxer engines and confy suspension. They are however bigger, heavier (higher consumption, possibly higher insurance)
In my opinion, what you should do is:
Go to BMW website and book a test ride at local dealer. If you do it now, you even get a free 6 month subscription of bike magazine.
Have a ride on 800GS and 1200GS and your heart will tell you the rest.

 

[flatdog]

Another thing to check is, how vertically challenged are you, these babies are pretty tall - pretty pointless getting excited if your tootsies can't reach the ground.

 

[ejwrea]

The 800 GS sounds like a good option and I am just a touch over 6ft so height should not be too much of a problem. What should I look out for when buying an 800? Common faults etc? This is all good stuff and thank you all for the advice