[Buying Advice] First GS – 1200LC or 1250? Budget ~£10k
- Thread starter DorsetRider
- Start date
I guess the RS is like a much larger version of my older GT(?). I'll be keeping the GT and so am looking for something with a more relaxed riding position, more flexibility and confidence on crappy surface, and a lot of road presence....
Id spend your money on a very well sorted last gen twin cam, and have cash to spare
Both experiences with the 1200lc and 1250 lc were not positive
My 16 lc, corrosion on the rear subframe, and any electrical item that could go wrong going wrong, big bills. And a lot of time off the road
2023 1250, 1000 miles on the clock, and things started failing, lh whizzy wheel and fuel filler cap
I'll leave it there
Both experiences with the 1200lc and 1250 lc were not positive
My 16 lc, corrosion on the rear subframe, and any electrical item that could go wrong going wrong, big bills. And a lot of time off the road
2023 1250, 1000 miles on the clock, and things started failing, lh whizzy wheel and fuel filler cap
I'll leave it there
With that in mind does that mean a MY2013?
I have recently changed from a Triumph Tiger 900 RP to my R1250GSA so can’t comment on the differences between the 1200 and the 1250. One of my brothers has changed fairly recently from a 1200 GSA to a 1250 GSA and he says there is quite a difference in the two. The 1250 being quite a large step forward from 1200.
Three out of four brothers are riding R1250GSAs now and so far we all like them. The other brother we try not to talk about as he rides Vespa scooter of 1984 vintage
.
Three out of four brothers are riding R1250GSAs now and so far we all like them. The other brother we try not to talk about as he rides Vespa scooter of 1984 vintage
.I appreciate all the comments and support here, please keep them coming. They're all making me consider new view points and ask myself some serious questions.
There appears to be strong support for the TC and I suppose that comes down to maintaining the core character of the GS, especially low-down torque feel below 2,500 rpm, and the overall simpler layout.
I'm also reading from LC owners that they wouldn't be without improvements such as smoother power delivery, more refined feel, better handling and tech.
For me so far this translates to the LC being technically better if modern aids are more important, but the TC remains appealing for a more mechanical, traditional feel closer to GS roots.
I need a bike on which to build experience, wanting confidence from modern aids for daily rides, narrow twisty roads with reliability for touring capacity.
I'm currently floating between the very last TC, the very last 1200, and the very first 1250. GS may be winning over GSA in terms of ease in day to day and as a first large bike.
Thank you to all so far.
There appears to be strong support for the TC and I suppose that comes down to maintaining the core character of the GS, especially low-down torque feel below 2,500 rpm, and the overall simpler layout.
I'm also reading from LC owners that they wouldn't be without improvements such as smoother power delivery, more refined feel, better handling and tech.
For me so far this translates to the LC being technically better if modern aids are more important, but the TC remains appealing for a more mechanical, traditional feel closer to GS roots.
I need a bike on which to build experience, wanting confidence from modern aids for daily rides, narrow twisty roads with reliability for touring capacity.
I'm currently floating between the very last TC, the very last 1200, and the very first 1250. GS may be winning over GSA in terms of ease in day to day and as a first large bike.
Thank you to all so far.
After plenty of reading (and hours lost down the AutoTrader rabbit hole), here’s what I’ve learned comparing the R1200GS generations, specifically the late Twin-Cam (TC), the last of the LC 1200s, and the entry-point 1250s. I focused only on the standard GS models (not Adventure), with full service history and at least TE / Exclusive / Rallye spec, as that’s where the best real-world examples seem to be.
###
The very last of the TCs (ca.2012)
For that old-school GS feel being mechanical, raw, and simpler to maintain, a favourite of those who like the pure boxer experience. Offset against older tech and no ride-by-wire, but still refined and hugely capable if looked after.
Average price: ~£5,800 (range £4,900–£6,500)
####
The very last of the 1200 LCs (ca.2018)
Looking at 2017–18 TE / Exclusive / Rallye models with Dynamic ESA, ABS Pro, and sometimes spec'd with TFT. Reported to have a refined gearbox, improved electronics, and the most polished iteration of the 1200 platform. Perhaps this represents a “value sweet spot” before the 1250 prices kick in, though this may have slightly less torque and smoothness compared to the ShiftCam 1250, it's arguably the most balanced of all GS generations.
Average price: ~£7,600 (range £6,900–£8,500)
###
Early 1250 GS (2019 onwards)
Introduces ShiftCam engine for more torque everywhere, perhaps a smoother drive, TFT as standard, improved electronics package. But the trade-off is looking at bikes with 25–35k miles for my budget so FSH is critical. Running costs slightly higher, but I feel this will ride beautifully.
Average price: ~£9,700 (range £9–10k possible for higher-mileage TE models)
The takeaways you're helping me form
TC (2012) = character and simplicity, buy on condition.
LC (2018) = refinement, modern feel, and best “bang for buck.”
1250 (2019-) = top-tier tech and performance, if budget stretches.
###
The very last of the TCs (ca.2012)
For that old-school GS feel being mechanical, raw, and simpler to maintain, a favourite of those who like the pure boxer experience. Offset against older tech and no ride-by-wire, but still refined and hugely capable if looked after.
Average price: ~£5,800 (range £4,900–£6,500)
####
The very last of the 1200 LCs (ca.2018)
Looking at 2017–18 TE / Exclusive / Rallye models with Dynamic ESA, ABS Pro, and sometimes spec'd with TFT. Reported to have a refined gearbox, improved electronics, and the most polished iteration of the 1200 platform. Perhaps this represents a “value sweet spot” before the 1250 prices kick in, though this may have slightly less torque and smoothness compared to the ShiftCam 1250, it's arguably the most balanced of all GS generations.
Average price: ~£7,600 (range £6,900–£8,500)
###
Early 1250 GS (2019 onwards)
Introduces ShiftCam engine for more torque everywhere, perhaps a smoother drive, TFT as standard, improved electronics package. But the trade-off is looking at bikes with 25–35k miles for my budget so FSH is critical. Running costs slightly higher, but I feel this will ride beautifully.
Average price: ~£9,700 (range £9–10k possible for higher-mileage TE models)
The takeaways you're helping me form
TC (2012) = character and simplicity, buy on condition.
LC (2018) = refinement, modern feel, and best “bang for buck.”
1250 (2019-) = top-tier tech and performance, if budget stretches.
Here's the national used approved stock website you might find useful.
BMW-Search results used bikes https://share.google/TRIOPcvN6QcAhkpgk
BMW-Search results used bikes https://share.google/TRIOPcvN6QcAhkpgk
Yes,
Yes, I'm checking that, thank you
Oops, my misSee post #7
My 2014 bike I bought on here earlier in the year.
I've been a member on here for years but always resisted a GS as too much of an old mans bike.
What a mistake. It's a mega bike. A slow burner, doesn't excel at anything specifically but it's really good at most things.
I was a bit surprised at the lack of top end rush. But it's easy to make fast progress short shifting through the box. Maybe the later 1250 / shift cam bikes address this?
It was cheap as it's high miles, but apart from a sloppy shifter, there's very little to say it's done nearly 100,000 miles.
Will deffo have a 1250 / 1300 when the time comes.
I've been a member on here for years but always resisted a GS as too much of an old mans bike.
What a mistake. It's a mega bike. A slow burner, doesn't excel at anything specifically but it's really good at most things.
I was a bit surprised at the lack of top end rush. But it's easy to make fast progress short shifting through the box. Maybe the later 1250 / shift cam bikes address this?
It was cheap as it's high miles, but apart from a sloppy shifter, there's very little to say it's done nearly 100,000 miles.
Will deffo have a 1250 / 1300 when the time comes.
That’s a very good summary. I’ve had 2 TC (2009 & 2012) they are awesome bikes, simple and incredibly capable. If you get a clean one and look after it it will go forever.
I’m now on a 2014 1200 LC, no tft but everything else. A really solid bike just a little less emotive than the TC. On long rides to the ferry luxuries like cruise control are lovely to have!
Next will be a late 1250. All the mod cons and my accessories will transfer over which will save me a lot of money!
Having recently been interested in purchasing an LC TE I was really struggling to find one that had t got corrosion on the drive shaft housing. Really common with I’d say 80% of what I was viewing with this. I’ve finally settled on a Twincam which is 5 years older than any LC I viewed but absolutely immaculate. The castings look a different standard in the Twincam. Of not was the black casings seemed to be more prone and normally either side of the gaitor / rubber boot.
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You seem to have got a handle on the differences of the GS now.
With each iteration they have become increasingly more sophisticated and refined but at the expense of some of that original character which a lot of folk still greatly appreciate.
Do you want character or tech?
On the subject of GS versus GSA you may regret buying a GS if what you really like the look of is a GSA - there`ll always be a little niggle in your head whenever you see a GSA and wish you`d bought one instead. Any extra outlay to buy one will soon be forgotten....
I like the adventures ( i have a low suspension `21 model 1250) - they`re such a rediculous looking motor bicycle with cartoon-like proportions but are just an ordinary bike really, very easy to handle and live with and no more difficult to manage than any other large bike despite the initial somewhat intimidating proportions.
Very wise Hann. I feel you have spoken much truth!
If I follow that heart I need to zone in on a 1250 GSA TE with FBMWSH and <30k miles. Either approved used or from a trusted source here.
This thread has been great learning so far, I'm grateful to you all.
If you do test ride a 1250 GSA with the ESA then I recommend that you put the suspension setting to min and dynamic. This lowers the seat height quite a bit. I’m just flat footing my 2022 GSA Rallye using those settings and I have a 30” inside leg.
2013 LC are prone to alternator failures, which is an engine out jobbie to replace & a bill north of £1000
Thank you. The plan in the next month is to try a 1200 in any guise then 1250 GS and GSA back to back. My Father-in-law has a 2006(ish) GS and a 2018 GSA, I can have an extended loan of these. By the end of this, I should have a good idea of where I'm at, and I'll continue research I'm learning much already.
Just one other thing to consider. If you're going to be touring then you may want to factor in the cost of luggage etc, or a bike for sale with luggage may be more attractive than an equivalent one without.
Good luck with your hunt !
Good luck with your hunt !
