[Buying Advice] First GS – 1200LC or 1250? Budget ~£10k

DorsetRider

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Hi all,

New member here and I've now subscribed, so things must be getting serious! I've come looking for a bit of guidance from those who know these bikes best.

I’m currently on a 2017 BMW F800GT bought as a stepping stone to build miles and confidence. I’m based in Dorset, I'll start riding with my local Advanced Rider Club in November, working towards my advanced test. The GT’s safe and good to learn road craft, but I’m in 'need' of a proper GS to make ready for when I start touring next spring

My situation:

Budget ca.£10k will push higher if it's financed
Ideally <25k miles, full BMW service history, and a good spec (TE/Exclusive etc).

Entirely road riding Dorset lanes and weekend jaunts to neighboring counties, advanced training (will follow with Master), and some longer trips (NC500 booked next May, Europe in Summer).

I’m 51, 5'10" with a 29-30" inseam, still new to riding but experienced with silly cars and advanced driving. Manageability matters more than sheer size.

The dilemma:
Heart says 1250GS Adventure (love the look), but head says standard 1200GS LC — maybe a late 2018 model for best value. The 1250’s ShiftCam, TFT and torque have massive appeal, but prices are steeper unless mileage climbs.

Questions:
Would you go for a higher-mileage 1250 or a cleaner late 1200?

Any years/specs to hanker after or avoid (gearbox, ESA, TFT issues, etc)?

Big difference in servicing or insurance costs between the two? I've checked and I can get insurance on a £14k '21 plate GSA but it ain't cheap!

I like the look of Barnstormer but any other recommended dealers or indies for well-looked-after bikes in the South? BMW approved used 2yr seems reassuring but does push price and may not be necessary if I can learn what to look out for.

Appreciate any advice or experiences — I’ve read loads on here already, but would really value some first-hand insight from owners who’ve made this choice.

Cheers,
Mark (Blandford, DT)
Current bike: 2017 F800GT – 9k miles
 
DorsetRider said:
Hi all,

New member here and I've now subscribed, so things must be getting serious! I've come looking for a bit of guidance from those who know these bikes best.

I’m currently on a 2017 BMW F800GT bought as a stepping stone to build miles and confidence. I’m based in Dorset, I'll start riding with my local Advanced Rider Club in November, working towards my advanced test. The GT’s safe and good to learn road craft, but I’m in 'need' of a proper GS to make ready for when I start touring next spring

My situation:

Budget ca.£10k will push higher if it's financed
Ideally <25k miles, full BMW service history, and a good spec (TE/Exclusive etc).

Entirely road riding Dorset lanes and weekend jaunts to neighboring counties, advanced training (will follow with Master), and some longer trips (NC500 booked next May, Europe in Summer).

I’m 51, 5'10" with a 29-30" inseam, still new to riding but experienced with silly cars and advanced driving. Manageability matters more than sheer size.

The dilemma:
Heart says 1250GS Adventure (love the look), but head says standard 1200GS LC — maybe a late 2018 model for best value. The 1250’s ShiftCam, TFT and torque have massive appeal, but prices are steeper unless mileage climbs.

Questions:
Would you go for a higher-mileage 1250 or a cleaner late 1200?

Any years/specs to hanker after or avoid (gearbox, ESA, TFT issues, etc)?

Big difference in servicing or insurance costs between the two? I've checked and I can get insurance on a £14k '21 plate GSA but it ain't cheap!

I like the look of Barnstormer but any other recommended dealers or indies for well-looked-after bikes in the South? BMW approved used 2yr seems reassuring but does push price and may not be necessary if I can learn what to look out for.

Appreciate any advice or experiences — I’ve read loads on here already, but would really value some first-hand insight from owners who’ve made this choice.

Cheers,
Mark (Blandford, DT)
Current bike: 2017 F800GT – 9k miles
Click to expand...

Just a quick search :) Maybe a GS will get you a newer 1250 model?

Have you ridden a 1200 and 1250?
 
Sly said:
Have you ridden a 1200 and 1250?
Click to expand...
I haven't yet but my Father-in-law has a 2006 GS and a 2018 GSA. I'll jump on each of those when he's back from overseas next month.
 
DorsetRider said:
Would you go for a higher-mileage 1250 or a cleaner late 1200?
Click to expand...
As an owner of an older higher mileage 1200GSA LC and ridden both I'd go for the 1250. Better all round TBH.

I'd not worry too much about mileage and I'd prefer a higher mileage 1250 with a good service history over an immaculate low mileage 1200. Low mileage bikes can suffer from too little or irregular mileage.

Ocean BMW in Plymouth might be worth a visit.
 
MrC99 said:
As an owner of an older higher mileage 1200GSA LC and ridden both I'd go for the 1250. Better all round TBH.

I'd not worry too much about mileage and I'd prefer a higher mileage 1250 with a good service history over an immaculate low mileage 1200. Low mileage bikes can suffer from too little or irregular mileage.

Ocean BMW in Plymouth might be worth a visit.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Plymouth would be a good day out, especially for the right bike.

I have saved searches on AutoTrader for 1200s and 1250s but I'm relying on this forum for the knowledge I don't have. I might even be able to pick one up here from a trusted source.

No immediate rush at all but you know what it's like when you get looking 🙄
 
MrC99 said:
As an owner of an older higher mileage 1200GSA LC and ridden both I'd go for the 1250. Better all round TBH.

I'd not worry too much about mileage and I'd prefer a higher mileage 1250 with a good service history over an immaculate low mileage 1200. Low mileage bikes can suffer from too little or irregular mileage.

Ocean BMW in Plymouth might be worth a visit.
Click to expand...
It’s good to read about another rider not being too keen on very low mileage bikes. I’m always a little suspicious around why the mileage is so low.
 
 
For the money - a late 2016 pre tft 1200GS gets you most bang for the buck I think!
 

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glenn2926 said:
It’s good to read about another rider not being too keen on very low mileage bikes. I’m always a little suspicious around why the mileage is so low.
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Yes, I feel it can be one of those false positives, machines are built to be used and mechanics being what they are tend to be happiest when well oiled and treated with kindness in the purpose for which they were designed.
 
These Bikes get better with mileage. Mine feels a lot better now than the first 12 months after picking it up.

I bought an early LC 2013 GS at the beginning of 2022 with only 26K miles, it's now on 71K miles. I went for this one as it had full service history (every 12 months) without fail. So whilst it was not ridden a lot, it was still serviced as required.

Pick the one that's right for you, based off your financial commitments & spec required. So long as it has been serviced/looked after properly it'll give you no trouble.
 
skr80a said:
For the money - a late 2016 pre tft 1200GS gets you most bang for the buck I think!
Click to expand...
The 2016 may well be in a sweet spot for value and tech. ShiftCam would be nice but if I've never had it I won't miss it and though it widens the torque curve I'm sure none are lacking in pull where it's needed.

I absolutely love the TFT and connectivity as part of the base bike on the 2019 model but it doesn't make the adventure.

As a new rider I feel that the very latest ride modes and aids such as cornering ABS will be welcomed. But I don't have any of these on my 2017 GT.

Going older makes sense as much more depreciation is lost by someone else.

If I go 1200 and can find a model with options such as riding modes beyond just “Rain / Road”, Dynamic ESA, Cornering ABS, DTC, Heated grips, and Cruise Control, I'd have something close to a 1250 without the engine.

Full BMWSH would be most ideal.
 
Maybe the minimum spec is a 2016 R1200GS LC TE for some grown-up, fun, confidence-inspiring, riding without too many electronic gizmos to go wrong.

No doubt the 1250 with shift cam would be smoother and more powerful but if the 2016 gives me 90 % of the experience for 60 % of the cost, it's got to be worth considering.

What's people's opinion on this view?

As a new rider should I go all in and aim for my dream 1250 or dip my toes into this 'sweet spot' with lower initial outlay first?
 
DorsetRider said:
Hi all,

New member here and I've now subscribed, so things must be getting serious! I've come looking for a bit of guidance from those who know these bikes best.

I’m currently on a 2017 BMW F800GT bought as a stepping stone to build miles and confidence. I’m based in Dorset, I'll start riding with my local Advanced Rider Club in November, working towards my advanced test. The GT’s safe and good to learn road craft, but I’m in 'need' of a proper GS to make ready for when I start touring next spring

My situation:

Budget ca.£10k will push higher if it's financed
Ideally <25k miles, full BMW service history, and a good spec (TE/Exclusive etc).

Entirely road riding Dorset lanes and weekend jaunts to neighboring counties, advanced training (will follow with Master), and some longer trips (NC500 booked next May, Europe in Summer).

I’m 51, 5'10" with a 29-30" inseam, still new to riding but experienced with silly cars and advanced driving. Manageability matters more than sheer size.

The dilemma:
Heart says 1250GS Adventure (love the look), but head says standard 1200GS LC — maybe a late 2018 model for best value. The 1250’s ShiftCam, TFT and torque have massive appeal, but prices are steeper unless mileage climbs.

Questions:
Would you go for a higher-mileage 1250 or a cleaner late 1200?

Any years/specs to hanker after or avoid (gearbox, ESA, TFT issues, etc)?

Big difference in servicing or insurance costs between the two? I've checked and I can get insurance on a £14k '21 plate GSA but it ain't cheap!

I like the look of Barnstormer but any other recommended dealers or indies for well-looked-after bikes in the South? BMW approved used 2yr seems reassuring but does push price and may not be necessary if I can learn what to look out for.

Appreciate any advice or experiences — I’ve read loads on here already, but would really value some first-hand insight from owners who’ve made this choice.

Cheers,
Mark (Blandford, DT)
Current bike: 2017 F800GT – 9k miles
Click to expand...
I would suggest having a back to back test ride.

I changed last year from a TC 1200 adv to the 1250 adv...quite a difference.
 
DorsetRider said:
Maybe the minimum spec is a 2016 R1200GS LC TE for some grown-up, fun, confidence-inspiring, riding without too many electronic gizmos to go wrong.

No doubt the 1250 with shift cam would be smoother and more powerful but if the 2016 gives me 90 % of the experience for 60 % of the cost, it's got to be worth considering.

What's people's opinion on this view?

As a new rider should I go all in and aim for my dream 1250 or dip my toes into this 'sweet spot' with lower initial outlay first?
Click to expand...
Initially I'd concentrate less on the headline price and more on test rides to work out what model, age and extras work best for you. Certainly there are a few other differences under the hood as both the 1200s & 1250s progressed - examples are that the later bikes tend to have better gearbox shifts, there's different suspension adjustments/modes available and the engines tend to be smoother/quieter.

As to whether to get a GS or GSA - both are great and will reward the rider. I personally prefer the GSA for better weather protection and a more "planted" feel for the longer journey; others prefer the GS as it's lighter/lower and better for A & B roads. Again, test ride both as only you will know what you're going to use the bike for.
 
Everyone will give you a different answer so if I were in your shoes I’d test ride them both to decide what you think.
I’ve had a 2008 GS & GSA, 2014 GS, 2018 GS and a 2024 GSA. In between these I’ve had every KTM Adventure.
I bought my ‘long term’ touring bike around Easter of this year and have no plans to change it. 2017 R1200GS, I was looking for a 2018 but they are the same spec and I prefer the non TFT.
 
When the 1250 was released the 1200/1250 discussion was had, both on here and across YouTube etc and the general consensus was the 1250 was a better bike, but equally there was nothing wrong with the 1200 either and for most 1200 owners it wasn't worth upgrading just for the sake of it and to hang on until your PCP was up etc. And then go for the 1250. But if you didn't have a 1200 the 1250 was the better choice of you had the funds/permission. Best thing would be to ride both and decide for yourself if the 1250 was worth the extra (to you) over the 1200. The GSA in either guise will be more expensive than a GS, so with that in mind unless you need the extra range and extra suspension travel the GSA offers the GS makes more sense, as does the used approved warranty, but beware that warranty is not the same as the BMW factory one and doesn't cover everything the factory one does. I had 2 1200s, the latter being a 2018 1200 TE and a 1250 TE and had no regrets changing to the 1250. As a curve ball when I decided to change my 1250 the 1300 had just come out. I didn't want to pay circa 20k for another 1250 GS which was basically the same bike I had already and didn't want the even more expensive and ugly (IMO) 1300 GS, so I got a 1250RS which was far cheaper than either, so if you prefer the 1250, but can't stretch to it/find one you want have a go on a 1250 RS. Good luck
 
littleade said:
When the 1250 was released the 1200/1250 discussion was had, both on here and across YouTube etc and the general consensus was the 1250 was a better bike, but equally there was nothing wrong with the 1200 either and for most 1200 owners it wasn't worth upgrading just for the sake of it and to hang on until your PCP was up etc. And then go for the 1250. But if you didn't have a 1200 the 1250 was the better choice of you had the funds/permission. Best thing would be to ride both and decide for yourself if the 1250 was worth the extra (to you) over the 1200. The GSA in either guise will be more expensive than a GS, so with that in mind unless you need the extra range and extra suspension travel the GSA offers the GS makes more sense, as does the used approved warranty, but beware that warranty is not the same as the BMW factory one and doesn't cover everything the factory one does. I had 2 1200s, the latter being a 2018 1200 TE and a 1250 TE and had no regrets changing to the 1250. As a curve ball when I decided to change my 1250 the 1300 had just come out. I didn't want to pay circa 20k for another 1250 GS which was basically the same bike I had already and didn't want the even more expensive and ugly (IMO) 1300 GS, so I got a 1250RS which was far cheaper than either, so if you prefer the 1250, but can't stretch to it/find one you want have a go on a 1250 RS. Good luck
Click to expand...
This is absolutely golden advice, delivered in a way that makes complete sense. Thank you.
 
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