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

littleade said:
I had a 2018 1200 GS TE and swapped to a 2020 1250GS TE Exclusive.

On the 1250 the engine pulled better throughout the rev range, when I ran both bikes in I noticed the difference on the 1250 straight off the bat. The dip in the torque curve from around 4000 to 5000 rpm I had on the 1200 to get that bike through the emissions wasn't there and in the upper rev range the 1250 kept pulling to the red line where as the 1200 ran out of puff. The hill hold was better on the 1250, the release on the 1200 was clunky if I did it in auto mode especially on steeper inclines and I ended up releasing the hill hold manually on the 1200 ( The 1200 took more throttle to get the hill hold to release than the 1250 in similar circumstances) The QS was smoother on the 1250, but still not as smooth as an il4. The rest of it from memory was much the same on both bikes the ESA, Cruise control, lights are the same, some didn't like the Hayes brakes on the 1250 over the Brembos on the 1200 but I never noticed much difference. I traded in my 1250 nearly 2 years ago for an RS so I might have forgotten a few other differences. In essence in isolation you won't be disappointed with the 1200 and that looks a nice example. IIRC the lowered GSA has the same seat height as a standard GS @ 850mm, the lowered GS has a 800mm seat height with the low seat.
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Great into, thank you. RE seat heights, this is why the standard GS I tried was as comfortable as the lowered GSA. Also, very similar to the used 900XR I tried which felt more like I was sat on it and not in it.

I think all things being equal the 1250 would be a no-brainer but at the moment the last of the 1200s appears to be a sweet spot for spec and price, and represents best bang for buck with 90% of the ride.

The lighter and perhaps more nimble GS would probably be the more suitable 98% of the time as a daily and for weekend group rides on Dorset A/B roads, but the GSA would give benefit for a couple of times a year touring with full luggage and eating up motorway miles on absolute comfort.
 
Have you ridden both the 1200 and 1250 and GS and GSA ? I'd rather have a bike I loved riding with fewer gadgets than one that was OK but was dripping in 'stuff'. It's the ride for me...not just lots of (often unnecessary) tech
 
Davey B said:
Have you ridden both the 1200 and 1250 and GS and GSA ? I'd rather have a bike I loved riding with fewer gadgets than one that was OK but was dripping in 'stuff'. It's the ride for me...not just lots of (often unnecessary) tech
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Not yet Davey but I do believe that's the next step. I first wanted to conduct all my ground research to build knowledge for proper shopping and ensure that a) it's within budget, and b) whittle down the many options to just a few.

I'm yet to offload my vehicle to free up some funds and don't want to waste any dealership or seller's time before I can hit the button. I may even trade in my 800GT but when that returns >70mpg as a daily runner and place to learn my bike craft, that's not an easy call either.
 
Don't worry about wasting dealers time...just get a few test rides booked.
Perhaps buy the GS without the part ex and hammer them on price, run up the Christmas and into January are hardly ideal bike shopping times...and times are tough....sell the GT in Spring when the weather picks up highlighting the economy and sheer adeptness at being a commuter and saving money....
 
DorsetRider said:
Great into, thank you. RE seat heights, this is why the standard GS I tried was as comfortable as the lowered GSA. Also, very similar to the used 900XR I tried which felt more like I was sat on it and not in it.

I think all things being equal the 1250 would be a no-brainer but at the moment the last of the 1200s appears to be a sweet spot for spec and price, and represents best bang for buck with 90% of the ride.

The lighter and perhaps more nimble GS would probably be the more suitable 98% of the time as a daily and for weekend group rides on Dorset A/B roads, but the GSA would give benefit for a couple of times a year touring with full luggage and eating up motorway miles on absolute comfort.
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As far as the seat heights go if you're not already aware the seat height is effected by 2 elements, the seat itself and the suspension. As an example the standard GS has a seat height of 850mm, the factory low 800mm. The difference between the 2 is made up of a 30mm thinner seat and 20mm lower suspension, so you could fit a standard seat and have a seat height of 830mm. The seat to peg measurement is therefore 30mm less with the low seat so your knees are slightly more cramped. What I'm alluding to here is although the standard GS and lowered GSA have the same seat height, the peg to seat height measurement on the GSA is probably less, which is something to think about if you're not short of leg. Also with the GSA, it's quite a bit heavier fully fuelled, add the pillion and luggage and it's a big beast to handle. I know that once on the move the weight mostly disappears but you need to be confident you can manage one fully fuelled and loaded up with luggage and pillion when you're coming to a stop on uneven/adverse camber/downhill/loose or slippery surfaces situations. I know someone who started with a GSA, but has had GS' since because he said 2 up the GS is just easier and less tiring to ride during full days in the saddle, especially up and down the mountain passes on the continent, where he takes his Mrs on the back every year and he's a very good rider (he was a bike courier back in the day) so if you are set on a GSA try one with the pillion and luggage on and preferably with a full tank of fuel. I tried a Triumph Explorer with the luggage fitted in a dealers showroom with SWMBO sat on the back before I bought a GS and was surprised how much difference the extra weight overall and up top and not being able to flat foot made. As above don't feel guilty about the test rides, have as many as you need to get the right bike for you. P.S. IIRC I think the GSA screen will fit straight onto a GS.
 
DorsetRider said:
I've found a 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black with 10,800 miles selling for £10,895. Full BMWSH and very well cared for, factory lowered chassis, TFT, Nav Prep, full aluminium luggage, mud slingers front and rear, zero signs of corrosion, coated yearly to guard against corrosion, garaged. 2yr warranty.

I can flat foot this and it was very comfortable indeed. Being able to flat foot gives me the confidence to know I can use the suspension in all ride height configurations.

It has Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro ride modes.

Other than twin cam, what would I be missing from a 2019 1250?

It's this one, and I've seen in it in person.
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That looks like a really nice bike. I had the same colour and spec (std height though) back in 2018. I had it from new for 3 years and loved it. I then changed it for a 1250 adventure in 2021, but to be honest, for normal road riding, the performance upgrade was not that substantial, and had I not had it on PCP, would probably not have changed it for a couple more years.
 
Victor c said:
That looks like a really nice bike. I had the same colour and spec (std height though) back in 2018. I had it from new for 3 years and loved it. I then changed it for a 1250 adventure in 2021, but to be honest, for normal road riding, the performance upgrade was not that substantial, and had I not had it on PCP, would probably not have changed it for a couple more years.
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Then you Victor and it's interesting you mention the 1250 because, as I get towards the sharp end of this process, I'm in consideration/negotiation for this bike:

An early (high mileage but well cared for) 1250 GS

This looks to be a good match for what I'd like.

Ideal would probably be a factory lowered chassis GS with standard seat.
 
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DorsetRider said:
Then you Victor and it's interesting you mention the 1250 because, as I get towards the sharp end of this process, I'm in consideration/negotiation for this bike:

An early (high mileage but well cared for) 1250 GS

This looks to be a good match for what I'd like.

Ideal would probably be a factory lowered chassis GS with standard seat.
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I went from a 2016 standard r1200gs to the 2018 r1200gsa. My personal preference is the gsa, as it gives me better weather protection and feels more planted on our crappy roads. I’m now on my third gsa, the current one being the last of the production run, and as I own it outright, will probably keep it for a good few years. I am spoilt though, as I also have a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 for that bit of nice weather fun, like today 😀.

On another note, for the 10800 mile gsa, I would be looking at them completing the 12000 mile service, as that could be around £450 if the valves need re shiming.
 
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Victor c said:
I went from a 2016 standard r1200gs to the 2018 r1200gsa. My personal preference is the gsa, as it gives me better weather protection and feels more planted on our crappy roads. I’m now on my third gsa, the current one being the last of the production run, and as I own it outright, will probably keep it for a good few years. I am spoilt though, as I also have a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 for that bit of nice weather fun, like today 😀.

On another note, for the 10800 mile gsa, I would be looking at them completing the 12000 mile service, as that could be around £450 if the valves need re shiming.
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The 1250 will have its 12k servi e done and nothing else needs sorting. It's s high mileage but the guys selling it have looked after it from day 1, 12mth warranty, good spec and a fair price. I think.
 
Latest update:

I've found an HP Spec 19 plate 1250 GS as approved used with FBMWSH and 18k miles at Ocean Plymouth, going for £11.7.

It's enticing because it's on a low chassis with low seat option, so seat height is 800-820mm and exactly in the sweet spot where my GT is at 810 which I am flat footing easily. Looking at a dealer because they'll give me a reasonable trade in for my GT and I need finance.

I wonder if anyone is nearby the dealer or knows the bike SL19 WZO?

Cheers. Mark
 
I recently sold my very similar spec 1250 HP

The advice I received from separate sources in the trade was the value had plummeted post 20k miles. Mine was 400 miles past that and freshly serviced. It wouldn’t bother me but clearly it bothers others
 
g00ner said:
I recently sold my very similar spec 1250 HP

The advice I received from separate sources in the trade was the value had plummeted post 20k miles. Mine was 400 miles past that and freshly serviced. It wouldn’t bother me but clearly it bothers others
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Ah, so the advice would be to either but one that's already taken that hit and not one about to take it?

My plan is to own this long term, say 5yrs+

Same dealer also has a 30k+ mile option for around 1500 less (from memory).

Thank you
 
DorsetRider said:
I've found a 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black with 10,800 miles selling for £10,895. Full BMWSH and very well cared for, factory lowered chassis, TFT, Nav Prep, full aluminium luggage, mud slingers front and rear, zero signs of corrosion, coated yearly to guard against corrosion, garaged. 2yr warranty.

I can flat foot this and it was very comfortable indeed. Being able to flat foot gives me the confidence to know I can use the suspension in all ride height configurations.

It has Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro ride modes.

Other than twin cam, what would I be missing from a 2019 1250?

It's this one, and I've seen in it in person.
Click to expand...
That is imo a really good bike balma lawn is new to the bmw and it’s only 4 miles from my house
 
I think in all the sensible thing for me to do is keep looking at the market and continue to learn. It would seem to make more sense for me to use my F800GT to complete my advanced rider training and develop my skills over the next few, wet months. It also means I'm not at risk of wrecking a dream bike as I learn through winter. Then, as I grow in confidence and knowledge I'll be better placed to buy from the private market here and not lace the pockets of dealers. It may also be that having improved abilities opens up the options for either the taller standard height GS, or even a lowered (but bulkier) GSA. I may even find that I'm able to begin to appreciate and enjoy an older TC bike without all the electronic mod-cons that cost so much more money on the later and shift cam models. This is not what the heart says and it'll be barking with my head until I get in the saddle of the bike I really want.

This may not be the end of this thread but I'm so grateful to all those that have contributed and I feel I've learned a great deal already.

👌👍🙏
 
It is done.

After much research and with help and advice from all that took part in this thread.

I tried to buy from sellers in this community but it turned out that the best bang for buck at the time I was ready to move came from a local dealer.

I'm delighted to say that I'm about to take ownership of a late 2018 1200 GS Adventure with lowered chassis, in Triple Black. FBMWSH, 10K miles and spec'd to the hilt. Price was right and the only compromise was on engine which I exchanged for a lower chassis Adventure.

I feel I will be delighted to own this outright for some years.

Thanks all.

Mark
 
DorsetRider said:
It is done.

After much research and with help and advice from all that took part in this thread.

I tried to buy from sellers in this community but it turned out that the best bang for buck at the time I was ready to move came from a local dealer.

I'm delighted to say that I'm about to take ownership of a late 2018 1200 GS Adventure with lowered chassis, in Triple Black. FBMWSH, 10K miles and spec'd to the hilt. Price was right and the only compromise was on engine which I exchanged for a lower chassis Adventure.

I feel I will be delighted to own this outright for some years.

Thanks all.

Mark
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:postpics
 
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