Buying advice

[linus]

Hello, new boy here...

Riding for two years, currently riding an R6 (well, not riding at all right now due to broken wrist). I only replaced my Fazer 600 with a new R6 in January, but am now thinking of replacing the R6 with a cheap track bike, and a road bike that's more suitable to, well, road riding. I've also got a fealing that my other half might find the GS more comfortable... she's not impressed by pillion provisions on the R6.

I've done a couple of days on my dads 850 GS, both tarmac and gravel, having loads of fun on both.

So... a few questions in my mind, what's worth looking for? ABS and extra's? 1100 or 1150 - is there much real world difference? Is it better to buy private or trade? Silly to buy in spring/early summer, or does that not matter for a "proper bike"? Any recommended dealers in/around London? What's it like for a 27 year old to get a long test ride at dealer?

I currently commute by foot, so the bike would only be a toy, weekends in UK and abroad, possibly longer tours, sunny sunday blasts, and possibly the odd track day just to intimidate a few sport bike riders. I haven't got a specific budget, so it's more a question of what's worth paying for.

My question is probably quite fuzzy, so I'll expect a few fuzzy answers...

 

[Aidan1150]

Hi Linus

After 20 years on jap fours I went for an 1150 and am enjoying it immensely. Admittedly, it took about 1000 miles for me to get really familiar with the bike, but I am now having more fun than I have had on bikes in years.

Personally, I went for the 1150 as (a) I preferred the looks to the 1100 and (b) I wanted a younger bike.

As you have been riding your dads 850GS, you will have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

I changed from a 95 Fartblood to a 2000 Bandit partly because my wife was suffering terribly on the Blade, but despite not liking the GS's looks initially she is completely comfortable on the GS and now almost likes the look of it too. Result!!

My advice wuld be to define your budget, then buy the newest, highest spec 1150 you can afford. You know you wont regret it.

Oh, just make sure you buy the fastest colour one. Black of course.

 

[cral]

go buy

go and buy , you will not regret it,

 

[linus]

I too prefer the looks of the 1150, but assume I could save a few quid by going for the 1100... decisions, decisions.. then again, since these bikes hold their value so well, maybe it doesn't make much difference.

Saw this in Autotrader, which looks like a really good price. All the extras I'd want. Judging by the pics, it's a really well kept example, too.

1998 BMW R1100 1100 cc GS,
32,500 miles, . R-reg, White/black, ABS, FBMWSH, heated grips, hand guards, cylinder guards, BMW city & touring panniers, BMW topbox, Spyball Alarm, DATATAG, Auto-com(stereo/intercom), Spare tall screen, rear hugger, recent service, taxed and tested, immaculate. £4,000.

Any comments?I guess I'll do some general research to figure out what's what.