Coming back to the GS fold, but which one

[rdover]

After a few years away from GS's (and from bikes really) I have a bit of cash coming my way and to be totally honest I can't see me owning anything apart from a GS except perhaps something properly old (like 75 years+).

Bearing in mind I've had an 1150GS to which I fitted the GSA tank and 2 1200GSAs the second of which (2009) rotted underneath me and caused me to move away from BMW. My budget is limited and I'll be using it for fun only (no long business runs), probably no need for panniers (unless it comes with) and I'm handy with spanners so older/higher mileage doesn't scare me, so just to start a punch up what should I go for and why?

 

[jimbo]

"My budget is limited" could be more specific!
So I say 1150GS.

 

[rdover]

Sorry, I seem to have reverted to newbie!

Budget about £4k?

 

[Packer]

You should get a much loved, clean, low mileage 1150GS for that. If you are happy with the less precise front end of a 1200 then probably even more choice.

 

[boatman]

You should get a much loved, clean, low mileage 1150GS for that. If you are happy with the less precise front end of a 1200 then probably even more choice.

Hi K. How does the 1150 front handling compare with your newer steed?

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

There is what looks like a rather nice yellow 1150gs for sale at the moment on the forum that quotidian for quoth your budget. (not mine).

 

[rdover]

Due to the simple fact that the cash will not be available until Nov 1st I am limited to the intellectual exercise of narrowing down the choice rather than actually shopping. In fact, I suspect going shopping might end up with a bike loan and a 2nd mortgage on touratech stuff again

I loved my 1150 but I found the 1200GSA to be even better. Not sure I'd want a 1200GS if only because it's a bit 'civilian' for me (I drive a 110 Defender 15k miles pa) and I like the extra presence.

One thing I'm NOT doing is going to the local dealer which seems to be populated by fannies.

Then again, its a slow morning. Surely it won't hurt to look?

 

[Packer]

Hi K. How does the 1150 front handling compare with your newer steed?

The first 1200's, up to 2009 model year, seemed a bit vague to me compared with the 1150 so I had no interest in changing. I was really keen to try the LC but a short test ride was all it took to put me off. I bought the S10 and think it's brilliant. Feels as stable and "planted" (yeh, yeh I know) as the 1150 but much quicker and better on fuel as well. The only down side was getting decent luggage for it but Vern came up trumps making me a set of custom brackets to take the Worldbeaters that I kept from the GS.

Low mileage S10's around for sensible money. Ride On Motorcycles in Pollokshields may still have a 2013 demonstrator which was for sale last time I went in there. Very under rated bikes!

 

[rdover]

Morning Packer, Long long time no chat.

I heard that Rid-On have moved to Hillington.

 

[Bendy toy]

The handling on my 08 adventure is far better than I am. Front end is def not vague. Other than stuff caused by 19" trail tyres.
Mk 1 1200 (to 07) has servo brakes that can be unreliable if threads are to be believed. Also back axle has weaker internal bearings. The finish is good.
mk2 (08 - 09) is questionable for finish but has no servo brakes and slightly better bearings in final drive. My FD lasted 50K.
The Mk3 twin cam is the one to have. But from double your budget.

 

[rdover]

The handling on my 08 adventure is far better than I am. Front end is def not vague. Other than stuff caused by 19" trail tyres.
Mk 1 1200 (to 07) has servo brakes that can be unreliable if threads are to be believed. Also back axle has weaker internal bearings. The finish is good.
mk2 (08 - 09) is questionable for finish but has no servo brakes and slightly better bearings in final drive. My FD lasted 50K.
The Mk3 twin cam is the one to have. But from double your budget.

Cheers, that fires off the memory banks.

IIRC I hated the servo brakes and the ABS but loved the rest of it. My 06 12GSA was great and I only chopped it in for an 09 model because I got drawn in by the shiny.

I am edging towards the best 1150 I can find for the money given I'm not going to use it a whole lot and can fix up all the little bits over time and maintain its value. Now, 1150 GS or GSA.

 

[BRD]

A bit late to this thread and I see that you have already decided, but here are my thoughts to support your choice....

4 years ago I bought an 1150, it reinvigorated my interest in riding a bike, I kept it for a year and traded for a '06 1200, which had servo brakes. It was ok but I didn't like the servo bit and after another 12 months traded for a twin cam GSA.

When I was looking for a "ride to work" bike I considered all sorts of stuff and then saw a very clean low mileage '01 single spark, non abs 1150 in my local bike shop and thought "that's what I want".

I was a bit worried that it would seem old and slow compared to the 1200 but I really like it and it's a hoot to ride. Somehow it seems an awful lot lighter than the GSA. Biggest dislike is the huge gap between 5th and 6th gears.

Having both bike to choose from is brilliant but if I only had £4k to spend I'd buy the best 1150 I could find for the money without hesitation.