Considering a Gs but have no idea which ??

[chrisr9976]

Hello every 1

Iv just joined this forum hoping for some advice as I plan to buy a new GS as I like to tour alot and also my daughter is always 2 up with me.

I am currently well into my sports bikes. I have a ZX9R a Suzuki TL 1000 and my wife rides a VTR Firestorm.

Iv heard so much about the capabilities of the GS but have no idea which model and what cost I should be considering.

If any 1 could help me with which model to choose,how much to spend and where to find the best deals It would be much appreciated.

Cheers every one ....... Chris

 

[GreatScott]

Welcome Chris

There is loads of advice out there but I suspose it will come down to budget and your own requirements. I would get down to the dealer and bag a few test rides then buy the 1200 !

 

[Timpo]

Hi Chris, and welcome.
There are many factors in choosing a GS.
Budget, new or second hand, personal characteristics (ie, inside leg/seat height), engine requirements, etc.
They all have plus and minuses........

Timpo.

 

[Zorro]

1200 is it

Chris

I am newish to bikes but the 1200 is absolutely great. Easy to throw about, really versatile and very reliable. I had the 1150 before, just as good, a little heavier but also great. It all depends on budget and colour!

Cheers - Kneedeep

 

[chrisr9976]

Cheers for the reply's !!!!

Being realistic I think im looking at a used 1,although i want it to be like new.I dont want to throw all my money at it so wondering if I could find any interest free deals out there ???

What would 5/6 grande buy me ???

Chris

 

[Micky]

Hi Chris .... welcome to the land of Tosserdom

If it's your first GS then don't buy new without ... get across to Rainbow Motorcycles, Rotherham, by appointment, or any BMW dealer, and test ride the F800GS, the 1200GS and GS-A and any s/h 1150's they have in at the time. No problems and no obligations.

So much info on here, so much advice, so many people will wanna help, so many people will wanna take the piß you'll disappear up your own bum if you listen to the half of it

Test ride ....

 

[billynomates]

Hi Chris
When your at the dealers see if theyve got a mint R1100s as well to compare with the GS its very good at distance work as well,especially if you dont ever intend to go offroad.
I found the GSA far more rider friendly protection wise than the GS especialy if your over 6'.
ian

 

[elevensies]

r1100s +1, also for rainbow at rotherham, great people to deal with.

especially the boxer cup or rm rep

I have a 1100gs for pretty much everything, and a r1100s for those summer blast out days with the sports riders, great bikes love em both.

 

[Wrinkly]

Hi Chris,
My view FWIW and hope it is of some help.
As many others have said,i would agree,definately go and ride them all.
It has taken Jo and i seven months to make up our mind,but we have finally and conclusively decided which bike we will buy.(If we can find the right one)
We extensivley tested the 1100gs,1150gs,1150gsa,1200gs 06,1200gs08 and 1200gsa08.
Whilst in my opinion,the best overall bike in terms of rideability,was the 08 1200gs,there was just something abought the 1150gsa ,from both pillion and rider perspective ,we both felt it was the most enjoyable package overall.
Not that it matters to much,but i also believe it will maintain it's value better than the rest.
Got to agree with Elevensis,R1100s and a GS i certainly don't need anything more from a bike than these two will give me.

Good luck with your decision,whichever, it aint gonna be far out.
Then you persuade your other half to get an R1100ss Sorted.

Steve

 

[chrisr9976]

Thanks again for the reply's !!!!

Its good to get some 1st hand advice (that's why i joined).I have a slight concern tho. I have been looking at the Rainbow bikes website and I think my 5/6 grand is falling well short of anything I like.

I don't want my budget to decide which bike I end up with.

Is there any good of the above mentioned models available for my sorta money?

Cheers,Chris

 

[boatman]

hi chris with 5/6k you should be able to pick up a really good gs1200 (hi did) you might be suprised how many there are lurking in garages that have virtually no miles on them and are in virtually new condition loas of folk get one but just do not use them for various reasons. i had last year on a 1200 standard and have just changed to the 1200gsa (large tank range,better wind protection ,tougher panniers etc etc. It looks bigger but does not in any way feel heavier to me .try them and see

 

[vireo]

Hi Chris

Another vote for a 1150GSA as its the only one I've owned - you'll certainly get a nice one on here for 5-6k - if you pony up the small subscription, http://www.ukgser.com/sponsorpop.htm you'll be able to use the for sale section, there's a few there at present. I've ridden plenty of 1150GS's and they're great as well. If pillion comfort is high on the 'needs list' then it may sway you one way or t'other..........but only a test ride will tell - though you can always change the seats on certain models with a small amount of work (eg. put 1150GS seats on an 1150GSA). I dont think the 800GS seats are too generous for a pillion, so that might be an issue.....

Another decider might be whether you intend to any work on the bike yourself............11's are easier in this regard than the 12's.

You'll definitely need to take a spin on any short-listed models, and dont make it a short spin either........an hour or preferably (much) more is needed to get over the , eh, quirkiness of the motor and feel at one with the bike. It should be a good time to arm-twist the dealers for an extended test ride/loan and also for haggling a good price.

Whatever you decide, you'll find this forum both extremely knowledgeable and frustrating........... what with everyone telling you their model is the best (for which see my opening line....)

V

 

[elevensies]

Chris, dont worry about the Rainbow website, just go in and have a look, they have loads of bikes they dont put on there, and from what i remember theres a good few 1150's in

I agree the 1150gsa is a great bike, but somehow i just really really prefer my 1100,

 

[phooey]

Chris,

Try Alan Jeffries as well ( near Leeds ).
They are also a thoroughly professional firm and I happily recommend them. Mature helpful staff and nothing is too much trouble.

Chris & Beth.

 

[elevensies]

Yeah +1 for them too, and maybe a bit closer,

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Hurry up !!!

At the moment you can STILL buy a new 1200GS in the UK for £9,000. In France the list price is 13450€ which equals OVER TWELVE THOUSAND POUNDS. (In Germany it is 12,500€) If you know anybody who is hesitataing point out tht there MUST be a hefty price rise VERY SHORTLY.

 

[Mac]

Hi Chris

i sold my TLs and bought an 1100

i'm still grinning in my lid, so if you see a good un'...........buy it

 

[chrisr9976]

Hi Chris

i sold my TLs and bought an 1100

i'm still grinning in my lid, so if you see a good un'...........buy it

Top advice cheers mate ... Although the TLS wont be going lol

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I've got an '05 1200gs, owned from new, which I doubt I'll be changing for a few years. As many will agree, most boxer BMWs won't really have been run in until they hit 15,000 miles+, so getting a 2nd hand one is a good idea, and in my opinion mileage rather than the age of the bike should be the overriding factor. Bear in mind though, when deciding on a budget, that all GS owners have an expensive addiction to the Touratech / Nippy Normans catalogues. Allow for extras. You'll be buying them. Don't for one minute think you'll be able to resist.

 

[chrisr9976]

Im the Worlds worst at resisting extra bits !!!!! lol

Top advice mate,Nice 1