hello, not a GS owner yet buy may be

[gazuk]

After working in London for the past 3 months I've finally got fed up with the Train journey and decided to commute by bike - 50 miles each way with 10 miles of it in the city.

I've commuted for the last week now and like it, but my Aprilia Falco is not really suitable, so its time to change. Used to have a Triumph Tiger and still like them but thought I'd look at the GS instead. My bike also havs to be fun away from the commute for the occassional weekend ride.

As it's mainly a commuter bike I want to spend as little as possible, so will consider the 1100 and the 1150.

So, do you think a GS will suit my requirements and are any cheaper ones around at the moment (I want one asap).

Has anyone had a GS and a Tiger and has any comparisons?

Off to search the web for one now

Thanks

 

[DavidHale]

Hello and welcome to the site!

For the past 13 years I've commuted into central London by motorbike, so I may have an opinion or two....

Started on a CB500, cracking bike.
Then had a Triumph Speed Triple, again a cracking bike.
Then an Africa Twin - bouncy and fun!
Got a BMW1100S - horrible for commuting!
Chopped that for a Triumph Tiger 955i. Cracking engine, fast and bouncy.
Chopped that for my current ride, an 1150 Adv, had it for nearly 5 years.

The 1150 is slower than the Tiger, but more 'solid' feeling, IYKWIM.
Both, I guess, are better than the Falco for commuting.

What's best though? Well, that's a bit subjective - horses for courses and all that. However, I still have the 1150 and don't hanker after another Tiger... unless it was one of the early 888cc ones!

 

[gazuk]

great, thanks for that. I was wondering if the GS may be a bit big for the level of filtering that is required around london.

I did love the Tiger and would quite happily have another, but I have never owned the same bike twice as I like to try something different so thats why I'm considering the GS. But saying that I really want ot get away from the train and onto a bike so it a good Tiger came up local at a nice price I may be tempted. But, given the choice I will try a GS this time. Depens what comes up first.

I can't be bothered to go through the hassle of selling the Falco privately so I may use a delaer to part ex it.

But I do like the look of the GS (I am strange)

 

[gazuk]

also, at what mileage should I start to worry. With my current commute I will be doing 500 miles a week, so over a year could easily do around 20000 miles.

1100GS's tend to have around 40000 ish miles by now so within a year I could easily be over 60000. Would I be looking at changing the bike after about a year or is 60000mile just about run in for a GS

 

[DavidHale]

Many on this site have done over 100000, so mileage shouldn't be a problem. I do 10-12000 a year with no major problems so far. Probably need a clutch at some point soon, though.

Also, if you become a 'site sponsor' you'll get access to the For Sale section - lots there!

 

[Johnny Dangerously]

I have a different commute to you I guess, I only live 8 miles from the centre of London so commute is pretty much all in traffic. I hate taking my 1200GS into london and use a maxi scooter to commute. I think it would take me an absoloute age to get in if I took the GS every day. I'd personaly go for something much smaller, but just my opinion.

 

[bigchris]

Gaz, out of interest just how much are you wanting to pay on a bike?

Im having to emmigrate, and so my 1200 will need to go.

Might be able to cut a deal?