Help please!

[QMC]

Dear all,

I'm new to this forum, and would like some advice. I guess what I am about to ask has been asked here many times so if you are all sick of answering it then fine!

I have owned a Kawasaki GPZ1100 for 5 years and 30k miles, and think it is about time to replace it. So, what with? My riding is a mixture of European touring, commuting, riding for work, and general travelling. I don't tend to get involved with the sunny Sunday rideout scene, and am a firm believer that a bike is an excellent form of transport and not a hobby. I also want ABS - my current bike has it and it has been a a**s saver on a few occasions. For once I have the dosh (about £8k ish) to buy a decent bike and plan on keeping it for another 5 years.

To me it comes down a GS or a Pan-European, both very different bikes but they seem to fit my needs, although admittedly in different ways. There seems to be a good range of 1150 GS and GSA at dealers and private sales, but it also looks like I could stretch to a 1200GS in a private sale.

I am planning on getting test rides, but would appreciate comments from other people's experiences!

cheers

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Help is at hand

You don't need help if you can stretch to a1200GS. Have aGOOD trial run on it - you will be convinced. Brian Rosen

 

[Beemer]

Dont overlook the 1150 GS and be blinded by the shiney 1200. I nearly was, but decided to test ride them back to back and I bought myself an 1150. Horses for courses..of course.

As for the ST1100, good bike, rode one for quite a long time, the ST1300 is better but I think you'll be impressed with a GS.

Bought mine just a month ago and it's already making an impact on the credit card. There's so many bits and pieces you can buy as add ons to personalise them to your liking.

Doesn't sound like money will be a deciding issue so good luck with whatever you decide on and if it is an 1150 GS make sure it's a blue and white one !!

Cheers



Steve

 

[wilbjr21]

I was faced with the same choice a couple of months ago. I've had two ST1100s before the ST1300. All great bikes - especially the ST1300. I covered 20,000 miles in two years on it. I chose the R1200GS. My wife thinks it is more comfortable than either of the Pans. I think it is lighter so should be easier to pick up- although I didn't have a problem with the ST1300 when in a paddy!! I think that I will prefer the GS experience when the better weather comes and bikes are a real pleasure again.

 

[BawdyMonk]

Go Anywhere Capability or Touring Protection

It's a straight trade IMHO, a GS will take you to places you wouldn't get to on a Pan, a Pan will give you long distance, high speed protection, you won't get on a GS...although you can get some of it with an aftermarket screen and Tobinators (have a search in this forum to see how well they are thought of).

Of the 3 GSs, I've got and prefer the GSA, I had a 1200

for 3 days last year and decided not to change, about 10,000 more miles on my Adventure and I still can't see me changing to anything other than a new Adventure

Having said that, the Adventure is a big old beast and not for everyone, so if you decide on the GS, you must test ride them all.

 

[Mouse]

Re: Go Anywhere Capability or Touring Protection

It's a straight trade IMHO, a GS will take you to places you wouldn't get to on a Pan

Sorry for the slight hijack, but that made me giggle, as I'd just posted this picture in the "show us yours" forum I agree totally with your point by the way, I just found the coincidence funny

 

[Tricky]

Rode an ST1100 when in Oz and is a great bike for serious long distances (in comfort!) but IMHO the GS12 is just as capable and much more fun so......... go get that 12 you know it makes sense!!
(red/black/black goes faster and if you dont have any extras not far off your budget)

 

[QMC]

Thanks for the comments guys - I especially liked the picture of the Pan on a dirt track. It reminded me of an article I read a few years ago in an American bike mag that covered someone doing a round-the-world on a Pan!

One response made the point about money, and I think this is a serious point. I have seen a 1200GS in a private sale that I could stretch to, BUT it doesn't have any panniers or any other luggage, which would add several hundred to the 'real world' price nad probably be more than I could afford. On the other hand I have seen an 1150GS advertised here for a lot cheaper that has a string of what seem to be very desireable mods and extras, and is fairly close to me. Tough call.

 

[Bert]

QUOTE:

Sorry for the slight hijack, but that made me giggle, as I'd just posted this picture in the "show us yours" forum I agree totally with your point by the way, I just found the coincidence funny

From yellow jacketed ST rider to GS rider....

"Give us a tow mate!"

 

[richie]

Both brilliant bikes, I have an eleven year old GS with 90K KM it still rides really well and I love it...

I think the GS is the better bike for all purposes. However I do a lot of motorwy work coz like you my bike is more a preffered form of transport than a hobby. If thats the case for you try the GS on the motorway first to make sure your happy with its wind and weather protection...

 

[Othello]

Dear all,

I'm new to this forum, and would like some advice. I guess what I am about to ask has been asked here many times so if you are all sick of answering it then fine!

I have owned a Kawasaki GPZ1100 for 5 years and 30k miles, and think it is about time to replace it. So, what with? My riding is a mixture of European touring, commuting, riding for work, and general travelling. I don't tend to get involved with the sunny Sunday rideout scene, and am a firm believer that a bike is an excellent form of transport and not a hobby. I also want ABS - my current bike has it and it has been a a**s saver on a few occasions. For once I have the dosh (about £8k ish) to buy a decent bike and plan on keeping it for another 5 years.

To me it comes down a GS or a Pan-European, both very different bikes but they seem to fit my needs, although admittedly in different ways. There seems to be a good range of 1150 GS and GSA at dealers and private sales, but it also looks like I could stretch to a 1200GS in a private sale.

I am planning on getting test rides, but would appreciate comments from other people's experiences!

cheers

Hi there... used R1200GS' seem to be pretty rare on the ground but I'll sell you mine if you want. There's a BMW K1200S that's a cancelled order at the local dealership that I am thinking quite strongly about buying. Wife says that one of the 3 current bikes must go though due to lack of garage space.

Mine's red, 5 months old, 1500 miles, heated grips, panniers and BMW top box all with liners, ABS. Immaculate condition. £8300ono Call me on 07813 878630 if you're interested.

 

[longdog]

Simple choice, do you want to have fun and enjoy riding? The it's a GS!

 

[QMC]

Othello

Very interested. I'll call you tomorrow.

Quinton Carroll