Interested in a GS, but which one.

[fazer600sy]

Hi
my first post, I currently own a Yamaha Fazer, but will be treating myself to a GS next year keeping the fazer for the wife, so which should I go for will probably look at new depends on budget at the time, I am interested in getting luggage. The bike I hope to use all year unlike the fazer. I will use it for commuting, some off roading and some touring, I also have some sports bike mates (sunday riders) who I will need to keep up with.

I dont know much about the GS apart from what I read in MCN and Ride and it looks impressive, not too sure which one to go for, I recently read the article on Ewan Mcgregor on the Adventure version is this the bike to go for or should I look at the new 1200 and just buy some extras, also if I buy used whats a good mileage to get? (when do problems start occuring?), I have always bought new so mileage has never been an issue.

what problems should I look out for? I like the look of both but the Adventure is cheaper and has luggage is this the best for all rounder or is the new 1200 better?

as for myself I am 6.1 so the height is no problem. Also is it best to buy a Used with FSH or New?

Sy

 

[richie]

By used and get an adventure....

No seriously get whatever turns you and your budget on. Great fun bikes...

Have fun

 

[Kropotkin]

Personally, I would look for a standard 1150 GS. These are now pretty good bargains, what with the 1200 having been introduced. There are a few dealers left with new 1150s, and offers are very much available, as they want these shifted off the floor.

The 1200 is still in Beta testing (i.e. they keep breaking, though they are getting better), so I would wait a year or two before I plumped for a 1200.
You either like the Adventure or you don't. I think they are still overpriced as new (they are still in production), but they are taller, and so feel more top heavy. The screen is better than the standard 1150 though. Also, I prefer the 2 piece seat on the standard bike, but YMMV.

Secondhand is not a problem, generally, GSes are owned by older, wealthier people, so they usually live in garages, and have good service records. Plus, they need about 15k miles before they are run in properly.

So I would be tempted to go for either a new 1150, or a recent 2nd hand 1150, and spend the rest on accessories, as mentioned by Novice. You will need:

Adventure Screen
Tobinators
Luggage
H&B crashbars
Hawker Odyssey PC680 battery (if you have ABS)

That should get you bankrupt, I'm sorry, I mean started ....

David

 

[(RIP) john plane]

I would get a new adventure. If not a good second hand 1150 with about 10000 miles on it just starting to be run in.I have seen some good ones on this site.

 

[GS TRV]

I agree - ADV or a std. GS for now. Buy some accessories and let them iron out 12 probs and in the meantime you can get on with enjoying the whole GS experience.
& you probably wont have to wait a lifetime to get a hold of it!

 

[Deleted Member MM]

It's for you to decide.. the GSA1150 & GS1200 are very different Bikes. Any decent BMW Dealer should have demonstrators.. arrange test ride on both .. then buy the 1200