Is (or will it be) the 1200GS your first BMW?

[SQD8R]

Well it’s my first BMW but certainly not my last and certainly not the first I lusted after. Mainly it was always down to money. Being one of the younger contingents here I can remember the ones I lusted after from day one. The K1 was the first, yes I know, but I still love it. Then it was a PD with the red and white tank. Of late, specifically the last few years, it was the R1100S but I could never justify it against the more able, just as comfortable, significantly cheaper sport tackle from Honda, mainly the VFR and VTR.
It’s funny because I demo’d a R1100S ever year for the last 4 years. I see the R1200GS once and I’m sold, despite buying a brand new ZX10R a month before. I signed up for the demo ride, rode a few models and bought the GS within a few weeks. I toyed with the KTM 950S but in the end I knew I’d own a GS.

 

[Pipen]

For 2 years I rode a CBR600 and was looking to upgrade to the new R1 when I read an MCN review on the GS1200. I hadn't considered a BM before that but the GS whetted my appetite. The bike had not been released at the time so I took an 1150 for a test ride. I was out on the bike for a couple of hours and really enjoyed the ride, so much so I placed an order for the GS. I was lucky and was with the new bike within 10 weeks, in time for a 10 day trip through Spain and France. Yes I miss the 'rush' of the sports bike but I dont miss paying crazy insurance premiums or rip off service charges. The GS is still growing on me and always leaves me with a grin on my face when I have been out with my mates on their 'Super Sports'

 

[artig]

i have just been informed is being built during week 40 (anyone know what date that would be - I worked it out to be Early October, but am probably wrong here ??)

Week 40 starts September 27 and ends October 3. So yoiu're not far out.

The GS is my third BMW bike. Traded an R1100RT and an F650GS for the R1200GS. Good move, even though it was costly.

 

[Mikef]

thanks artig...even sooner than I thought, just in time for summer

 

[Parky]

I've currently got a VFR800 that I've had for about two and a half years. I'd ridden other BMWs and didn't like the gearboxes and found them a bit heavy. I test rode the R1200GS and was instantly converted. I've been waiting since 14th June and I'm picking a red/black/black one up on Tuesday from Allan Jefferies

 

[Emoto]

I'd ridden other BMWs and didn't like the gearboxes and found them a bit heavy. I test rode the R1200GS and was instantly converted. I've been waiting since 14th June and I'm picking a red/black/black one up on Tuesday from Allan Jefferies

It really does seem like BMW have addressed almost all of the things we didn't like about the older bikes, doesn't it? Good luck with the new one!!

 

[Peter Harte]

Well...it's certainly my first BMW and what a cracker it is!!

Live about 40 miles from Dublin and got absolutely fed up of 2 hour commutes on a bad day (one way!) into work (roadworks of 15km didn't help ).

Exactly a year ago gave in to the urge to join the ranks of those biking it and bought a Suzuki 500 (which I have to say is an absolutley great learner bike) and have put about 11k miles on it in the last year. However, not really the most comfortable for 80 miles a day and decided to trade up

All the buzz about 1200 caught my attention and decided to go for it. Picked it up 10 days ago (about a 10 week wait from ordering) and have had a blast ever since. What a great bike...does it all....motorways, city and mountains..plenty of those around Wicklow . Can be windy though close to the sea here so have CE Baileys screen on order which should hopefully make it a perfect ride in and out of the city.

Definitely a good decision to go with BMW.

Hi there I too am a commuter and could not take the 2 hour s each way to the city - in fact I moved my business to Glasgow -about 3 years ago - as I could not get coms ( broadband) in Park West Technology Park - a joke eh ! - so I am still commuting from Co Wicklow - to Dublin Airport - so watch out for a LK reg 00 GS1150 - and give us a wave - each day I come out of town - I am usually laughing - 50 mins from Dublin Airport - which used to take me 3 HOURS by car - "tis a great lttle country - buts its Bollixed !" GB SHAW

 

[Deleted Member MM]

Suffered a hand/wrist injury so needed a Bike with high bars, sat on every Bike in showrooms on Westgate Road N/cle & found I could only operate the controls on a R850R.. so I bought it.
That was '96.. didnt know much about BMW's (or GS's there wasnt one in the showroom)
In '98 Jeffries gave me a GS1100 loan Bike.. Georgia insisted I bought one I did but from Mill @ £1000 less
Bug bit.. since then a GS1150, GSA1150 & (save the best for last) GS1200

Georgia was always a GS fan but 'old' ones just too heavy
She reluctantly settled for a R850R then a R1150R but as soon as she heard about the GS1200 the deposit was down

 

[Dustin]

Hi there I too am a commuter and could not take the 2 hour s each way to the city - in fact I moved my business to Glasgow -about 3 years ago - as I could not get coms ( broadband) in Park West Technology Park - a joke eh ! - so I am still commuting from Co Wicklow - to Dublin Airport - so watch out for a LK reg 00 GS1150 - and give us a wave - each day I come out of town - I am usually laughing - 50 mins from Dublin Airport - which used to take me 3 HOURS by car - "tis a great lttle country - buts its Bollixed !" GB SHAW

Am I correct in thinking that you fly to and from Glasgow every day.....or are you based around the airport? A 00 reg 1150 passed me the other day on the new N11 just past the Cullenmore hotel on the hard shoulder.....I was being sensible almost having been clocked by one of the dumper trucks a day earlier .

 

[kiwiAdventure]

Re: tank cover

hi gazza
i wanted to ask you about the tank cover on your 12 gs as im interested in buying one for my bike
i e-mailed and have had a reply from baglux which make one in yellow with a tank bag to match at approx £150 plus £7 delivery
so any info would be appreciated
cliff

I sent them a email two weeks ago and they have not replied as well. Is there someone else we can email. I require a blue/silver tank cover. If others want some could we do a bulk deal.

 

[pontydocs]

previously owned 650gs for 3 years. great fun toured extensively, but in Slovenia last year realised I needed the real thing. took delivery of my 1200gs today and ****ing brilliant

 

[blackburnlee]

Got my first BMW, an R1100S which I've still got, after having ridden a number of different models (1100GS; 1150RS to name a few) over the previous year to 18 months and not really gelling with them. I had an Aprilia Caponord at the time which was a great concept let down by a few niggly faults.

I have to say that I love my Beemer. So much so that my 12GS arrives on 21 Oct and I've managed to persuade the Mrs to let me keep hold of the S for now too!

Things I like are (In no particular order) Shaft drive meaning no lubing or worrying about tension etc, an engine that you can feel, good finish and a dealer that seems to be interested in me as a customer, not just another money-making opportunity.

Will let you know what the GS is like. Can't wait!

 

[ed4554]

R1200 GS my first BM

Ordered my R1200GS in March after a test ride at Blue Bell Crewe. Sold my Yamaha T/Cat early May. It has been a long summer ( if you can call what we have had summer ). As the GS arrived mid September. Well worth the wait. Put the first 600 miles on in a matter of days around Wales and Shropshire. Booked in for first service and then I can really start to enjoy it more.
Owned many Jap bikes and enjoyed them. This is the first BMW and cannot see me going back. R1200GS expensive ( YES ) but worth it.
ed4554.

 

[Reggie]

Hi KiwiAdventure,

the image of the bike with the tank harness is mine and the item was supplied within 24 hours of my order being made.

I need to speak to them about some additional kit so do you want me to mention your case to them? If so please send me your e-mail address and I'll get them to contact you directly.

I've been using their services for 11 years and have never had a problem with them.

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman

 

[kiwiAdventure]

Hi KiwiAdventure,

the image of the bike with the tank harness is mine and the item was supplied within 24 hours of my order being made.

I need to speak to them about some additional kit so do you want me to mention your case to them? If so please send me your e-mail address and I'll get them to contact you directly.

I've been using their services for 11 years and have never had a problem with them.

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman

That would be great email; [email protected]

Thanks
Dean

 

[Andy Michael]

The 1200gs I picked up yesterday is my first BMW over the last 4 years I have owned 2 ZX6R'S from new they were great bikes but riding through winter on a sports 600 is no fun at all,I popped into Ryedale Cardiff just to look at the new GS ended up on a test ride and due to a cancelled order bought the bike all within a week, my head is still spinning but I am really really happy.

 

[Peter Harte]

Dustin

Am I correct in thinking that you fly to and from Glasgow every day.....or are you based around the airport? A 00 reg 1150 passed me the other day on the new N11 just past the Cullenmore hotel on the hard shoulder.....I was being sensible almost having been clocked by one of the dumper trucks a day earlier .

Eh that would have been me alright !- I did see you ( unlikethis post which I ve only seen now 10th Oct!)
No I mostly go to the airport and park up - and come back 3 /4days later - sometimes its a shorter trip - I park mostly in staff carpark as I ve got a mate there......Yeah that roadworks are a bastard - and as for the traffic you have to be very very carefull - but on the morning you saw me I was running a bit late and Ryan Air dont even wait for the Feckin Crew !
You dont also drive a Freelander and have a close affiiation to the real Dustin per chance ? - just a mad thought - our dogs go to the same Kennels in Ferns - if you dont this will mean Jack S*** to you - anyway I ll keep and eye out for you and give you a big wave when I see you again - my bikes a 00 LK reg - carry my own knives - cheers ............

 

[Skippy]

Gazza's Tank Cover

Gazza, (New member here)

Saw the pictures of your GS 12. Where did you get the tank protector from. Looks fantastic. Is it black and have you had the plastics sprayed as well ? Who did it and would you recommend.

Maybe just my eye sight going?



Skippy

 

[gazza]

Baglux just happened to have a black 12000GS tank cover in stock. The only parts I had to have resprayed where the Beak and Tank plastic. Both come off in 5 minutes, side panels are original BMW matt black. Cost around £200 for the lot including Baglux tank cover. BMW don't do a Black ( Yet ) so got a friends in the trade to spray them BMW 082 black, ensuring the bike maintains BMW colours. Beak extention is from Touratech. Fits on using original fixings so no drilling required.

 

[Dinger]

I got my new 1200 on Friday and I've put about 300 miles on it. I've had 3 BMW's, K1100LT, K1100RS and K1200RS. I was impressed with all of them and had no hesitation trading my Blackbird in for the 1200.