Is the Adventure better than the GS

[rdover]

Witout going into too many details, I'm not happy with my GS. Don't ge me wrong, it is the best bike I've every owned and I've done 5500 miles in 6 months and gagging to do more, but the previous owner was not exactly gifted with the spanners.

So do I trade up for a newer 1150GS or go for an 1150GSA or the 1200?

I do about 10k miles pa mailnly longer distance on a variety of roads, motorway and back roads on the way back. about 30% in Scotland on the twistier roads.

I don't think I can afford a new 1200 or 1150GSA but there is always finance.

Comments greatfully accepted

 

[Davey B]

When you look at how much people want for 2 year old 20k miler ADV i'd bite the bullet and go new, it'd only be £1500 to £2k more.

 

[rdover]

But is the GSA better than the GS? or the 1200?

 

[MikeO]

But is the GSA better than the GS? or the 1200?

Better at what? Tell us where you want to see an improvement - what area is your GS not performing well? - what else do you want a bike to do? Give us a chance...

Mike

 

[Davey B]

I have had new 2001 GS for best part of 3 years, great bike, then had an ADV for 6 weeks, another great bike, a bit of a sabbatical then got an 04 GS a couple of weeks ago.
I find the standard tank on the GS is adequate, i want to get off after 150 miles for a 10 minute break anyway, (i do not off road and if i did, it would be on a 250kg monster)
I have always had non ABS before this one, the new servo abs system is hard to get used to initially but i have got used to it now after 500 miles, a bit on/off.
It seems to me that whichever one you get (can't comment on the 1200 but it seems they have the odd teethin problem,,,BMW obviously do the shakedown runs with customers as guinea pigs) you'll re-jig it with Corbins/Exhaust/Ohlins/panniers etc etc.
Ride them all head to head and then decide.
I got an 04 ABS GS with 3k on and am happy with it.
Happy hunting

 

[rdover]

Sorry Mike!

I love the GS as a bike but the one I've got needs some TLC and as it's my company vehicle and all my spare garage time is taken up by my rather mad Landrover I do not want to spend time sorting silly little bike problems.

Mine is a Y2K GS with
remus y piece,
endcan
BB power chip
31 litre tank
footpegs lowered
Bars reaised and setback
Sargent seat
autoswitch
tobinators
adjustable screen
ABS and heated grips


My real question isn't GS or not but which one. I like the idea of maor hooliganism a la 1200 but I've got all these bits that'll go on a GSA. But the 1200 gets great reviews (85%+ on this ere site). I need comfort for regular 500+ mile days but still get stuck into the twisties. I will not be going off road.

Is the GSA worth buying new at ~£9,000 rather than a newer 2nd hand GS at ~£6,000 or is the 1200 the puppy to go for. I can find the money but I'd think twuice before jumping in a new bke prices.

problems problems.

 

[Possu]

The previous owners lack of spannering skill is hardly the fault of the bike or BMW for that matter.

You could end up with the same or similar issues if you buy another second hand bike regardless of the model. The only benefit of moving up to a GSA is the larger tank IMO. Longer suspension/seat height & the one piece seat don't suit everybody.

You already have the larger tank, why bother with the expense of getting a GSA? Either get yours sorted or sell it & buy another GS.

You'll have to buy new if you want a bike that's not been buggered about with by a ham fisted prior owner.

 

[shedracer]

IMHO if you can afford it, go for the 1200. I have had a few little problems with it since buying last April, but it is a superb bike. Every time I go out on it, I come home with a huge grin on my face. The 2 year warranty is a great backup and my dealer, NOG has given me excellent service. I have a few friends with the 1150 GS and they have had their fair share of problems.

But which ever bike you decide on, 1150, GSA or 1200, they are all superb.

If you can hold out for a while, used 1200 are appearing on the market and you might be able to pick up a bargin.

 

[MikeO]

I'd spend some money fixing the bodged bits and keep your current bike - it sounds like you're enjoying it and it's doing what you ask of it.

It also sounds like you have a dose of 'Wantnewtoyitis' - so anything said here is going to be pretty academic...

Mike

 

[Global Rider]

Only if you need or want the long range that the 30 liter gas tank has to offer.