Looking for my first GS!

[Shells]

Hi Everyone
here goes my first ever post! (ever)
Ive been into Bikes since i was a kid and have riden and owned a few in my time but have always had a soft spot for the GS's but particularly a GSA.
i'm off away to afganistan for 6 months and when i get back i'm definately gonna get my first GS.
I'm in two minds about a 2nd hand 1150GSA or 1200GSA or wandering about pushing the boat out and going new (if the wife has anything to do with it not really an option).
I've read things about the early 1200GSA's having probs with the brakes... is this true? apparently this has been sorted post 2007.
Any tips, advise or general feedback would be great as i have a fair bit of time to make my mind up and want to make the right choice.
Pro's and Con's between the 1150GSA/1200GSA ???

Cheers

 

[neil27]

I'm in the same dilemma, only advise I would give is test ride them mate.
Thats the advise I got, as I have had my eye on a GSA/GS for a few months. Also consider the Tiger 1050, new Duke Multistrada 1200, the suzuki varado and the KTM SMT 990.
The BM may be a bit too.....cough!....agricultural....cough!....
BTW good luck in Afghanistan....

Neil.

 

[ian6760]

I'd just get out there and try everything you like the look of, once you have picked between the 1150 or the 1200 then look into which model / year suits you best. Try a few of each and go from there, trying to make up your mind before going out for a spin on them will never work.

Happy hunting,

Ian

 

[Giles]

Just think of all that money you're not spending in 6 months!!!! Treat yer self when you get back and buy new!! Good luck .

 

[snerkler]

Always nice to buy new as it's then your baby and no-one elses, plus you know every single bit of the history.

GS's and GSA's don't exactly light you on fire as far as adrenalin goes, but they are bloody good bikes and surprisingly fun.
I personally went for the 1200 GSA. I don't care to much for the look of the 1150, but that's a personal preference.
I'd always wanted a GSA since the 1200 GSA was launched, and took one out for a test ride a when they first came out. I was disappointed as the suspension was too wallowy for road use imo.
However, the suspension is now sorted, and with the introduction of the ESA it's made it spot on for me. Some say the ESA is a gimick, I think it really works and is very useful indeed.
The GSA is not quite as good on the road as the GS, but it was the presence and look of the GSA that made me want one.
I am very happy with mine so far. Like I said, it's not exactly quick off the mark (which is a shame, but it's not really designed for that) but for everything else it's cracking

 

[Shells]

Unfortunatly my wife has plans for a fair bit of the dosh. Her and my little girl and the one in the oven will account for a fair wack but should still be able to concider it,
Cheers

 

[Shells]

Cheers for the advice. I've a mate who has a 1150 GSA and been out for a ride on that. Loved it but have to admit that I love the looks of the 1200 GSA over it! Been into my local motorrad dealer and arranged a test ride of a 57 plate GSA so will have to see how that goes! As prob guessed I'm in the forces and work away from home a fair bit so gonna be doing some milage and will use the bike to commute so needs to be comfy!
Please keep the feedback coming as is all good school for thaught!

 

[snerkler]

I'm in the same dilemma, only advise I would give is test ride them mate.
Thats the advise I got, as I have had my eye on a GSA/GS for a few months. Also consider the Tiger 1050, new Duke Multistrada 1200, the suzuki varado and the KTM SMT 990.
The BM may be a bit too.....cough!....agricultural....cough!....
BTW good luck in Afghanistan....

Neil.

KTM SMT 990? Might be good for an hour or so hoot but wouldn't like to go on long journeys on one.

 

[snerkler]

Cheers for the advice. I've a mate who has a 1150 GSA and been out for a ride on that. Loved it but have to admit that I love the looks of the 1200 GSA over it! Been into my local motorrad dealer and arranged a test ride of a 57 plate GSA so will have to see how that goes! As prob guessed I'm in the forces and work away from home a fair bit so gonna be doing some milage and will use the bike to commute so needs to be comfy!
Please keep the feedback coming as is all good school for thaught!

imo you have to consider the 'whole package', and looks certainly are important.
I would consider a test ride on a post 08 model if you're looking at 2nd hand if I were you as I believe there were several changes
I'm sure someone on here will tell you what they were, or correct me if I'm wrong

 

[Shells]

thats cool thanks, i have looked at the KTM range and was concidering the 990 adventure but went to look at it and, i dunno, i just didnt get it, the looks didnt do anything for me and the bike looks small and breakable if you know what i mean. I love the SMT and think it looks great but my commute is portsmouth to taunton, so quite a way, and i think week in week out the bike would take a beating and i would become fed up with it.
I love the indestructible look of the GSA and although reading some of the other posts they seem to be a good buy, and i have heard of them described as mile eaters.
I dont know if im old before my time (i'm 26) but i think im passed the idea of having a sports bike based on the fact that i have had a couple of cbr 600's and a gsx 1400, and even tho a lot of mates have them, and the idea of going everywhere at mach 10 (obviously in the right places and asthe situation dictates) and know that i would want to play...a lot. I like the idea of laid back riding with the option to play still there, but not in your face. (hope this makes sense).
To be honest i think i have set my heart on a GSA, the question that remains is... Which one?!?!

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Always nice to buy new as it's then your baby and no-one elses, plus you know every single bit of the history.

GS's and GSA's don't exactly light you on fire as far as adrenalin goes, but they are bloody good bikes and surprisingly fun.
I personally went for the 1200 GSA. I don't care to much for the look of the 1150, but that's a personal preference.
I'd always wanted a GSA since the 1200 GSA was launched, and took one out for a test ride a when they first came out. I was disappointed as the suspension was too wallowy for road use imo.
However, the suspension is now sorted, and with the introduction of the ESA it's made it spot on for me. Some say the ESA is a gimick, I think it really works and is very useful indeed.
The GSA is not quite as good on the road as the GS, but it was the presence and look of the GSA that made me want one.
I am very happy with mine so far. Like I said, it's not exactly quick off the mark (which is a shame, but it's not really designed for that) but for everything else it's cracking

Good summary

 

[good'oleboy]

Hi Everyone
here goes my first ever post! (ever)
Ive been into Bikes since i was a kid and have riden and owned a few in my time but have always had a soft spot for the GS's but particularly a GSA.
i'm off away to afganistan for 6 months and when i get back i'm definately gonna get my first GS.
I'm in two minds about a 2nd hand 1150GSA or 1200GSA or wandering about pushing the boat out and going new (if the wife has anything to do with it not really an option).
I've read things about the early 1200GSA's having probs with the brakes... is this true? apparently this has been sorted post 2007.
Any tips, advise or general feedback would be great as i have a fair bit of time to make my mind up and want to make the right choice.
Pro's and Con's between the 1150GSA/1200GSA ???

Cheers

1150 like a friggin tank 1200 scout light and fast. Take it steady out there buddy, get back safe, and get your self a GS .. come to think of it any bike as long as you come home safe . I speak for all of us here all the best to you and your mates.

 

[v8legend]

Having come from sportier bikes, then I think you'll prefer the 1200 over the 1150. But looks aside, then I think the standard GS would suit you better. If you want new, and the missus is robbing the piggy bank, then consider the F800GS. It's sportier than both if them. However, if you are going to rack up the miles, then the 1150/1200 will suffer less than the others in terms of depreciation. Likewise, any BMW. Their owners are more concerned with service history/extras and condition. You won't be able to give away the other makes mentioned with big mileage.