New Guy Needs some advice

[batman09]

Hi Everyone,
My Name is Bruce Wayne(batman09)...I'm an Aircraft Mechanic for United Airlines(I also restore classic cars).I need some advice on buying a gs.I have never owned a Dual sport before.I grew up riding dirt bikes(Been 10 years since I was on one)Anyways...My Brother has been riding Bmw's his whole life.2 months ago he asked me if i'd like to ride to Alaska with him...Of course I said yes...Its a Dream Trip!!!(Ca to Alaska...3000 miles each way)So here is my question....I have about $14,000usd to spend.This will get me a Brand new fully loaded 2009 f800gs or a 2006-2007 r1200gs with heated grips and abs with 2000-5000 miles.Which is the wise choice for me?I wouldn't say I'm a novice rider...kinda somewhere in the middle.When I use to ride dirt bikes I was pretty good.I'm 6'2" and 230lbs.Will the 800 be too small?Will the power of the 1200 be too much for me?Any and all thoughts,opinions and advice are greatly appreciated!!Thanks bm

 

[PIGGLET]

I've never ridden an 800 so can't offer any real advise there but the 1200 will deffinitely NOT be too big or powerfull for you.
You'll be fine with whatever you decide to go with but as a competent mechanic do you intend to service and maintain the bike yourself? Have you considered looking for an immaculate fully loaded 1150 Adventure? They are easier to work on and are regarded by many as better finished and more reliable
Have a look HERE if you think I'm joking
They'll all do what you want, can you get to a dealer and take all three for a good test ride? As a dirt bike rider I'm sure you'll feel at home on any of them

 

[MikeP]

Neither!

As an aircraft engineer, you'd be better off with an 1100/1150 as they are built more like aircraft (sort of Bleriot era aircraft that is).

Have you tried asking this in AdvRider GSpot?

http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=3

Nearer to home you may get answers from people who have done that trip.

(Nice to see you here by the way. )

 

[alimey4u2]

Hello & welcome....

What actually is your relationship with "Boy Wonder"....

 

[L]

there is alot to be said for having the same bike as your brother
- you'll run out of fuel at the same time
- you'll have an example if one breaks
- you'll be able to scrounge bits of his (or vice versa) if needed
- you'll have to carry less spares/tools

Don't know what he has, but I'd probably look at that first.

And there is no such thing as "fully loaded brand new BMW" !!!

As soon as it arrives, you'll be looking at all the kit you can get for it - generally non-BMW stuff like aftermarket screens, luggage, protection etc.

My vote would go for either, the same as your brother's or an 1150 and the cash in my pocket to spend on toys or on the trip.

(and don't worry about any of them being "Too much to handle". they are all extremely polite to handle and will be a doddle for someone with any sort of experience)

 

[(RIP) petcul]

Hello and welcome

As they say you pays your money and makes your choice. I rode the 800 on the BMW offroad course and hated it, others loved it. I have a 1200 and have taken it to West Africa, Norway and Russia and it has been fine although the high tech electronics always worry me. You will have no problem with it. I'm 5' 10'' with a short inside leg and can manage it easily including picking it up.

I also have an F650 Dakar which I will use for my next W African trip but the reason is that I hope to do more piste riding, it's lighter and more easily understood and repaired by mechanics outside of Europe. Also hope to use it in Canada/USA next year in another dream to be fulfilled - Newfoundland to Yukon/Alaska.

Finally have you thought about the 1150. Although a bit heavier I still think mine had it marginally over the 1200 I have now. Stronger construction and less complicated.

Enjoy your venture

 

[flash of the gap]

howdy, batman it,s been said you were into robin for a while but now your gone straight

 

[batman09]

Thank you for the replies everyone!!I will surely start looking at the 1150's!!
My brother has a k1200r sport street bike.I want to do more in alaska the him.bm
Ps the boy blunder is long gone

 

[deaninkl]

Bruce, frankly the 800, 1200 and 1150 will all do what you want. On this site there is a clear 1150 v 1200 preference. So you need to ask riders of each model the pros and cons. 800 is pretty new and appears to be a good bike. But at 230 lbs your bat suit must be interesting so the 1150/1200 would parobably be a better bet.

I have a 06 1200, find the quality fine and have not had any problems (there are well documented quality issues with the 1200), touch wood. My brother is a lard ass (about 280 lbs at least) and he has the 1150 and loves it.

For everyday use the 1200 is lighter, faster and handle better. But id I was going arround the would I'd look at the 1150 because it can mostly be repaired at the side of the road, where as the 1200 has a couple of feature that need a BMW computer to reset. BMW need to point those point right before the 1200 truely is what it says on the packet. I love mine its the best bike I have ever owned but the issuse are documented on the sight and of GSpot.

Let us know about your ride, CA - ALaska is a dream for most of us.

 

[Jonnie Boy]

Bruce, frankly the 800, 1200 and 1150 will all do what you want. On this site there is a clear 1150 v 1200 preference. So you need to ask riders of each model the pros and cons. 800 is pretty new and appears to be a good bike. But at 230 lbs your bat suit must be interesting so the 1150/1200 would parobably be a better bet.

I have a 06 1200, find the quality fine and have not had any problems (there are well documented quality issues with the 1200), touch wood. My brother is a lard ass (about 280 lbs at least) and he has the 1150 and loves it.

For everyday use the 1200 is lighter, faster and handle better. But id I was going arround the would I'd look at the 1150 because it can mostly be repaired at the side of the road, where as the 1200 has a couple of feature that need a BMW computer to reset. BMW need to point those point right before the 1200 truely is what it says on the packet. I love mine its the best bike I have ever owned but the issuse are documented on the sight and of GSpot.

Let us know about your ride, CA - ALaska is a dream for most of us.

+1 on the above

I have a 1200 n love it, have had no major probs with it ('04, 48kmiles)

Was thinking about an 800 but decided to wait, and keep hold of the 12 as its goin fine and does the lot! The 800 no doubt being capable but I think the 12 will be better for distance riding (on tarmac anyhow)