new here

[millard]

Hiya
I just joined as I'm thinking seriously about a second hand GS1200, around the £6k mark.
Never riden one but will probably have a test ride with the local dealers in the next week or so.
Currently tryin to sell me HD to finance it and still have a coupla Norton classics.
I have a 36" inside leg (if that's of any relevance) and am thinking of the GS due to it's seat hieght and the fact that they are very popular with the IAM and RoSPA advanced riding instructors I've been out with.
So, any advice please on what to look out for on a used bike? as I've never even sat on one yet.
Just thought I'd do a wee bit of research before I take the plunge.
Thanks in advance
millard

 

[mikepg]

Hiya!

Good luck with the test ride(s) and hope that you will find a bike that you like!

Just use your common sense and experience when buying.

 

[Colban]

Welcome to the forum fella.
Take a good long test-ride.Once around the block is no good for appeciating a GS.
BWM dealers are having clearout sales at the moment,so if you have cash you should get a good deal and more importantly,a solid warranty.
Buy the newest 1200 you can as most "issues" have been addressed on the later ones.

 

[garfield]

welcome to the site Millard...hope you enjoy

I went on a 2 hour test ride on the 12GS before I bought my 12GSA....by the end of the first hour, I knew I had to buy....go for a ride and let your instincts do the rest

good luck

 

[Ozzie3]

I bought a 1200GS on the 1st September last after part xing an RT 1150.
No comparison,the GS is so much more fun to ride,quicker,lighter and alround much better.
I have owned a lot of differant bikes,mainly Jap fours,the boxer is a far superior lump.It has something the Japs dont have character and torque in fistfulls.
Test ride one and then you are sure to buy without regrets.
If i new what I know now i would have bought one 40 years ago and saved myself thousands.

 

[Droopy Dick]

thinking of the GS due to it's seat hieght and the fact that they are very popular with the IAM and RoSPA advanced riding instructors I've been out with.

I knew we'd get you in the end!!!

If you're coming to the next SAM Club night, you can try my 1150 for size.

But, in reality, you're better off going up to Bahnstormer, next to the pub we had lunch in, at Farringdon on the A32 just south of Alton.

They've range of used bikes in and I'm certain you can get a decent length test ride on wither an 1150 or 1200,.

They WILL feel different to that Commando you use.

 

[millard]

I knew we'd get you in the end!!!

If you're coming to the next SAM Club night, you can try my 1150 for size.

But, in reality, you're better off going up to Bahnstormer, next to the pub we had lunch in, at Farringdon on the A32 just south of Alton.

They've range of used bikes in and I'm certain you can get a decent length test ride on wither an 1150 or 1200,.

They WILL feel different to that Commando you use.

Hee hee, thanks, and everyone else for your replies.
Yeah Bahnstormer is on my list, IF I can only manage to sell the bloody Harley first. Can't shift the bugga!!!

Keeping the Commando though, luvit.
millard

 

[Richie3264]

gs1200

Hi Once you've sold your Harley, you might want to get in touch with Bigchris on this sight. He has ( if not sold already ) a 1200 for sale and it looks the Dogs B*****ks with a few goodies as well. Its advertised on the for sale section. Wanted it myself but only got the funds for a 1150 03 plate. Had it 6 days after selling a Blackbird. SUPERB!!!!!

Best of luck

Rich

 

[millard]

Hi Once you've sold your Harley, you might want to get in touch with Bigchris on this sight. He has ( if not sold already ) a 1200 for sale and it looks the Dogs B*****ks with a few goodies as well. Its advertised on the for sale section. Wanted it myself but only got the funds for a 1150 03 plate. Had it 6 days after selling a Blackbird. SUPERB!!!!!

Best of luck

Rich

Thanks Rich
It's 06.15 and I'm just havin me 2nd cuppa before I get the train from Southampton airport to head off up to Sheffield and put some dosh in Big Chris's hands in return for his bike, with all the goodies. Did a deal the other day after the Harley sold and my first (test) ride on a GS will be this afternoon, when I see if a full tank will take me 230 odd miles home to Hamble.

I meant to go to the local dealers for a test ride 1st, but after tryin to flog off the hog for 3 months without success it all happened so quick in the end and I thought "wot the f**k, why change the habits of a lifetime".
I'll let you know how I get on later.
Been taking me advanced lessons on me 1975 Norton Commando up to know, so it'll be a wee bit of a change to turn up on Sun morning wi a shiny red (yeuk, can't have everything I s'pose) GS1200 for me next lesson.

 

[Richie3264]

GS1200

Thats great news I hope the bike is as good as it looks in the photos and you have a great ride back home.

Rich

 

[Summer]

Hi Millard, where bouts in southampton are you, just over the water from us

 

[millard]

Thats great news I hope the bike is as good as it looks in the photos and you have a great ride back home.

Rich

IT IS, and I DID, thanks but,,,,
why the hell didn't anybody tell me about these bikes before????

LUVIT already, though that screen's gotta go, bloody wind noise nearly removed what little hearing I have left, so ordered an extra high screen from Nippy Norman tonight.
Saddle's crap, need a higher and softer version; Anybody wanna buy a good standard screen and seat?
Any ideas about higher softer seats? I saw a thread the other day about the seargent seats and me RoSPA instructor has one on his bike, but buggered if I'm paying 500 odd quid for one, looking for a cheapskate method.

Ordered some engine bars from German Ebay tonight also and need to alter/chop/weld/modify the rear brake pedal to bring it way down lower, but that's easy enough.
Also need to swap the red plastics for something else. Anybody fancy a change of colour? Here's the bike, nothing wrong with it, just don't like the colour.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116358

Hi Millard, where bouts in southampton are you, just over the water from us

Hiya L.B.
I'm in Hamble. Not far, if you're over this way drop in.