New to UKGSER, looking at options

[PeteCBeds]

Hi all,

I currently have a Z900 that is a couple of months from the end of my PCP so I'm starting to have a look at what could be next. Riding use will be mainly for my own enjoyment, the occasional commute (depending on which office this could be boring dual carriageway or a quite fun a and b road route, 40-50 mile round trip for each) and with my daughter getting a bit older I'm hoping to do some longer trips in the UK and Europe in the next year or two.

I've had my license for 6 years, first bike was a CBR650F and I've had my Z900 for near 3 years. While I love sportsbikes, a test rides on a ZX10r confirmed that while they are incredibly fun when on a twisty bit of road, they are far too compromised for my use and ageing joints. I miss having some wind protection, would like to be a bit more upright on the bike and need a bit of a tool that can cover long distances, shorter fun rides, commuting and be a bit practical with luggage. While I'm certainly not the quickest rider, I do like to have some power for overtaking and enjoying a twisty bit of road.

I initially had my eye on an F850GS or Tiger 900 (GT Pro or Rally) but scope and budget creep have led me towards a later R1200GS. Budget rules out a 1250 or 2018 1200, I would very much prefer a tft over squinting at the analogue dial but after a bit of research, it seems this can largely be addressed with a Chigee or carpuride that will give me a speedo and the benefit of navigation when going a bit further.

I'd be interested to know how the GS's (850 &1200) compare to the tiger 900's for engine, comfort, ongoing costs (the valve checks every 12k being a big one for either) and how enjoyable they are to ride. I appreciate that the only way to know for sure is test rides but given what I've found on autotrader that would need some planning and a bit of travel, private sellers are also rightfully hesitant. Budget is about £8k.

The shaft drive is a major plus. Having sat on a 1200GSA at my local sportsbike factory, I think in a low seat position on a 1200GS I should be able to flat foot, certainly with a low seat. The tiger 900 pro was fine, the rally would probably need a low seat.

I can get a bit obsessive when researching and have been using the search function here, it would be nice to have some opinions though.

Thanks

Pete

 

[Wapping]

I'd be interested to know how the GS's (850 &1200) compare to the tiger 900's for engine, comfort…..

The only way you’ll know, is to take the bike out and ride it for yourself, preferably for more than 20 minutes.

Enjoy finding out.



PS Don’t overthink it. Whilst it is still a decently large outlay of cash, it is only a motorcycle you are buying; it’s not open heart surgery or a child. They all have their fans and detractors, many of them on this forum. Only you can decide for yourself.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Hi Pete -

You may find that GSers local to you are willing to let you have a go on their 1200GSs, or Tiger 900s... in exchange for a ride on the Zed.

 

[TYKEBBS]

@Wapping has the right idea....there's no substitute for trying before you buy

And good luck with your search

 

[Santa-2512]

Dont test ride just buy

and then spend the next 1000 miles learning the bike

A GS is not a Zed, if you start comparing you wont like the GS

GS is jack of all trades, and master of non, But whatever it turns it's hand to, it does bloodlywell & in terms of smiles per miles you cant beat it

 

[Kitsilano]

@PeteCBeds Welcome!

 

[PeteCBeds]

Thanks for the comments so far, there are a couple I've seen on autotrader but the nearest one that's realistic is about an hour away. Link below

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202605162455431?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android-app

it may be a struggle to get there on Saturday morning as I'll need to negotiate with my wife first....

 

[Big-G]

If you’re looking at a Triumph , I would go with a GT because the rally is really off-road focused and I know because I’ve own both but if you’re staying with a BMW by all means just get the later 1200. Probably the best Bike that BMW ever built in the GS range in my opinion.

 

[Arsey]

Greetings .
I’d steer clear of the 850. Bit of a dog .
The later 900 is much better but be above your budget unless you went for a Voge DS900X which is 80% same as BMW for half the price .
Same engine , frame, suspension, electronics etc .

Or look for a nice 1200GS as already mentioned.

 

[teenybop1]

I owned a 2024 triumph tiger gt pro, fantastic bike,great engine, but too many electronic aids for,me,useless turn by turn, quick shifter, tps,too many things to go wrong, bit high and top heavy.changed to a v low mileage scrambler x,,it felt right as soon as I moved off.added bonus is I smile when I look at it,tiger was meh.

 

[PeteCBeds]

Although some of the newer Chinese bikes look decent, there would be less depreciation and a much easier resale with a GS.

There's a tiger 900 rally not far from me at a decent price, to find a GT in budget would need a bit more travel. Sadly, for a GS that I would consider buying it is also a bit of travel. With a family and a daughter who has a number of weekend commitments at the moment it's a bit harder to get out for half a day. I will see if I can get out to the one I linked above on Saturday, if anything it will rule in or out the 1200.

 

[Oldrat]

If you haven’t ridden one before, don’t take a boxer BMW on a short test ride.

The engine will feel very different from an inline from the off and the steering /suspension very different too.

But I bet that you’ll fall in love with it though. Amazing machines.

 

[Arsey]

Although some of the newer Chinese bikes look decent, there would be less depreciation and a much easier resale with a GS.

Well that is the common myth spouted around on here . Yet someone lost £8000 in 8 months on a 1300GS .
That same £8k bought me a brand new Voge 900 fully loaded .
I had it 9 months .Only sold it due nerve damage issues .
If sold on the first day it was on sale and for the asking price . I lost £1900 on it . No more depreciation than on any other bike and much less than some ….

 

[landmarkjohn]

I think you’ll have to get a 1200 GS otherwise you will always be wondering “what are they banging on about?”

Unless you’re unlucky and get a bad one I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

As said it will feel way different but when I bought my 2008 GS within 8-10 miles after buying without a test ride I was beaming in the helmet and saying “I get it, I get it” and that was coming from a VFR 800.

Good luck.

 

[JJH]

Maybe a gs might be a bit of a big step for a sports bike fan. Look at a r1200r. Much of the same ingredients for a good bit less dosh. JJH

 

[gspod]

My opinion:
If you’re coming from a Z9 I’d definitely go for a 1200LC. 2 of my friends recently bought 2017 Rallyes for around £8K.
I’d definitely go for a boxer rather than the F series.
The lowered ones are very easy to manoeuvre around.
Bedford is in the East Midlands, if we can rendezvous at a breakfast meet (see East Midlands section) you can try a lowered LC.

 

[littleade]

Also have a go on both the R and RS, both of which are a bit more road focused and involving to ride than the GS is (I've had 2 1200s and a 1250 GS). You'd also get a newer, lower milage bike too, possibly a 1250 which IMO is definitely worth it. I currently have a 1250RS SE with the tubular bars