Newbie here, and no I don't own a GS[yet]

Ollie GBR

Ollie GBR

Registered user
Joined
Jul 30, 2008
Messages
214
Reaction score
0
Location
Milton Keynes, UK
:)[Advice request]
I wanted a GS last year after my 1200 Bandit had been stolen But cash flow dictated I bought something more reasonably priced, and I ended with a Kawasaki Z750. It's a great bike, but after a trip to Europe last week, I realize that I'm no longer interested in speed and knee down bends. I want something with more comfort and practicality.
I test rode a Triumph Tiger and the 1200 last night, and there's no competition, GS hands down.

Now, the price - are they worth the money?
Should I go second hand? there seam to have been many improvements to the 2008 model, should I only consider 2008?
I'm hearing lots of 'chatter' regarding reliability, are these rumors???
What about running costs, having owned a BMW car I've been shocked at their pricing

Anything else I should be wary of/considering, I'd appreciate the advice.
[EDIT] Of all the options, what should I consider as Required and Optional??]

Many thanks,
Ollie
[potential] GS owner
 
I just got myself an 06 1200GS. The only extras on there are the panniers! I am totally amazed with the bike and it is not that expensive as people think!
Go to you local dealer and have a look at there used. Using your Kawa as a deposit, you can opt for the slect finance ona bike that is no older than 36months. The payments depend on what you get for your bike but they won't be that much! (for exmpl: traded my 2000 Ducati ST4 on a 8k GS, paying £120 a month)
This runs for 3 years max and then you have the choice of handing it back, buying it off them or using it as a deposit for another bike.
Check with your dealer though, they have more info.

The good thing with buying a used model is that most little probs have been ironed out. I have had no issues with my bike so far and I hope it stays that way! As to what option you should have, it's down to preference. I need none, some peeps need them all! (saying that, my 1 series has a lot of options on it!!)
 
1200 super accomplished machine - but complicated everthing - £359 for a service - will go round the world if it does not break first
1150 super machine - much less complicated - someone always going RTW on this kit
100 machine - nada complications - lots go round the world on these without 2 support trucks
If you don't like it - you can sell it
 
I test rode a Triumph Tiger and the 1200 last night, and there's no competition, GS hands down. That is iteresting to hear - as an Englishman living in a foreign country I would really like to run a Triumph but after 30 years with BMW's there seems no reason to change. The 1200GS is an exceptional bike and probably the best bike ever made by BMW - and they have sold over 100,000 of them; This sort of Forum attracts critical comments and the thousands of satisfied owners keep (relatively) quiet. I found my 2004GS 100% reliable - but I put that down to the dealer as well. I have just taken delivery of the 2008 model which has a few refinements but until I run it in i don't know if there are any real improvements, although it has a 'better' specification.
 
BegesRus said:
1200 super accomplished machine - but complicated everthing - £359 for a service - will go round the world if it does not break first
1150 super machine - much less complicated - someone always going RTW on this kit
100 machine - nada complications - lots go round the world on these without 2 support trucks
If you don't like it - you can sell it
Click to expand...

I think the above is about right... just about any bike shop can find their way round a 100 and most can do a 1150. But their age does show on the road...

The 2008 is a cracker but not £4k better than a decent secondhand one IMHO. I bought a 2005 low mileage one off a friend and it's been great. Do bear in mind that the service intervals are 6000 miles - not 4k as on many other bikes. The services aren't cheap but the dealer network is generally good and you shouldn't need to go there very often.

Edit to add - heated grips are fab and a must. Mine doesn't have ABS - lessens the complexity but obviously there may well come the day when I really wished I had it. Colour? Buy whatever you fancy - there isn't a huge range.

And this site is FULL of nay sayers - don't pay too much attention...
 
Hi Ollie & welcome to the site. :thumb
As to your GS questions I suggest that you get over to Woolastons in Northampton ASAP & sit down with them, they have a good selection of 1150 & 1200 GS`s & I know will cut you a terrific deal on either a second hand or new bike.
Great dealer & great customer service :clap:clap
I`ve absolutely no connection with them just a very satisfied customer.
 
I concur, ask for Steve Wong. Good bloke, true biker and if he can, he will, kinda guy :thumb

Bought my 04 there 18 months ago, no probs.

Nobbly
 
Nobbyk said:
I concur, ask for Steve Wong. Good bloke, true biker and if he can, he will, kinda guy :thumb

Bought my 04 there 18 months ago, no probs.

Nobbly
Click to expand...

That's good feedback, I spoke with Steve the other day and I test rode his bike. I had a good feeling there too,
Thanks,
Ollie
 
If finance is an issue then second hand is the way to go. Make sure you get at least a set of panniers and a couple of other usefull bits of bling. Mileage isn't really an issue on GS's but condition is. :thumb2

Don't be too worried about the scare stories on here. It's fairly usual for internet forums to be full of the people who have issues. The happy customers are out riding ;)
 
Still love it

I'm just over twelve months into life with a 2005 GS (bought s/h from North Oxford Garage which is only ten minutes walk away) and no complaints. In that twelve months, I have pretty much doubled the mileage on it, so can only conclude that the first owner wasn't that keen. Love the Vario boxes and the heated grips, and everything else, come to that. NOG are fine to deal with, and nothing has fallen off. Looks as though the tyres aren't going to get past 9,000 miles though!

Sorry, must go, just thought of an excuse for a ride.
 
New member F650GSD

Hi folks,
New to biking, and was pointed to this forum for some useful info. I've purchased a 2006 F650GSD and I'm really enjoying it. Can someone recommend a good aftermarket screen, as the original one is far from effective
Thanks
 
Hurrah! Managed to convince the the wife:bash that a GS is the right bike for me, so my Z750 was advertised last week.
Just need to get it sold and then convince my bank manger:help
 
Ollie GBR said:
Hurrah! Managed to convince the the wife:bash that a GS is the right bike for me, so my Z750 was advertised last week.
Just need to get it sold and then convince my bank manger:help
Click to expand...


good stuff.....:thumb ....remember paying your £12 subs here could mean that GS of your dreams is a little closer than what you think....:D
 
Hello, I've previously owned a F650GS Dakar & soon to be doing 100 mile round trips. So I am selling my ZX636 Ninja & looking at other options. It's going to be BM again. :aidan
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Ollie GBR
Should I buy a 1200GS??????
2
Replies
23
Views
4,850
PhilBolton
PhilBolton


Back
Top Bottom