Persuade me....

[Ian]

OK. So here it is. Getting rid of my CBR600 for a proper, all year round bike.

Dilemma is, use it 90% of the time for inner London commute, the rest of the time it's trips to the odd race meeting. It's between an Africa Twin and an R1150GS.

Now I realise the main difference is a weak engine v a proper one. BUT, one costs about 3 grand more than the other. Though I know all the plus points of the GS, I can't help thinking the Africa Twin might be more nimble through heavy traffic and save me a fortune.

I could just about stretch to the huge asking price of a BM, but really not sure it's the better buy.

Over to you......

 

[Detox]

If you really need to ask to be persuaded, I think you should get the AT or a nice Transalp

How about the only test the matters? Go and ride one!!!

Good luck.

 

[chris.whitney]

I'll be right back withy my advert once I've sponsored.

 

[Russ]

Is the 12 out of your budget? You haven't told us whether the AT is new or second hand and whether the 1150 is new or second hand?

I commute on the 12 into the smog everyday, and once you get over the smacking wing mirrors with the handguards phase, the GS has been the best commuting bike by far for me (probably only slightly bettered by a loan - thrashed to within an inch of its life - CB500), the height, the view of the traffic, the torque engine making gear changes more rare, and riding more relaxing.

 

[Ian]

Unfortunately the 12 is out of my budget.

They stopped making africa twins in 2002. So we're talking £4600 tops for a MINT one or the usual £6-7,000 for a 2000/01 1150.

A big difference.

 

[ArgyBargy]

I've had both. I still have the GS, so it's 1-0 to the GS for me.

The AT was pretty gutless on the m'way, and vibrated like hell when you thrashed it, which was, of course, every day. They both have high wide bars, so both have same limitations filtering. Ok so the BM also has dirty great big pots to hit taxi bumpers with, but you soon get used to them.

I came to the GS from a VTR1000 via the AT, so that's probably why the AT seemed so slow, the GS isn't the fastest, but it more than makes up for its lack of top end with HUGE mid range grunt which is top stuff for filtering and the traffic light grand prix, and certainly surprises sportsbikes with their ability to launch from rest. It also has much more presence/character/credibility than the AT will ever have.

Oh yes, and the ally rims on my bought new AT corroded over the first winter. I sold it shortly after. I've put nearly 40k on my GS, this is my 4th winter, and it still hasn't fallen apart yet, although I've been trying fairly hard to do it in.

 

[pips]

For what it's worth, which isn't very much, I was also considering a TransAlp, AfricaTwin or 650 GS and bought an r850 GS instead. The GS cost me £4500 [plus a couple of hundred for crash bars, panniers and alarm system] and it's in mint condition, so maybe an 850 or 1100 GS would better suit your budget, or an f650? The insurance isn't bad on my bike either, and I'm a totally newbie rider, young and live in a flood area...

I've only been riding my GS for a week, but had a couple of months riding pillion with my boyfriend and he was pretty nimble through heavy traffic on it.

 

[Ian Whinnett]

Go on you know you want to

I had my 1100 GS in London for 3 years, commuting through london Sth to Nth everyday. Could do Streatham to Enfield in 45mins. Fantastic for filtering, much better than I thought it would be, not better than the early F650 i had before that but as good.

And the best thing is that they are really safe in the event that a TWAT in a Cavalier comes and smashes hid driver door into your left side you have a whole leg and he has a dent in the side of his door akin to a washing up bowl.

As for the prices well i know nothing about the AT but it is possible to get 97 onwards 1100 GS's for under £5K now as it a buyers market. If I was to sell mine then £4500 is the best I could hope for even with all the extras and only 50,000 miles.

Good hunting

 

[MikeO]

You could always buy my 1150 GS ...snip...If you want more info about my bike email me at

Chris,

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Cheers

Mike

FS&W Moderator