Rumours.........?

[Dutchman]

Just been negotiating with my local dealer to acquire his 60 mile 1150GS demo 'bike, at the same time pumping him for info on the alleged 1200GS.....

He says that 1150GS production (NOT Adventure) has already stopped and that the only new 1150 GS's are already in dealers hands....

Dealer launch for the 1200GS is South Africa 'in early 2004' with 'bikes in shops 'at around Easter'......

Not vouching for the accuracy of the info....just passin' it on....

Place you orders now, gentlemen........

 

[Gecko]

Just a thought but the Brussels bike show is on in January. A couple of years back B*W surprised everyone by launching the 1150RT on the world in Brussels. Could be they will try this again with the new GS. The RT is the number 1 selling bike in this country , the GS is number 2 but was number 1 for quite a while.....mind you somehow South Africa seems a bit of a better choice of location for a GS launch. I'm curious about the new GS but I won't be buying it - I'll let some other poor saps work out all the bugs before it sees the colour of my dosh.

 

[bakerlonglegs]

Well said Gecko! I spent 10 years working in the R&D departments for auto manufacturers. I NEVER buy a car or bike in the first year it comes out - no matter how rigorous the testing programme some development always takes place out in the market.
Andy

 

[Paul Wakefield]

NEVER buy a car or bike in the first year it comes out

Entirely logical but thank heavens not everybody takes this approach - otherwise there would be no new models ever.

Now, if BMW wanted to give me a bike to help them test it in the real world, I could force myself to volunteer. Dream on!



Paul

 

[Dave Halsall]

It is true that the R1150GS is now out of production and we have just sold the last one we had in stock. The all new R1200GS is likely to be 30kg lighter and more powerful than the current R1150GS. It is due to be launched in South Africa this winter. We have taken over a dozen orders for the new model in the past two weeks and I expect our 2004 allocation to be sold out by the time the new bike arrives. We are taking a small deposit against a blank order to reserve a bike with the understanding that I shall refund the deposit should you not like what you see when it is launched.

If you are thinking of buying one, I suggest that if you wait to see it first, it will be too late!

Dave Halsall
Sales Manager
Sawbridgeworth Motorcycles Hertford

 

[LandRover]

merely an observation ...

here in the colonies, Yamaha did th same thing with the FJR1300. They required deposits, and a silly-long waiting period. Along with a few other problems, this is why I do not own one. I understand that the new GS is a slightly different story, but the taste is still there. Hopefully, the BMW approach will work out better.

 

[shugie]

<snip>

If you are thinking of buying one, I suggest that if you wait to see it first, it will be too late!

Dave Halsall
Sales Manager
Sawbridgeworth Motorcycles Hertford

What you mean they aren't going to make any more ever? Buy now or never have one.
SPC will have them (as imports) coming out of their ears, as usual.

Shug

 

[Dave Halsall]

No. I meant that if you would like to take delivery of an R1200GS in 2004, you had better order it this year to avoid dissapointment.

As I do not deal in new imports, I cannot comment on the availability of those machines.

Dave Sawbo'

 

[Dave Halsall]

To Mark Rogers.

I do work for a dealership and I make no secret of that. I did not start this thread but I thought that some members of the forum would be interested in a comment from the 'horses mouth' so to speak.

First and foremost, I am an enthusiast who has a passion for motorcycles and anyone who has met me or ridden with me will probably verify that.

I have no intention of generating 'paranoia' about the launch and the availability of the new R1200GS as I am busy enough handling enquiries as it is.

Regards

Dave Halsall

 

[Ian B]

a comment from the 'horses mouth'

Thanks Dave, that's worth more than all the rumours and speculation.

I was in a similar position when I ordered my Adventure back in October '01. No idea when the bike would be launched, nor what the price would be. I only knew that it fitted me (I sat on it at the NEC show), some rough technical details, and that I HAD to have one ASAP. So I make a re-fundable deposit at my dealer. As it happens, the price (when anounced 2 months later) was right and the deal was confirmed - everyone happy.

That's just the way market forces work when a new model is launched. You either make a deposit early, or risk missing out if demand is high.

 

[BlackBetty]

Ditto....

And mine came earlier than expected

 

[AdamZ]

Dave,

Thank you for the clarity, I just hope that you do not get bollocked by BMW.

I placed my "request" with my dealer on the first rumours and that "request" was accepted.

For me the 1200GS provides exactly what I need. I do not go off road, the 1150GSA is my commuting bike (I went for the GSA because of its gearing and tank size). But it is too bloody heavy and needs a bit more grunt. She handles beautifully, I am happy with a top speed of 120, I don't need anymore in that type of bike. I am likely to do 18 -20,000 miles in the first year of ownership.

My only concerns with the photo's I have seen on the 1200GS is the Tupperware and the panniers. Not good and a bit too much as if the Scaver and 1150R designer has control of the final touches. I am not sure that either of those bikes are the greatest success.

I am not that concerned that the new bike may take some bedding in time. Yes, it will but I have gone past the expectation that BMW's are fully reliable and fault free. They are not, it is just that they are better than some other bikes...

 

[Gecko]

As I do not deal in new imports, I cannot comment on the availability of those machines.

Dave Sawbo'

....I can probably help you find some stock over here

 

[Dave Halsall]

Don't tempt me!

 

[Rushy]

To Mark Rogers.

I do work for a dealership and I make no secret of that. I did not start this thread but I thought that some members of the forum would be interested in a comment from the 'horses mouth' so to speak.

First and foremost, I am an enthusiast who has a passion for motorcycles and anyone who has met me or ridden with me will probably verify that.

I have no intention of generating 'paranoia' about the launch and the availability of the new R1200GS as I am busy enough handling enquiries as it is.

Regards

Dave Halsall

Well said .... Your first thread sounded like it came from a like minded individual who wanted to pass on some useful info to members. However , you get slagged off because you are a dealer, " the enemy " for some reason?

 

[Ghost Rider2]

My dealer says the launch is Feb 2004 in South Africa.

 

[Detox]

Mine too. He's booked his hotel already.

 

[Deleted Member Mtn]

my dealer told me not to bother buying one because i still wouldnt get my toes on the floor

i'm still your mate mark xxx

 

[bmwjack]

It is true that the R1150GS is now out of production and we have just sold the last one we had in stock. The all new R1200GS is likely to be 30kg lighter and more powerful than the current R1150GS. It is due to be launched in South Africa this winter. We have taken over a dozen orders for the new model in the past two weeks and I expect our 2004 allocation to be sold out by the time the new bike arrives. We are taking a small deposit against a blank order to reserve a bike with the understanding that I shall refund the deposit should you not like what you see when it is launched.

If you are thinking of buying one, I suggest that if you wait to see it first, it will be too late!

Dave Halsall
Sales Manager
Sawbridgeworth Motorcycles Hertford

I was told by my dealer that my order for a Sun Yellow 1150GS ABS was not able to be supplied, no more made.
I contacted BMW AU and had this confirmed, however BMW AU managed to allocate me a Black one, if I would accept it, which I did (I will colour change it)
So....the standard GS in AU is no more, BUT they have released a new model to replace it. Its the R1150GS "SE" the differences from the standard one are:

Only available in Black
Adventure Fuel Tank
Adventure Screen
Black paint scheme engine/transmission
Hand Guards

This is a model which is for Australia only.
My info came from BMW AU