Should I? ...

[BigSte]

Been considering a purchase of a GS for quite some time, I don't own a car, but have a few other motorcycles - never owned an adventure bike though.

I have the comfort with an ST1300 and the lunacy with a 1200 Bandit, but now i want the "go anywhere and bring everything" that the GS offers.

I have a seen a couple of them that caught my eye, the first being a very cheap 06 with 60k on the clock and the second being an 09 with 27k on the clock.

Both look reasonable in condition and have a full service history - obviously though they are different machines looking at them, and I do not know the pro's and cons of buying a used GS or the differences between an 06 and an 09.

Reading through the forums I have noticed there are many things people say can go wrong with them, and also many others saying its utter crap and there just pointing out the bad stories rather than the good...

So, my question is this... just by looking at a GS, and running it idle - what are the tell tale signs of possible issues that I REALLY should look out for?

Also, I'm a big bloke, 6'4" 20st . . . Will this be a problem for a GS?

Below is a picture of each one.

2009 in Blue

2006 in Yellow

 

[Wrinkly]

Morning,and welcome,

The 09 model was the MU or model update.
It had lots of cosmetic changes,BHP was increased and most of the niggles sorted out.

Maybe at 6'4" and 20 stone you might want to look at the adventure model,whilst it's no more powerful it's a bulkier machine,taller with a bigger tank.

Either bike will propel your bulk along nicely.

Now it's only my opinion, but personally I would rather look at a very nice late 1150gsa (they are still around) than an early 1200.

But I would rather have an 09 MU 1200 than a late 1150.

Steve

 

[Nutty]

Morning,and welcome,

The 09 model was the MU or model update.
It had lots of cosmetic changes,BHP was increased and most of the niggles sorted out.

Maybe at 6'4" and 20 stone you might want to look at the adventure model,whilst it's no more powerful it's a bulkier machine,taller with a bigger tank.

Either bike will propel your bulk along nicely.

Now it's only my opinion, but personally I would rather look at a very nice late 1150gsa (they are still around) than an early 1200.

But I would rather have an 09 MU 1200 than a late 1150.

Steve

+1 Have a look at a GSA.

 

[diplomaticdanny]

Hi, I have a 2006 Adventure with 38000 on the clock, never missed a beat apart from new battery at around 36000 and 6 years (and mine is the supposedly fated servo model).

If you can find one with extended BMW warranty (can do up to 80000 miles), might cost a bit more but it will give peace of mind.

Adventure would definitely suit you better.

 

[BigSte]

Thanks!

I will take a look and see if there are any 1150GSA's local to me - If not, any hints on what should put a warning flag up on the 2 I shown above?

 

[stevemersey]

I am about 12 weeks and 4000 miles ahead of you. Went through all the doubting, all the anti BMW rumours. I kept my old Tiger 1050 just in case it was a mistake, and bought an 11 plate R1200GS.

It is a very strange bike ... Looks deceive. I ride it faster and get places quicker than the Tiger. I am comfortable in the saddle for longer, and I am getting a buzz out of bumpier, twistier, more gravelly roads, where the GS feels more surefooted. Plus I get decent fuel consumption. (Oh and nothing has gone wrong!) Uses a little more oil than my last few bikes, but I believe that is normal.

Best decision I made in a long time.

 

[BigSte]

I am about 12 weeks and 4000 miles ahead of you. Went through all the doubting, all the anti BMW rumours. I kept my old Tiger 1050 just in case it was a mistake, and bought an 11 plate R1200GS.

It is a very strange bike ... Looks deceive. I ride it faster and get places quicker than the Tiger. I am comfortable in the saddle for longer, and I am getting a buzz out of bumpier, twistier, more gravelly roads, where the GS feels more surefooted. Plus I get decent fuel consumption. (Oh and nothing has gone wrong!) Uses a little more oil than my last few bikes, but I believe that is normal.

Best decision I made in a long time.

Thats awesome Steve, I'm glad you like it I think if I get everything in place I will go for the 09 1200 - The adventure is way to much more of a financial step for me unfortunately. The 09 is being offered at £6790

 

[Bem]

Thats awesome Steve, I'm glad you like it I think if I get everything in place I will go for the 09 1200 - The adventure is way to much more of a financial step for me unfortunately. The 09 is being offered at £6790

Looking at the pics I think there are some useful extras on that 09 - if you can haggle for a BMW warranty to boot then it makes some sense.
Re adjustability (you did say you were a big chap), I like the option that fastway pegs give to slightly lower or adjust the foot position. When combined with the ajustable seat height you should have no problem getting comfy - mine went to a chap of similar proportions to you, and he is happy as.. can be.
Happy Hunting.
Brian

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Go for the 09 Bike or an Adventure as above , useful updates on the 09

 

[BigSte]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated!

 

[Fanum]

If you have to ask, the answer's NO