So, where was I.....

[Radiohead]

Happy Xmas all.

A little background first. I've been riding for 15 years, and earlier this year came back to biking after a break of 2 years due to having our first daughter. I bought a very tidy little Hornet 600cc for my Basingstoke-Reading commute and all was fine until 22nd June. That day saw my front tyre blow out at 60mph, and me in hospital with a dislocated shoulder, broken shoulder blade, fractured wrist and kneecap. All fine now,. but a pretty sore summer and kudos to Hein Gericke, Alpinestars and Arai for stopping things being far worse. It did bloody hurt mind.

Anyway, at the point of the crash I was looking at moving to my dream bike, an 1150/1200GS and I'm back at this point now. Despite swearing off bikes after the crash, I can't not ride again and will be buying a new bike in March/April time.

I'll have £6k to spend, and possibly £7k. I assume this will get me a late model 1150GS with low mileage, but am I into the realms of well-equipped 1200's? Which is the better bet for long-term ownership. I expect to put around 12000 miles a year on it, mainly commuting and tooling around to photographic jobs (I'm a semi-pro snapper, otherwise working in IT). So, I'll be after a bike with panniers/top-box, heated grips and ABS.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions gratefully received....

 

[Mr K]

Happy Xmas Radiohead!

You'll get plenty of advice on the 1200 vs 1150 score.

I run a 1200, but if I were you I'd test-ride both and decide what suits you.

Good luck!

 

[Radiohead]

Happy Xmas Radiohead!

You'll get plenty of advice on the 1200 vs 1150 score.

I run a 1200, but if I were you I'd test-ride both and decide what suits you.

Good luck!

I'm intending to ride both, but just wanted to get an idea of what is in budget initally.

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

loads of 1150's with change

but you may want to think about the 1150GSA holds it's price a bit better that's the only thing.

you find if you decide to sponsor the site the FS&W section is a great place to get a bike thats got a few of those lovely bits and pieces added

 

[Mick O'Malley]

Anyway, at the point of the crash I was looking at moving to my dream bike, an 1150/1200GS.

I'll have £6k to spend, and possibly £7k.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions gratefully received....

Add the superior and much sought after 1100 to your list. <£4k will get you a gorgeous low mileage example and you can spend the change on goodies/ferry tickets/petrol etc.

Regards, Mick

 

[Radiohead]

Thanks Mick - I'll do that

 

[WEE BOAB]

The 1100 is a great bike, I borrowed one from a mate some years ago and decided there and then I would one day buy a GS. I'm now the proud owner of an 1150se Adv. I managed to ride both the 1150 and 1200 back to back and the 1150 won it for me, happy hunting.

 

[verona]

Add the superior and much sought after 1100 to your list. <£4k will get you a gorgeous low mileage example and you can spend the change on goodies/ferry tickets/petrol etc.

Regards, Mick

Well, I am on my second GS1150 now which cost me £4,300 a couple of months ago. Vgc, 13,000 miles, crash bars and luggage. I also would have liked the 1200 but in all honesty wouldn't consider one without a full BMW warrantee. I am sure that with £6-7k, there will be plenty to chose from. Just take your time and try and get one with all the bits you want and a decent service history.