Tempted by an 08 1200gs

[SERVDAVE]

Went in my local dealer saturday and they have a 1200gs with 10k on the clock for £7999! Very tempted to swap in my 650gs twin for it,

I am really undecided whehter to keep my 650gs or trade up. I worry that around town the 1200gs would be a pain!

Any suggestions?

I look forward to the usual abuse/advice!

 

[davegs]

1200 GS

Take it out for a test ride, they'll be pleased to co operate you can have a couple of hours and you'll soon see whats what.
Dave GS

 

[SERVDAVE]

Take it out for a test ride, they'll be pleased to co operate you can have a couple of hours and you'll soon see whats what.
Dave GS

I haven't test rode the actual bike but have taken a 1200gs out a few times over the years! Def the next bike I want to own just nor sure if its too soon to be trading up.

Had my 650 for two years and really like how easy she is day to day! Not sure if the extra weight of the 1200 will just annoy me!

Thanks for the reply though, I plan to take it out sometime this week!

 

[Brucey]

Was commuting 7 years on my Dakar and recently changed to a 2011 R1200GS.
No problem at all commuting, if anything I am more aggressive about going for narrow gaps on the 1200 as the bike is so stable that you can rely on staying straight.

Yes, go for it!

Chris

 

[Tuono1961]

Commute into town every day on a 1200 GS without any problems size wise. Previously I had a Yam Tmax 500 super scoot but I fancied a change.

Don't know about your 650 but with the 1200 where it looses out on overall width it more than makes up for with it's turning lock. Apart from all but the narrowest of gaps it's actually easier to wiggle through the traffic than many a normal bike.

The high bars also clear most car wing mirrors.

That price you're looking at really does seem top money. You'd need to do some serious haggling to get it into bargain territory.

 

[trainman]

08 bike

has it any extras? if so compares in price well to my local lot

personally i would value luggage and comfort mods above ESA or other gizmos, but thats just me

 

[Rasher]

I got offered £6900 trade (Genuine price off best cash deal) for my 2008 model, 14k, full luggage Comfort Pack +ABS - No Dynamic or Premium packs.

So assuming some luxuries £8k from a dealer ain't bad, although I was told a GS without Panniers, ABS & Heated grips is very unpopular (The dealer told me without those 3 things he could not get rid of a GS in the trade) so probably worth trying to get that spec or better.

 

[Coolie]

Hi

Sounds like you're in the same place as me - just traded a F650gs for a 1200gs. Just done the 1st 500mls on the 1200, what can i say..........fantastic!

I loved the F650gs, and seriously considered going down the same line as Puma650gs, making the bike the well tricked up, but after much consideration and 2 test rides - plumbed for a change up.

The throttle response is so much more refined and gentle on the 1200gs, no more trigger happy throttle control from the twin, which makes slow speed control so easy. i'd say once 3mph is pasted, the 1200 is just as maneuverable. i haven't quite cracked the slow to a stop balance bit just yet, bit more practice in town required thats all.

i'd say yes, go for it. if you've had the 650 years, you'll have all the experience required for the 1200 and the size and weight are a non issue after 3mph.

Good luck

 

[k1300sporscheeater]

Just do it man,you know you want to ,and have a decent shave before the wedding.

 

[SERVDAVE]

Just do it man,you know you want to ,and have a decent shave before the wedding.

I take it you are one of the gentlemen that was in the showroom when I was drawling over it? Nothing wrong with a beard!

For everyone else the bike is spec'd up like most 1200GS, OBC, ESA, ABS, Pannier and topbox.

Thanks for the comments guys!

 

[david a hall]

I take it you are one of the gentlemen that was in the showroom when I was drawling over it? Nothing wrong with a beard!

For everyone else the bike is spec'd up like most 1200GS, OBC, ESA, ABS, Pannier and topbox.

Thanks for the comments guys!

1200 wont overheat either

 

[SERVDAVE]

1200 wont overheat either

Ha ha! That is true! One less thing to have to top up! Well remembered! Hows your 1150 going?

 

[david a hall]

Ha ha! That is true! One less thing to have to top up! Well remembered! Hows your 1150 going?

STRONG and that 650 does look a bit girly

 

[SERVDAVE]

STRONG and that 650 does look a bit girly

Haha, I don't think the 650 looks that bad! I think its the brigth orange that I got her in that probs tips it!

Now a 1200gs in orange would look fantastic!