Thinking of a return to GS ownership...

[Jhock]

Having been a member of the forum before I know loads of people will have asked all the questions I am about to ask before, but I need a sounding board and you guys and girls are it!

Right I have about £5500 to spend on a new bike, I have owned a 1150 GS before, it was great, not with out fault but still a great bike.

So looking around I can get:

A high mileage 1200GSA
An average mileage 1200GS
Low mileage 1150GSA
Very nice KTM 990 Adventure S (I strayed to the dark side, it was a test ride and it was awesome!)

Discounting the KTM as a moment of madness, I need a bike that won't care if it is 2 up and loaded for a weekend camping.

I know it is a lot to ask, but my girlfriend will kill me if I carry on about bikes to her any more!

James

 

[Bryn]

Depends what you want from your bike... I'd be going for a 1200 GS ( not the GSA) but then again my body is quite close to the ground

 

[Giles]

You liked the KTM ?

Then go for it! They're a great bike ...

 

[andybharris]

You liked the KTM ?

Then go for it! They're a great bike ...

correct,, if you like it go for it,,, go for what suits you and what you like, and not what other people like or what suits your mates tastes.

 

[Jhock]

correct,, if you like it go for it,,, go for what suits you and what you like, and not what other people like or what suits your mates tastes.

The reason for discounting the KTM is I just don't think it will be as good 2 up, my better half has sat on the back of a GS and gave it her approval!

 

[andybharris]

The reason for discounting the KTM is I just don't think it will be as good 2 up, my better half has sat on the back of a GS and gave it her approval!

can you get a test ride from a local KTM stealer for the day/weekend and try it out?

 

[Giles]

But the ktm is probably a better bike one up.

I have a GSA 'cos her indoors does a lot with me, but if I had my way I'd probably have a 990.

You need to convince her the 990 is a brilliant pillion bike

(to be fair, I am very happy with the GSA ....)

 

[andybharris]

the misses liked the comfort of my old st1100 pan-european
she also like my vtr1000 as she said it vibrated

 

[Giles]

Then tell 'er that if you're allowed the KTM you'll buy her the rolls royce of vibrators

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LELO

 

[GSTourer]

Then tell 'er that if you're allowed the KTM you'll buy her the rolls royce of vibrators

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LELO

If he's allowed the KTM there will be no need.



Get the GSA you know it makes sense.

 

[Jhock]

Right I have narrowed down the choice a bit,

I have seen a number of 2004 GS 1200's up at £5500 with 20k ish in mileage, seem like good choices. Most have a few toys.

The outsider is a 2006 GSA with 56k up at £5200, that's seems like a lot of miles, but it could be worth a punt.

 

[MikeP]

I have seen a number of 2004 GS 1200's up at £5500 with 20k ish in mileage, seem like good choices. Most have a few toys.

At the risk of displeasing owners of 2004 vintage 1200's, that's stupid money for an eight year old bike that is renowned for some fairly major reliability issues.

Yes. They should have been sorted by now but they are justifiably the least desirable of the 1200 model.

One of the biggest problems facing owners of the 1200 model is that it has been so dramatically improved since the launch that values of the older versions have been driven down hard. It remains to be seen whether the WC-GS will be different enough to not affect values of the last of the current crop (the way that the 1200 launch didn't really affect the values of the 1150).

£4,000 is top money for a 2004 "basic" 1200GS IMO.

 

[Jhock]

At the risk of displeasing owners of 2004 vintage 1200's, that's stupid money for an eight year old bike that is renowned for some fairly major reliability issues.

Yes. They should have been sorted by now but they are justifiably the least desirable of the 1200 model.

One of the biggest problems facing owners of the 1200 model is that it has been so dramatically improved since the launch that values of the older versions have been driven down hard. It remains to be seen whether the WC-GS will be different enough to not affect values of the last of the current crop (the way that the 1200 launch didn't really affect the values of the 1150).

£4,000 is top money for a 2004 "basic" 1200GS IMO.

I agree the price does seem high, but looking around that is the prices that are being asked. The cheapest one on auto trader at present £4750 and that is 2004 with 54k on the clock.

12 to10 year old 1150s are going for just over 4k.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

12 to10 year old 1150s are going for just over 4k.

Get one of those then, if you're on a budget

 

[Bryn]

Right I have narrowed down the choice a bit,

I have seen a number of 2004 GS 1200's up at £5500 with 20k ish in mileage, seem like good choices. Most have a few toys.

I know of an 05 1200 GS which is on 23k that will be going for that kind of money soon

 

[Paul S]

IMO - if your budget is £5,500 I would not go for an early 1200GS or an even older 1150GS.

For that money you could get a much newer mint low mileage Varadero. I know not everyones taste but still a very competent "adventure" style motorcycle

i.e 2010 model, 7,300 miles and within your budget:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/b...da/XL1000V-VARADERO/ABS/2010/_/R-NXGN-2183720

 

[Jhock]

Right well the deal is done.

2004 1150 GSA

36k full BMW history, Zega panniers, BMW top box.

I am happy with the choice, can't wait to get wait to get back on a GS.

 

[Beemerman59]

Right well the deal is done.

2004 1150 GSA

36k full BMW history, Zega panniers, BMW top box.

I am happy with the choice, can't wait to get wait to get back on a GS.

If you don't mind disclosing - how much?

 

[Jhock]

If you don't mind disclosing - how much?

£5250 with a dealer warranty.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

£5250 with a dealer warranty.

You'll enjoy that