What GS for me?

[Happyfish]

Your advise please on choosing the right GS for me. I will be riding mainly in west and mid Wales on A and B roads and some tracks with the occasional longer trips. I am 6' so height is not a problem - money is around £2500 to spend. From test rides, advice and the threads am I right in thinking the following:

F650GS - had test right, all mod cons and modern, within budget and economical, but uncomfortable seat and a chain to lube.

F80GS (basic) - like the look of these, seem a good lightish weight bike for the country, with potential for touring.

R100GS - a heavy weight 80 though more plentiful - within budget

R1100GS - friends say its too heavy, too tall, I will drop it and its for touring. I test rode a R1150GS and loved it, like 1100 it has great reviews.

I do like old bikes but is it time for a more modern one, which one would you recommend?

 

[johnj]

go for a good 1100, i did and i love it
it will do every thing you want and more

 

[Mort]

The 80 for off road, the 1100 for everything else....even the off road once you get used to it.

 

[Mac]

for that budget i would go for an 1100

in fact i'd go for an 1100 whatever the money

 

[Bryn]

1100 definately

And welcome to the site

 

[Happyfish]

1100GS has the most appeal and I know I would have to buy carefully and travel far to get one at that price. Best advice seems to get a 1998 or newer bike, if possible.

I used to have a R90S which was great fun and have ridden a TransEuropean for a while which was good bike. I did think to go light and get a cheap Funduro to see if I liked it and if not trade up. A mate had one, I liked it except the seat was a b**l cruncher.

Living in Pembrokeshire is great but its a bleeding long way from the everywhere and 1100GS's seem pretty rare down here.

What about R80GS or R100GS - a potential money pit and not so good as the1100?