Which ADV should i go for???

[mr badger]

... electrical weak points including the ring antenna and fuel pump doodah and in my opinion the worst of all a canbus electrical system that severely restricts what you can add or modify on the bike.

...but reading articles on here about the hassle and workarounds apparently necessary to do something simple like install HID headlamp conversions with canbus I'm backing to thinking that I'll stick with the 11½.?

08 has upgraded ring antenna and FPC so less risk.

What are the issues with canbus? My hids fitted straight in (1 hr job) with no difficulties as have other electrical doodahs like garmin.

Ultimately buy what you fancy and get a good warranty if you feel you need backup.

 

[Beemerman59]

Not going to comment on the 1150 as I have never had one. I came to my '08 1200GSA from a K1100RS which I still have. I think most of the older 1200 issues are pretty much sorted by the time you get to the '08 models - I have had zero issues with mine. I wouldn't worry about the EWS or FPC on an '08 bike or most of the other "concerns" that get banded about on here. Sure, there's always a chance but it's no greater than with any other modern bike. I have all the options on mine, they still work and I'm on the OEM battery.

So don't let the technical issues put you off, just decide which bike you want to have. The 1200 has great road presence and you still add all the bling - I have main,dip and the spots all converted to HID, Hella Spots, GPS, heated gear, additional horns etc all running perfectly and guess what - off the Canbus for some and an external switched fuse box for others. It really isn't an issue.

Buy with the heart not the head

 

[WindyChuffer]

Just adding the figuers up by the time I've added all TT extras i would want on it this 08 bike is going to be a very expensive investment, and I'm trying to justify it.....

Well just what Touratech extras do you want?

And of those, which are essential? My guess - none.

I smell Bling Bling Bling.

Oh, and since when has a vehicle been an investment (classics excluded) ?

 

[Alex B]

I had an 03 1150 GSA and now have an 08 GSA1200. The 1150GSA was excellent but the 1200GSA is even much more "allround" as a bike.

I have had the FPC thing do-da replaced under warranty and a new battery (also under warranty), but for me the critical path issue was not the bike but the quality of the dealership. A good quality dealer will keep you "looked after" even if the 1200 goes south every now and again.

The 1200 isn't as horrendous as everyone says; there are many more owners of 1200s and the abundance of complaints is high but whether the normalised percent of complaints is higher I just don't know.

I really enjoyed riding the 1150GSA but I really enjoy the 1200GSA as well.

I don't know.

Go for what you feel.

Eventually, the 1150 will let you down no matter how much money yo spend on it if you're using it as a day-to-day-to-day bike.

Just a few thoughts..... maybe someone disagrees strongly. I can only say as I have seen.

 

[Bikergary]

Buy mine (58 plate adv) top spec with extras and under 6,000 miles

I've just fallen hopelessly in love with a Daytona Orange R90S, and apparently I can't have two bikes and stay at home

I will be putting it up for sale officially in a week or two

David

What do you class as top spec? might be interested

 

[Decompressing]

doh!

Much prefere the look of the 1200GSA over the standard one, and being lighter, quicker, more efficient with better weather protection is definaly all in it's favour just a little concerned about reliability,
!

eh? Sorry, but the standard 1200GS is both lighter (203kg dry, as opposed to 223kg of the GSA) and faster (obviously, because its not dragging round so much weight)

Marc

 

[Bikergary]

eh? Sorry, but the standard 1200GS is both lighter (203kg dry, as opposed to 223kg of the GSA) and faster (obviously, because its not dragging round so much weight)

Marc

Ahhh now that would be becasue I was comparing it to the 1150GSA

 

[Brian ROSEN]

What is an Adventure for?

I wonder how many owners of the GSA ever 'need' the extras provided over the GS? If you do not need a larger fuel tank, spoked wheels, bigger screen etc; why not settle for the GS? It is easier to ride and although a little less 'impressive' will feel very light and nimble after an 1150.

 

[Bikergary]

I wonder how many owners of the GSA ever 'need' the extras provided over the GS? If you do not need a larger fuel tank, spoked wheels, bigger screen etc; why not settle for the GS? It is easier to ride and although a little less 'impressive' will feel very light and nimble after an 1150.

Ah.. well then, good question.
For me though, I prefere the larger fuel range, and the bigger tank & bars protect my knees (Dr's keep telling me if I crush my knees again against another car I'm not walking anywhere and from the weather, big screen definatly, felt like good weather protection and for someone who uses it everyday makes the winter much bearable. Spoked wheels?? actually prefere the look of them, like the extra lights makes it easier riding in shi**y weather. but apart from all that, I actually prefere the look of the GSA, the standard GS looks... well skiny

 

[Bikergary]

Oh and before anyone say's why not get something like an RT.... erm no. Rode one when mine was in garage... Didn't like the feel, bars too narrow and low, didn't like the screen and god knows what would happen if I take it down any farm tracks.. LOL

 

[casperfelix]

Good advice i.e. save the money and buy another bike.

a battery is hardly a major breagdown, and cables,starter arnt either,
stick wi the 1150 and spend the extra money on a second bike?

Currently got an 1150GS that keeps going and keeps up with 1200's:
And ............ an Aprilia RSV1000R for when I'm bored and want to practice getting both my knee down and points on my licence!

 

[(RIP) Nakambale]

08 has upgraded ring antenna and FPC so less risk.

What are the issues with canbus? My hids fitted straight in (1 hr job) with no difficulties as have other electrical doodahs like garmin.

Ultimately buy what you fancy and get a good warranty if you feel you need backup.

+1 on that.

FWIW Rode mine on the Calum's Road run, it dealt with anything from serious negative temperatures (-17C) to heat (+40C) without any problems (apart from a few LAMPF warnings when it was really hot for some reason).

It got hammered on the piste, without any problem (nice to have the ESA by the way), was great fun to ride on the corrugated gravel roads (provided you keep the speed up ) and dealt with the sand well enough too (unlike the rider).

It's nimble enough to throw around manic traffic in places like Rabat, Paris and the likes, even with all the gear on the back.

On top of all that it is a comfortable bike for the longer stretches too.

At some point I was even running at 61mpg, which was pretty good going in my opinion.

I run the bike as my daily transport and so far have had no issues , 26k miles at the moment.

Long and short of it is that I really like the bike and it will take some serious alternative to get me away from it (not that I have any intention at this stage, it's a keeper).