Which is the better 1200...?

[snoopy]

This one, an 06 with 40k on it. Downside is 3 owners. No faults other than replaced gearbox. Doesn't have essential wire wheels so if they wont budge on swapping them for free it would be a no go anyway. Has a BMW alarm big plus for me.

http://www.bmw-dealernet.co.uk/national_viewstock.asp?SP_ID=1606027

Or this one, less miles but it's an 04 - I haven't rang about history so it could be n 04 lemon. Has wire wheels which I really need and luggage which I would sell. Maybe they'd fit a BMW alarm for free. Bit less miles but 2yr older.

http://www.bmw-dealernet.co.uk/national_viewstock.asp?SP_ID=1629505

 

[bumpy]

Its naive I know, but I tend to judge how well a bike has been cared for by the shine on the exhaust pipe.

 

[CliveS]

Don't compare exhaust pipes

The exhaust pipes in the top photo are chromed and the ones in bottom photo are standard unchromed. My unchromed headers went like the bottom photo in 2 months

 

[snoopy]

Is true, though I've heard the BMW chrome is very thin and is mild steel underneath causing rusting when it goes. The SS on the other just changes colour.

I'll ring about the 04 and pull up the service history tomorrow. It's probably also had three very frustrated owners.

 

[deaninkl]

06 bike is two years newer, ahd some of the bugs taken out. In my opinion always buy as new as you can afford, the extra miles is not a big issue, and both the 06 and 04 should be well sorted by now. But doubt the dealer will change the wheels anyway!!

The 04 is definately over priced, who said that residuals are going down? I think an 04 should be at least 1000 cheaper.

 

[deaninkl]

btw, I think you'll find all BMW down pipes are SS from the factory.

 

[Shep]

Just wait for the right bike at the right price to come along, it is supposed to be a buyers market at the moment

Shep

 

[Dave Barrett]

btw, I think you'll find all BMW down pipes are SS from the factory.

Yep, that's a fact.

Sorry for the quick hijack, but Dean, I'll be in KL again the week after next. You up for a beer or two?

 

[Paul Wakefield]

IIRC the 04 is not in one of that year's colours. May just be the owner changed it from choice but may be worth asking.

 

[Decster]

Just wait for the right bike at the right price to come along, it is supposed to be a buyers market at the moment

Shep

+1...and it will probably be on this forum if you are patient

 

[GS TRV]

in anotheer month's time you'll be spoilt for choice and fyi i wouldn't be considering any high-mileage 12s for sure

 

[John Armstrong]

With the dealer bikes you'll get one years warranty and breakdown. Bet it won't be too expensive to either go for BM's version or another and get a privately owened bike. At that age, I'd not buy a bike that's had three owners, unless there's a very good reason.

 

[snoopy]

I've rang about the 04, it's recently had a new clutch but no other issues. BMW alarm can be fitted for £200, so that'll be thrown in for free. Parklane are doing 0% finance which I would like on part of it so I'll barter for those two things and if he'll deal, so will I.

Like you say, 3 owners is suspect and if and when I come to sell it I'm sure the next owner would be saying the same thing.

Could have my next bike soon...

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

Seems like you're jumping in instead of sitting back for a few weeks to see what else is out there... bound to be better deals
like Shep and others have said

 

[Trippy]

Just wait for the right bike at the right price to come along, it is supposed to be a buyers market at the moment

Shep

+1


Over £6000 for an 04 bike (not even an ADV) with 31'000 miles!



Bloody hell mate this site is full of people flogging nice bikes and your looking at this. We''re heading into winter, no ones got any money, the dealers are keen to empty their showrooms.

You can do better than this.

 

[Shep]

If you go and get that 04 one, you really need a 'check up from the neck up' IMO

Shep

 

[snoopy]

Private market is 5k for a bike of this spec (4.5k if no luggage or spoked wheels).

Add on the 1yr BMW warranty, a full dealer service just done and 0% APR (maybe) and how is £6.3k so bad.

 

[snoopy]

I could have considered buying privately if Norwich Union didn't start shafting over paying out for the nicked Dakar. It's still "under investigation"...

Until then I can't raise 5k cash by itself. I'm just a northern peasant you know.

 

[Trippy]

Just think about what it is your getting for £6300, forget BMW and GS prices for abit.

It's a used 31000 mile 4 year old bike with 12 months warranty.

Different bike I know but, I have been looking at Triumph Scramblers and have been offered a brand new 58 plate with full warranty etc for £4999 OTR.

Spend an hour on the internet and pick up the phone.

 

[snoopy]

I didn't say it was good value, but there's nothing like the 1200GS in reality - even the 1150GSA which I love to bits is just too heavy.

I've now done the "specific purpose bike scene" and I'm yearning after a decent all-rounder.

PS) The Triumph Scrambler doesn't look like it's worth anything above 3k new.