WOW!! This thread certainly went off Piste,what the Fuck is it with some people!!
I concur with op, after several yrs without a bike ....
Sounds like you need some refresher training .....
Hi All,
Newbie here so still in full "tosser" mode so go easy.
Recently been in the market for a GS, choices, choices, new, SH, which model, how much! ABS, luggage, modes? All the usual stuff when you've been out of the motorcycling world for a number of years. Last bike was an ex police R100RT, loved it and all its quirks!!
My mate has been goading me, he's recently bought a SH KTM 1190, all the bells and whistles and a wheelbarrow full of cash! I thought, no, start off at the beginning, see if you really want to get back into it. Then up pops a very clean 40k mile'er R1100GS, luggage, ABS, perfect! Trade dealer, not your average m/c dealer more a garage servicing classic cars, selling scooters and Guzzi's as a sideline. Made enquires, about the GS for sale? Reply, yes, did you get the extra picture you requested? "What extra pics?" "Didn't you ring earlier?" No! "Ah sorry mate guy's just rung up for more pics and is coming to see tomorrow afternoon". I thought, this salesman a pro, the oldest one in the book! What time do you close? 5, I'll be down by 4:30!
Arrive 4:30 on the dot, usual thing, you have to be in suss out mode, the type of garage, the sales person. Instantly at ease, model 1960's garage, salesman was the owner and mechanic, ex racer and prep'er of boxer engines, GS was as described, tools, 4 owners from new (1999), on the button, sounded sweet as a nut! It was a no brainer! Deal was done all fair and square. "There'll be a new MOT and service done, when do you want to collect it?" In a couple of days. "That's fine, "I'll ring you when it's ready". Deposit paid, and all done by 5:10! Driving the hour home, I was feeling chuffed as punch with the purchase and the deal, then the worry!! You never took it for a test ride, what if, gearbox, final drive, handling, are you going to like the riding position?? It's a BMW GS!! It was altogether standard R1100GS low miles!!
Whilst doing my research I came across this forum, registered, had a look at various posts, I thought, yeah this is good and subscribed and then came across this post after paying my deposit and no test ride reading the OP it put me right at ease!
I picked the GS up Wednesday, a howling, rain lashed freezing cold day and I wasn't looking forward to the hours ride up the M1!
Nothing could have been worse, unfamiliar place, leave, puddles of standing water, cars with steamed up windows! All I can say is, I didn't have to worry about the bike, it just did what I asked of it, it didn't feedback my nervousness going into roundabouts it just feedback confidence from the off, so much so it allowed me to concentrate in the poor weather conditions and guide me and the bike home safely. Needless to say, despite the foul weather conditions, I got home and was grinning from ear to ear!! The OP was spot on!!
Can't wait now to get out on a dry sunny day to really enjoy the GS experience!!, when might that be in the British winter??
Similar story, bought a 1997 1100 RT 1 owner fsh etc no test ride took the owners word, had it for 2 years and managed to get used to it's erm quirks!, needed a lot of monies spent so replaced 3 years ago with an 07 GS and have loved it ever since, going in next week for service at main dealer and they are desperate to give me their 1250GS as a courtesy bike. Please if anyone knows anybody at BMW Guildford, ask them not to give the 1250GS as I have had a look at it in the show room and I think it is a thing of beauty. I am happy with my 07 GS and we all know where this will end......
I' WillyB
Have personally hated BMW gs's and all they stood for, for years, (I have owned since my test in 1979, XL500 Honda, Suzuki ER and a 1987 Suzuki DR big and the like and hated BMW's claim for the first ADV bike) I have been a Triumph man since 2002, Tiger 885i then x6 955i's a brand new 2011 XT super ten, a Versy 1000 2012 then a new Triumph Exlplorer 1200xc 2014, I honestly shunned the GS brigade and mocked them to my mates on runs out and trips.
I did like the Ewan and Charlie trip and followed it every week on tv with my middle son, even bought him the box set for Xmas.
Well' times and life changes and I needed to sell the Explorer (motor home)
I did have a 2004 Tiger 955i in the garage.
Then I came across this 2006 BMWr1200gs in Grey 2 owners and good service history??
So I thought have a look it's in my budget, none ABS model full Vario luggage.
The Guy had owned it since 2012, the second owner, all paperwork from new including the original purchase from York.
I can only say on arrival his garage was tidier than my house and he was manic about this bike, serviced by him and regular valve adjusts and so on.
I bought it on looks (absolutely no corrosion or marks even anywhere)... get to the point...
Rode it home 16 miles.. and all I can say is I get it...
Bought in August this year and have rode 4500 miles and her indoors has been on the back most of it ( she's not been on the back since 1987)
I now know why BMW make these claims and it is that good.....
WillyB