Advice on BMW R 1150 GS/BMW R1200GS.

[Rich]

A mate of mine is thinking of getting one, and he asked me my thoughts. So in my wisdom i thought of asking you guys! He wants to know things to look out for and the good/bad bits about the bike!

Cheers, Rich

good bits

bloody huge petrol tank (at least, supervox's one does....33 litres!!)

advice? Buy a 950 Adventure instead

go to http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3

[Red Herring]

Apparently the 1150 is less complicated/sophisticated (if you can say that about a BMW!) than the 1200 which might be worth considering if you are into DIY maintenance.

Girlfriends dad has had both an loves his 1200gs, I've ridden it briefly and it was very comfy!

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by etuna

advice? Buy a 950 Adventure instead

go to http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3

+1, or a 990 anyway

Unless he needs the fuel range and screen for on-road touring, get the KTM instead...

The KTM is rougher and rawer than the 12GS. It is more fun on windey backroads and lanes. The GS is better mannered and a far superior long distance tool IMO. I find the KTM rather unrefined in comparison, perhaps more like a normal bike . For just tarmac of all kinds and the odd trail 12GS anyday. I am certain it will be the best allround bike I will ever own, the 990 is just funner. Both sound nice, the 12GS with a Remus or something. Both are a bit of a worry to maintain financially. BMW dealer network better, and seemingly handling of issues. Used from a BMW dealer with have 12 month mandatory warranty.

But 990 and 12GS chalk and cheese, I don't really see the comparison TBH. You would need to ride both to decide between.

12GS lovely bike. A few known issues, but look how many have been sold. Some mint ones second-hand. The 1150Adv is getting a bit cult status IMO, but its a big old thing. I think the 1150 looks very long in the tooth now but are cheaper and simpler as Red herring points out.

All the issues will be listed as posted above, or in the 1200GS section of www.ukgser.com , the latter good as you will get all the whinging

Supervox has had 2 12s now IIRC, 12GSv1 and the ADV. Squirrel Hunter has ridden a load of things lately including the 12GS.

Originally Posted by the white rabbit

.

But 990 and 12GS chalk and cheese, I don't really see the comparison TBH. You would need to ride both to decide between.

Different yes but you are more likely to see the 990Adv in a group test than any other bike Shirley?

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by etuna

Different yes but you are more likely to see the 990Adv in a group test than any other bike Shirley?

BIKE mag did an adventure touring comparison recently, they had the BMW and the KTM along with another two bikes

you want me to scan in the comparison from Ride magazine a month or two ago?