Which Bike for a Fat Boy (Part II)?
Discussion
OK, so it's more than twelve months since I posted [url]this|http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?f=74&h=&t=96681[/url] about doing the DAS in time for summer (summer 2004, obviously), and I still haven't got my finger out and done it - although I have passed my theory test.
Now I'm thinking I want a bike. Ideally, I'd go for a BMW R1200GS, but even used ones (of which there aren't that many) are about £9k - no less than new really.
So what do you reckon? BMW R1150 GS instead - or waht about a Honda Varadero, Triumph Tiger, or something else?
I'd like a "big" trailie, so once the remortgage is sorted, I can afford a BMW, but is that just a waste of money?
Would I get more bike for less £$£$£$ if I went for something different? Although there are quite a few second hand 1150 GSs for aorund the £6k mark on the MCN website...
Now I'm thinking I want a bike. Ideally, I'd go for a BMW R1200GS, but even used ones (of which there aren't that many) are about £9k - no less than new really.
So what do you reckon? BMW R1150 GS instead - or waht about a Honda Varadero, Triumph Tiger, or something else?
I'd like a "big" trailie, so once the remortgage is sorted, I can afford a BMW, but is that just a waste of money?
Would I get more bike for less £$£$£$ if I went for something different? Although there are quite a few second hand 1150 GSs for aorund the £6k mark on the MCN website...
My mate has an R1200GS. I didn't like the looks of it at first but it's grown on me. It is a great bike, very capable at most stuff but I don't think I would notice the difference between an 1150 and a 1200.
Triumph Tiger... They released the 2006 model early with a few tweeks here and there but there are rumours of a redesign and there are some good deals out there on it. Second hand prices are ok.
Whats the prices like on a KTM?
One of the mags had a review a while back on big trailies. I'll see if I still have it.
Triumph Tiger... They released the 2006 model early with a few tweeks here and there but there are rumours of a redesign and there are some good deals out there on it. Second hand prices are ok.
Whats the prices like on a KTM?
One of the mags had a review a while back on big trailies. I'll see if I still have it.
check out www.xrv.org.uk .. lots of info on Varadero , Africa Twins and Transalps....
Plenty of fat boys ride tigers ..see
www.tigerlist.org
PS I'm about to sell my 94 'steamer' if you're interested....
www.tigerlist.org
PS I'm about to sell my 94 'steamer' if you're interested....
Found the mag...
The final verdict on 4 big trailies was, in no order
BMW1200GS - The best BMW just got better. Don't risk a test ride unless you're prepared to part with your cash. Yup it's that good.
KTM 950 Adventure - The most single minded bike here. The least practical but most fun. Only the dedicated need apply
Honda Varadero - It'll never set you're loins on fire like the BM or KTM but it's a worthy workhorse with a hint of fun.
Triumph Tiger - A great bike to live with day in, day out and manages to out-bat the Honda on all fronts.
The final verdict on 4 big trailies was, in no order
BMW1200GS - The best BMW just got better. Don't risk a test ride unless you're prepared to part with your cash. Yup it's that good.
KTM 950 Adventure - The most single minded bike here. The least practical but most fun. Only the dedicated need apply
Honda Varadero - It'll never set you're loins on fire like the BM or KTM but it's a worthy workhorse with a hint of fun.
Triumph Tiger - A great bike to live with day in, day out and manages to out-bat the Honda on all fronts.
Cheers Andy - which mag was the article in?
I've done a bit of reading in the likes of Bike, MCN, Ride and TWO, and all seem to like the 1200GS, saying how much better it is than the already good 1150GS - more power, lighter, just better.
I'm just wondering whether or not there will be that much real difference for me personally, and I might be better off getting a second hand 1150 GS for starters, then thinking about a new 'un in a couple of years when I've got some miles under my (very strained) belt.
There seem to be quite a few half decent 1150GSs for around the £5-6,000 mark.
I've done a bit of reading in the likes of Bike, MCN, Ride and TWO, and all seem to like the 1200GS, saying how much better it is than the already good 1150GS - more power, lighter, just better.
I'm just wondering whether or not there will be that much real difference for me personally, and I might be better off getting a second hand 1150 GS for starters, then thinking about a new 'un in a couple of years when I've got some miles under my (very strained) belt.
There seem to be quite a few half decent 1150GSs for around the £5-6,000 mark.
just get the 1150, or if you want to save even more money the 1100. there's little difference between the above, and for my money the 1200 isn't worth the extra at the moment.
i had a 1100 for 5 years and 100,000km, a 1150 for 2 years and 30,000km and just tried the 1200 last year for a day. i ended buying a hayabusa for giggles instead (and it worked!)
i had a 1100 for 5 years and 100,000km, a 1150 for 2 years and 30,000km and just tried the 1200 last year for a day. i ended buying a hayabusa for giggles instead (and it worked!)
I've got an R1200GS and am generally very pleased with it. S/h ones may be over £9k but new ones, after you fit the extras and get it on the road, are normally well over £10,300.
I think that BMW's customer care attitude to courtesy bikes, in the event of a breakdown, stinks and you won't get any dealer discounts as they can sell every bike that they can get their hands on.
Having said that, did 2,400 miles in one week and no problems whatsoever apart from the starter switch freezing up during the snow in Scotland a month or so back.
They are a bit ugly but they're brilliant bikes!
I think that BMW's customer care attitude to courtesy bikes, in the event of a breakdown, stinks and you won't get any dealer discounts as they can sell every bike that they can get their hands on.
Having said that, did 2,400 miles in one week and no problems whatsoever apart from the starter switch freezing up during the snow in Scotland a month or so back.
They are a bit ugly but they're brilliant bikes!
Dibble,
You might also consider the VStrom. IMO it handles better than the Tiger, definitely bettr than than Varadero.
It is comfortable, economic, versatile and fun. Gets 4 stars in Bike mag.
It was hit with the ugly stick, but from the saddle, it is very,very good.
I have done 25K on mine and of the bikes I own, it eclipses the Triumph and others with ease.
have a look at http://11109.rapidforum.com/
You can also get them much cheaper new than an elderly Beemer.
R
You might also consider the VStrom. IMO it handles better than the Tiger, definitely bettr than than Varadero.
It is comfortable, economic, versatile and fun. Gets 4 stars in Bike mag.
It was hit with the ugly stick, but from the saddle, it is very,very good.
I have done 25K on mine and of the bikes I own, it eclipses the Triumph and others with ease.
have a look at http://11109.rapidforum.com/
You can also get them much cheaper new than an elderly Beemer.
R
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