BMW R 1200 GS
Author
Discussion

Andy oh

Original Poster:

1,954 posts

266 months

Tuesday 18th January 2005
quotequote all
Hi All,

I am thinking of changing my bike, currently a CBR1000RR to a BMW 1200 GS. The Blade only gets used for commuting everyday and the very occasional midweek evening rideout in the summer. I also have an ex race R6 as a track bike so won't be using the Blade for any track days.

Have any of you knowledgeable guys and gals got any thoughts on the BMW ans would it make a good commuter and occasional ride out bike.

I know there are lots of other bikes and a lot cheaper bikes for a commuter but I'm kind of drawn to the BMW, bullet proof build quality and being shaft drive no more chain lubing, not forgetting good residual values as well.

Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Andy.

Davel

8,982 posts

274 months

Tuesday 18th January 2005
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Just changing my Multistrada for an R1200GS.

Spoke to quite a few people because I was thinking of either a Tiger, BMW 1150GS Adventure or this bike.

The new one has rave reviews, is lighter and faster than the 1150GS Adventure.

Mine's due at the end of January

beano500

20,854 posts

291 months

Tuesday 18th January 2005
quotequote all
You lucky guys!!

I have previously owned Beemers, and ridden although never owned, several of the GS range.

Now Beemers are not among the most popular in the two-wheeled world I know, but once you get to understand how to ride them I think they're pretty good.

I would dearly love a GS if I got back on a bike (I suspect it's a lot to do with reading about that scottish actor and his mate riding round the world. I think they had 1150GSs?)

I once tried out the 1100GS and a Tiger back-to-back and I would say that they're both great fun, but for practicality the Beemer had the edge. Bits and bobs like the shaft drive, the luggage (although expensive), shear proven durability and build quality all help.

Oh and neither could be called slow in the right pair of hands!

jl34

551 posts

253 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
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Sorry, but the GS is so damn ugly how could you choose that over a Tiger?

Davel

8,982 posts

274 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
quotequote all
I get cramp in my legs quite easily, so like to keep them as straight as possible.

For some reason, I felt as though I was sitting on top of the Tiger but felt more comfortable on the BMW and more part of the bike.

Yes the BMW is ugly but, with all the new technology etc, decided to give it a try.

p.s the Multistrada ain't cute either!

>> Edited by Davel on Wednesday 19th January 10:39

Incorrigible

13,668 posts

277 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
quotequote all
jl34 said:
Sorry, but the GS is so damn ugly how could you choose that over a Tiger?
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

Surely with bikes like this, the most important thing is what they do, not what they look like

beano500

20,854 posts

291 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
quotequote all
Incorrigible said:

Surely with bikes like this, the most important thing is what they do, not what they look like
...and the view from the bridge is quite similar....

twit

2,908 posts

280 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
quotequote all
Get a KTM 950 Adventure!

Better and quicker than all of them on the road and if you so desire you can destroy them all the dirt too!!!

I tested the Tiger, the 1150 GS adventure, the 1200 GS and the F650 Dakar. The KTM was easily the most fun of all of them and much lighter. Had it three months now, stuffed nearly 4000 miles on it and starting in July ish it is going from Oxford to Sydney...

Can't wait!!!!

Davel

8,982 posts

274 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
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Too late!

Like the look of the KTM and they are really fast but I don't know a dealer up here and had a F650GS as a first bike and thought I'd go down the BMW route again.

I'm not a very fast rider anyway so the acceleration isn't so important to me.

I can still beat most cars etc away when needed..

Andy oh

Original Poster:

1,954 posts

266 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
quotequote all
I've had a KTM 450 EXC, which did what it was designed to do very well and I know it's not quite the same as the 950 Adventure but I would have to question KTM build quality against BMW.

twit

2,908 posts

280 months

Wednesday 19th January 2005
quotequote all
Well I have had no probs with the KTM and it seems to be surviving the winter so far - it gets used everyday regardless of the weather... The round the world journey will find it out, but I'm pretty confident...

Davel

8,982 posts

274 months

Thursday 20th January 2005
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Let me know if you break down and I'll try to come and get you -








on my BMW!

Andy oh

Original Poster:

1,954 posts

266 months

Thursday 20th January 2005
quotequote all
I'm test riding an R1200GS for a day soon...so I'll let you know if the Blade will be going to make room for a BMW

>> Edited by Andy oh on Thursday 20th January 10:15