Hello everyone. I'm looking at getting a used R1200GS soon, and there are several for sale at dealerships in the area. Can anyone give me advice on what to look for when I'm demoing these bikes? My riding experience is all street, I currently own a K1200R and before that, I was on an R1150RT. One bike I'm looking at is a 2006 R1200GS with ABS and heated grips, 30k miles, dealer is asking $11,750 for it. At the same dealer, they also have a 2004 R1150GS with BMW side cases, ABS, and heated grips, under 5,000 miles, they're asking $9,950. One of my primary concerns is reliability and the warranty. I'll definitely be looking into an extended warranty, but of course I don't think something like that would be available on an 04 model. Not sure, though. Any advice would be well appreciated. I've been doing a lot of reading on ADV and have learned so much already. Thanks everyone.
My experience is all street. I love my 2000 model R1150GS. The clock will tip 100.000 km in June. Not changing anytime soon. I don't know anything about what what a bike should cost on the other side of the Earth, but I know that there are no compelling reasons not to buy a 1150. [TaSK]
Wonder what your long/short term goals are for the GS? Plan on keeping the K12R? The differences in these bikes as you well know are like night and day. Perhaps that may help provoke some answeres. The dilemma picking between the 30K '06 and the 5K '04 is a tough one? Both good bikes, but IMO the '06 with 30K doesn't sound like a bargain to me! I'd check out this website for a private sale as well as craiglist in your area. At least you can leverage your dealer. http://ibmwr.org/market/
Tagesk- Thanks for the input. My only concern with the 2004 that had very low miles was that an extended warranty probably wouldn't be available, since I'm sure it's probably long past it's factory warranty. Jpalamar- I'm not going to keep the K12R. I've been trying to sell it with no luck, so I will most likely end up trading it in towards a GS of some sort. My plans are to use the GS for commuting and long distance touring around North America, with some fire roads and the like thrown in once in awhile. The prices I listed are just examples from the online stock of one BMW dealer near me...I'm sure they could be negotiated down a bit, and I've really just started looking.
I had a 1150 GSA and the dang thing was big ol pig in the sand and loose dirt - try turning it around, or picking it up, in a tight spot on a rough fire road or trail and you'll hurt yourself. I sold it a got a KLR that has seen 15,000 miles of Mexico, TAT, lots of NC fireroads and commutes to and from work and I love it - BUT - not enough not to sell it and get an F800GS when we get them here in July-August!. Best of all worlds IMHO. G
I'm interested in the F800GS also, but I didn't put a deposit down on one and doubt I could find one until late 2009 at the earliest.
I like the 1150 GS Adventure. I like the one piece seat over the two piece configuration on the others. the 1200 feels lighter in the front and overall, making it feel a little better in the dirt. The 1200 does however have a taller first gear then the 1150 GS Adventure. If you are looking for a real dirtbike/aualsport bike BMW is not the place to begin. If on the other hand you are looking for less tupperware wrapped around your motorcycle and a single bike that is capable over all, the GS is a pretty good bike. I've done 800 mile days on the interstate as well as all day on dirt fully loaded with gear. I was tired at the end of the day, but happy and ready to do it all over again the next morning. I spent the greater part of my life on the street and race tracks. Some few dirt roads back when we were all running around on "street" motorcycles exploring dirtroads and jeep trails ignorant of our need for specialized suspensions, and tires and gear... I looked at the RT and the GS, and ended up with the Adventure a used 2004, fly-and-Buy deal. I rode it home and am still glad I made the choice. despite the silly ABS, weirdness and all. I've only managed a bit shy of 120,000 over the past about four years. But intend to ride this to 200,000 and then begin thinking about what to do. If anything other than continue to ride it. I ride daily. Sadly only about 2% of my mileage is dirt. But, I've become quite the poser... "...buy the fastest gear you can, talk skiing like and man, but don't ever let them catch you on the slopes..." I like the 1200 for the bit more power, lighter front end, and slimmer tank some less vibration. Less of the computer stuff, but not so you'd notice. I like the looks of the big 1150 Adventure the seat, and that big tank. (except when picking it up)... Either bike is likely to have leaking parts, easily fixed. Some more costly than others. Between the two you have mentioned, I'd probably lean toward the 1200. As for stuff to look over on these. Check the underside of the engine for oil from leaking seals. Engine rear main Transmission input and output, Final drive input, and output. Final drive looseness, swing arm looseness Broken bits on the underside of the engine where the bashplate mounts. Odd wiring techniques like 3M connections under the seat, (good to avoid)... Check the condition of the break pads and discs, particularly the rear. And be sure and ask about the worry beads... That's about all I can think of.
Thanks everyone for your replies! I'm going to the dealer on Thursday to demo ride a few bikes. They currently have two R1150GS's and one R1200GS. I do find it strange, however, that they have a 2002 R1150GS and a 2004 R1150GS both with under 5,000 miles on them... :huh I talked to the sales guy briefly over the phone this afternoon, and evidently they offer some sort of "ExtremeGuard" (don't remember if that was the name exactly, or not) extended warranty/insurance policy that covers everything including seals & gaskets, minus wear items like brake pads and clutches. I'll have to do some more research on that, anyone know what he was talking about? Or did I get the name wrong?
Someone here said that he had bought his GS not becuase what he would do with it, but becuase of what he could do with it. Ride to Starbucs () or to a Tuscan lunch in a GS enables to to dream of this. If you visit any large dealer you will find many of these 15.000 euro dreams where the owner woke up one day. [TaSK]
Continuing on with the questions...I've decided that I like the looks of the R1150GS more than the 1200. That being said, condition and mileage being equal, is there any reason to opt for an 04 GS over an 02? My dealer just took in an 02 1150GS on consignment that is being prepped for sale and evidently it has less than 4,000 miles on it!
I don't think so. If I remember correctly, the '02 was the last before the servo (which has been the source of more than one thread of discussion on this board). In general, maintanence and how many miles are much more important than the year. If, that is, you adjust the valves and balance the throttles properly. There should not be vibrations in the bike below 5.000 rpm. If you go for the '02 you will have a bike that for all practical purposes is like mine '00. Mine makes me happy every day, so I msut assume a '02 will make you happy as well. In three weeks I'll ride 1.400 km (900 miles) to visit a friend in Holland for the week end. And then I'll ride back on Monday. Did I say the GS makes me happy? [TaSK]
Yup, they switched during 2002. If the brake calipers say Brembo on them, they're the older and arguably more reliable ones. Uh, yeah. BUT -- I'd ask some questions before buying an '02 with 4000 miles. It could have been sitting for five years, which ain't good. Or not -- maybe it's just been babied. Definitely worth asking about.
Thanks for the help everybody...I bought an 02 GS garage queen today! Under 4,000 miles, Bill Mayer saddle, ABS, heated grips, and BMW system cases. I'll get some pics up as soon as I can take some in the light.
I love my O2 1150 GS, I just purchased it in April with 16,000 on the clock. The thing just grows on you.. I was very close to purchasing a new 08 and just couldn't justify the cost. My wife laughs at me because I can't walk past it in the garage without touching it... (she calls it the other woman) I ride it every chance I get... I am working myself up for an Alaskan adventure sometime around 2010. My first long trip will be to North Carolina to visit my son at New River Air Station. I think a detour through the Blue Ridge Parkway may be in order. Enjoy your new toy! Cdawg
2002 1150! the last year before servo brakes! AND you can still find them with less that 40K for a few grand and they are TANKS.... you can easily expect to get 100K out of one. Im up to 51!