Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
old BMW GS1200 or new bike with same price? old BMW GS1200 or new bike with same price?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree32Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Dec 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 9
Smile old BMW GS1200 or new bike with same price?
Hello,

We are living in Australia and we want to ride back to to south Asia and silk road up to Turkey. As far as I know many people suggest that BMW GS1200 is one the good one for two up. But it is quite expensive for us at this stage and if I want to save money to get one it takes a long time.

I saw some GS1200 with 40,000 to 60,000 k on odometer. My question is, is this a good idea to get old one? or go for something cheaper but a bit newer?

If yes, How old and is this easy to fix that on road if anythings happened?

I'll appreciate all suggestions.

Cheers,
Pejman
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Hi Pejman and welcome,
You will find opinion on the 1200GS very divided on this forum, some people think they are a fantastic and versatile all round bike and others that they are overrated, overweight and unreliable. Although I have never owned one have formed the opinion from other peoples experiences that they are not as mechanically or electronically as reliable as they should be.
The deposit for the carnet is another factor to consider, it will be expensive so an older, low mileage model might be better.
I would think about something slightly smaller such as a BMW F800, Triumph Tiger 800 or even a Suzuki V-strom 650 will be perfectly capable, lighter but with more than enough power, remember there will be days when you won't even reach 100 kph. Basic servicing on any of these bikes should be possible if you are a reasonably competent mechanic, it is diagnosing an electronic fault which can be a problem and the Japanese bikes seem to have a better reputation for electronic reliability.
Have fun with your planning, it is a great trip which will be an unforgettable experience.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Dec 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 9
Thanh you very much for replying.

It was helpful.

Cheers,
Pejman
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Weestrom (new or used) would be my idea (I've broken too many Bavarian chocolate fire guard designs). Tips/thoughts:
  • The manual calls for 4500 service intervals but only an oil filter every other time. 6000 miles and a filter every time will be fine.
  • Heidenau K60 tyres give a real improvement on rough stuff.
  • Buy some spare centre pop rivet type connectors as used to fasten the bits of fairing together. To get at the air filter and back top plug you need the inner fairing and tank off. Takes under ten minutes but there are a good dozen of these little plastic dots and you are bound to lose a couple to the chuck-key/washer/13mm spanner eating gremlins that inhabit every workshop.
Enjoy your trip

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Dec 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 9
Thanks Andy. So you reckon it is also good for two up?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 163
the vstrom can be connected to your phone for electronic scanning.see the stromtroopers site.besides giving you the 60 mpg and ability to run 80 octane gas,efficiently.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: reno
Posts: 14
buddy of mine does plenty of touring 2up on a wee strom. he is not the smallest man i know, doesn't have any problems.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
If you can, go and have a test ride with different options.
All bikes are mechanical, so something might go wrong and break.
All bikes have their own positive and negative things.
Can you do your own service or do you need to rely local mechanics?

I have been on the road now 2,5 years with my 2005 R1200GS. At the moment she has 310,000km.
It has had some issues (some due to too much speed...).
Reason why I took this bike was because I already had it and I know bike really well (new bike I would have needed to dismantle few times and learn it´s weak points).
__________________
www.whereishemuli.eu
Riding round the World

Facebook:WhereIsHemuli
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Another vote for DL-650 !

I want to see the new africa Twin also. But not sure if the spare parts are any available on the road yet ? !
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pejman View Post
Thanks Andy. So you reckon it is also good for two up?
So long as you are tall enough (same issue with any bike of this style) they are great two up. I'm a short **** who rarely meets more than a few hundred yards of gravel hence my switch back to a road bike. The wife loved the DL's back seat once safely on it though.

Don't let the engine capacity trick you into thinking "small bike" the Wee is 70 HP, full size and at times anything but wee with full tank and luggage. Does motorways like a touring bike, survives places only a 125 trail bike would be fun on.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Dec 2014
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
++1 for vstrom. Done many tours 2up and has been great on hard top and dirt gravel with 80/20 road tyres. Anything more requires tyre swap. Mud is not a good place to be. comfort is great.

sent via tapatalk on the road.
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
The best tip i ever got was not to buy a BMW when i was young. Now many years later i can only pass this on. Seen tooo many BMW breaking down and becoming more costly to repair then two new bikes.

v strom, transalp or AfricaTwins are great, reliable and way cheaper.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 149
Hi,
I have a R 1200 GS IN Europe. That bike is superbe for the good roads like in Europe.

For South America I have a V Strom 650. This bike is light and fast enough for the roads in SA. Enough power.
I have made a tour with this bike and am very glad.

I suggest that you should buy a new V Strom 650 and put some Touratech on it and enjoy.

Djin
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
"others that they are overrated, overweight and unreliable."

This. I've own 3--all bought new. I now ride Japanese bikes. Just one man's opinion.
If you go for the BM, have the final drive bearings replaced.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 69
Any bike can be unreliable. I have owned a range of bikes including BMW's and here are my observations as someone who goes travelling

The cost of the carnet for your trip could seriously influence your bike, I would investigate that first and decide what your carnet budget is and work back from there

As for the bike I have travelled long distance on both a 1200GS and a 650GS but only 1 up. I like both bikes and so far reliability for me has not been an issue.

I rode my 650GS across North America twice covering 18.500 miles. In that time we only changed the tyres and had an oil change. We left them for 6 months in a storage locker and they started first time!

I now prefer the 650GS as its lighter, and has much longer fuel range but then I am only 1 up.

Look at your route and see what type of riding you will be doing.

I have just come back from Nepal, riding an old Royal Enfield with road tyres across some serious off-road stuff due to an unexpected diversion. It coped much better than many acclaimed off-road bikes. The moral of the story is that most bikes will go almost anywhere its normally the riders experience that will be a problem first.

Hope you have a great trip
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

Tags
gs 1200 old models, maintenance, sponsor, two up

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike & dog friendly Morocco-Mauritania-Senegal-Mali SauerkrautandTofuwurst Sleep and Eat, North Africa 0 27 Mar 2014 22:16

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top