Getting a BMW?

[Kakugo]

The time may soon come when I'll decide to part ways with my old trusted Transalp. I have no idea what to get next: I already own a sportsbike so high performances are not a must.
Among the bikes I have envisioned is second-hand BMW GS series, either a very late 1150 or a 2005-2007 1200. Plenty of both available on the second hand market and prices have been steadily declining down here so it might be a very sound idea.
Bear in mind that this would have to be my main mean of transport for a couple of years at the very least and I would probably also use it for a few long-range trips (Bavaria, Provence, Pyrenees etc).
I have had a few BMW-riding (obsessed is probably a better word) mates over the years and what is holding me a bit from getting a boxer are the maintenance costs (300 Euros for an ordinary service... do I look like a berylium miner to you?) and the electrics. Every single one of them had an electrical malady at one point or the other: just a coincidence?
Any other opinion on both these bikes is highly appreciated.
As I said I have no idea what I'll have next, but I know that after a long succession of Hondas and Triumphs I may as well go for a change.
The perhaps I'll just get a second-hand Pan!

[StumpyFingers]

Originally Posted by Kakugo

The time may soon come when I'll decide to part ways with my old trusted Transalp. I have no idea what to get next: I already own a sportsbike so high performances are not a must.
Among the bikes I have envisioned is second-hand BMW GS series, either a very late 1150 or a 2005-2007 1200. Plenty of both available on the second hand market and prices have been steadily declining down here so it might be a very sound idea.
Bear in mind that this would have to be my main mean of transport for a couple of years at the very least and I would probably also use it for a few long-range trips (Bavaria, Provence, Pyrenees etc).
I have had a few BMW-riding (obsessed is probably a better word) mates over the years and what is holding me a bit from getting a boxer are the maintenance costs (300 Euros for an ordinary service... do I look like a berylium miner to you?) and the electrics. Every single one of them had an electrical malady at one point or the other: just a coincidence?
Any other opinion on both these bikes is highly appreciated.
As I said I have no idea what I'll have next, but I know that after a long succession of Hondas and Triumphs I may as well go for a change.
The perhaps I'll just get a second-hand Pan!

Years ago when I wanted a BMW more than anything, the one thing that stopped me was a gentleman who said the were Over Priced and
Over Rated and that the Honda Goldwing was a better choice.
I could not afford a Goldwing so made do with the suzuki GS650GT

[fatowl]

I'm kinda looking at them too, and am put off by the same things. Chatting to my local dealer, he said he knows of 2 or 3 people who've had them and got rid of them because of the problems. I know there must be many happy owners, and you only get to hear of the problem few, but it is off-putting.
My TA is boringly reliable, and that's worth a lot!

[Palmer]

I think it's generally the earlier 1200's that sufferd from the electrical problems due to the high demand after the LWR, the newer ones seem to have sorted most of the problems, but then again my mums bike kept cutting out (and i have heard the same for a fair few) can't remember the problem now but something to do with the throttle cable.

If i was to get one it would be the F800GS, and if i wanted bigger than that a R1150GSA

[edteamslr]

Having ridden the BMW800GS back to back with the KTM990Adv on Saturday it is more apparent than ever that you need to ride all these bikes yourself. Between the 1200, the 800 and the 990 I was amazed how the magazines, with hindsight, struggled to convey how they would feel.

[phil w]

I cant comment on reliability as I have only had mine for a couple of weeks and servicing is very esay to do yourself on normal things. I also have the option of an independant BMW mechanic which is cheaper than maindealer, much the same as any other marque.
I think its only volume of sales that means you here of problems especially the 1200s
Bear in mind you here of many BMWs that are doing 100k, 200k and 300k

Arent Pan Europeans and Goldwings possibly the most boring things on 2 wheels

[Mabels Old Man]

Had an 1150 with 32000 miles on it, swopped it for an 05 1200 GS did 11000 miles in a year. The only electrical problem I had was a rear light bulb blew twice! Swopped that for a 1200ADV 18 months ago, done 15000 miles no problems apart from a little corrosion which has been sorted under warranty.

For every 1200 you read about with problems there are loads more trouble free.

After all nobody whinges when their bike's running properly

[Kakugo]

Thanks everybody!
Stopped by at the local BMW dealer on my way to the doctor this morning to see a couple of second hand bikes they had available: a 2006 R1200GS (no ABS, no heated grips, no anything) and a 2003 R1150GS Adventure (crash bars, ABS, heated grips and the smallest top box ever to grace a motorcycle).
Both bikes had full BMW service history but they had obviously not been loved by owners.
Told the dealer's assistant I maybe interested in the 1150 but price has to drop consistently for me to consider it. I am not giving them that sum for a bike which has scratches, missing stickers etc. My TA looked much better and it was housed in a shed near a stable!
They also confirmed that some earlier 1200s had a few problems with the electronic but it had all been fixed by 2005. That's the usual BMW two years break in procedure!
While I was at it I had a look at a R1200RT they had on sale for a private. Really neat and nice bike, obviously much better looked after than both GSs and the price seems quite reasonable too (and I am getting quite good at haggling...). Only problem: not even my tuned VTR requires 98 RON fuel and down here it's hard to obtain and incredibly expensive.

[phil w]

What needs 98 ron ??? Where are you??

[Palmer]

Originally Posted by edteamslr

Having ridden the BMW800GS back to back with the KTM990Adv on Saturday it is more apparent than ever that you need to ride all these bikes yourself. Between the 1200, the 800 and the 990 I was amazed how the magazines, with hindsight, struggled to convey how they would feel.

Did you take the F800GS out from NorthOxford garage and plaster it in mud? they said it was a guy on a KTM, if so good job