GS Curious

[TheIglu]

Would like to try out a couple BMW GS 1200/1250's. Standard and Adventure versions.

What years should I avoid, and what should I shoot for?

Ideal bike has hard luggage, adj windscreen, cruise control, center stand.

Beyond that, I'm wide open to considerations, but I'd like to try riding them first. Rode a GSA1150 back in the day for about 10 miles, thought it was good.

2009 or so Hexheads seem to be going pretty cheap in non-ADV models, but no cruise until 2014. 2017+ seems to be widely regarded as the best generation, with 2018+ having the new TFT color display.

[jimmycapp]

I've sat on a couple. Very short seat height, if that's what you're looking for. I like the tall height of KTM adventure bikes, but depending on what you're using it for, the BMW could be great.

[SRTie4k]

Can't comment too much on the GS. I test rode one from Eurosport Asheville when my 1290 was in for fork seals and it was...kinda boring really. And I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

All I'll say is go test out a 2015-2017 1290 Super Adventure T (the OG). Used prices have on them have fallen through the floor, you can pick one up for probably $7k with 20k miles on them. They have everything you want and that LC8 is absolutely phenomenal. Very easy to work on, pretty reliable, and very comfy on high speed pavement (with the PowerParts seat).

[TheIglu]

I'm doing a ton of highway commuting (4 hours a day) lately, so having something with shaft drive and good wind protection is paramount.

And the whole point of this thread is to try one out. If it's too boring, I'd want to know that before I threw down some mild-effort earned money.

[jimmycapp]

I'm doing a ton of highway commuting (4 hours a day) lately, so having something with shaft drive and good wind protection is paramount.

And the whole point of this thread is to try one out. If it's too boring, I'd want to know that before I threw down some mild-effort earned money.

Should be good for that.

[RandyO]

shaft failures are real, happened to a close friend. not sure if particular years are more prone

[OneCheekRider]

I considered a GS once in search of similar amenities and had some serious sticker shock, including used. Bought a Tiger 1200 that has everything on your list which now has 65k miles and counting. Love this bike, going for 100k+. I just did a similar exercise and ended up with another Tiger (1050) that I'm keeping back East. I also cross-shopped the Super Tenere but found that rather dull, although still capable of serious hwy mileage. There were also a lot of sport tourers on my list if commuting/touring was the sole purpose but I do enjoy ADV stuff from time to time and the added clearance for jumping curbs in the city can be pretty great.

If you're commuting 4 hours a day on a regular basis, I could see dishing out the money to have the convenience of the 30L/~8ga tank on the GSA; fueling up was my biggest gripe after late days at the office. I ended up buying 14ga fuel jugs so I can fuel at home.

FWIW: Heated grips and a heated seat have really improved my commute. Once the weather consistently turns cold, heated gear is amazing although more effort to put on/off. Cruise control seems ideal for your 4 hour commute as well, but frankly, I'm more concerned about your mental well-being with that much time commuting, even on a motorcycle.

[TheIglu]

It's not every day, once or twice a week at most.

[OneCheekRider]

Once or twice a week? I'd just use the S1000XR you have listed in your sig assuming you still have it. I think a GS (or similar ADV bike) would have too much overlap for something you wouldn't be using every day. Unless this would replace the XR...