1200gs adventure - yeah or nay?

[Dickyboy]

Currently got two co cars & a Guzzi centauro chez dickyboy, but looking at going down to one car & a more suitable bike, got first dibs on a 2006 bmw r1200gs adventure with all the luggage etc with only 2700miles on the clock from a mate, but question is what to offer him without being over generous or insulting? Plus is a gs the right tool for 6ft rider & 5ft8 pillion as part of me is dying inside at the thought. Alternative idea is a k1300s with luggage for £4k that I've seen advertised locally

[weeksy]

The miles make it a tough question.

If it was say 25,000 I'd be saying £4500-5000. So if you go the top end of that you'd be doing ok.

[Dickyboy]

I must admit I was thinking £5k would be about right too, just have to take a butchers at it & see if I can sit on it okay without needing built up shoes .

[maccecht]

06 Gs despite being low mileage is still an o6GS. Known issues are the servo assisted brakes and final drive failures both expensive to fix. Get yourself a nice Tracer 900 or Tracer GT for the same money

[Gimlet]

An 06 GS would be dull I would have thought. But then again, with respect a Guzzi Centauro doesn't exactly set the world alight either. The K1300 would be much more exciting but with less legroom for a six footer and it wouldn't be my idea of an all-rounder.

If you like the adventure bike format and you liked the vibe of your old Guzzi, why not a Stelvio? You'll get a tidy one for under 5K. Reliability is very good (better than a 14 year old GS) and while it's not in the same league as the latest GS's or KTM Advs, it will be a far better bike than your Centauro, in comfort, performance, handling and build quality. They have been know to rack up some impressive mileages.

[Dickyboy]

Hmm, always spanners to be thrown in the works. Not set on adventure style but would need something that would do two up touring with ease. Did consider a Stelvio and also guzzi 1200 sport might fit the bill - as you can imagine I'm not adverse to "quirky"
What are the known issues with an 06gs in detail - or any links that I can explore?

[wheelnut]

Hmm, always spanners to be thrown in the works. Not set on adventure style but would need something that would do two up touring with ease. Did consider a Stelvio and also guzzi 1200 sport might fit the bill - as you can imagine I'm not adverse to "quirky"
What are the known issues with an 06gs in detail - or any links that I can explore?

It’s an early 1200, it will be as reliable as any other 14 yr old bike. Yes there’s a few big ticket items on them if they fail (final drive) but in general they are pretty reliable and there’s a good few independents out there to keep the servicing costs down.

If you’ve never ridden one before you’ll initially hate it. After the first 500 miles you’ll love it.

[Asian Boss]

I like the 2006 1200 Adventure and would have one (especially a low mile one) over a K1300S.

[Dickyboy]

Just had a read up on the final drve and brake servo stuff, sounds like strip and lube of the final drive plus correct flushing of brake fluid "should" avert most such problems on a low mileage bike
Any other views on price I offer him? £5k is still plan at the mo.

[Bigyin]

Have a look on bike trader at similar mileage bikes. You might get away with a lower cheeky offer but the 5K is about there or there abouts. For 2 up touring a GS1200 would lap it up easily especially if it has the vario luggage fitted as it can be expanded or made smaller with the flick of a lever. I had a GS1150 which was a piece of piss to hustle about at 6 foot 1 but the lazy power delivery of the flat twin was pretty bland after an inline 4 sports 600.

Have a look here https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/r ... bike-guide