BMW motorcycles

[jme5343]

Let me preface this by saying I'm only a about 40% likelihood of getting any bike.

I recently read Neil Peart's "Ghost Rider" and just finished watching "Long Way Round" which have both given me the fever. I've owned bikes in the past, but none in the last couple years since moving to the barren wasteland of the north.

But, I'm interested in riding again, and the 1100gs and 1150gs are reported to be quite comfy and reliable, but I don't see a lot of them for sale. Does anyone have experience with these bikes in particular? My hope is to find a late 90s model for sub 4k or so.

 

[JulesMaximus]

My best friend and riding buddy had an R1150R he bought used for about $7k. He sold it a year and a half later for $7.5k. I think that bike has the same engine as the 1150GS just with different suspension etc. I rode his bike a couple times and it was very comfortable, heated grips are awesome. It is a pretty heavy bike though. I think the newer 1200's are supposed to be much better.

BMWs are sooo pricey though. I'd also look for the newer Ducati Multistrada on the used market. They come up around here from time to time and can be had for many thousands off the new price.

 

[Occ]

For under $4k you may be better served by looking at a vstrom or F650ST. Should be relatively easy to find these in your price range. Locally, I see a 97 f650st for $2500 OBO w/ 37.5k miles, and a 2003 vstrom 1000 w/ 30k miles for $4000.

 

[simonizor]

nevermind.

 

[MiataNC]

Does it have to be a BMW?

The best bang for the buck in a long haul "adventure" bike that will see mostly paved roads is the Suzuki DL650K V-Strom. You can find them used and fully accessorized (hard luggage, etc) for @$4-5K. They are bullet proof, all-day comfortable and cheap to maintain/insure.