Fix or sell ‘07 GS ?

[shoot2miss]

Looking for opinions…. My ‘07 1200GS is in need of new shocks (still running the originals ) — confirmed this need with the local BMW mechanic. Ted Porter quoted me $1,300. I’d install them myself.

Here’s the conundrum…. The bike has 69,000 miles. Aside from the shocks it runs great. New clutch installed two years ago. Mechanic says good chance final drive will need replacing before 100K miles…that’s $1,500.

I want to stay with a hex or cam head, and see several in my geography with 20K-40K miles, and listed in the $7K to $9K range. Do I put $ into an 18 year old bike with 69K miles…or buy one for $8K and sell mine as is for $3K-$4K?

 

[88bmwjeff]

I would put the money into your hexhead before buying another one. 69,000 miles is really nothing, since these bikes can go much farther. Also, you don't know what a new to you bike will need, so it might not save you as much as you think. If you're willing to make the move, I would move up to a camhead, so you're at least getting some improvement over your existing ride. Anyway, that's my $0.02.

 

[shoot2miss]

More opinions?

 

[83014]

I would put the money into your hexhead before buying another one. 69,000 miles is really nothing, since these bikes can go much farther. Also, you don't know what a new to you bike will need, so it might not save you as much as you think. If you're willing to make the move, I would move up to a camhead, so you're at least getting some improvement over your existing ride. Anyway, that's my $0.02.

I agree. A camhead R1200R, was the best bike I’ve owned. I agree with the advice to fix what you have, but a camhead is nice. If you upgrade, check the status of the fuel strip if it has one. The latest strip has been dependable.

Doug

 

[kbasa]

With great shocks, you'll fall back in love with that bike again. Guaranteed.

 

[IronBa]

Personally, I'd keep your '07 (69k is just broken in). You know what's needed now and in the future. A new "used" bike is potentially buying someone else's problems and could cost you more in the long run.

 

[chasmrider]

I am wrestling with the same question. my bike is a 2005 R1200 GS 218,xxx miles. my front shock ( ohlins) is leaking and I need new tires, probably going to fix it and keep riding till something major breaks. i have been looking at cam heads though.

 

[kbasa]

I am wrestling with the same question. my bike is a 2005 R1200 GS 218,xxx miles. my front shock ( ohlins) is leaking and I need new tires, probably going to fix it and keep riding till something major breaks. i have been looking at cam heads though.

Not gonna lie. My 1250 is a significant improvement over my 05 in just about every way.

 

[Bugman98]

I'd keep it and put on the new shocks. If the current shocks are blown or worn, new ones will make it feel like a new bike. No joke. You also say you'd like your next bike to be a hex head too? The newest bikes of that generation are what, 15 years old at this point? That sounds like a lateral move to me, and not worth it. Good luck and have fun!