Cost is an issue. US$15,000 approx for a 1200GS + whatever you spend bringing it up to your spec.

I was recommending a used bike - if you look in the Flea Market forum of the Adv. Riders site, you'll find 1150's for US$8,000. There's a good chance they'll come with a host of extras that will have cost a lot of money (better lights, suspension, luggage & seats to name a few).

The 1200GS may be capable of an 8% increase in fuel efficiency but IMO, careful throttle use would get an 1150 to a comparable figure. Also note that the 1150 has a 10% larger tank (22 v 20 litres).

EVO brakes - the problem is not how well they work. I've only heard good reports about their performance. The issues I've heard concern the fact that they are elecrically servo-assisted with ABS. Fitting new pads, you need to push the pistons back in to the caliper to make space for new thick pads. On some bikes, this has upset the Control box & rendered the bike unusable until a dealer has rectified the problem.

I personally prefer bikes that are easy to work on. IMO, there's no need to have such complicated brakes. All that's needed are a m/cylinder, requisite number of brake lines & calipers, preferably fitted with decent pads This is why I went for a non-ABS 1150 that you can service by the side of the road if need be, without removing the tank. I originally wanted a KTM 950 but half the bike has to be dismantled before you can do anything to the bike. New model issues also steered me away from the KTM.

Steve

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