Suzuki M50 for sale or swap for BMW 1150 GS (1200GS)

[arpa]

As it stated in the title, selling because I become more interested about "adventure" riding recently. Great bike, no regret to own it, I like every minute in the saddle but I have to admit I didn't do my homework when I returned riding after a couple of decades and I let my emotions drive me rather than the facts and practicality. Unfortunately I'm not in the position to fill my garage with bikes what I'd love to do as so many beautiful bike around for different occasions. That drives me to part from this bike. It is advertised on TM as well and I hope someone will fell in love with very soon. I'm itching to hop on a BMW boxer and start to explore the South Island (first).
The price indicative, I mean I'm open for reasonable offers and a trade obviously depends on the other bike. I have a couple of thousands to throw on a trade (I know this isn't too much, but I'm looking for something 2000-2005, i hope that isn't too optimistic).
Pictures and details are here: https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2306878595

[Navy Boy]

Nice looking machine - Good luck with the sale.

[arpa]

Cheers, I thought that will be easier to sell, but that's what it is. Recently re-listed here (https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2317017767) . Fingers crossed I'm realistic...

[sidecar bob]

Absolutely nobody with a BMW GS will trade for that style of bike.
I'm not being mean, it's just a fact.

[arpa]

Well, I know what do you mean and to be honest I wouldn't do it either... The description is pretty much help to understand my developing/changing of interest... Anyway, I hope I'll find a new loving owner for this bike as well, which doesn't mean I'm not in love with it, but I know something else out there for me.

[sidecar bob]

Some time ago I discussed with the local BMW dealer that I wanted a R1150gs or R1200gs,
The dealership owner told me to forget the 1150 & wait for a good 1200gs to come up.
I ended up buying his long term demonstrator loaded with all kind of goodies.
It's by far the best modern bike I've ever owned & im still excited about it around 8 years later.
Fantastic bike, & great loaded & two up on any kind of surface that was previously a paved road.
Dodgy loaded up on gravel & not appropriate at all on a farm track.
If you want a proper "adventure bike" for serious adventure riding you need an F800gs maximum.

[nzspokes]

Some time ago I discussed with the local BMW dealer that I wanted a R1150gs or R1200gs,
The dealership owner told me to forget the 1150 & wait for a good 1200gs to come up.
I ended up buying his long term demonstrator loaded with all kind of goodies.
It's by far the best modern bike I've ever owned & im still excited about it around 8 years later.
Fantastic bike, & great loaded & two up on any kind of surface that was previously a paved road.
Dodgy loaded up on gravel & not appropriate at all on a farm track.
If you want a proper "adventure bike" for serious adventure riding you need an F800gs maximum.Whats wrong with a loaded GS on gravel and farm tracks?

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[sidecar bob]

Whats wrong with a loaded GS on gravel and farm tracks?

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Two up with panniers & top box, washy front end big time.
Solo it's workable, but it's hardly ever used that way.

[nzspokes]

Two up with panniers & top box, washy front end big time.
Solo it's workable, but it's hardly ever used that way.So adjusting the ESA does not help?

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[SaferRides]

I've ridden 1150 and 1200 BMW's on tours in Australia. I can endorse what was said a few posts back - don't even think about the 1150.

Although they may look the same, BMW has made significant improvements to the GS1200 over the years. Buy as new as you can afford, and don't pay extra for the loaded models.

The adjustable suspension is worth having though. :)

[sidecar bob]

So adjusting the ESA does not help?

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mu bike doesn't have that TLA (three letter acronym)

[arpa]

Thanks for all these valuable info, apparently I still learning about the differences between models, try to evaluate things and pick the right one. I looking for opportunities to ride them and see the difference.
At this point I would be happy with a late 1150. I still have time to think and obviously to try both of them. With all respect, I feel the 1200 is loaded with electronics which is pretty much very useful, however not quite necessary in my opinion. So there is a tread off... Also I have one more task before the final decision.

[arpa]

Long story short, I sold the Boulevard and found a great 1150 GS to buy. I had to consider a number of facts prior purchase and after trying the 1200 and the 1150 I have made my decision. After all I'm the owner of this great bike now, probably early to say but I like it very much.

[sidecar bob]

Great upgrade from the disco bike, I still love my GS eight years on, you will find yourself going places that you hadn't even considered on the previous bike.
However capable it is, never mistake it for being a big dirt bike.:facepalm:

[Crab47]

try to evaluate things and pick the right one. I looking for opportunities to ride them and see the difference.
.

Im looking to get my full licence soon and was looking at bikes like your Suzuki M50 with the intent of cruising/ touring the south island.
can I ask, why did you deem it unsuitable ?

Im just a noob doing some research, thanks for your help

Josh

[arpa]

Im looking to get my full licence soon and was looking at bikes like your Suzuki M50 with the intent of cruising/ touring the south island.
can I ask, why did you deem it unsuitable ?

Im just a noob doing some research, thanks for your help

Josh

Yeah, it is quite subjective. The M50 (or any other cruiser) is a great bike in general. It has a certain character, beside that the suspension geometry, seating position ground clearence and weight distribution which works pretty well in certain conditions. I can tell you now, how much more fun to ride the GS (1150) than the M50. Simply because of the differences mentioned above. Not even talking about going off the tarmac. I'm also a noob, so probably my opinion is irrelevant because of lack of experience, and possibly over the time I could master a cruiser and go anywhere on it, just like an ozi bloke on Youtube, he does big trips on dusty roads two up on a same bike what I just sold. Anyway I'm in my midlife crisis (No2 i guess or 3?) so I rather spend my time on joyful rides than figuring out the best way to ride a cruiser no matter how good it looks. Back to the first sentence, you might love it, don't let me talk you off, I don't. Simple as that.

[arpa]

[QUOTE=SaferRides;1131141368]I've ridden 1150 and 1200 BMW's on tours in Australia. I can endorse what was said a few posts back - don't even think about the 1150.

Enjoyed my 1150 so much, I sold it for good, but no need for cash for a while. So I bought a 1200 GS, it will come from Auckland.... one more week to go before delivery... I wish I have time to ride it home... soooo exciting.