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[RadioDanNYC]

Hi All,


I'm going to purchase a new or slightly ridden bike within the next few months. I've narrowed my choices down to a triumph Rocket 3 Roadster (2010 or newer) or a 2009 or newer BMW R1200GS (or GSA).

As experienced owners, what would you say the benefits of owning a 1200GS over the Rocket 3 would be?


Thanks so much in advance for your responses.

-Dan
NYC

[Quanto12]

Hey Dan,

If I was more into cruisers, the Rocket3 would defenitively be on my list, its an awesome bike!!
That being said, the reason I chose the GSA was the versatility of the bike! I'm the curious type and I like to be able to go check what is at the end of that particular road whenever I can, that it be paved, dirt, some old wagon road or even a four wheeler path, the GSA or the GS can get me there! Sitting high on a bike is also a plus for me as you see better!
I would look at what you plan to do with the bike and go from there!

Ah ya!, One more thing, the GSA looks good clean or dirty, another plus!!

Good luck with your decision, I'm sure you'll love either one!

Art.

[RadioDanNYC]

Thanks Art! I'd really like the GS (or GSA) but the one thing that's making me lean toward the Rocket is maintenance costs. Are GS1200s really terrible? From what I'm hearing they're about $1,500 a year to maintain. Would you say that's about accurate?


-Dan

[marc]

Difficult question to answer. How many miles are you going to use it in that year? What is the labor rate at your local dealer? How much of the work will you do yourself? Are you including tires in that estimate?

If you do the work yourself parts will cost about $200/12,000 miles. A bit more when belts, plugs, and/or brake pads need changing, a bit less otherwise. That excludes tires which can easily add another $300-$600 in 12K miles.

Labor is a killer when it comes to overall cost. In that 12K miles assume a dealer will charge you for 6-8 hours of labor. At $100 (or more) per hour it adds up. Add another 1/2 ~ 1 hour of labor per tire change. So yeah, it could cost you $1,500/year if you are including tires.

[portablejohn]

I doubt there would be much of a difference in the cost of owning one bike over another (of the same age and condition).

It is kind of hard to built an accurate model, but you could figure it out pretty close. Remember, you have to do the same calculations for each bike, then subtract one from the other.

You kind of have "fixed" costs. Given the same number of miles per year, each bike will go through (approx.) the same number of tires, oil, filters, etc. The cost of these is likely to be similar. The shop rate is likely close as well (although, spending the money on tools/manual/ and doing it yourself is a good way to save.)

So we get down to the differences being: insurance, the interest on the loan (if you borrow the money), and depreciation of the bike if you plan on selling it.

[marty hill]

You need to figure out what you want. The 2 your comparing have nothing in common except for using 2 wheels.

[Quanto12]

Marc explained it pretty well!
To be honest with you, I don't pay much attention on the maintenance cost,as I have an account for it! I know bugets is important to all, but personaly if I would have check the cost of just owning a bike, I wouldn't have one in the garage!! So instead, I ride the GSA with a big grin on my face!! No regrets whatsoever!!!