1100 v 1150

[Crazy Horse]

I'm thinking of getting a GS. I've seen a 99 1100 - one owner - FSH - serviced by the BM dealer who sold it originally (and is offering it now) - 34,000 miles. Also seen a German import - 2001 1150 - know nothing about it's history - 19,000 miles - a bit rougher around the edges. BUT it's an 1150 and it's done less miles. I know you can't possibly make an informed suggestion without seeing them but my heart goes for 1100 but my head says 1150 and fewer miles. Any observations? Anything I should be aware of in a 34,000 mile GS?

Cheers.

 

[Mick O'Malley]

Anything I should be aware of in a 34,000 mile GS?

Most of the running in's been done for you.

 

[Wolfman]

1100GS

I have a 1100GS, 32,000 miles, it's the dogs boll**ks,
The 1150 I had, gave me neck problems, so bought my 1100 back, she's now almost 7 years old, and other than a new clutch, she ran like a dream.

The cleaner bike is the way, and the 1100 was made better.

Gary

 

[Noddy]

Buy the 1100, its a far superior machine.

Mine is a 94 with 26000 miles.

Noddy

 

[Den]

Here is an interesting idea.
Since it is well known that the 1100 is the better quality machine, and in my opinion only lacks a sixth gear, hows about buying the gearbox, rear subframe and paralever from the 1150 and bolting them on.
The perfect combination.

 

[Max_Kool]

In my opinion it doesn't lack a sixth gear, no, it just doesn't have a sixth gear. That's a big difference. I never wish for one. On the highway you're always up there in the powerband instead of having to shift a gear down to get some proper accelleration.

Why would I need 6 gears on a big, twin-cylinder motorcycle with nearly 100 Nm's of torque? Seen any CBR600s with an 8-gear transmission lately? I'm afraid buying the gearbox, swingarm, rear end drive, rear subframe and paralever from the 1150 will cost you about an arm and a leg.

About the only thing (in my opinion that is) that makes an 1150 more attractive than an 1100 is the beak. And that can be fixed:

B-beak by B-art.

 

[Noddy]

Bloody wine after beer, I'm starting to see double !

 

[richie]

Disagree, nowt wrong with the beak, but the lights are crap...

Still this is still true on the 1150, I have 90000 KM on mine still going nicely ta very much (touch wood)

The only 1150 worth going for IMHO is the ADV it is seriously good looking...

Also I always thought that five was enough; but fifth could of been a bit higher

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Just buy the cleanest, most looked after bike you can within your budget.
1100's are - i think - slightly more reliable and slightly better made.
The lights are better - but more dated - as is the beak.
Seats are the same, tanks are the same.wheels are the same
Switchgear is of a newer design on the 1150 but not 'better'
If youre going to do a LOT of m'way miles then an 1150 has a more suitable top gear - otherwise an 1100 is better for 90% of the time.
An1150 screen causes more buffeting but gives more protection in std form than an 1100 - but the 1100 looks better.

A 34k 1100 in better condition than a tatty 1150 import ?

1100 every time

( 1150 box wont fit to an 1100. )