1100 vs 1150 vs 1200

[javuchi]

Please, tell me what variant do you prefer and why.

I just like the 1200, but too much expensive in this moment for me, and I'm afraid about maintence, which I think is better in 1100....

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Comparison of GS models

If you believe in BMW progress and the money spent on research and development you should not be surprised to learn that the 1150 was a great improvement on the 1100 and the 1200 is another leap forward. I have had all three and thought each in turn was the ultimate. My neighbour also has a 1200GS - and a R100GS. He tells me that to ride the old bike occasionally really makes him appreciate the huge advances made. Brian

 

[stumpi]

While the 1200 is the latest and argueably the best bike, the 1150 GSA is the ultimate and no comparisons can be made.

It has more presence than the 1200, and in my opinion is more of a bike and truer to what the gs is meant to be.

Of course I own one so am heavily biased.

 

[skybluebird]

I'd agree with Stumpi. And I own the GS1150 Lite, so I'm not biased. Or is that

 

[slystewart]

1150ADV

I agree the 1150 ADV looks the part as BMW might be going down the road of so many of the large trail bikes lighter and smaller are better ..then lose what makes the bike so appealing...dont own one but very soon will

 

[JohnC]

I was in this same position a few weeks back and I chose to buy a low millege 1100. I had enough money to buy a a good 1150 or 1200 but my reasons were that I intend to do high milleage and intend to keep the bike until it is no longer fit for that purpose. I have heard of 1100's with 160,000 miles on the clock and personally have seen a friend of a friends 1100 bike with 120,000 which looks as good as new, no rust, no corrosion, simply a well sorted and very reliable form of transport.

 

[Davey B]

Brian...where in the Vienne are you, we have a barn under renovation just into the Creuse near St Leonard de Noblat. One day I'll get down there on my 1150...which is my third and i am more than happy with. Until they fullt sort the 12

 

[GSAde]

If you have not ridden any of the bikes before I'm sure you'll love the 1200, but be aware that the 1100 (which I've had) & the 1150 (which I've got now) were similar bikes to ride, the 1150 was an evolution of, and IMHO an improvement on the 1100.

The 1200 is a very different bike, which I personally didn't like - which is why I've got an 1150 Adventure on order

They're all great bikes - get a few test rides if you can - it's your choice as to what suits you.

Oh & if you decide on an 1150 or 1200 I would avoid the servo assisted brakes - thats MY opinion. Check out information on this board by searching on brakes & decide on your priorities before you make your mind up.

Cheers

Ade

 

[Vern]

1100 no question,I'll come and see you next week and make sure you know why

 

[Alphason]

Without a doubt the 1200 is far superior in every department. Don't just take my word for it, ride them all and you'll know which is best for you.

PS While you're doing your search on servo brakes, as recommended by Adrian, remember that those who are satisfied don't generally start a thread entitled ' I love my servo brakes and I've had no problems whatsoever'

 

[SQD8R]

I've owned the 12GS only. I love it but can't give a fair opinion on the other models only to say that owners of them rave about them. I'm guessing a test ride will probably narrow it down. Good luck. I can't imagine maintenance being that much of a factor. It's been easy for me.

26,000 km and loving it

 

[Brian ROSEN]

1200GS in Vienne

Sorry Dave (Bolder) you have got the wrong Vienne. We are about 20 miles South of Lyon and just off the autoroute A7 so we get plenty of visitors. We are within esay reach of the channel ports and from here the Med is not far nor are the major ski resorts. Marvellous countryside for biking - the Ardeche is half an hour away and the Drome and Provence within easy reach. I live at the top of a narrow windy road with about 20 corners and some hairpins just 2km from the town centre but 100 metres higher.. That's why I have a GS! Brian

 

[GSAde]

Alphason

I've also had no problems with my servo brakes (for 19,000 miles) but I do find the failures worry me, not hearsay - a mate of mine had it happen & said it was "bloody scary". I swapped my last bike to get ABS - I just wish I'd got one of the last ones with ABS but without the servo (it does rob the brakes of feel, but not as badly on the 1200 as on the earlier 1150's like mine) - my new GSA will have simple old EVO brakes, and I shall probably keep it for many years - might not ever have anti lock but at least should always have brakes

Cheers

Ade

 

[sjf]

Having owned both 1150 and 1200, I would say that preference would be a personal thing given that the bikes are so different as to be difficult to directly compare.

My preference is for the 1150 ( I sold the 1200 and will now buy an 1150 Adventure before they disappear) for the following reasons in no particular order;

1) Looks and street presence. 1150 built like a rock whilst 1200 built to save weight - Tank side panels feel like cheap plastic and don't fit perfectly, pannier mounts drop off, panniers flap in breeze, top box mount takes four times as long to instal and cheap fasteners easy to thread, etc etc)

2) Power delivery - one report shows that 1200 makes half as much torque below 3000rpm and you really feel it.

3) Engine feel - balancer shaft replaces thudding pulses of 1150 with tingling vibes which I found particularly annoying because the narrower diameter handlebar grips are less well padded.

4) Seating position - 1150 more in the bike, 1200 more on top of it.

5) Clocks - I liked the added features of the 1200 but the 1150 clocks are far clearer and the fuel gauge actually gives you a clue how much petrol is in the tank !

In summary, if you would buy a Range Rover, go for the 1100. If you would buy a BMW X5, go for the 1200.

 

[javuchi]

So probably I'm going to buy a recent 1150.
I have found one from 2003 with ABS, heat grips, exhaust and 20.000km for 11.000 euros (spanish price).
I have asked to buy a 1200 in BMW, but it is so much expensive, and I apreciate your opinions about 1150.

You said servo brakes are not good, but, exactly, why? Is there anything wrong about them?

 

[~Stef~]

Please, tell me what variant do you prefer and why.

I just like the 1200, but too much expensive in this moment for me, and I'm afraid about maintence, which I think is better in 1100....

Of course its the 1100 at least on that you can see where your going in the dark. Cant say ive noticed any difference between the 1100 or the 1150

 

[GSAde]

Servo Brakes

1) Are very powerful.

2) Can be difficult to control & snatchy (I've had one for 19,000 miles and their fierceness still sometimes catches me out)

3)Have been reported to fail, leaving you with very little braking power - a friend of mine actually had this happen - frightening.

I love my 1150 but have just ordered a non servo GS Adventure for the reasons 2 & 3 above.

2 above is my opinion, but I'm not alone on that one - 3 is fact, but you may think the advantage of ABS outweighs the above - I'd still recommend you click on the "search" tab at the top of the page & search on "servo" & "brake failure" at least you'll be informed.

Whichever bike you buy you'll enjoy

Ade