1150 gs, comments please

[SERVDAVE]

Hello,

Ive seen a few 1150gs for around the 5k-6k mark and was just after a few facts. ive ridden a 1200gs and abosutely loved i. But afraid they are out of my price range. I would look into a good 04/05 but I need the lowered suspension which was only available from 08 onwards.

I use my bike day to day, I do around 15k a year and do allot of motorway work as I am a bloodrunner with SERV (thus the name ) Also for those of you who are more adventures what are they like off road/rough roading? Me and the Girlfriend are gonna do a trans america trip and wondering weather the GS would be good for pillion.

All comments welcome, good and bad. Actual fuel MPG would be good as well as things to look out for when buying! Sorry for all the Q's but its times I became a tosser!

Cheers guys!

 

[Aidan1150]

Welcome along Dave.

You haven't said what height you are, but a standard 1150 is a fair bit smaller than an ADV so you shouldn't really have too much trouble with the height. There are lots of height challenged folks who manage quite easily with a GS once they get used to them.

As for crossing the Americas two up, have a read about Markus and Kariina who have spent the past year touring over there.

 

[tunnie]

i just put a deposit down on a 56 Plate GS1200, full panniers, full BMW history, brand new tyres front and rear, 12 months MOT, and 6 months tax, with a full tank of go-go juice. For £6,050

That was from a BMW dealer!

So get the full 12 month warranty too!

Never actually rode a 1150, sat on one. Felt damn heavy in comparison to the 12's

 

[Onwalkabout]

Welcome along.

I have had the 1150 gs for a number of years now and I still love the bike. I recently took a 1200 out for a run and to be frank it left me cold (although I have to say the 800GS I took for a run on the same day was a cracking bike). Maybe, its just that I now have the 1150 setup as I like it.

Anyway, from what you have described, the 1150 will easily fit the bill. I use mine daily, summer and winter, and it has been about perfect however there are a few things you want to consider. First, for motorway, you will want a taller screen. Plenty of comments on here about screens - the search button is your friend here. I have a Wunderlich screen and it suits me fine. Second is the headlights which are rubbish. A HiD insert will solve this problem. Again, a quick search here will lead you to the answer.

As for roads, with a bit of practice and the right tyres, it will tackle everything, but realistically rough roads, more than off road - 250kg is hard to throw about at the best of times, but it will surprise you!

Mileage - here the GS has it over the Adventure model as the higher ratio 6th gear is good for motorway slogging. The GS has a higher first gear over the Adventure, which some complain about, but I have not really found this an issue, even on rough tracks. In general the standard 21l tank will see you out to about 350Km by which time, it's nice to have a stretch. You can fit the bigger 31l Adventure tank if you want greater range (actually, you can fit pretty much any adventure piece with a few mods as they are the same bike in reality). Touratech and others do tanks of silly proportions but can make handling interesting.

My wife's opinion is that the GS back seat beats the adventure seat any day of the week. It's a perfect pillion bike. The seat is high and comfortable and the high torque engine means it pulls two effortlessly.

 

[KMD]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170379210290&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT



You could have a look at this one. I'm tempted myself as while I may have another bike alongside it, the only thing I'd actually change my 1150gs for is a mint low mileage example of the same bike, and this one looks like it could fit the bill. Well priced too.

 

[robroy]

Re the mileage question...

I track all the petrol through my 02-model 1150 (using the Accufuel app for my iPhone - nice app by the way). Most of my 13,000 miles since Jan 31 have been commuting except for 3,3000 miles around Europe in July and a few 600-mile trips to Wales.

Average since I bought the bike is 45 miles per UK gallon. I usually see the reserve light come on around 185 miles and get between 42 - 46 mpg each tank, although running on the Autobahn, even with a pillion, pushed this past 200 miles and 51mpg.

Hope this helps. Just buy it...

Rob

 

[SERVDAVE]

Thanks for the info, has all been very useful! I took a 1150gs with 48k out for a test ride and I have to admit I wasn't impressed, prefered the 1200! But am gonna try and take a 1150 with 20k on the clocks out as the one I took out today was a little rough round the edges!

Was good to know that I was tall enough, the main issue I had was very loud clutch antill it was warmed up and slight fuelling clitch when pullling away. Is this normal?

sorry to pick you brains guys but its kinda important I get this right! My ER6f is a good bike! I'd hate to swap it in for something that isn't worth it!

Cheers!

 

[peter wallis]

1150gs

right here we go,ive had an 1150gs for 2 years it is a 2003 model twin plug head no abs,ive done 20,000 on it including trips to north africa and several european journeys,bad points first ,its heavy especially with panniers and camping equipment and full tank with pillion ive seen 200 miles many a time to a tankfull [ive got the standard tank] mine drinks oil my mechanic says use 10.40 semi synthetic but ive been told to change it to 20.50 apperantly the engine doesnt need a sophisticated oil,its been very reliable the only fault ive had was an oil leak from the oil pressure sensor on top of the engine,my dealer changed the nut from brass to steel which cured it,ive got a adventure screen on but still get buffeted [i,m 6 ft 4] i rode on compacted earth for 100 miles in libya no problem ,i use metz tyres i think theyve got the edge over contis,once under way the handling is superb,but i find the engine a little gutless,on my last trip to the pyrennes i saw 2 broken down 1200,gs so i would steer clear of them,in fact my dealer told me 1,600 1200gs had broke down worldwide,i tried the 800gs at the motarrad show in germany this year,i loved it but would not buy one as it is chain,the 1150gs will do everything you ask of it but dont expect perfection

 

[Wrinkly]

Hi Dave,
I remember when i first started looking for a gs,my main concern was should it be a 1200gs or 1200gsa. Whichever it would have been purchased new and the 1150 had never entered the equation.
I loved the 1200 it went well handled well and was good with a pillion,i thought the esa was great.It was decided, 1200gsa with dynamic and premium pack.
I was primed to place my order,Joanne was agreed it was the bike for us.
I then rode a friends 1150 for about 40mls,i got off the bike thinking well that does not go aswell or handle as well as the 1200.
Within 10 days there was a 55 plate 1150gsa se sat in the shed,why?i don't know it's such a different bike to the 1200,no it does not handle as well it does not go as well as the 1200, but it has got something and not for 1 second have i regretted buying that bike,some will say they have got soul,me i'm not sure a piece of machinery can have soul,what i do know is that for me the 1150 has and continues to grow on me.
Give yourself 6mnt's with an 1150, if you decide it's not for you,you ain't going to lose a fortune you may even win a little and there could be more 1200's in your price range 6mnt's down the road.
BTW i think the one that KMD had put a link to looks like a very nice bike to me,always worth travelling for a good one.

Happy hunting

Steve

 

[Packer]

Within 10 days there was a 55 plate 1150gsa se sat in the shed,why?i don't know it's such a different bike to the 1200,no it does not handle as well it does not go as well as the 1200,

Happy hunting

Steve

I've had reasonable (all day) runs on several 1200GS's and it wasn't until I rode an 09 model year facelifted version that I felt as confident with the front end as I do on my 1150GS.

The 11½'s hold their value for good reasons

 

[vzzzbuxt]

1150's are a different ride to the 12oo. i love my 1150, and thankfully dont have to part with it.

they realy are just a great practical and fun bike, be you a commuter, adventurer, hooligan or grandad! LOLll runs great, and will do for a long time. ive seen 120k and 160k r1150gs' still being used and still serving their respective owners well.


as far as 'lower' suspension, the seat on 1150's has 2 adjustable heights, it also shares the same general design as the road going r1150r bikes and the susension is literally swappable 'bolt in' to drop it to road height if hats your fancy. likewise you could invest in 17'' ally wheels that drops the front down a bit too (predominantly it make the bike fall into corners quicker)

welcome and good luck finding summit you enjoy, id rate any of the boxers. ive had r1100rs r1100s r1150 rockster and currently a r1150gs.

ride safe

mines on 77k and sti

 

[SERVDAVE]

New bike on the way!

Hello,

Thanks for all your advice guys! After a few test rides I have just but a deposit down on a New 650gs twin! In Lava Orange Metallic. Went in looking for an 1150gs made the mistake of taking the GF with me and after sitting on one and testing riding it just had to have one!

All being well should be with me Friday for the weekend! I shall let you know when she arrives and how much fun I am having!

Safe riding!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The 650 afetr all!

This is the best buy on the market - especially if you are not too tall. If you are fitting luggage be careful - I had an 800GS and with the BMW panniers and topbox fitted, my wife who is NOT large, could hardly fit onto the bike. The 650 has plenty of power and my only complaint was lack of braking - but you will adjust to that. If I had bought that (instead of the 800) I would still have it. ( I traded the 800 in very quickly for a 1200 but when I get a little older i may go for the 650 or the mythical scooter that may come out..

 

[elevensies]

Hello,

Thanks for all your advice guys! After a few test rides I have just but a deposit down on a New 650gs twin! In Lava Orange Metallic. Went in looking for an 1150gs made the mistake of taking the GF with me and after sitting on one and testing riding it just had to have one!

howdee

did you say you were doing some big trips?

this may have been your first trip

 

[SERVDAVE]

Hey elevensies

Yes me and two friends and the GF will be doing a trans american trip in around 3 years time! I prefered the 650gs rather than prices partly on price but found it an easier bike to handle in the dirt!

Oh, and thanx brian for the heads up about the panniers! Im sticking with just a give top box till the trip. Evan when me and the GF go away a top box and tank bag is enough as we travel light!

Once I've put a few hundred miles on her I'll post some pics up!

Safe riding!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

A top box

"....just a give top box till the trip .." yes, that is essential - not to carry anything but to provide a feeling of secutity to your passenger;
When my wife is with me we fill the two cases, expaned to maximum, the top box and the Bagster tank bag; ( But thet is only on the way home ....from the market in town, two tortuous kilometres.)

 

[SERVDAVE]

Ha ha! Im sure I'd need all the ligguage I could fit if I took her shoe shopping! Sometimes its good to limit the amount of space, that way you can't fill it! HA HA!