1150 GS v F650GS

[twellens]

Right, this may seem like a daft question, but I am looking to buy an 'adventure tourer' bike to cruise around Europe and North Africa, maybe even parts of the CIS. I have considered the 1200GS, but really it is more than I want to spend at the moment. My budget is £4k, and I want a bike with panniers. I plan to buy gps and add other bits and pieces as i go along.

So the question is, for motorway and A/B roads, will a 650gs suffice, or will it always be a bit less than what I need? I don't need to go much faster than 100 mph, usually 90 does the trick. I seldom carry a pillion, but there are tiimes I do. And I am hoping to find a lovely lady friend that likes touring by bike. Or is it possbile to buy a 1150 gs for that price (I really should have looked at the classifieds before posting this).

Any suggestions, thoughts, constructive critisism, advice, warnings would be great appreciated. Thanks all.

Timm

 

[oblertone]

Four grand ...

... should get you a decent 1150, a very good 1100 or a mint 650 (single), all of which will easily accomplish the trips you describe; although sustaining speeds of 100mph may be a bit of an ask for the F650

 

[ahutcheon]

On motorways and A roads you'll probably like an 1150 more than a 650. B roads there's maybe not a lot to choose in real terms. Once you get off the tarmac, and more so the further you progress from gravel roads to rough tracks, a 650 probably makes a lot more sense. Not that the 1150 (or 1100 or 850) can't do it, it's more that I know what size of bike I'd rather pick up more than a couple of times a day.

No idea about prices.

I really like my 1150, but you'd want to be a Dakar god (I'm not) or on a 650 if you were on lots of muddy unmade roads. Where are you really going to spend your time? 90% tarmac => 1150, 75% dirt => 650. Ish...

 

[Andy80F]

Good advice so far and not so much I can add though having moved from a Dakar 650 to the 1150Adv I can perhaps perhaps give an opinion.

The 650 will get too and sit happily at 90mph but any more will be a struggle and where the 1150 still has a hefty punch left for overtaking at that speed the 650 will be lacking. However you will be stopping less for fuel in the 650 as the MPG is dramatically better (maybe newer big twins are better at fuel economy than my old barge). On the upside the 650 is inherently a stable bike when cruising perhaps due to its fuel being carried low down where a laden 1150 needs a bit of forethought and respect when not on the move.

Off road the 650 will be fun while the 1150 over the same terrain will be a challenge. I am not skilled off-road in any way but did try a few bits on the 650 which I'll not be trying on the 1150. However the 1150 is probably, in some instances, easier to lift than the 650 due to the cylinders (get good bars fitted) sticking out so far and partially raising the bike off the ground.

I found the 650 more "fun" though the bigger twin is probably ultimately more capable overall and what to get might be better decided on what is available. A good Dakar 650 with a few choice extras would be better than a so-so 1150 but if pushed I think I'd be looking for an 800GS as an ideal balance between the 650 and 1150 IMHO.

 

[powroll]

Dualsport

Have you considered the G650X range , challenge and country models?
I ride a G650X Country and its very comfortable ,balanced & pulls well.
Just fitted a smallish screen as going to europe soon and it seems up to it for less than 4K.

 

[stolzy]

Big touring miles, luggage, pilion (if you get lucky) camping? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

1150.

 

[Dansin]

Ride both and see what suits, both have their strengths and weaknesses. From experience, 2 up with luggage on the 650 is perfect cruising on A's and B's but you won't want to spend too long at 90mph. On the other hand it's far nimbler off road.

 

[Flipfly]

OK, I've heard enough

Having toured europe on an 1150 and a 650 here's my view.

If you want to speed around at 85-90, buy an 1150, simple.

If you are content to take smaller, twistier roads, and cruise at 70 - 75 then the 650 is a cracker. Through the Alps the 650 was awesome and plenty quick enough, but with that wonderful light chuckable handling. 650 can get 65-70 mpg if you ride below 80 too so much cheaper to run.

Off road.......no question, 650.

Huge luggage........1150

Comfort is subjective. I actually find the 650 more comfortable, but only at slower speeds. Once up to 80, the 1150 offers better wind protection and better comfort for 500 mile days.

I now prefer to do less miles per day, but see far more of where I am. Better to spend quality time wherever you are, than just fly through on the way to your destination imho.

 

[v8legend]

Right, this may seem like a daft question, but I am looking to buy an 'adventure tourer' bike to cruise around Europe and North Africa, maybe even parts of the CIS. I have considered the 1200GS, but really it is more than I want to spend at the moment. My budget is £4k, and I want a bike with panniers. I plan to buy gps and add other bits and pieces as i go along.

So the question is, for motorway and A/B roads, will a 650gs suffice, or will it always be a bit less than what I need? I don't need to go much faster than 100 mph, usually 90 does the trick. I seldom carry a pillion, but there are tiimes I do. And I am hoping to find a lovely lady friend that likes touring by bike. Or is it possbile to buy a 1150 gs for that price (I really should have looked at the classifieds before posting this).

Any suggestions, thoughts, constructive critisism, advice, warnings would be great appreciated. Thanks all.

Timm

I've never ridden the 1150. I've got an F800GS, and my last bike was a F650GS, however, I have ridden the 1200, and although the 650 is a brilliant bike, the 1150 is better in every respect apart from fuel consumption and off road. So if that's not important to you, then buy an 1150. You'll only regret it when you drop it for the umpteenth time, and get cheesed off trying to pick it up. The 650 is an amazing bike, punching way above it's weight, and seems quite happy at speeds up to 90mph, but there is no getting away from the vibration, plus the feeling that you're caning it.

 

[raginmund]

I owned a 650 a few years ago, and now the 1150.

The 650 is flickable, stable, and light. The only downside is that at 80mph+ it may rattle your fillings loose.

The 1150 is grunty, stable, and heavy. The only downside is poor balance at <3mph.

As the the others have said, 650 (esp Dakar) if one-up and packing light, 1150 if two-up and/or travelling loaded.

You'll have fun on either, just at different times and for different reasons.

Just my 2p.

 

[Packer]

What you haven't said is how big and how strong you are. Oops, that sounds but....

An 1150GS with ABS weighs 228Kg. Dry! Add 24 ltrs of fuel plus oil etc. and you have a 250Kg+ (¼ tonne) bike before you start adding panniers etc. and filling them.

If you have to unload it to pick it up on your own it is rapidly going to become a millstone around your neck. Go to a meet, talk to some people and see if one of them is prepared to let you have a go at lifting a loaded bike. Then imagine trying to do it for the tenth time after 8-10 hours of exhausting muddy off roading

I love my 1150 though and when I retire it will be taking me travelling. After I'v espent some time in the gym

 

[Underwatergoat]

If you have the time, money and natural ability go to Si Pavey and get as much training as you can. The 1150 is the best choice IF you are confident on it.
I'd swerve the 1200 personally as it is almost impossible to fix on the side of the road. The fuel mileage is very good on them though.

 

[Cooky]

For your budget I'd go for a KTM 950 Adventure. Simpler to fix, lighter/more manageable than the 1150 with more bhp and carries plenty of luggage and a pillion. Will off road also if that's on your agenda. I've owned both the BMWs you mention and the KTM and for that budget I'd go for the KTM. Just as comfy as the 1150 also if you get the KTM gel seat. The 650 is hopeless on the motorway particularly if it gets windy.

I own a 1200GS now - shame that's out of your price range

Good luck

 

[Timolgra]

The 650 is hopeless on the motorway particularly if it gets windy.

The 1150 is hopeless on the motorway particularly if it's snowing

 

[Jaq]

.. although sustaining speeds of 100mph may be a bit of an ask for the F650

...not on the 650 Twin though......

Hello Darling....is that you I can see in the distance behind me?..........

 

[twellens]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think it will be the 1150 for me, I am looking more for trips to through Europe and monthly trips to Devon, rather than cutting across Wales in a direct route!

If anyone knows of a 1150 close to London that is for sale, please pass on the details!

Ta, Timm

 

[Tonibe63]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think it will be the 1150 for me, I am looking more for trips to through Europe and monthly trips to Devon, rather than cutting across Wales in a direct route!

If anyone knows of a 1150 close to London that is for sale, please pass on the details!

Ta, Timm

Find a couple of dealers and test ride a few used bikes.
Don't forget the 650GS twin.

 

[Ferret55]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think it will be the 1150 for me, I am looking more for trips to through Europe and monthly trips to Devon, rather than cutting across Wales in a direct route!

If anyone knows of a 1150 close to London that is for sale, please pass on the details!

Ta, Timm

I agree with most (!) of what's been said above. I've had both recently (at the same time). I loved the fact that the 650 was so nimble, but found the riding position was too cramped and strain on the legs (wind) made long runs a chore.

I think the answer lies in a compromise between the 2. Tonibe63 is right - 650 GS Twin. Mine cruises comfortably, has a lot more "go" than the 650 single, but is still light and agile. The clincher is that there are some good deals available. especially if you go private. Saw one with full luggage for about £4300 recently.

Whatever you get, enjoy it and take care.