1150 GS v's Adventure??

[ridersofthelosttrail]

Hi

I am getting closer to having the readies in my back pocket to get either a standard 1150 or an Adventure.
Can someone point out the differences, and particularly the ride differences between the two bikes.
This bike will definitely be used for trips into Morocco and hopefully further to Senegal, and also be used off road (and I mean off road!!)
Many Thanks from a newbie.

 

[AndyT]

In my experience they both ride the same but the GSA has higher suspension. I think the travel is the same its just higher but it may be slightly more travel. Seat height is the main difference so depending on how tall you are is a factor. Both are very heavy for real offroad.

 

[illustratedman]

adv feels and is heavier, not as manageable but feels more planted in my opinion, large tank on adv more range if you get the big tank that is, adv had option of different g/box lower ratios in 1st and 6th. For serious off road i'd go smaller 650/800 or 660 super tenere with a bit of road comfort as well.

 

[mrsroynie]

I had intended to buy an 1150GSA in 2005, to replace my F650GS. However, when I actually sat on one in Vines, I found it off-puttingly tall - even with a 34" inseam - so I went for a 1200 instead. I now have a standard 1150GS which I can comfortably flat-foot, indicating a fairly substantial difference in height between the GS and the GSA.

It has to be said, I've had a far greater variety of riding experience since 2005, so the additional height would be unlikely to put me off these days.

 

[MikeP]

When new, the differences were:

Lower sixth gear (standard on both versions after a transition period).
Longer travel (and about an inch taller) suspension.
900 ah battery (compared to 700 ah).
Higher output alternator.
Optional and then standard 30 litre fuel tank (the smaller tank remained an option).
Taller, wider screen.
Single bench seat with a different rear carrier.
Extended engine protection bars.
Larger sump protection plate.
Optional cat code plug for running lower octane fuel.
Optional fog lamps (with mountings made from cheese).
Optional (later standard) jump-start post on starter and left-hand cylinder.
Optional lower first ("enduro") gear (the only certain way to know if this was specified is to check with a dealer for the options list when new).
"Black" (sort of purple-blue) anodised wheel rims.
Braided, clear sleeved, brake and clutch hoses.

Optional tart's handbag levy on the SE owners.

 

[ridersofthelosttrail]

Thanks for all your input.
I guess I want the impossible, as I live close to the crossing with Morocco, and every now and then, fancy a trip over there.
However, the bulk of the use will be to run on / off road tours in our area of Andalucia, in conjunction with the complete off road experience we run with Suzuki DRZ's.
It sounds that the regular 1150 might be the way forward, as it is lighter. I could always have a spare higher capacity tank if I want to do the bigger trips.

Is there a noticeable difference in the ride between the two bikes???

 

[illustratedman]

Is there a noticeable difference in the ride between the two bikes???

Yes definitely

 

[AndyT]

Is there a noticeable difference in the ride between the two bikes???

Not in my experience. Both bikes handle extremly well considering the size.

 

[The Sea Dog]

Is there a noticeable difference in the ride between the two bikes???

Personally no, the GSA has longer travel suspension so a little more movement but that's it, as Andy has said handling belies their size.

 

[ahutcheon]

It sounds that the regular 1150 might be the way forward, as it is lighter. I could always have a spare higher capacity tank if I want to do the bigger trips.

The standard tank is far from small - I get 350km or more before the light comes on at touring pace. The higher sixth gear on the standard bike is better for relaxed long-distance cruising and fuel economy (assuming conditions are good enough to roll along at 90km/h upwards, otherwise you might land up in 5th). The low first gear on the Adv is probably a big improvement off-road (I have a standard bike with the high first gear, soon as it gets steep/tight it would be nice to have something lower).

 

[Steptoe]

Is there a noticeable difference in the ride between the two bikes???

No - Apart from the small variation in ride height everything else is small cosmetic differences.