1150 or 1200?

[Adam-the-kiwi]

So, I've decided that I am going to get a GS and I've decided on an approximate budget - around $5000. It's going to be at least a month before I'm in a position to buy (have to get wedding out of the way first), but I'm fairly sure it's going to be a late 1150, although I'm not 100%. I'll be using it for road touring and some commuting, so I don't need an Adventure.

For me, the major pro of the 1150 is the relative simplicity - although it sounds like the 1200 is generally pretty reliable other than the known issues.

A downside for the 1150 is its lardiness - 250kg is a huge amount of bike. I'm slightly worried about it's ability in trafffic.

Aesthetically speaking: well, frankly, they're both fugly, although perhaps so fugly that they're good looking? I prefer the shorter beak and cast wheels of the 1200, but don't like the plastic side panels.

Whatever bike I buy I guess it will have fairly high mileage, although I understand that the GS is pretty resilient in terms of mileage. What should I be expecting?

So are there any reasons that I should change my mind and look at an early 1200?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

Adam.

 

[ovenpaa]

1150

If possible avoid the silver ones as they are slower.

YKIMS

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site Adam

I've had An 1100/1150/1150ADV and now the 1200 GS

They all have their own merits... I've not had the 1200 long enough to speak personally about its reliability... but the longevity of the 11XX's is well known. The 1100 anniversary I had was bought with 50,000 miles on it, and was as sweet as a sweet thing so milage isn't an issue if its been looked after.

The things I've noticed most with the 1200 is the lighter weight, quicker turning, and more power ( quite noticable)

Whatever you choose you won't be disappointed

 

[SALTY BALLS]

it's got to be a 1200

 

[Ringbolt]

A downside for the 1150 is its lardiness - 250kg is a huge amount of bike. I'm slightly worried about it's ability in trafffic.


Adam.

I too had the same misgivings about the 1150, but a test ride and now a few weeks of ownership and can honestly say that all my fears were groundless. The 1150 is a dream to ride, handling is excellent and I find it easily trickles along in traffic with both feet on the pegs. Most of the weight is low down and compared to my old Vstrom and the Triumph Sprint, at low speed the 1150 certainly has the edge. Filtering is not so easy because of the wide bars, but I can honestly say slow speed handling is nothing to be concerned about.

 

[D6]

rode both, still got the 1150, 1200 reminded me of something japanese, (not that its a bad thing), and theres still low milage ones about

 

[Decompressing]

1150....it's the original real-deal!!

As standard, it comes with masses of and and

 

[GADGET]

I`ve had all the variations over the years, last was an 08 GSA, current is an 1150GSA SE.

 

[Pukmeister]

Whichever you buy, you'll have made a good choice.

 

[nikos]

1150 without servo brakes!

 

[Adam-the-kiwi]

Thanks for all the info, particularly to Ringbolt for the info on low-speed manoeuvrability. I think that has settled it in favour of the 1150 as that was by far my biggest worry, although I'd be interested to hear from anyone that thinks the opposite.

Servo brakes appeared on the 1150 in 2002, just before the twin-spark model appeared, right? Was this an option?

Is the twin-spark worth going for?

The only aesthetic things, as I mentioned, about the 1200 that I prefer are the beak and the cast wheels. I've read several articles on here on wheels changing but, out of interest, are there any alternative aftermarket beaks around for the 1150? (Not that it's something I'd probably spend money on, at least not initially - just be interested to know).

Cheers - Adam...

 

[elevensies]

aftermarket beaks??? why replace something that dont need replacing. but yes if you have a look on touratec or wunderlic sites you will see carbon ones but they look the same as oe.

If your after a gs for a image thing , wrong bike

 

[Adam-the-kiwi]

No, definitley not after it for the image - who would buy a GS for its looks? Just interested as, from an entirely personal PoV, I think that the 1150's beak is particularly fugly and if I *was* going to do something to personalise the look of my bike I'd start there.

 

[nikos]

Servo brakes appeared on the 1150 in 2002, just before the twin-spark model appeared, right? Was this an option?

Is the twin-spark worth going for?


QUOTE]

I went for a 2002 model ABS but non servo and single spark. It's a little confusing as my bike has BMW marked callipers but is non-servo so I think that there must have been a transition during 2002.

I don't believe that the 2 spark is any better (Is the 1200 twin spark?)

I've ridden various 1200 s and apart from more top end performance cannot really say one is better tha the other - I did not notice any weight issues.

As I like to tinker a non-CANBUS model has its benefits too!

Good luck!

 

[L]

The servo models came out on 2003 model year bikes which were released in 2002, which is why it gets confusing. If a bike you are looking at has an 02 plate, it could be either... (early 02=probably non-servo, late 02=probably servo). Servo brakes bite harder I believe and is (IMHO) just one more thing to go wrong.

Twin Sparks came out on 2003 model year bikes too and the biggest differences are meant to be emissions and reduction of "surging". Though as a nonservo single spark rider, I've never felt the need for twinsparks or servos. Surging is most definitely a unique quality of BMWs that is non-existant on some bikes, terrible on others. I'm sure there is mountains of info available!

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Don't worry about the servo... you can always take it off when it goes wrong, like I did

 

[jack.pe]

Pesonally I'd go for a 1200 if you can afford it, it is more of a all complete bike for road riding. My 1150 used to buzz like a chainsaw at anything above 70 mph, I know you won't be using it for racing but if you like to be able to cruise around 70 -80 it is a right pain. 1200 engine much less vibey and more puchy.

 

[D6]

mines an 03 twin spark with normal brakes, like it from new, twas an option

 

[elefantmanshawn]

As with all things in life its all about the lenth of your arms and the depth of your pockets!go for the newest,lowest milage,best looked after bike your money allows or failing that say f##k it and buy new!

 

[ianboydsnr]

mines an 03 twin spark with normal brakes, like it from new, twas an option

mine to, superior blue and white as well

mine doesn't really vibrate untill around 90, 80 is smooth, and its certainly not like a chainsaw