That looks very nice, just my cup of tea
1150 vs 1200?
- Thread starter Bobmoz
- Start date
I love the black one. What saddle is that?
Hi Paul
Thanks
It was the original saddle I had recovered by a local upholstery firm. I asked for the stitching to be done that way. I also got him to level out the front to take the dip out of it
Wow that was the reaction I got between the two all the time. Could you do me a favour and elaborate on your reason if you don't mind. Don't worry not trying to start a keyboard war just interested is all and need to step back and think have I got the design skills of Stevie Wonder and Ray CharlesPrefer the colour scheme of the black one, butnice job.
Mine is white, too white, but I bought it like that and really need to introduce some black into my life 
(or sell it, mines posted FS on here somewhere)
I just think the black looks classy and I like the contrast of the red rear frame.
(or sell it, mines posted FS on here somewhere)I just think the black looks classy and I like the contrast of the red rear frame.
I asked the chap (I know him well and trust him ) who does all my powdercoating to do the sub frame Ferrari red. When I collected it he asked me did I like it ? of course I said ,his reply was good as that Red is Massey Fergusion redMine is white, too white, but I bought it like that and really need to introduce some black into my life
I just think the black looks classy and I like the contrast of the red rear frame.
You'll find loads of info if you do search.
I think in some ways the 1200 is a better bike from a purely riding perspective, especially the twin cam, that motor is superb. BUT if you look at the bike as a whole package ie simplicity, build quality, ease of maintenance, rider engagement value for money etc etc then the 1150 wins for me. 1150 gives the appearance of a bike built by engineers to be the best big adventure all rounder they could produce with little input from the bean counters. 1200 gives the impression of a bike built still to that mandate but with more input from the bean counters and converting riders to adventure bikes. Both great bikes but the 1150 is my choice as a long term keeper. That being said, the standard seat on the adventure is truly awful, especially for a slim/,light person, the suspension benefits hugely from custom shocks and the stock lights are truly terrifying if you want to make decent progress in the dark. If you buy an 1150 and intend to keep it, changing the shocks for decent custom tuned units really unlocks the potential the chassis.
I think in some ways the 1200 is a better bike from a purely riding perspective, especially the twin cam, that motor is superb. BUT if you look at the bike as a whole package ie simplicity, build quality, ease of maintenance, rider engagement value for money etc etc then the 1150 wins for me. 1150 gives the appearance of a bike built by engineers to be the best big adventure all rounder they could produce with little input from the bean counters. 1200 gives the impression of a bike built still to that mandate but with more input from the bean counters and converting riders to adventure bikes. Both great bikes but the 1150 is my choice as a long term keeper. That being said, the standard seat on the adventure is truly awful, especially for a slim/,light person, the suspension benefits hugely from custom shocks and the stock lights are truly terrifying if you want to make decent progress in the dark. If you buy an 1150 and intend to keep it, changing the shocks for decent custom tuned units really unlocks the potential the chassis.
Compared to the headlights on my R1200GSA TC the lights on my R1150 GS are amazing. The oil/air cooled R1200GS’s headlights are astonishing bad.
I've not ridden a 1200 in the dark but I've had 3 1150's one of which I rode year round and found the stock headlights on them shite on b roads and country lanes at night so the 1200 must be astonishingly crap. The 30 year old NC30 with its little twin round lights and halogen lamps is superb by comparison. I need to get some LED lamps to replace the halogens and see if that improves them.
They are. Before I had my 1200 I did a ride across the North York moors in the early hours on my 1150 with two mates on at that time new 1200’s. I was tail end Charlie and my headlight cast shadows in front of their bikes as their headlights were so bad. A was soon at the front leading the way.
I commuted on the 1150 through 2 winters riding between the Borders (Coldstream) and Edinburgh and never had an issue with the headlight and being able to see the road at 60mph, I’m convinced it’s down to the quality of the bulbs used in the projector headlight. The only time I had a problem was when I put a new bulb in and the lighting was very poor, swapped the low beam bulb for the high beam bulb and everything was fine.
That would be the only time I would ever ride one.
I’d be too embarrassed to do it in the daytime just in case I got seen.
Hello, I have been riding a 2001 single spark, no ABS R1150GS with spoked wheel since 2004. The 1150 is in Italy and I ride it every summer, it still goes well and my dad keeps riding it everywhere in Tuscany.
I recently got a 2012 R1200GS, so the latest air/oil cooled engine.
The 1200 is already a 13 years old bike, the 1150 feels a bit more ancient, but got a better/proper helmet hook.
The 1150 feels heavier, overall the 1200 got a more engaging engine with a bit more oomph and better suspensions/brakes, the 1200 offers a bit more manoeuvrability in the twisties.
I wouldn't make the decision based on the fact that the 1200 can be marginally faster as in real life you'll always catch up with traffic!
I found the 1150 a tad more comfy and perhaps stable at motorway speeds and beyond, there are less vibrations and perhaps slightly better wind protection, albeit I didn't not have the same helmet...
One day I'll join my father somewhere in Europe and I'll do a proper back to back comparison.
Chose wisely on condition and both bikes will be great, accepting the fact that these are not the latest fancy models and you get to keep a kidney and spend those money to ride...What's not to like?
Good luck with your decision, it's a nice problem to have!
I recently got a 2012 R1200GS, so the latest air/oil cooled engine.
The 1200 is already a 13 years old bike, the 1150 feels a bit more ancient, but got a better/proper helmet hook.
The 1150 feels heavier, overall the 1200 got a more engaging engine with a bit more oomph and better suspensions/brakes, the 1200 offers a bit more manoeuvrability in the twisties.
I wouldn't make the decision based on the fact that the 1200 can be marginally faster as in real life you'll always catch up with traffic!
I found the 1150 a tad more comfy and perhaps stable at motorway speeds and beyond, there are less vibrations and perhaps slightly better wind protection, albeit I didn't not have the same helmet...
One day I'll join my father somewhere in Europe and I'll do a proper back to back comparison.
Chose wisely on condition and both bikes will be great, accepting the fact that these are not the latest fancy models and you get to keep a kidney and spend those money to ride...What's not to like?
Good luck with your decision, it's a nice problem to have!
I would rather have a late r1150gs than an early r1200gs, same as I would rather have a late r1200gs hexhead than an early R1200gs lc .
I’ve had 2 1150’s and ridden five. The other three were rentals.
I’ve a 1200 hex head and it’s a superior machine. Get a 2008/2009. Mines a 2007.
I still miss my bumblebee 2003 gsa. Some prick on four wheels ruined the front end.
I’ve a 1200 hex head and it’s a superior machine. Get a 2008/2009. Mines a 2007.
I still miss my bumblebee 2003 gsa. Some prick on four wheels ruined the front end.
Rubbish…Heathen
Engine is dreadfully vibey though
If you’re talking about the one you had from me I completely agree!Vibey? Don't talk shite
But remember it had been hilltopped.
I think JohnnyBoxer was on the wind up to be fair.....
I’m going with most of the rest and saying 1150 (GS or GSA) but there’s lots you can do to improve them even more than the awesome bikes they are as standard. 1200 injectors, high pressure fuel pressure regulator, aftermarket shocks and exhaust are where I’d start if doing it all again. After that, wheels (unless you do go on rough stuff - I don’t) and newer forks/brakes. These 1250GS forks will work just as well with a standard 1150GS front wheel and you can use the 1250GS mudguard with it.
The best part is that the powertrain itself needs zero changes.
The best part is that the powertrain itself needs zero changes.
Similar threads
