1150gs vs 1200gs air/oil cooled

[Brows]

Hi folks
Been looking at a few 1200gs adventures how do they compare engine power wise compared to my 2003 1150gs the 1200 are around the 2012/13 model year the last of the oil/air cooled ones I think .
Many thanks Darren

 

[peepingtom]

15% more power and a nicer ride that feels lighter all round a better bike.

 

[Flipfly]

They'll both happily do 80-85mph all day long (which in the real world is all they need to do). The 1150 has a ton more character, but the 1200 is a more modern feeling bike.

I'm still looking at the 1200, but can't bring myself to part with the 1150.

For all the talk of more power, it's only when the the pace goes higher than my comfort level that my 1150 shows it's lack of oomph. It'll still hold a fast enough pace for me to be the overtaker rather than the overtaken the majority of the time. An S1000XR will mince either of them in a straight line and through the twisties, do we really choose a GS for it's outright pace?

 

[(RIP) trickytree]

Regular riding buddy has a twin cam GS and I can say hand on heart that my Rockster has never once lacked power. On a group riding trip to Scotland last year I was the only 1150 amongst a sea of 1200's and again had no trouble whatsoever.
For real world riding on today's roads the 1150 is all that I personally could ever want power wise.
But.....the 1200 guys are equally enthusiastic about there 1200's. 5+ mpg better economy soon mounts up if you do a lot of miles. There lighter (and certainly feel it pushing them in and out of the garage, the 1150 is a bloody heavy lump), and have more gizmos and farkles if that's yer thing.
If I were looking to buy for the first time a 5 year old 1200 with 25-30,000 miles and a fully stamped book seems good value this time of year but I simply couldn't bare to part with my 1150. Soon to be fitted Öhlins and a Sargent seat is only going to make the old barge even better so it a big thumbs up for the 1150 from me

 

[phooey]

with ALL of the above. I have an 1150GSA '05 which is turbine smooth and all day comfy. Not much technology compared to my '57 plate 1200 gs with its sensors and computer. The 1200 SERIOUSLY needed an aftermarket seat but is much lighter feeling, a fraction nippier and you can pop it on the main stand without needing 2 ppl to assist you.

Practicality wise I'd take the 1200.

In the heart rules head stakes the 1150 every time.

Try both and see which you gel with most.

Maybe I am just lucky but in 12 plus years of GS ownership and many thousands of miles never had any reliability issues with any of them. Whichever you pick I wish you many happy (s)miles with these rather good motorcycles.

 

[hutchy]

Decent 1150 about 4k

Decent 1200 about 6 - 8k

I often look at the newer models and even make enquiries now and then....

Then I look at my 2004 1150gsa and think, what's the point?

I have never needed anymore than I have in the last 3 years of ownership and have ridden with all sorts of bikes over the last 25 years.

One thing I love is people that underestimate it in the twisties, granted straight line most big bikes will slap it about but there is little fun in straight lines.

But in the twisties I have happily left well behind a VTR1000, a blackbird, a KTM, GSXR etc etc .

My point is if you learn to ride an 1150 make sure she's running 100% you will not need anything more.

Good luck

H



Sent from my SM-T230 using Tapatalk

 

[Dusty]

I agree with all the above....

tried to move onto something newer last month but found it hard to let go of the 1150gs, its nearly 15 years old, has just had new shoes ,new hyper pro spring upgrade and lots of farkles , makes me grin ear to ear everytime i ride it.

looking to keep it now as my touring traveller, so bought a MG v7 stone to knock about on....

if i was going for something newer S10 or stevilo would be my weapon of choice...newer Beemers just dont flick my boat....

good luck

 

[KMD]

I have a 2000 1150 GS which I've owned for donkeys years and covered 55,000 miles on. Ohlins front and rear, Remus exhaust. I also have a 2006 1200GS with only 6,000 miles, Remus and Ohlins from and rear. The 1150 is the better bike by a substantial margin.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Interesting thoughts.......

But most of you know mine already

I have been tempted by newer bikes...........but none add up to the sum of the parts of a 1150 GSA

They seem deficient in some areas..............maybe they lack character and soul

 

[Wrinkly]

I've owned a fair few GS's over the last 12yrs, and every variant from the 1100 through to the latest 1200WC, with the exception of the early 1200.

Discounting the 1200wc they were all nice bikes in their own way, the best in my opinion being the 1200 Twin cam.

1150 gsa, whilst a very nice bike just lacks a bit of performance at times. If this is your type of bike, then the Guzzi Stelvio is a much better package, but again does lack a bit if grunt at times.

If performance doesn't come into the equation, then for me it would be a nice 1100.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Agreed Steve

No point having performance in N Yorkshire - too many camera vans (4 more being added for 2016)

65mph is ample

 

[sven]

I actually thought the 1150 was a bit dull after the 1100; a bit too sanitised. The early 1200's didn't float my boat either, but the 2008 MU with ESA was a big improvement with more power and stiffer suspension and the 2010 TC engine was better still.

I ride two-up nearly all the time and the extra grunt for quick overtakes, particularly with luggage is always welcome IMHO. It also makes scratching on twisty roads more fun too

 

[Brows]

1150gs vs 1200air/oil cooled

Hi folks
Thank you for all advise on this ,much appreciated I'll stick with the 1150 for now,has anyone had a remap done on a 1150 if so any great difference.
Darren

 

[Flipfly]

I have a power commander 3 on mune and it makes it a bit more torquey, but only worth it if you can get one second hand imho.