12Gs vs 1150Adv

[barry neves]

Hi fellas!
I would appreciate your views on which might be the best (safest buy)! A 2003 1150GS Adv with 22,000 miles on clock and BMWFSH or a 2005 1200GS with 6000 miles. Price and mileage differentials between the two models are not an issue out here in the Philippines - what I need to know is which would be the better bet in terms of reliability as the only dealer in the country is in Manila - 280 miles and a 24 hr ferry ride from where I live! I would be grateful for any feedback - Many thanks - Barry Neves

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Bearing in mind the remote dealer location, I'd go for the 1150Adv everytime

I have both of the machines you are talking about and prefer the 1150Adv

Beside the 1150Adv is far better looking, don't you agree...............

 

[Nick Marshall]

agree with johnny

you would have to be very unlucky to get a bad R1150GSA...

 

[Uinneag]

What he said

 

[Scooby]

Agree 1150GS ADV...

By the way JohnnyB! he was asking about a 1200GS your picture of the 1200GS has seemed to gain some weight and accessories

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Agree 1150GS ADV...

By the way JohnnyB! he was asking about a 1200GS your picture of the 1200GS has seemed to gain some weight and accessories

Same motor, different add-ons.......................so bugger all difference

 

[Colban]

The 1150 every time.
At 20K on the clock-just run in.

 

[cherokee]

Easy choice

1150GSA everytime.......

 

[Scooby]

Same motor, different add-ons.......................so bugger all difference

Cute reply?? He was asking about the 1150GS Adv and a ''standard'' 2005 1200GS !!

Now clearly from your post you replied that ''you have both'', which I tried to make a little light humour of.
I will let you into a little secret they are not the same you have a 1200GS Adventure I am sure BMW will be glad of your evaluation on two different models being the same

 

[Darren@Vines]

1150 GSA. As they dont have key readers and Fuel pump controllers and bloody can-bus

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Cute reply?? He was asking about the 1150GS Adv and a ''standard'' 2005 1200GS !!

Now clearly from your post you replied that ''you have both'', which I tried to make a little light humour of.
I will let you into a little secret they are not the same you have a 1200GS Adventure I am sure BMW will be glad of your evaluation on two different models being the same

From a mechanical engineering point of view there's bugger all difference between a 1200GS and a 1200 GS Adv

 

[Deadskin]

you would have to be very unlucky to get a bad R1150GSA...

+1

 

[GS TRV]

so much for progress

 

[barry neves]

Many thanks for the many helpful (and it appears unanimous) replies in favour of the 1150GSA! That is the route I will be going. Had a 2003 standard 1150 a couple of years ago and loved it so it appears that newer is not always better. Coincidentally, and confirming all your suggestions, an employee from BMW Manila called me this morning and his comment was "You are a long way from Manila there in Cebu and the 1200GS has some technology that sometimes requires diagnostic attention that can only be resolved at a dealership". As near to straight talking as you will get and straight from the horses mouth. Many thanks again for taking the trouble to reply to me. Barry Neves

 

[jan]

barry,

gimme a call nd i'll let you drive the adv again, remember you rode it at andy's last year?

cheers, jan

 

[gsbiker]

I've just read this thread with great interest! I am very suprised that everyone says go for the 1150Adv but I can understand the argument why. I've been reading alot today from this forum about the issues and problems people have been having with their 1200GS's which has dissapointed me cause I want a new one. I love the latest everything but it seems these 1200GS are not as well built as the BMW badge and reputation would suggest. I'm now more confused - should I continue along my path of 1200GSs?

Paul.

 

[Bryn]

Paul, whenever you get a group of people on a forum discussing a particular product it will seem as if the problems have been 'Concentrated' There's probably a great many 1200 owners that are pleased as punch with their bike, and had no problems at all... its all a bit relative...

Saying that I'm sticking with my 03 1150 ADV for a bit longer, but I won't discount the idea of getting a 1200 at some time in the future... as they're lighter/more power

If you go for a 2nd hand 1200 then try to find one thats been 'sorted' by the loving previous owner

 

[tw99]

I've just bought a nearly new R12GS.

From what I read, the EWS failure seems to be fixed with the latest recall, and the '08 bikes have a different setup for the fuel pump controller which ought to resolve that problem.

I owned an 1150RS previously, and that was hardly a paragon of reliability, so I'd take all the pro-1150 stuff with a big pinch of salt...

The 1200 motor is smoother, the gearbox is less clunky, the technology is a few years ahead of the 1150 generally.

Basically: If you like the 12GS and it puts a smile on your face when you ride it, just buy one !

 

[barry neves]

Reply to Jan

Hi Jan! I haven't got your number. Mine is 09193829161 should you care to txt me! I am in Cebu and I think it may be my pal Tom who rode Andy's bike - I have yet to try out an Adv! Cheers - Barry

 

[phooey]

I've had both bikes and wħilst I completely loved my 1150 ADV ( can't be that many of those with diddley mileage around ), the 08 1200ADV feels just as good if not better.

I think the handiest advance is ESA such a convenience.

The screen, instruments and headlamp are better on the 1200 IMHO and the handling is at least as sweet.

Not done much mileage yet ( its got 4300 on the clock ) but enjoying every single one of them.