2002 1150gs - why is this the best version?

[Renevator]

I read somewhere that the 2002 1150ggs is considered to be the best one to have?

I'm assuming when they say 'best' this is based on it offering the best combination of capability without too much complicated stuff to go wrong.
As far as I've read,it's better because it's a single spark, non abs version, and as such doesn't perform any worse but is much more reliable. Is there a lot more that I've not appreciated, that makes it a better ride or more desirable/reliable bike?

I see there's a nice SE for sale on here, but I gather these command a higher price just because they are a limited version, and the SE benefits pretty much come down to a special paint job plus a few added extras that most ownsers just add to their std 1150 anyway.

Or is the SE really that much better for other reasons?

I appreciate all the banter that goes on here between the various 1150 and 1200 camps, with each having valid reasons for their bike being a better version, but just wanted to understand why the 2002 1150 was better than the rest, or have I misinterpreted, and they are all as good/bad as each other, given the obvious about keeping a bike well maintained.

Cheers

 

[david a hall]

I have a 2000 1150, it has abs, in 72000 miles I have had to replace one bulb one battery and recently a fuse.
The only bike that would tempt me is the 2010 twin cam....

 

[MikeO]

The 2002 Adv had single spark and - if ordered with ABS - had non-servo brakes. The servo brakes have a reputation for failing and leaving you with 'residual' braking (I'm happy to say I have never experienced this), and the twinspark stick coils are a regular and fairly expensive failure.

The 1150GS Adv SE was an example of what BMW generally do at the end of a production run - a parts-bin special. They all started life as twinspark Advs with large tanks (these were an option on early Advs) and (I believe) low first gear (another option). This was coupled with a matt white paint scheme and a blue & white saddle. They definitely command a premium in price.

When I was looking for a replacement for my 2002 Adv at the end of 2012, I wanted a single spark non-ABS version, but was offered a twinspark servo version that was in such excellent condition I bought it, removed the servo and bought a couple of stick coils for when they (inevitably) fail...

 

[davegs]

The very best and fastest are without doubt the 2001 yellow ones.

 

[Udders]

My 2002 standard GS single spark, non servo ABS bike is just superb. It does everything I'll ever need a bike to do. Just completed another tour of the Scottish highlands without fault yet again. I'm off down the Alps 2 up in a couple of weeks and all I'm gonna do is change the oil first. Yes it has "agricultural" clunky gear changes and weighs a ton but I can't fault it. I could chop it in for a newer GS but what would I gain? A bit quicker and lighter maybe but would I benefit? Not really. I can do all the servicing myself which is a bonus because I know it's getting done right. Very few electrical gizmos to go wrong too. Parts are ready available and cheap. Go for it!

 

[Renevator]

The 2002 Adv had single spark and - if ordered with ABS - had non-servo brakes. The servo brakes have a reputation for failing and leaving you with 'residual' braking (I'm happy to say I have never experienced this), and the twinspark stick coils are a regular and fairly expensive failure.

The 1150GS Adv SE was an example of what BMW generally do at the end of a production run - a parts-bin special. They all started life as twinspark Advs with large tanks (these were an option on early Advs) and (I believe) low first gear (another option). This was coupled with a matt white paint scheme and a blue & white saddle. They definitely command a premium in price.

When I was looking for a replacement for my 2002 Adv at the end of 2012, I wanted a single spark non-ABS version, but was offered a twinspark servo version that was in such excellent condition I bought it, removed the servo and bought a couple of stick coils for when they (inevitably) fail...

Thanks Mike O, that explains a lot. I'll keep a look out for a good 2002 version

 

[Fanum]

Thanks Mike O, that explains a lot. I'll keep a look out for a good 2002 version

There are ways of dealing with the twin spark coil stick 'issues'

One (and the simplest) is to re-home the coil packs up out of the spark plug tunnel which is inevitably hot, wet and generally not conducive to the long life of a coil pack......many people have put them up next to the battery and then run a pair of sports or normal HT leads down to the plugs themselves......there is also a long running thread on ADVrider about replacing the standard twin pole primary coil with a 4 pole one (from a Ford F series I think) thus giving you a much more conventional HT system.

Like most TS riders, I've got a couple of spares tucked away (keep an eye on Ebay for a decent 2nd hand set from a scrapper and get them at a bargain then store them properly) and haven't bothered changing my system.......I may consider it in the future though.

The newer (grey capped) series replacements do seem to be lasting longer than the original (all black capped) series and I haven't had one fail in a couple of years now.

Not, IMO, a deal breaker or a reason to stick with a 2002 bike......

 

[metropolis2k]

I agree with Fanum, stick coils do go but the situation can be managed. The biggest thing for me is the difference between ABS2 and the servo system. If the ABS fails on my 2000 GS (and it did on a trip around Scotland) I can still ride it. If it fails on a servo you're stuffed.

 

[fatnfast]

2002 is the premium year . The abs brakes are not only non-servo, but the calipers changed to (IMO) a pair of more powerful Brembo's. In fact the exact same calipers are currently used on my 2011 RT1200 twin cam . I would say the optional black finished engine would be another bonus, there is zero corrosion on mine. Oh, and the blue and white paint job looks great.

 

[Renevator]

I agree with Fanum, stick coils do go but the situation can be managed. The biggest thing for me is the difference between ABS2 and the servo system. If the ABS fails on my 2000 GS (and it did on a trip around Scotland) I can still ride it. If it fails on a servo you're stuffed.

Yes, I appreciate that is quite a worrying scenario ! It's obviously easily avoided by getting a bike without ABS, but I'm not sure which bikes came with the servo system - will have to get more knowledgeable on this.
Very helpful info on the coils Fanum, thanks. Not sure I'd want to go to the trouble of changing the charging system on a GS if I get one,, but then again I have completely stripped my long standing VFR so I'm not averse to a bit of spannering. All part of the deal with owning a bike long term I guess. PCP is tempting just to have the latest shiny thing, but it doesn't encourage the sort of ownership reward most of you guys seem to enjoy

 

[Renevator]

2002 is the premium year . The abs brakes are not only non-servo, but the calipers changed to (IMO) a pair of more powerful Brembo's. In fact the exact same calipers are currently used on my 2011 RT1200 twin cam . I would say the optional black finished engine would be another bonus, there is zero corrosion on mine. Oh, and the blue and white paint job looks great.

Yes, I had read that the black finish is much more durable, good tip.
So, I'm now looking for a blue and white, Brembo equipped, ABS, single spark, black engined, blue wheeled, onlins equipped, y pipe + Remus or Akro shod 2002 1150........phew !.......GS or GSA?
Of course there is the distinct possibility I will see a reasonably priced 1200 somewhere along the line and forget all this good advice, ha ha!! er sorry, only kidding

 

[hughguzzi]

I've got a black '01 1150, s.s. abs non servo, usual bits have needed doing but has been faultless 62000 miles, off to the Alps next week with friends (3 of them on 1200's) and never had trouble keeping up ! Lovin it and can't see why I'd change !

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Yes, I had read that the black finish is much more durable, good tip.
So, I'm now looking for a blue and white, Brembo equipped, ABS, single spark, black engined, blue wheeled, onlins equipped, y pipe + Remus or Akro shod 2002 1150........phew !.......GS or GSA?
Of course there is the distinct possibility I will see a reasonably priced 1200 somewhere along the line and forget all this good advice, ha ha!! er sorry, only kidding

You'll only get a GSA with coloured wheels

 

[metropolis2k]

And you won't get a blue and white GSA except the SE which was 2005. Don't hold out your hopes for Ohlins on a second hand bike either. I looked for a second hand pair for a while but ended up going with new Nitrons instead.

 

[Timolgra]

Basically if it's an 1150 then you all have the best one ........ unless it's monkey piss yellow

Talk about de ja vous

 

[Decster]

I too vouch for the 2002 single spark GS, with black engine and stubby.