2nd hand R1100GS: what to look for.

[Warthog]

Thinking; only thinking, mind... of a R1100GS to park alongside the 1150. Not really sure if its just bike lust, money burning a hole or a good idea, but the logic is that the 1150 would be thre trip bike: its already kitted, and the 1100 wuld be da-2-day, commute, larking about and off-roading bike.

I have a possible 1100 in mind, but its not in the best of nick (and not the worst) what sort of things should I be looking for on this sort of bike. Any known problems, faults, weaknesses?

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Your indecisiveness.

 

[Nasty1]

I can show you

Adie

 

[Warthog]

Your indecisiveness.

SILENCE, IMP!!! I'll have no isubordination from the minions!!

 

[FBF]

ive spent 2 months swotting up on 1100 buying and then found a bike. the key things i found were these

pre 97 bikes can suffer with gearbox problems at around 20,000+ miles,
the 95 models have a tank thats plastic and can bubble in the sun.
1999 was the last year for the 11oo but like mine a few were sold in 2000,
look for the same corrosion..
service history is essential really. mine had last 3 missing and the next service will cover all oils and bits that should have been changed in the last services so its costing me about 500 quid! and thats cheap...

 

[ktmmark]

I have a 1200 gs for trips etc & loved it so much i sold my car & got an 1100gs just as you say day to day & off road that was two years ago & it's been fine apart from the hall sensor failing
See lot's of don't buy early ones etc on here ,but i went on the it's made it 13 years so what the hell idea
Main thing is the gear box not jumping in & out of gear under full load & should sound like the 1150

 

[ELIMINATOR]

isubordination

What's that about? Jamaican speak for "Country is fed up with Isuzus"

 

[Warthog]

What's that about? Jamaican speak for "Country is fed up with Isuzus"

No, its a milds case of FTS.

Frantic Typing Syndrome.

Now, in to the brig with you!! Damn your eyes!!!

 

[Warthog]

Having dealt Trev a swift bought of 'hog justice, I'd like to say cheers for the advice folks.

The bike in question is a 97 so on the cusp as far as gearbox issues go. Its on 35K so I hope it will be clear if there is an issue if I ride it!!

As for you, Trev, it'll be twenty lashes!! Thirty if you ask nicely...

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Look for:

1997-1999 models. The best are 1998 and 1999 ones.

Look for lot of extras: 1) ABS 2) engine guards 3) Rider Information Display 4) Heated Grips etc etc other bits and bobs.

Make sure it has a good tyres, battery and recent service done, if not consider it as an investment and try to bargain some amount of money off on the bike from the seller.

Essential is to fit TT Hard Parts (cheap investment) if doing lot of 2 upping and offroad.

For the ultimate comfort on communiting and travelling a small additional investment would be nice to have also:
- MRA Varioscreen
- 25mm or 35mm handlebar risers
(- lower footpegs)

Nothing much else there. It's deffo the best ever GS package made for communiting and travelling both, especially looking at the current s/h market prices, nothing beats it on what you get at that price

 

[ELIMINATOR]

bought

I'm not buying anything Nick. Just doing the spell check for you.

Bought.......act of purchasing.

Bout...........period of time spent doing something.

Where's me anorak

 

[Warthog]

I'm not buying anything Nick. Just doing the spell check for you.

Bought.......act of purchasing.

Bout...........period of time spent doing something.

Where's me anorak

Feck.

I've sat staring at the screen for ten minutes and not a single smart arse comeback has come my way.....ITS BEEN A LONG DAY OK!?