50,000+ mile 1100GSs ?????

[monkeylaughing]

Hi there folks - I'm new to the forum and thinking about getting a GS.

I've seen a couple of 1100GSs for sale at about £2500 but they're high mileage - 50,000 or more.

Any idea what (if anything) will need replacing on bikes that have covered this distance? Any known problems?
If it turns out I'll need to spend the best part of a grand on new suspension it won't be such a bargain after all.

Any thoughts on a cheap, high mile 1100GS?

Cheers people!

 

[Mouse]

I think the suspension on any bike that's done 50,000 miles will be on the way out, at the very least.

 

[Cogs]

High.... Nah!

I am currently running my 2nd 1100. The first was bought from BVM Stroud in 2000 with 51K on it for 5250gbp -A '97 model. It was mint and did a further 25k with no probs before being written off in an RTAn Spain in 2003. My current one was bought privately the same year for 4650gbp with 19K and has now done 54K. Both bikes were/are used daily for commuting and extensive UK and European touring.

Both bikes were professionally serviced by a local non-franchised BMW specialist, never needing much more than routine consumables. If I needed to acquire a replacement GS tomorow, I wouldn't hesitate to throw 2.5K at another 1100 with >50K on the clock, as long as it had a FSH and looked and rode right. And it was a black one.

 

[boxer]

Hi there folks - I'm new to the forum and thinking about getting a GS.

Welcome!

I've seen a couple of 1100GSs for sale at about £2500 but they're high mileage - 50,000 or more.

50k isn't a high mileage, especially on a well maintained bike. If the bike appears to have been looked after then that mileage shouldn't be a problem. For sure, someone will be along to tell you it's just run in. I think 100k+ is possibly the norm before any engine work.

Any idea what (if anything) will need replacing on bikes that have covered this distance? Any known problems?
If it turns out I'll need to spend the best part of a grand on new suspension it won't be such a bargain after all.

Someone may correct me here but the models prior to '97 had some gear box issues, later models were OK. Could be that any problems would have surfaced by 50k anyway. I'm sure somebody will advise on what to look out for on the gearbox front. You could try a search in the tech forum, that should tell you all you need to know.

That's about the only major I can think of at the mo. There's a few other points that are pretty easy and cheap to fix such as bevel box pivot bearing, weeping input seal on the bevelbox and alternator belt.

As for the shocks - OE shocks can be rebuilt and a search should get you a phone number.

Any thoughts on a cheap, high mile 1100GS?

Yes. Get one. Great bikes! The only items that have been replaced earlier than I would have liked on my 66k 11 are the RH throttle body and bevel box input seal.

 

[Andy Hird]

I'm selling mine.

1995 Black R1100GS
50,000kms (approximately 35,000 miles)
Heated Grips
ABS
BMW Tank Bag
German Import
Full Dealer Service History except last one (done by me)
New Gearbox and clutch about 4000 miles ago by BM dealer in York at a cost of £1000 (bill to prove)
Brand New (not reconditioned) starter motor

I've owned it for 4 years and it's been my pride and joy, never been used through a winter, and only ridden in wet weather when I get caught out in it.
It's in absolutely immaculate condition, probably better condition than about 95% of the 1999 models.

£3600

Cheers,

Andy

 

[Vern]

My 1100 has had quite an easy life really.Ok it had a baptism of fire when I got it,and it still cowers in the corner of the garage when I open the door,it's done well over 170000 miles now,and will still show most modern stuff a clean pair of heels.The front shock is the original,and the back got changed at about 145000miles for a fournales.

Buy it and use it,you can buy a brand new bike and have nothing but trouble with it,so don't let age or milage put you off.

Oh yes,welcome,even though you are probably a tosser,I'll forgive you that as you are after a mans bike.

 

[monkeylaughing]

Oh yes,welcome,even though you are probably a tosser.

PMSL!



But seriously, thanks Vern and you others for the good advice - my Tenere should be gone within a week and I can start seriously looking for an 1100GS.