650 or 1100

[Nasty1]

Ok, if I am lucky I may have secured a temp contract job, trouble is it involves some traveling on congested roads. The commute would be about 70 mile round trip 70-30% motorway/A/B roads, the route is known to get almost gridlocked at times through traffic and accidents.

I reckon a bike would probably be the most reliable transport for all but the worst of the weather. I am considering either a 1100 GS (read here, their good for what they are?) or a 650GS (would prefer a Dakar but I maybe a bit short in the leg ). As well as a commuter I would like the bike as my first introduction to adventure riding (panniers etc) with maybe a few organised trips if the job goes permanent.

As I said I am a bit vertically challenged at 5'6" and 29" ISL, I sat on a 1200GS at the NEC but I am not sure whether they said it had the low seat or just in the low position, anyway I was almost touching the ground with the balls of me feet.

So what would you guys who have lived with them recommend or think. Obviously the mileage is going too build quite quick so finding a low mileage example would probably be wise?

Thanks for any advice.

Adie

 

[RadioActive]

Hello Adie,

I've got an 1100 and a 650GSD and use them both for my 88 mile round trip to work. It's a mixture of often congested dual-carriageway/motorway and country roads and I also go into central London sometimes. If I had to choose just one bike then I would definitely keep the 1100. When the motorway's clear it's so much better, for filtering on the A1M there's nothing much to choose between them (the bars are about the same width and with the lorries and vans that's usually the limiting factor) but in London the 650's a bit more nimble. On the country backroads I still prefer the 1100 but if it comes to off-road I'd choose the 650 'cos I can pick it up more easily!

I've only done road touring and that's been on the 1100 and a Transalp (Spain, South of France etc) and again for that I'd be fueling up the 1100 given the choice. My plans for the 650 are for un-made roads etc. I wonder what you mean by "adventure touring"? I've had my 1100 on forest tracks and it's been OK.

I'm 6' 2" and the 650 Dakar still surprises me when I come to a stop and the ground is further away then I expect! I've only got very limited off-road experience but tried both the 650GS and Dakar off-road and much preferred the Dakar - I just felt right for me - but I've not loaded it up for touring yet.

If you're going to do lots of commuting miles the chain on the 650 might be a pain.

Hope that's of some use. Oh - and in the winter the 1100 will keep your feet warm.

Chris

 

[Ash]

im 5'9" and my gs1100 is fine.650 would be cheaper to run fuel,service,tyres etc.but for longer runs,comfort,speed then ill take the 1100 every time.
as they say-you pay your and take your choice, hard one to call.

 

[Nasty1]

I wonder what you mean by "adventure touring"? I've had my 1100 on forest tracks and it's been OK.
Chris

Adventure touring.....Probably the likes of the organised trips to places like Morocco etc, so mainly road and gentle/moderate tracks. I have green laned on bikes for the last 3 years but getting fed up with all the BS politics over where you can ride so I have just sold my KTM 300 EXC and probably going to give that up.

Adie

 

[jonogs]

I've had my 1100 for about 5 years and it's great. The few times I've borrowed a 650 when the beast had been in for servicing I have always been underwhelmed.

I recently took the 11 to the beginners offroad day on the plain and had a ball . I have also been touring on it to Scotland, France, SPain etc and it's great. My mate rides VFR750s, the BM will pull away from him; especially if the road is a bit rough. Plus I can walk at the end of the day, he has knee/back ache etc...

My old 115mile round trip commute was also no trouble. As was said before, the smaller bike would be nimbler in heavy town traffic, but I rarely have a problem.

GO for the big 1100!!!!

 

[chrisbart]

Hi Adie, I've owned a 650 Dakar in the past and it was a great bike but for motorways and distance work the 1100 is far superior. I also have a 29" inside leg and find the 1100 much easier to deal with when manouvering.

There are some real bargain 1100s to be had these days and you wont regret the desicion.

Cheers Chris

 

[Ash]

looks like you need an 1100

 

[STUBBS]

i got rid of my 1100 gs and got the 850gs imho better than the 1100 better geared

 

[Nasty1]

i got rid of my 1100 gs and got the 850gs imho better than the 1100 better geared

850GS?

At the moment it looks like I will be looking for a good low mileage ( ) 1100 example then.

cheers

Adie

 

[STUBBS]

more of them in europe but were imported into the uk

 

[Crazy Horse]

...and the other thing to remember is the reliability problems of the 650gs. I had one - briefly - after my VFR became too uncomfortable. I loved it. Handled well, including M-ways (as well as its obvious ability on A and B roads). BUT I got sick and tired of having to replace the SHBs every 5,000 miles and the fork seals kept on weeping. I went for a second hand 1150 and haven't had a moment's trouble (three years) and the 1100 are reputed to be even more reliable. The service chief at a large BM franchise recently told me that even the new Dakars still need SHBs replaced every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. Can't be bothered with it... Go for the 1100 (I might try the new range of 650s out in the Spring tho).

 

[Micky]

Hi Adie

Noooo probs with the 650GS

42,000 miles, across Asia etc. a great 'bike. Will do everything the bigger 'bikes will do (except two up touring at 100mph) but cheaper, easier and more fun

Noooo contest (I sold my 1200GS-A)



www.adventure.gs

 

[talltony]

...and the other thing to remember is the reliability problems of the 650gs. I had one - briefly - after my VFR became too uncomfortable. I loved it. Handled well, including M-ways (as well as its obvious ability on A and B roads). BUT I got sick and tired of having to replace the SHBs every 5,000 miles and the fork seals kept on weeping. I went for a second hand 1150 and haven't had a moment's trouble (three years) and the 1100 are reputed to be even more reliable. The service chief at a large BM franchise recently told me that even the new Dakars still need SHBs replaced every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. Can't be bothered with it... Go for the 1100 (I might try the new range of 650s out in the Spring tho).

If you replace the crap OEM bearings with quality, i.e.NOT BMW,items and fit them properly you'll have no more trouble.There is nothing inherently wrong with the design.I can't believe anyone,least of all a 'service chief', could really think you need to replace SHBs every 5,000mls.
Tony