Advice / Help on buying a R1100GS...

[Nando654321]

[Added the below within a thread, but thought it best adding it as a new one due to it being a bit different to the ones available]


Hi All,

I am thinking of buying a BMW R1100GS and wondering what you guys think of them for my use (post reading my riding description below). Its a 1997 bike that has been well looked after and does look like it will last for ever. It was built on week 16 of 1997, hence it is the newer ones which I have been told are better quality than the "pre 1997" versions.

My riding:
- Live in London, hence 75% of biking is Central London heavy traffic
- Currently own a BMW F800S (just sold my other bike, a Triumph), the beemer is great for London traffic (zippy and plenty of acceleration) but horrible for motorway or anything above 60mph. Vibey and no proper wind protection. I did 110 miles to a mate and hated it. Was freezing cold, want a bike that will let me enjoy the miles instead
- Thinking of 1100GS as it is a classic and would allow me to do motorways easier. Feels like a future "classic" bike that I could keep for years


I really don't want to be spending ~£1k here and there fixing it all the time. If its in good condition as this one is, are they reliable? Its a 15 year old bike after all!?!


Thanks Nando

 

[Stewart H]

I ride a 97 1100 too, its great, the few things that can go wrong are well documented here, no plans to get rid of mine at the moment, I say go for it

 

[Nando654321]

Hi Stewart,

Thanks - however can anyone shed any light in relation to my points? Is it ok "vibey" wise at 70mph+?

Is it ok in heavy 45 mins+ traffic?

etc


Thanks guys
Nando

 

[MarkShelley]

I have owned my 97 1100 for over 3 years now an covered about 30K on it.
On long motorway journeys it is the most comfy bike I have owned (MRA adjustable screen fitted). It seems to be happiest sitting at around 85mph which is perfect as far as I am concerned as you are unlikely to get into serious problems with plod at that speed.
In traffic it is fine and the high riding position gives great visibility to see and be seen.
It has been extremely reliable apart from when the gearbox went pop about a year ago with 86K on it. A recon box and a new clutch set me back a lot of money, over £1500 including labour, but I felt it was well worth doing.

 

[Madmountainman]

I took a wrong turn on the Brussels ring road once, ended up going through the centre during one of their big government meets and things got a wee bit hot, stuck in traffic with panniers on. If you're commuting in London an 1100 will be fine without boxes on, just not as nippy on the handling front due to it's size. Oh, and the mirrors are just the right height for clobbering white van mans mirrors! They're very smooth for a twin, with few vibes getting through to the rider. Though one person's sensitivity isn't the same as another's. Get a test ride on one if you're worried, get heated grips and waistcoat for when it's chilly and you'll be fine.

 

[Jurassic Mark]

I commute in London on mine and have done for 6 months now. I think it does a really good job of this, top box only on bike. Not done many motorway miles so can't really comment on this. I found the sitting position really uncomfortable - gave me a bruised tail bone. I am a big tall lad. Still think it's my favourite GS and I've had 100GS,1150GS and 1200GS. Feels like it is well over engineered. I hope to keep it for years and I think they look great. Go for it, hopefully you will be smiling as much as I do when I ride it.

 

[Flintlock]

I also own a 97 1100GS-best bike i have ever had (my 12th)-go for it & good health to enjoy

 

[MattW]

Hi Stewart,

Thanks - however can anyone shed any light in relation to my points? Is it ok "vibey" wise at 70mph+?

Is it ok in heavy 45 mins+ traffic?

etc


Thanks guys
Nando

I've got a 94 1100 (so one of the very early ones). I love it and can't see myself changing it any time soon. Vibes wise, it's all down to how well the throttle bodies are set up - done well, they can be silky smooth pretty much right through the rev range.

Heavy traffic is a different matter. They're effectively air cooled (ok, oil cooled heads but no forced air over the oil cooler), so can suffer in heavy stop start traffic, that said I've only noticed it on really hot days (not generally an issue in the UK!) and even then it's never been a real problem. Use good quality oil (oh no, did I mention oil...). But, I don't commute on mine, so it's not really an issue for me.

Of more concern might be the clutch - the boxer twin dry clutch life can suffer in heavy city traffic but I guess riding style will be a big factor here. Steptoe is the man to ask about this (or indeed anything to do with BMW's) - he's been servicing and repairing London BMW's for donkeys years.

 

[ahutcheon]

OK, I've never ridden an F800S, but I'd be surprised if an 1100GS was smoother at motorway speeds or had significantly better wind protection. My 1150GS is a great do-anything bike, but it vibrates compared to (for example) a Honda VFR750 and a bit of wind and weather leaks around the screen.

I'd vouch for an 1150GS as a motorbike any day of the week. But if the benchmark is that a modern 800 can't cut it for 110 miles?

 

[Nando654321]

Hi Guys,

Genuine thanks for all the advice. Asked a bunch of questions to the dealer as well (service history? old MOT certificates? What service have you given it? etc) and am awaiting their reply.

Couple of questions to the advice you have given;

- How do I get hold of Steptoe?

- ahutcheon; the F800S is a great town bike, really enjoy it there but in the motorways my hands go tingly pretty quick and wind protection is up to my stomach... the 110 miles was around 1'c temperature and raining heavily, the bike was solid on the ground but was cold through and through, with tingly hands and frozen feet. Hated it.

I'm hoping that although town won't be as good, motorways will be far more comfortable...


Rgds Nando

 

[Madmountainman]

Hi Guys,


- How do I get hold of Steptoe?

Pay your subs and send him a PM.

- ahutcheon; the F800S is a great town bike, really enjoy it there but in the motorways my hands go tingly pretty quick and wind protection is up to my stomach... the 110 miles was around 1'c temperature and raining heavily, the bike was solid on the ground but was cold through and through, with tingly hands and frozen feet. Hated it.

Choice of screens, heated kit and various other bolt ons to keep the elements at bay, all available for the oilheads.


I'm hoping that although town won't be as good, motorways will be far more comfortable...


My 1150's fine on motorways other than buffeting from the screen, but then, i seldom go on motorways as a bike's for the winding roads and green hills.

Rgds Nando

Hope that helps.

 

[Nando654321]

Cheers

 

[ahutcheon]

- ahutcheon; the F800S is a great town bike, really enjoy it there but in the motorways my hands go tingly pretty quick and wind protection is up to my stomach... the 110 miles was around 1'c temperature and raining heavily, the bike was solid on the ground but was cold through and through, with tingly hands and frozen feet. Hated it.

Not sure I'd enjoy that on any bike (although I've never tried a full-faired tourer). Those conditions are more tolerable on my GS than on some smaller, sportier bikes I've owned.

 

[ClassicBertha]

Hi Nando,

I have '99 R1100GS that I have owned since 2003. I have only managed to cover 20K in that time, which is pitiful I know, and in that time I have only had to replace the Hall Effect Sensor (common problem) that I bought secondhand from Motorworks and has been fine since and a rear paralever bearing. I do my own servicing and in my opinion, the finish is much better than later models. My bike can be filthed up and will come up like brand new with a bit of Mer and elbow grease.

I find these bikes to be great all rounders. Brilliant on the twisties, comfortable on the motorway and has great road presence. In terms of commuting, if you are not used to Oilheads,I would say they need a higher level of rider input due to the engine and physical size of bike. That said, it might just be my riding . I have a Honda NTV650 and that is far easier for commuting in my opinion. All in all, the GS will do anything you throw at it in style! Buy it and enjoy.

Brad

 

[Nando654321]

Hi Brad,

Thanks to everyone but especially Brad on replies, you're all making me feel more comfortable on swapping my 5yr old bike for a 15yr old bike! Still to confirm to the dealer though...

I have owned the following BMWs (amongst other bikes like Triumphs):

- F650CS
- F650ST
- F650GS
- F800ST
- F800S (current bike)

As you can imagine, yes I am a BMW fan... but was worried about the R1100GS being a 15yr old bike thats all.

I think the answer is, I am giving up town riding comfort to have better motorway/winter riding comfort. That works for me. Plus I have to keep checking the oil all the time!?!

Also, I will be buying a future classic bike that is built like a tank - it will keep going on and on and not break down on me that often. Plus will get my money back (or thereabouts) easily, especially May-Sept time if there ever was a need to sell it.

I won't get anywhere fast, but will get there comfortable and with ease no matter what the weather, that works for me.

Thanks guys, I'm still worried about the age but I think I'll go for it.


Rgds Nando

 

[Cogs]

Bought my first 1100 in 2000, on my third now having done over 100k since.

Have ridden the 1150, 1150 ADV and 1200. All good, but I still go back to my 11s.

What am I saying??

No, don't buy one! They're crap! get one of those nice shiny 12s and leave the old metal for us Luddites to suffer with...

CoGS

ps, never sold one, first was DOA after RTA in Spain, #2 is still languishing in the back of my garage, also RTAd in Spain awaiting the TLC it deserves...

 

[Vern]

Buy one, ride it and enjoy it.Very little goes wrong on them, so you might as well look for a pretty one up to your budget

 

[Felters]

Hi Guys,


- How do I get hold of Steptoe?


Rgds Nando

You don't. Steptoe gets hold of you...

Alternatively click the advert for the GS Shop at the top of the page.

You'll be fine with the 1100. Keep it narrow at the back by using a top box rather than panniers and you'll be filtering with the best of them.

They are a fantastic long distance tool - cruise nicely at 70-90 and are very well made. They are also pretty straightforward if you need to do something by the roadside. Minimal electronics and whizzy gadgets. Fit an MRA screen - and bugger off round Europe.

 

[Nando654321]

Hi All,

Talked to the dealer and got ready to do the deal. Went to check the insurance cost before closing the deal...

Should have done that first... Started at £1,604 and then went to BMW who quoted ~£1,000 and the MCE at £957

All around double the insurance I pay at the moment, hence unaffordable! Real shame as I was starting to look forward to it if I'm honest.

sorry to have wasted your time, but I really can't do it at £1k insurance, I suppose that's the problem with living in London and having a driveway plus no garage!


Rgds Nando

 

[Ant1967]

Wow a grand to insure a GS I must be to old at 45 it cost me £110 fully comp

Tony