BMW 1150 GS Adv - France / Belgium / Luxemburg

[richie]

I don’t think I’d change my bike or riding style to keep up with mates.
Would prefer to change mates if they all blat around at warp factor 9.

Indeed, if you can't keep up on a 1150, I wonder how safe the speeds were, oh and don't get me wrong, I have been known to blat along myself, in days gone by

 

[twizzle]

I would say that two bikes on your list - the Africa Twin and S10 would be no different in the real world then the 1150.

The KTM and Triumph being faster - as long as your riding skills are up to it.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I don’t think I’d change my bike or riding style to keep up with mates.
Would prefer to change mates if they all blat around at warp factor 9.

That is very true
Going at Warp9 gets very tedious after a while & you miss so much too, of the countryside

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Certainly, if I had longer legs a sorted 1150 like yours would be on my list too, but I’m a shorty, last time I chased Chris my number plate flew off

And I wasn’t having a pop at JB…had the pleasure of meeting him and he’s a fine chap. JB, if I was being obnoxious/dickhead my apologies. It wasn’t intended

None taken, you’re fine

I was merely pointing out that he has a bike he wants already, in the main

Chasing the next bike rainbow isn’t always a good idea (unless you must have double the power & speed)

Better to mod your current steed if it floats your boat for 90%, that other 10% missing (comfort and suspension) is attainable

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

GSA12 11-12 - I don't see the point it's still on the sluggish side I used to rev mine out all the time and it never seemed overly happy about it, imo try get a 2014 GS LC. The first quickish GS and I personally found coming from a 2011 GSA, more modern feeling, and a LOT faster and smoother. Ive probably owned about 40-50 bikes and I rate it as one of the best, I did 10k miles in a year no problems on it, although it did need a new clutch pack.

 

[Mad Hatter]

Why don’t you ask your mates to slow down a bit and actually enjoy the scenery you’re blattering past at a rate of knots?
I had the same with 5 of my friends always trying to go full throttle, overtaking everything possible and having near misses every time they went out! There’s absolutely no enjoyment in that sort of riding for me so I completely stopped going out with them. Best thing I ever did. I only ever go out on my own now. I can go at my own pace, stop for a coffee / piss when I want, take loads of photos, wild camp ( they’d only ever go to hotels which also I don’t like ) etc……..
That may be seen as being “ negative “ by some but it’s only been a positive for me. I don’t give a shit what other people think anyway. It’s so much more relaxed, enjoyable and I’m not constantly worried about getting knobbled by a scamera van.
The 1150 ( although it can shift when needed ) will never be a sports bike so why try to make it one?
Like JB says, put road tyres on it instead of semi knobblies ( I have Conti Road Attacks on mine ) and Ohlins and it made a huge difference to its handling.
Just my look at things anyway. Some dickheads on here ridicule that thought process but they’re too obnoxious / condescending to see anyone else has a different view to theirs. . Each to their own innit.

Couldn’t agree with you more Udders

 

[Paul Young]

Sounds like the trip was more straße than gelände, so my take would be to swap the 1150 onto alloys and street tyres. Add in some supple suspension and your 1150 will turn, track and feel much, much better. A John Gemi chip or a PC3 and some dyno time makes a big difference too, and costs a lot less than £7k.

I can’t say I’ve had any difficulty keeping up with (and sometimes passing) much more exotic and younger bikes. This is mine ready for 9days at the IOM and I also pack more than I need…

 

[Nando654321]

Get some proper road biased tyres on YOUR 1150, put some Ohlins on, front & back, get rid of that stupid exhaust can and you'll be able to keep up with all the others (why have you got 2 panniers/topbox and a tankbag on seat, for a few days away and only you - shed some luggage weight too!!!)

Been riding with others over the last 2 days and the lead rider was on a well set up 1150 GSA

Once the roads opened up, in the North Pennines, we never saw him again until the next junction 3-4 miles ahead and the others were on a Ducati MS1200/Tiger 800 and F800GS (me on a Tenere) and we all had more power and/or less weight than his 1150 GSA

It's all in your mind, anyone can be fast on a straight..............but A to B on twisty roads, there ain't much in it

Ola JB

Ok some updates;

- you’re right about the luggage off course, we can always pack less. The extra bag on the seat has tools for the group and a big ish first aid kit (I’m a first aider) plus spare bike oil which I used. Rest of space is snacks, water, spare gloves etc
- the top box and panniers then have my wet overclothes (was supposed to rain but luckily for us didn’t) and usual extras. Simply put, I had the space and it was used across the Fri to Mon
- Bike changes, I partly agree that indeed suspension especially will make a difference

 

[Nando654321]

add a R1200RS to your list. Unless you really need an adventure bike it is a much better bike for commuting and road touring.

I have in the past owned a R1150GS, XTZ1200 and Triumph Explorer and used all for commuting into Gloucester. The RS with it's narrower profile for filtering and lower centre of gravity wins hands down for road riding. RS bars go under van mirrors.

I have a friend that commutes from Kent into Canary Wharf. He was riding a KTM and then a Tiger 800. He now has a R1200RS and agrees it is a keeper.

PS I am also curious as to what the fúck you were carrying in all of those boxes & seat bag for a weekend away!

Hey W

- what was in the boxes - see JB response
- 1200RS, absolutely a bike I have sat on as it’s soooo much cheaper than buying a GS… but unfortunately I just didn’t find it as comfortable. It just wasn’t. In all honesty, would rather pay the extra to get the GS which for some reason is ultra comfy for my size and height. Otherwise I would be there with ya on the RS

 

[Nando654321]

Owned several 1150’s and three of your four shortlist (missed out on the KTM)

Was most confident on the 2011 R1200GS. Best bike for me overall was the Africa Twin. At your budget an early AT is doable. TC R1200GS will cost you the same at similar mileage. I’d buy either was in the best nick



I always pack far too much too. Been trying to stop without success

Yep agreed G00

The 1200GS and the AT are decent indeed but it’s crazy that a 2017 ish AT is same price as a 2012 GS! It is what it is. I’m in no rush, the 1150 is still a great bike so will continue looking slowly

 

[Nando654321]

Why don’t you ask your mates to slow down a bit and actually enjoy the scenery you’re blattering past at a rate of knots?
I had the same with 5 of my friends always trying to go full throttle, overtaking everything possible and having near misses every time they went out! There’s absolutely no enjoyment in that sort of riding for me so I completely stopped going out with them. Best thing I ever did. I only ever go out on my own now. I can go at my own pace, stop for a coffee / piss when I want, take loads of photos, wild camp ( they’d only ever go to hotels which also I don’t like ) etc……..
That may be seen as being “ negative “ by some but it’s only been a positive for me. I don’t give a shit what other people think anyway. It’s so much more relaxed, enjoyable and I’m not constantly worried about getting knobbled by a scamera van.
The 1150 ( although it can shift when needed ) will never be a sports bike so why try to make it one?
Like JB says, put road tyres on it instead of semi knobblies ( I have Conti Road Attacks on mine ) and Ohlins and it made a huge difference to its handling.
Just my look at things anyway. Some dickheads on here ridicule that thought process but they’re too obnoxious / condescending to see anyone else has a different view to theirs. . Each to their own innit.

Ola U

Sorry I thought I explained on my original post, I actually enjoy the pace that’s not the issue. Riding alone is nothing that we should hide or think differently, let’s face it a lot of us on this Forum are getting a bit older and we are more confident on doing biking how we enjoy it, I’m all for it.

I agree that if in the end I do keep it, tyres will be going (the back needs to change for its MOT anyway) and the suspension would need a change by the looks of the replies.

 

[Nando654321]

In fairness I agree with most of what JB says and would add that some additional training would be worthwhile (regardless of ability).

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Yep agreed - IAM in the past as I used to do SERV work while I lived in London (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers)

 

[Nando654321]

I don’t think I’d change my bike or riding style to keep up with mates.
Would prefer to change mates if they all blat around at warp factor 9.

Hey A

As per my comments earlier - I actually enjoy riding with the group, I don’t have an issue with how we ride. It’s not super bikes, it’s more that we are luckily all around the same level and hence harder for me to keep up. There’s no secret sauce here, just some thinking of a bike with a bit more oomph and that’s likely to be the last of the oil heads generation (1200GS 2011-2012)

 

[Nando654321]

None taken, you’re fine

I was merely pointing out that he has a bike he wants already, in the main

Chasing the next bike rainbow isn’t always a good idea (unless you must have double the power & speed)

Better to mod your current steed if it floats your boat for 90%, that other 10% missing (comfort and suspension) is attainable

You’re probably right JB, but there is always that temptation for the unicorn bike! Hahahaha

Let’s face it, with these crazy bike prices at the moment I’ll probably stay put! Have you guys seen it? Literally a small mortgage for 10 year old steeds…

 

[Nando654321]

GSA12 11-12 - I don't see the point it's still on the sluggish side I used to rev mine out all the time and it never seemed overly happy about it, imo try get a 2014 GS LC. The first quickish GS and I personally found coming from a 2011 GSA, more modern feeling, and a LOT faster and smoother. Ive probably owned about 40-50 bikes and I rate it as one of the best, I did 10k miles in a year no problems on it, although it did need a new clutch pack.

I have ridden a Liquid Cooled and it’s not doing much for me… I also worry about getting the early versions and having electrical gremlins, at least with the 2012 oil heads I have Steptoe nearby to fix things!

 

[Nando654321]

Sounds like the trip was more straße than gelände, so my take would be to swap the 1150 onto alloys and street tyres. Add in some supple suspension and your 1150 will turn, track and feel much, much better. A John Gemi chip or a PC3 and some dyno time makes a big difference too, and costs a lot less than £7k.

I can’t say I’ve had any difficulty keeping up with (and sometimes passing) much more exotic and younger bikes. This is mine ready for 9days at the IOM and I also pack more than I need…

Your bike looks ace Paul. Very nice

 

[Cook1e]

Second whoever said a bit of tweaking:
Y-piece, PC3 and half an hour on the dyno.

 

[Bloomers100]

I still have Arsey's old Africa Twin 1000. The longest I've kept a bike. Bike before was 1150 GSA. You won't find that extra power you seek on the AT. I've no complaints and it will stop me writing cheques that my skill can't cash, but you do have to plan things out a bit. I sometimes wonder about KTM 1290s but I would get myself in the shit one way or another. I had a 1200TC as well - nice bike but ugly.

 

[leadfarmer]

Hey A

As per my comments earlier - I actually enjoy riding with the group, I don’t have an issue with how we ride. It’s not super bikes, it’s more that we are luckily all around the same level and hence harder for me to keep up. There’s no secret sauce here, just some thinking of a bike with a bit more oomph and that’s likely to be the last of the oil heads generation (1200GS 2011-2012)

Grab a late model Varadero, they’re uber comfy, great protection, brilliant engine, handle surprisingly well too

At UK prices you should be able to get a minter and have cash spare if you want to upgrade suspension or baggage etc.

 

[johnnyboy]

Yep agreed - IAM in the past as I used to do SERV work while I lived in London (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers)

Try training beyond IAM. These people are a good starter for 10, a bit pricey but you get what youpay for. Best to do the 1 to 1 training. https://www.rapidtraining.co.uk/

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