Compare.

[samz]

Still looking for my first GS. I was wondering how the 850 compares to the 1100/1150? I test rode a 1150 and thought the performance was ok. The 850 obviously would be less, but by how much? Any difference in weight, MPG, MPH etc?
Not expecting a rocket ship but don't wanna be saddled with a slug and longing for more.......of everything.

Any tips appreciated.

 

[rocky burns]

Still looking for my first GS. I was wondering how the 850 compares to the 1100/1150? I test rode a 1150 and thought the performance was ok. The 850 obviously would be less, but by how much? Any difference in weight, MPG, MPH etc?
Not expecting a rocket ship but don't wanna be saddled with a slug and longing for more.......of everything.

Any tips appreciated.

Buy the 1150

 

[Deleted account 220427001]

as the old saying goes no substitute for cc's so get the 1150

 

[samz]

Reasons? Just coz they have more "go"?

 

[shready]

Personally, I'd go for the 1100, a proper GS. The last GS before they became mainstream and horribly common.

 

[GARAGE HERMIT X2]

how can ANY 850cc motorbike be a slug, unless you want to be going 100+ mph everywhere, i'd be looking for the least complicated model regardless of cc, ie- no abs/sensor's etc, plus the model you feel the most comfotable riding on,

 

[Decster]

Get an 1150 single spark.

More parts available would be my reason.

Dont think any weight difference would be noticable.

850 Unladen Weight with Full Tank 243 Kg / 535 lb Dry Weight 225 Kg

1150 Unladen Weight with Full Tank 249 Kg / 548 lb Dry Weight 228 Kg / 502 lb

 

[Jurassic Mark]

Try the 1100GS. Less common for sure, better built and some say the 5 speed gearbox has better spaced ratios. Try them all and see which you like. Personally I'd go for the best condition / priced bike. If you really want speed there's a nice Blackbird for sale on the site for 2.5K.

 

[Deleted account 220427001]

more go and more torque !

 

[stolzy]

Get an 1150 single spark.

More parts available would be my reason.

Dont think any weight difference would be noticable.

850 Unladen Weight with Full Tank 243 Kg / 535 lb Dry Weight 225 Kg

1150 Unladen Weight with Full Tank 249 Kg / 548 lb Dry Weight 228 Kg / 502 lb

Quite, 3kg, its barely a decent lunch.

 

[Packer]

If you always ride within the posted speed limits and aren't interested in stretching your arms the 850 will be fine. They had a lower geared final drive so similar acceleration but not as good on the motorway. Some folk say that it was the smoothest oil head. I can't comment as no direct relevent experience.

 

[Packer]

Quite, 3kg, its barely a decent lunch.

A perfectly adequate lunch; 5 pints + a ploughmans

 

[STUBBS]

850 has better low end gearing than 1100 and will tours all day with 1150 and 1200

 

[JonF]

I did the best part of 100,000 miles on an 850, and now have an R1150 GSA. I've also ridden 1100s and 1200s a fair bit. The 850 is very little slower, as it has lower final gearing than the others. It is also better through town and will pootle along in a higher gear better than any other GS. However, it really could do with a sixth gear for long motorway trips. The 1150 has a bit more mid range oomph. Can's say I noticed any extra performance from the 1100 compared to the 850. Weight and fuel consumption is the same as an 1100 and for anyone with any NCD and age over 40 the insurance cost is the same.

 

[Trullion]

I would agree with that. The 850GS is great round town and pulls top gear at relatively low road speed. Acceleration is on a par with the 1100GS, because of the lower gearing. In the end though, after 11 years I got fed up of the high revs when on motorways and fast dual carriageways, so I opted to keep my 1100RS, which pulls the same revs in 4th gear as the 850 does in top. It's a shame it never made it to the six speed version, like the later R850R did. If the revs at cruising speed could have been addressed it would have been near perfect. Oh, and mine was never significantly smoother than my 1100 either.

 

[Orinoco]

850's not as common as 1100/1150's, that works both ways, so even though you might be looking for one, when (and if) you want to make a change be prepared to wait to find a buyer. As whatever the merits of the 850, most will be looking for an 1100/1150 if looking for a GS of that ilk.

Just my 2p's worth

 

[samz]

Went for the 1150 in the end.

 

[kevingrahambutler]

I've had 850r 120000 miles on the 1100gs 1150g s1200gs now have 1200gsa still got 1150gs,,,,,I've loved every one, I would be more than happy to tour on any one today

 

[Udders]

Went for the 1150 in the end.

Wise choice.