Early 1150GS teething troubles??

[Steve the Kiwi]

Can anyone tell me if there are anything to look for with early (1999-2000 models) 1150gs's. I've looked around for a bit and see nothing bad about these years in particular. I know it's often the case that the first year or two of production there are inherent "teething troubles". Or are these bikes sound? After all there's not a lot of diference to the 1100gs?

I'm looking at buying a bike in the next 2-3 weeks( my first roadbike) and have noticed that after focusing on the 1100GS that an early 1150 would be in my price range. (just).
So i'm just thinking about the age old question of late model 1100 or a early model 1150?? I'm going to do alot of motorway miles so i figure the 6th gear would be handy....

Advice anyone...

 

[ianboydsnr]

there are no more inherent problems in early 1150gs's, than later ones, well servo later ones can have the servo fail, but IMHO, if you can get a mint 1100, that is preferable over a worse condition 1150, the extra gear, is of little help, as there is quite a gap between 5th and 6th, I have a 1150gs and a 1100rt, and i find the spacing of the gears better on the 1100.

 

[Gas'd Off]

2p coming in Steve......
I love having the extra high gear for touring Mine's done 65k now and hasn't missed a beat. Check for good maintenance & structural integrity and don't worry too much about scuffs, scratches and little bit of corrosion.
Good luck, post a pic when you get it

 

[Neil W]

Mine is according to the chassis number the 114th off the production line so probably one of the earliest registered in the UK on a t plate, no problems apart from oil pressure warning switch failing , needing a couple of gear position indicator switches over the years and a buggered up bevel box due to faulty replacement bearings.
The finish is still good but it doesn't get any prettier

 

[Dunk]

I've got a '99 1150 and had no problems (except for those that I created: adding a Power Commander). Ran it for 20K and it runs sweet.

 

[david vaughan-birch]

I've got a '99 on a V plate-corrosion is the biggest problem, especially on the front wheel but also on the frame. The rest, some cosmetic issues and a few electricals

 

[Flipfly]

Mine (for sale at the mo) has done 63k. It has had a gearbox at some point but overall nothing much else has happened. Corrosion is an issue if you like mint bikes but mine looks good considering I don't spend every waking hour polishing it.

I always think that a little wear makes them look used and gives them character. Smoothright would cover it up but then you hide all those miles of fun

 

[Packer]

Mines a bit later than you're looking at, 2003, I've run it from new now 40,000+.

Problems?

Some corrosion but as Flifly said above I'm not fanatical about cleaning it and ride all year in all weathers. Sometimes it's literally white with salt deposits

Gear display problem but it eventually dried itself out and resumed normal service

Output bearing in final drive failed and took the seal with it at around 26,000 miles. (Fixed it myself, not expensive)

Suspected battery failure was just loose terminals and some corrosion, still on original battery after 4 1/2 years

One coil pack failed leading to erratic running

Can't think of anything else

I have the overdrive 6th gear and love it for distance work, 80mph is 4,000RPM.