Gimmie some advice..please.

[Tbone]

Right here is my problem.

I realy like the look of the BMW GS range, however with my limited funding around £3500.00 im looking more at the 1150GS.

Now from what ive read they do roughly 37 mpg is this correct?
Are they reliable?
What should i look for fault wise when looking at one second hand?
Will it carry my lady wife in comfort and me on many a mile in our green and pleasant land?
Will it be suitable for everyday use as a commuter bike for me for work.
Are parts expensive and servicing?

Yeah i know a few questions.. Don't think MPG is overly hot if thats right as i know GS1200 will do over 50 mpg?

My other option is the Triumph Tiger * insert boo's if you like *
Triple, good rep 955i same insurance as the 1150GS..over 45 mpg and looks rather nice..

So please any advice on these bikes as ive not ridden any of them but had a good look at them.
Thank you.

 

[ahutcheon]

I get around 50mpg on my 1150GS, possibly a little less commuting and a bit more touring. Never looked that closely, but 220+ miles from the standard tank with a bit to spare.

Other than servicing, I've had to replace one set of paralever bearings in 36,000 miles.

Some don't like the servo ABS, I'm happy enough with it although it's slightly grabby at very low speeds (walking pace) and best turned off off-road (just hold down a button when you turn the bike on).

It's an overweight and underpowered antique by any rational analysis, but the package just works so well together that it doesn't matter. It'll do pretty much anything at least competently, and most things much better.

I found the 1150GS more comfortable 2 up than the 1200 (bit more space on the pillion seat) - be aware that the GSA has a different (and I suspect less desirable 2 up) one piece seat. Mine takes me to and from work, to distant corners, off the tarmac, and is the best 2 up bike I've owned (firestorm, vfr, cbr600, gpz550, old Guzzi, XT600 etc may not be great competition). If you can ride one well and carry momentum and it's still too slow you're probably going to collect a lot of tickets. If straight line acceleration is the be-all for you then it's probably not the right bike. I find costs OK - services at 6000 miles and the same from a rear tyre (Tourance), more from the front hoop. And probably simple enough to do most work myself if I made the time...

Does pretty much everything I want and/or need and stays fun even at legal speeds. Given your budget I'd suggest riding one and see if it grabs you, but try for a decent test ride as they take a little time to get used to. I'd look for a decent standard bike, others will have other opinions.

One man's view - 7 years from new and I don't see anything I'd change for unless I could bring a big pile of money to the party.

 

[uncle dick]

I get around 50 - 52 mpg from my 1100GS unless I start getting seriously illegal. Servicing costs are minimal 'cos I do it myself but didn't ought to be much from a decent independent.

As the last guy said they're actually great fun to ride at sensible speeds. Yes. an R1 is quicker but you'll get backache and lose your licence.

There seem to be plenty of decent bikes around on here and if you don't like it you won't lose any money if ou move it on.

Good luck

Dick

 

[roddy]

Now from what ive read they do roughly 37 mpg is this correct?

I get about 45-48 from my 1150GSA so would expect the same from the GS

Are they reliable?
What should i look for fault wise when looking at one second hand?

Yes they are reliable and parts are readily available

What to look for generally the norm, good clean condition, are discs near there limit, is there any front/back movement at the front wheel could indicate a worn ball joint on the telelever, same at the rear wheel could indicate bearing starting to go, depends on what way the movement is, circulare movement tends to be a good thing for a wheel
don't be scared of high mileage these engines get better the older they are,

Theres a single spark and twin spark models, twin spark I believe was an emmissions things, and the stick coils can go on the twin spark but I don't think this as much an issue these days.

The servo brakes either like them or not, they require a different riding style IE use the rear upto about 20-25mph after that front and you'll remove the bite from the servo brakes

Will it carry my lady wife in comfort and me on many a mile in our green and pleasant land?
Will it be suitable for everyday use as a commuter bike for me for work.
Are parts expensive and servicing?

yep, will carry yourself and your good lady across this pleasent land in comfort, I occassionally take the good lady on the 1150GSA with the single seat and she's happy enough the 1150GS seat is a two part affair and the pillion seat looks nice an plush.
Can't comment on the commuting thing as I don't do it, but I don't see why not good high pearch to see whats happening

Thank you.

your welcome

 

[Tbone]

Very nice and informative replys..

I am not into the fast R1 or R6 type of bike i like comfort and my days of leaving my brain and spine at home are way gone now.

I am for tootling around looking at the scenery and thinking * i wonder where that little dirty track leads.*

So i will be looking for a 1150 GS after christmas..

So looking forward to this now.

 

[uncle dick]

Don't rule out a nice, late, 1100. Your budget would buy a minter with some cash left for a few accessories (it is a GS after all). I'll be honest by admitting that I havent ridden a 1150 but the 5 speed (1100) box has excellent ratios and the difference in performance must be negligible.

Cheers,

Dick

 

[wessie]

Yes to most of your questions/statements.

For £3500 you should be able to get a bike like mine, a 2000 W reg 1150, in very good order. You could probably get a newer one but it would be higher mileage and/or scabby.

Service costs needn't be expensive.

My bike had its 48k service yesterday plus the annual service. Done by an independent in Cardiff (Mike at Cardiff Motorrad). Cost £307. This included all fluids changed i.e. gearbox, final drive & brakes. The interim service at 42k last year cost £150. As I do about 6k per year, an average service cost of £230 or so is not bad in my book. Of course, have the work done at a franchised dealer and the costs would be about 50% more.

I commute 33 miles each way on my bike, on the days I go to Cardiff. Last autumn I invested in a set of Val's muffs & a gaucho which kept the winter wet & cold at bay.

If you don't wish to ride off road then fit a set of sports touring tyres. These work much better in the wet & cold of winter and will last longer. I use Conti Road Attacks but you can get other makes.

Things to look for: nothing in particular, apart from asking to see that the ABS, if fitted, goes through the self test (red lights go out after reachng 5mph). Usual stuff related to a 10 year old bike. Most will have some corrosion. My fork brace & engine cases didn't like last winter commuting. Try to get a bike that has not been messed with: I would prefer a standard bike that has been looked after well than one that has been subjected to every bit of bling in the Touratech catalogue. Whatever anyone says, Touratech tat does not add value to the bike. The only extras that are worth paying more for are luggage & working ABS. If the bike has a Y piece fitted, ask for the catalyst. You may prefer it with a quieter exhaust.

 

[iftikartaxis]

1150

get out there and buy one fantastic two up loads of grunt fuel consumption is fine i get about 50mpg sevice bits motorworks
tyres national tyres
well put together
try to get one thats had lots of bling and tlc service history
look forward to hearing what you bought

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

Quick..there's an 1100 up for grabs in the "for sale" section...would do the job just right for very little money...

 

[Shep]

For that money you could buy an very average 1150, for just a little more you could get a well sorted airhead that will be pretty much future proof

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

For that money you could buy an very average 1150, for just a little more you could get a well sorted airhead that will be pretty much future proof

Yeah......if you want to join the crusty bearded, wee smelling, cider drinking Old Farts club.


(Note to self.....don't attend the Wee-kend do)

 

[Shep]

Yeah......if you want to join the crusty bearded, wee smelling, cider drinking Old Farts club.


(Note to self.....don't attend the Wee-kend do)

You're a marked man now!!!

In the old days of pirates is was indicated by the gift of a Black Spot, we're a little more subtle and use a yellow stain

 

[Tbone]

Ok whats an Airhead?

I can't look at bikes for sale as i have to be a subscriber..

To be honest im still looking at the different models,and there are a few so im trying to get my head around what is what..

I want the comfort for two up and solo riding i love the idea of buggering off to scotland or the lakes on a whim and attaching panniers..i like the idea of being able to go off road if i desire to do so..

Who are the wee and cider brigade...and why.

great response's so far keep em commin..

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

Ok whats an Airhead?

I can't look at bikes for sale as i have to be a subscriber..

To be honest im still looking at the different models,and there are a few so im trying to get my head around what is what..

I want the comfort for two up and solo riding i love the idea of buggering off to scotland or the lakes on a whim and attaching panniers..i like the idea of being able to go off road if i desire to do so..

Who are the wee and cider brigade...and why.

great response's so far keep em commin..

OK....Imagine when Orville and Wilber came up with their idea of a flying machine…that is your “airhead”….. the next evolution is about the equivalent of a DC3..solid reliable but a touch less than sophisticated……that’s your 1100…then came the C-130…that’s still the spirit of the DC3 with a bit more of everything……that’s your 1150…..then came Concorde…sleek, fast..pointless..…with a tendency to explode…that’s your 1200……….

 

[wessie]

I can't look at bikes for sale as i have to be a subscriber..

http://micapeak.com/bmw/gs/ explains the history of the GS explaining airheads, oilheads, paralevers etc.

If you are serious about buying a GS then pay the £12. You will have access to bikes owned by genuine enthusiasts and much more likely to get a good example with a decent provenance.

 

[Shep]

Ok A brief synopsys (almost)

BMW made good bikes (airheads) but didn't make much money, however the engineers were happy and the riders exploited the quality product by setting off for far flung places on a machine that was capable of getting there and back without BMW's customer support network, a few spanners and a couple of simple spares were enough.

BMW were getting stressed about being a minority manufacturer so the bean counters took over and started to boss the engineers about, the product of this production drive for something nobody wanted, led to a product range that on paper was good for the rider but in practice was lacking in many places.

At first this was not too evident, the R1100GS was the start of the rot, slowly prising the craft and skills of the rider away from working in the garage, missfire sir? 'go to your dealer', frame cracked? 'It's the was you use it' that sort of thing .

BMW at first thought they had better listen to the customer and so they developed the 1100 into the 1150, a far better product for BMW as it was even further away from the on the road maintainable earlier products. This was a successful model mostly helped by a fair TV coverage of two 'celebs' twatting about. The 1150's models ran for a fair while, during which people started to learn how to fix them and drag themselves out from under BMW's corporate umbrella. So they (BMW)decided to create a machine that again, on paper, was better, however it came with built in faults and with these safeguards built in, started to gather their riders back under the BMW's dealerships care, good for business, and the press loved it 'cos it could pull a wheelie, all hail the arrival of the 1200

Unfortunatley the arrival of this new GS(?) also hailed the arrival of the new style of riders, not the dusty hardy well worn travelers of old, Sid, Tim, Bob, Sam etc more like sqeaky clean accountants and middle management Jeremys, Rodneys and Tarquins. These guys turned up in their thousands to buy the latest products their lack of craft and skill ensured BMW's coffers grew fat which inturn pleased the accountants that helped design the bike.

So to sum it all up

Airheads are cool, that's it no arguments Mono's or Para's they are sub zero
1100's are OK with a few mods that the really needed, odd people still ride them but they are the same types that still use brylcream and have facial hair (just the women of course)
1150's are OK but you get that Ewan & Charlie effect starting to bug you and most everybody you meet will have ridden/owned one.
1200's are 1200's OK but still suffers from the E&C effect that will still bug you and most everybody you meet will own one. A bike designed for accountants for accountants

Shep

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

And as it was in the beginning, Hans said “Oh Lord, why do we still have to ride round on Asses?” And the Lord was moved by Hans’s plea…and he set too…

So many years passed and The Lord pondered on this problem… Then, one day the Lord visited Hans..as he toiled in the fields and said

“ Hey, Hans..what do you think of this? “

Hans was overjoyed and prostrated himself before the Almighty and said..”It is veritably a fine thing, My Lord, but what is it?”..and The Lord said.. ”It’s an airhead…it’s the evolution of the ass “..and so it came to pass that the airhead was created…..and all rejoiced in it’s beauty.

Many seasons came and went and Hans called up to the Lord again..”Lord” he said “Whilst the airhead is indeed a mighty fine creation, I really could do with something a little bigger, for my burden is getting heavier “

“Hrumph!” said the Lord, for he thought he had created an eternal species

“ I’ll see what I can do”

Now, since the Lord had already got an outline, he didn’t take long to knock up a replacement and get back to Hans…

”Here you are,” said The Lord “..as you can see, I’ve beefed it up a bit”..and so it came to pass that the 1100 was born.

It wasn’t long before Hans was back again..”Lord,” he said, “ I know the 1100 is good, but now my flock is wandering further and further each day…could you give this thing some more poke?”

The Lord was sorely tried, but put his mind to the great task before him…. seeing as it was only a matter of tweaking a few bits-here-and-there…he got right back to Hans.

“Hans”, Said The Lord, “ Here you go….I’ve now created perfection.”

And it was indeed so…..”What shall I call it My lord?” “1150” Said The Lord…… “and verily ye shall know, this will be my last re-vamp..”

Well, this was so …and all was well in the Divine Kingdom…..for nearly a whole generation….until one day, as The Lord was enjoying a much need Sabbath rest, when Hans came before him again…. “Lord, I know you said the last one was..well..the last, but my legs are weak, my eyes are fading and my bladder lets me down every now and again…I can no longer handle the magnificent 1150…”

The Lord looked kindly on his stooped disciple and his heart broke to see a man so humbled as to admit that he no longer had the spirit to ride the 1150

…..and that’s how the 1200 came about.

 

[Tbone]

Very good...

So if im correct in my reading of this, that Airheads were the first BMW bikes you could actualy mend and service yourself *if you had the knowhow * then along came the 1100 which BMW made it harder for home mechanics to work on..and so it goeth up the line to the 1150 harder still and the 1200 very hard..

So BMW rub the hands with glee knowing most service and other bits have to be done through them..

On subscribing, i may do shortly still deciding on the GS or the Tiger..however with the great support here im leaning more towards the GS..

BTW do i get a badge or a kitten if i subscribe?

 

[ahutcheon]

While many will wax lyrical about airheads, the question "do I want a hobby, or a form of transport?" may have some relevance.

They were great, in the 1980s (as were Duran Duran). Handling and braking has moved on since then. Age affects us all - old carbs etc. can be a source of entertainment.

None of this makes them bad bikes, but they're very different to the 1100/1150.

I'm sure others will disagree...

 

[Tbone]

I would love a 1200 Adventure but unless mr lottery numbers come up that is just a pipe dream..

Still think a 1150 gs could be within my budget next year.. not realy seen one up close as yet..apart from pictures..

Think the triumph idea has died the death now.. i want a Beeemer..