Gs 1150 or 12

[Alistairm]

Hi all

I’m pondering buying an old GS and looking at spending £3-3.5k... This looks like it would get me an ok 11/50 or a bottom end 1200.... which way to go?
I know there is no right answer but I would appreciate your opinions and pondering...
I’ve ridden the 1100 and 1150s in different guises ... never a 12.

Help!?

 

[Alwaysawayround]

Unless you can go for TU r12 then r1150gs are better built and cheaper to run that's my experience, and a twin cam would be out of your budget (and mine) at current prices rocket so a tidy r1150gs with a well documented service history is a far smarter choice.

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[(RIP) saggy0000]

1100/1200?

unless you can find a 1 owner 05 1200 gs with full service history at the right price, of a bloke that cant ride anymore due to AUTHORITIS that is in mint condition?? P M for photos? S

 

[Alistairm]

Thanks... I posted in 1150 as that’s where I was leaning... but I have seen 12s in the £3.5k range.
I’m not opposed to an 1100 particularly in kalahari Yellow as I had one new.

 

[(RIP) saggy0000]

1100/1200?

unless you can find a 1 owner 05 1200 gs with full service history at the right price, of a bloke that cant ride anymore due to AUTHORITIS that is in mint condition?? P M for photos? S

 

[Loiq]

3/4 k will get you a GS bit more and you can have a minter...

I might even know where there's one on the market

 

[..lee..]

I'm in exactly the same position but there's something about a 1150 gsa even though I've been looking at 1200 up to £8k.

 

[Alistairm]

I know... something solid looking about the older ones.... but is the 1200 a better buy?!

I had a 1150 adv and sold it because I had corrosion problems... less bothered at the current prices.

 

[..lee..]

The research I've found says the 1200 is a better bike but nobody would swap their 1150 for one.

Just about sums up german engineering of that period.

 

[Alistairm]

That’s an interesting view... I keep looking at an 1100gs on autotrader... i can’t work out whether it’s nostalgia attracting me or whether the 1200 is just a tad ‘modern’ in a way that’s less appealing...

 

[Alistairm]

Hi Saggy... Happy to look at the pics... thanks

 

[Mad Hatter]

Hi Saggy... Happy to look at the pics... thanks

I’ve owned two 1200gsa’s, two 1150gsa’s, and an 1150gs (still own one 1150gsa and one 1150gs) and for me the 1150 is by far the better bike. Why? More character, less electronics, better for home mechanics to work on, better ergo’s. My 1150’s are keepers, whereas the 1200’s never kept me engaged after the new bike ownership novelty wore off

 

[Alistairm]

Thanks for that... I understand the ‘character’ thing... have an airhead in the garage (not Gs) that I won’t part with.

Maybe I should have posted this on the R12 thread too ��

 

[ynotbiker]

Lately test rode faster bikes other day a aprilia capanord 1200 rally got back on my 1100 gs felt more like a motorbike Enough said

 

[Slipperyeel]

I think it depends a lot on what you're going to use it for. If it's a useable icon you want in the garage, then I'd say it's an 1150 to go for.

If you want something to cover the miles, be reliable and have some comfort electronics, I'd suggest the 1200.

But I may be misleading as I have 1200 TC... Loved my 1150. Really nice bike. I'd have kept it if I had the money and storage space! But they're damned heavy compared to the 1200...which could be another detail with pondering.



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[Alistairm]

Yup... speed is a feeling (unless you see the camera flash!)

 

[Alistairm]

I want it as a usable machine to ride in the winter if it’s a pleasant day or not. Have commuted on a 900ss for the last 3 yrs but that gets put away in winter. Sold an RT1150 that was brilliant but somehow made me feel like Allan Partridge... almost bought a new RE Himalayan... then started to think GS...

 

[Ian J Hartley]

I have both.....

But I prefer the 1150 all day long. I spent years and quite a bit of money to get the ergonomics just right so that the bike is really comfortable to ride. I’ve done 74k enjoyable miles around Europe. I do my own servicing on the 1150 and know the bike inside out.

The 1200 beats it on performance but that’s all. I bought it to take the pressure off the 1150 plus my two riding buddies have the 1250 WC, so touring on the 1200 is easier. Yet I can’t get it anywhere near as comfortable as the 1150.

If I had to get rid of one, it would be the 1200.
The 1150 is a keeper.

Ian

 

[Pekkavee]

R1100GS has a short first gear. It is the best part of it among other things.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

The 1150 gsa seat is horrible, narrow and thin, and not very good for a pillion as its about the same level as rider.

I do really like the 1150 to look at, best looking GS, the handling is ace and the brakes bite, imo they are just a bit slow and agricultural. For me i would still have one over an early 1200 though, future classic.