gs 1150 year
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Fanum
Toubab
I can't remember the dates, but I think you're looking at the differences between a single spark and a twin spark.
Singles had a reputation for surging but that can be cured (in most cases) by a good service practice, proper setting up of the TPS and balancing, decent plugs etc etc.
Twin sparks were brought out mainly to answer emissions regs, but also seemed to not have the problem of surging.
Singles may/may not be harder to get running totally sweetly
Twin sparks may be easier to get running sweetly, but the HT secondary coil packs do fail, and at 75-80 quid a side, aren't cheap.
I'm sure somebody more able (and sober) will be along to correct me in a bit
Silver or black engine was an option - not age related as far as I know. The different plug cover signifies the change from single to twinspark...
Mike
Mike
September 2002 was the model change.
As has been said there was a change from a single to a twin spark. So the engine was modified to take two plugs per cylinder.
This also required a new Engine control unit.
Additionally the complete brake system was replaced. The anti lock brake system was changed to an integrated braking system with linked brakes. A feature and system which would later appear on the R1200GS. Therefore the brake calipers, discs and even the wheels were changed.
Even if you have a factory Non IABS you will still have the wheels, discs and calipers.
There was the addition of a jump start system. Basically a positive and negative stud easily accessible which connect directly to the Battery.
There were also some minor wiring changes. Different plugs and modules and switches.
Daylight running lights were added, basically bypassing the switch of the earlier model. The lights then required protection with the addition of a fuse.
Indicators changed to clear covers and yellow bulbs.
Unfortunately they didn't update the handbook to tell you all of this.
I think I got it all
As has been said there was a change from a single to a twin spark. So the engine was modified to take two plugs per cylinder.
This also required a new Engine control unit.
Additionally the complete brake system was replaced. The anti lock brake system was changed to an integrated braking system with linked brakes. A feature and system which would later appear on the R1200GS. Therefore the brake calipers, discs and even the wheels were changed.
Even if you have a factory Non IABS you will still have the wheels, discs and calipers.
There was the addition of a jump start system. Basically a positive and negative stud easily accessible which connect directly to the Battery.
There were also some minor wiring changes. Different plugs and modules and switches.
Daylight running lights were added, basically bypassing the switch of the earlier model. The lights then required protection with the addition of a fuse.
Indicators changed to clear covers and yellow bulbs.
Unfortunately they didn't update the handbook to tell you all of this.
I think I got it all
Fanum
Toubab
That was a paid option.....I got amber indicator covers as standard on my '04 GSA 'cos I didn't see the need to pay for clear ones......i thought it was a bit bloody cheeky
Fanum
Toubab
If you're handy with the spanners and willing to keep a single spark fettled to stop any potential surging, you will avoid the cost of the coil packs, which depending on luck or wet weather/fording use, will fail every 4 or so years. (MUCH less if you're fording, DAMHIK
)I'd want to be paying slightly less for a single spark though, purely on the basis that it's half a generation older in development than the twin spark, even if in real terms it makes very little difference
That was a paid option.....I got amber indicator covers as standard on my '04 GSA 'cos I didn't see the need to pay for clear ones......i thought it was a bit bloody cheeky
Thanks. I wasn't sure. My 2003 Standard GS came with them already fitted. The only options I asked for was heated grips, ABS and adventure screen, but I do know it came from another dealer, so possibly a different spec.
Personally I'd run 100 mile from anything with a servo. Turn ignition on, if it whines for 5 seconds or so, it's got a servo. £1200 to replace when it fails. Oh and when they do fail, your left with virtually no brakes. Bloody good job they only ever fail when parked up in yer garage...........not!!
I traded in a single spark Non ABS R1150GS for the 2003 twin spark model with IABS. I've no complaints. Since new I've only had to replace the stick coils once, last year, but then the bike has only done 44k.
I think the bike is more refined than the single spark, and the 2003 was the last year of the standard GS run, so by then all the niggles if there were any we're ironed out.
For me the single spark was as bomb proof and reliable as my current model.
If I had to choose between them
I think I would choose the twin spark.The GS1150 I am hoping to purchase has (I think) the servo ABS. Am I right in thinking that I read somewhere on this very forum that in the event of a failure the servo and associated gubbins can be removed to save the cost of replacement? Obviously I am a little concerned about buying a bike with the servo and then just after I get it home the servo fails (which will be just my luck!)
jeremyj
Registered user
Yes this is very true you can remove the Servo ABS unit mine is 53 plate 1150gs 20,000 miles and offending equipment had already been removed, works a treat.
There is nothing 'perceived' about residual brakes at 100mph fully loaded. Don't cod yourself and others. Servo brakes are a time bomb waiting to go off.
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