GS Evolution

[MotoCammy]

Up here in “sunny” Scotland we had probably the best day of the year so far so it seemed only right that me and my Dad went out for a run.

He has a R1200GS water cooled whereas I have the much older ‘98 R1100GS. I really didn’t expect to like the old GS as much as I do, in fact I really bought it as a winter runner to battle through the salt before the warmer months broke through at which point I’d revert back to my Triumph Speed Triple…. However, I’ve 100% fallen in love with my old R1100 to the extent that I’ve decided to sell the Triumph.

Looking at the old and new side by side you can see the evolution in the design of them, I’ve been tempted to upgrade to the newer 1200 or even 1250 but there’s something about the old 1100 that I keep coming back to.

Now I just need a few other generations to line up next to one another…

Ride safe, Cammy

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Up here in “sunny” Scotland we had probably the best day of the year so far so it seemed only right that me and my Dad went out for a run.

He has a R1200GS water cooled whereas I have the much older ‘98 R1100GS. I really didn’t expect to like the old GS as much as I do, in fact I really bought it as a winter runner to battle through the salt before the warmer months broke through at which point I’d revert back to my Triumph Speed Triple…. However, I’ve 100% fallen in love with my old R1100 to the extent that I’ve decided to sell the Triumph.

Looking at the old and new side by side you can see the evolution in the design of them, I’ve been tempted to upgrade to the newer 1200 or even 1250 but there’s something about the old 1100 that I keep coming back to.

Now I just need a few other generations to line up next to one another…

Ride safe, Cammy

View attachment 314116

You’re right
Oil heads get under your skin - it’s an affliction

 

[Udders]

1150’s are better than 1100’s, and 1200’s, and 1250’s, and 1300’s!
All very addictive in their own ways.
My son has never been interested in bikes in any way.

 

[ThreeDawg]

Like those stripes on the 1100.

I had to rent a 1250 in South Africa for a few days in 2021 because my 1100 was late arriving from the UK for our trip to Namibia. We took it up to the Tankwa Karoo north of Capetown so a fair mix of roads including plenty of gravel. I was surprised the 1250 didn't blow me away. Sure it was faster, but you don't need it on gravel, didn't feel any lighter and the suspension felt very basic compared to the Wilbers on my bike. And the clutch was horrible. Was quite happy to be back on my 1100 when it arrived.

 

[King Rat]

A bit further back on the evolutionary scale....




The 1150 became too heavy for me, but the R80GS is only about 170kgs.

 

[GedJack]

1150’s are better than 1100’s, and 1200’s, and 1250’s, and 1300’s!
All very addictive in their own ways.
My son has never been interested in bikes in any way.

Agree totally….. I’ve just sold my 1250. Just preferred to ride my 1150

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

A bit further back on the evolutionary scale....

View attachment 314138


The 1150 became too heavy for me, but the R80GS is only about 170kgs.

View attachment 314139

Airhead GS are in no way comparable to Oilhead GS, when the chassis, engine and brakes were completely revolutionised in 1994 and the ride was totally transformed
Airheads are charming but nowhere near as good as 1100/1150’s GS in terms of riding & performance characteristics

 

[ThreeDawg]

In fairness airheads are lighter. Rubbish brakes though.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

In fairness airheads are lighter. Rubbish brakes though.

Granted - but chassis with the introduction of Telelever is so much more satisfying

 

[ThreeDawg]

Biggest problem as I remember was that the airhead GS forks (and rear shock) were way too soft as standard, nothing a revalve and firmer springs couldn't fix?

 

[Davey B]

Granted - but chassis with the introduction of Telelever is so much more satisfying

Is the satisfying aspect solely due to the ability to push on? I enjoy pottering about on my 300cc trail bike as much as on the Africa Twin but they are totally different obviously and I have different expectations of them both.

 

[Neil W]

European touring two up with luggage you cannot beat my r1250gsa (basic) with cruise control and all the toys but for day trips and local use I much prefer my r1150gs .

However, which would I chose for a foreign trip if it was not fully covered by a BMW Factory or ( Insured ) Warranty ............. the 1150

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Is the satisfying aspect solely due to the ability to push on? I enjoy pottering about on my 300cc trail bike as much as on the Africa Twin but they are totally different obviously and I have different expectations of them both.

Probably Dave
On a post 1994 GS, you can push on, as the suspension for road riding is excellent and one reason is that they sell so well
After riding normal telescopic forked bikes in the 1990's (and earlier) - riding my first 1100GS with the Telelever wishbone, it was a revelation
I have normal fork bikes too, but the Telelever is something much more satisfying to ride
I did enjoy a back lane bimble on my XR400 yesterday, at 50 mph

 

[Paul Young]

In fairness airheads are lighter. Rubbish brakes though.

I upgraded to a PFM front disc and a K1100 caliper (milled to fit) and ended up with the disc overheating/pitting. Mr Murphy called me himself, to ask if it was really being used on an R80GS and was genuinely surprised that I’d exceeded its expected limits. He sent me a new disc and a stack of AP Racing pads to avoid it happening again

Biggest problem as I remember was that the airhead GS forks (and rear shock) were way too soft as standard, nothing a revalve and firmer springs couldn't fix?

Progressive springs and spacer tubes helped with the front fork-dive. I also played around with different oil weights and found a slightly thicker oil worked well.

 

[Pukmeister]

Does it have the added Touratech “hard part” bracing to the top rear horizontal gearbox mount/bolt?

If not I would recommend you fit one.

Years ago I had to weld repair an R1100GS gearbox for a forum member due to his gearbox mount snapping in half when he hit a deep pothole and the frame flexed. Had it not have welded nicely (depends on the casting quality) he would have needed a new gearbox.