gs v 1100s
- Thread starter fatgser
- Start date
I've ridden a mate's a few times and own an 1150GS. Very very different bikes! I was having a similar debate before lumping for the GS.
I live in London and the GS is better for that (but still not ideal) as the wider bars and wider turning circle make it much more maneuverable. Power-wise the S is obviously much quicker to accelerate and has a higher top speed. In terms of comfort it's really a personal thing I think. I found the S very hard on my wrists as I'm not used to that riding position whereas the GS is an armchair. This along with fuel capacity mean that I prefer the GS for touring but I toured with my mate on an S and stopping a bit more regularly wasn't a burden and he seemed perfectly comfortable.
I'd say ride both and work out what you'll be doing with it and the answer will be pretty clear!
I live in London and the GS is better for that (but still not ideal) as the wider bars and wider turning circle make it much more maneuverable. Power-wise the S is obviously much quicker to accelerate and has a higher top speed. In terms of comfort it's really a personal thing I think. I found the S very hard on my wrists as I'm not used to that riding position whereas the GS is an armchair. This along with fuel capacity mean that I prefer the GS for touring but I toured with my mate on an S and stopping a bit more regularly wasn't a burden and he seemed perfectly comfortable.
I'd say ride both and work out what you'll be doing with it and the answer will be pretty clear!
EggChaser
Registered user
Owned the standard R1100S (not the one with the sporty/taller suspension) and now own an '08 R1200GS (lowered)
Did nearly 30,000 miles on the S and have now done over 42,000 on the GS - loved both but find that (like metropolis2k) that the slightly more forward position on the S is felt more on the wrists etc.
I also find that the GS is easier to push around from standing/walking next to it - probably something to do with the wide bars - I just found the S a bit heavy even though weight wise there is not much difference.
The GS has slightly better luggage options (although not by much as I did have the pannier rails and a top-box on my S) The S however does look ugly with luggage on it as the gorgoeus rear end / high up exhaust is hidden. The GS being angular anyway doesn't really lose much with luggage added.
Did nearly 30,000 miles on the S and have now done over 42,000 on the GS - loved both but find that (like metropolis2k) that the slightly more forward position on the S is felt more on the wrists etc.
I also find that the GS is easier to push around from standing/walking next to it - probably something to do with the wide bars - I just found the S a bit heavy even though weight wise there is not much difference.
The GS has slightly better luggage options (although not by much as I did have the pannier rails and a top-box on my S) The S however does look ugly with luggage on it as the gorgoeus rear end / high up exhaust is hidden. The GS being angular anyway doesn't really lose much with luggage added.
EggChaser
Registered user
Oh and it is easier to mount a GPS unit on the GS - I did have a GPS mount on the S but was never 100% happy with it.
original_concept
Registered user
Yes thanks, about 97K on a S and about 85K on a GS. What's your question?
I've had 5 1100s's and 5gs's and on several occassions both at the same time.
I loved the 1100s and would have another tomorrow but not at the expense of my gs.
If I was only looking to go for a blast on a Sunday and the like I would most probably go with the 1100,but for an all round usable bike for 12mts of the year and longer trips it would have to be the gs.
I've had 1100 1150 1200mu and 1200tu gs's,if you can stretch to it the 1200tu is without doubt the more superior gs
Happy hunting
Steve.
I loved the 1100s and would have another tomorrow but not at the expense of my gs.
If I was only looking to go for a blast on a Sunday and the like I would most probably go with the 1100,but for an all round usable bike for 12mts of the year and longer trips it would have to be the gs.
I've had 1100 1150 1200mu and 1200tu gs's,if you can stretch to it the 1200tu is without doubt the more superior gs
Happy hunting
Steve.
Just to add to my previous post,
Another couple of bikes to consider might be the, r1150rs cracking bike and there are some lovely ones around at the moment although they do seem to be commanding high prices.
The 1200st whilst not the prettiest thing it's a very capable bike and nice to ride.
Steve
Another couple of bikes to consider might be the, r1150rs cracking bike and there are some lovely ones around at the moment although they do seem to be commanding high prices.
The 1200st whilst not the prettiest thing it's a very capable bike and nice to ride.
Steve
bmw convert
Registered user
I had one for 7 years until changing to a 1200 GS Adventure in August, it was a brilliant bike, covered all things really, track days, touring all without any real issues.
Easy to service yourself as well, only thing that went on it was the battery after 6 years ownership. Paintwork seemed to be a lot better than on the current BM ranges as well.
I was sad to see it go really, wish I could have kept it as well, but couldn't afford to have two in the garage, they will be much sought after in the future I think.
Just my experience of the 1100S, an all round great bike!
Geoff
Easy to service yourself as well, only thing that went on it was the battery after 6 years ownership. Paintwork seemed to be a lot better than on the current BM ranges as well.
I was sad to see it go really, wish I could have kept it as well, but couldn't afford to have two in the garage, they will be much sought after in the future I think.
Just my experience of the 1100S, an all round great bike!
Geoff
Pip_UK
Registered user
I owned an 1100S many years ago, and found it a bit of a mixed bag. Above 40 mph. it was the most comfortable bike I've ever owned, but as mentioned, round town the wrists take a lot of weight. There was a factory higher bars/screen option available, which could also be retrofitted at dealers. First gear is too tall, which also adds to the traffic pain. Also as mentioned, the drop bars, combined with the inevitable R-series weight, made it a bit of a handful to manouveure off the stand. Talkling of which, sidestand-only was standard, but centrestand available as dealer-fit option.
Handling is very nice, as with all 'R' bikes. The uprated 1100 engine is a bit coarse at lower revs, but has fairly serious kick higher up the rev range compared to the GS, and sounds very rorty even on standard cans. If you like to ride with your toes on the pegs, then the pillion footrest hangers foul your heels, but it's not a brilliant pillion bike anyway, with those grab slots instead of a rail.
The 'S' is compatible with the system luggage cases that fit the rest of the R series, and you get a full-size leftie thanks to those handsome underseat exhausts. Tank range is obviously less than a GS, but not bad for a big sports-tourer, and the cruising comfort makes it a fine distance bike. The teardrop shape also looks pretty svelte too IMO.
Don't seem to be many about these days. I thought it looked great, and I really enjoyed long rides on it, but I couldn't live with its rough edges long-term with all the town commuting I did at the time.
Handling is very nice, as with all 'R' bikes. The uprated 1100 engine is a bit coarse at lower revs, but has fairly serious kick higher up the rev range compared to the GS, and sounds very rorty even on standard cans. If you like to ride with your toes on the pegs, then the pillion footrest hangers foul your heels, but it's not a brilliant pillion bike anyway, with those grab slots instead of a rail.
The 'S' is compatible with the system luggage cases that fit the rest of the R series, and you get a full-size leftie thanks to those handsome underseat exhausts. Tank range is obviously less than a GS, but not bad for a big sports-tourer, and the cruising comfort makes it a fine distance bike. The teardrop shape also looks pretty svelte too IMO.
Don't seem to be many about these days. I thought it looked great, and I really enjoyed long rides on it, but I couldn't live with its rough edges long-term with all the town commuting I did at the time.
Looks like from your picture you've got the touring bars on it which should be a little better than the stock low ones!
I have to say I adore the look of the S. My mate's one is the 2004 Boxer Cup Replica with a full Laser system so it looks and sounds bloody lovely!
EggChaser
Registered user
Can't find a clear shot of the bars but this one seems to show they are under the top yoke - don't the touring bars sit on top of it?
BTW I did ride from near Reading to Snowdon, climb Snowdon and ride back again on this bike in one day - so comfort is a relative thing when comparing bikes as although I felt stiff the next day I can think of some bikes where it would be impossible to do that.
BTW I did ride from near Reading to Snowdon, climb Snowdon and ride back again on this bike in one day - so comfort is a relative thing when comparing bikes as although I felt stiff the next day I can think of some bikes where it would be impossible to do that.
Ah yes I stand corrected, I thought they just looked a little high on the first picture!
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