GS1200 vs GS1150

[AvTech37]

Hi, I am newbie to this site and to GS's (although I have ridden quite a few as test bikes, etc).
I have had BM's since 1976 and my current BM's are a 90s (my first BMW purchased in 1976) and an HP2Sport.
I need a GS but what to buy.......a 1200 or an older 1150?
I'm sure I'll get a multitude of answers but what say you?
Cheers

 

[GreatScott]

You've gone and done it now !

Welcome aboard.

 

[Rasher]

Ones fast, light and breaks down a lot, the other is slow heavy and goes forever.

have I got that right

I bought the unreliable one as I am weaning off sportsbikes, after a few ruined tours, pushes home and further ageing (of myself) I may decide as my body becomes less reliable, my bike should become more so.

 

[Ash]

Having owned both and an 1100 GS.[as well as everything in between]
Get some test rides and i mean " RIDES " as they are both different beast,albeit from the same mother.

 

[snerkler]

At the end of the day you have to make your own mind up, as biking's VERY personal.
If you're wanting everyone elses opinion then here's mine. I prefer the GSA's, and of those I much prefer the 1200, and more so the DOHC 1200. It's a much nicer engine, the bike's more agile, lighter and looks a lot better. Extras such as ESA make life a lot easier too

 

[snerkler]

Ones fast, light and breaks down a lot, the other is slow heavy and goes forever.

have I got that right

.

No. No GS is fast, some are just faster than others

 

[Udders]

And the graphite 1150's are the quickest of them all!

 

[Stretchamus]

I'm sure I'll get a multitude of answers but what say you?
Cheers

Mines heavy and slow compared to what I've been used to so I couldn't see myself with anything even heavier and slower, but like they say you pays your money and takes your choice.

Welcome to the Forum and good luck with your bike search.

Best regards Stretch
2010 GSA DOHC Engine.
A Blonde one

 

[Stretchamus]

No. No GS is fast, some are just faster than others

+1


Best regards Stretch

 

[franco]

Test ride them, and buy the one you like best. Now, show us some photies of yer R90s

 

[AvTech37]

I guess I knew what the responses would be - mostly along the lines of 'you pay your money and take your choice'. It's just that looking at the 'inner circle' of GS owners from an outside perspective, there does seem to be a loyal band of 1150 owners and I want to know why? I appreciate that the performance is not as good as the 1200 but I'm not too bothered about that......I've got the HP2Sport for 'lively' riding.
Any other comments greatly appreciated but thanks for the posts so far.
Regards the 90....sorry to be a thickie as well as a newbie but what's the best way to post photos?
Cheers.

 

[MikeP]

It's just that looking at the 'inner circle' of GS owners from an outside perspective, there does seem to be a loyal band of 1150 owners and I want to know why? I appreciate that the performance is not as good as the 1200 but I'm not too bothered about that......

Speaking as one of those who prefers the 1150GSA, I think that you've answered for me:

The performance of the 1100/1150 is adequate for it's purpose. If I wanted a fast bike I'd not be riding a GS. If I'd wanted a light bike, I'd not be riding a GS.

 

[snerkler]

I guess I knew what the responses would be - mostly along the lines of 'you pay your money and take your choice'. It's just that looking at the 'inner circle' of GS owners from an outside perspective, there does seem to be a loyal band of 1150 owners and I want to know why? I appreciate that the performance is not as good as the 1200 but I'm not too bothered about that......I've got the HP2Sport for 'lively' riding.
Any other comments greatly appreciated but thanks for the posts so far.
Regards the 90....sorry to be a thickie as well as a newbie but what's the best way to post photos?
Cheers.

I think some prefer the 1150 as they're built like tanks and go on forever, taking whatever's thrown at them. This is more important to the 1150 'gang' than the improved performance, smoother nicer engine, smoother gearbox, lighter bike, and more modern styling
The 1200 'gang' prefer all the afore mentioned points and don't get hung up on the potential problems with the 1200's. On places like this people will post if they've had problems, but don't post just to say their bike's running OK, therefore it's not a true/fair reflection

 

[FatAl]

I had a GS1150 for six years, it was totally reliable and certainly fast enough. I had several rides on various GS1200s over the years, and although I liked it I didn't feel it was a better bike than the 1150. To me the 1150 was more comfortable, the difference in real world performance and handling felt marginal.
They are both excellent motorcycles, but when the time came to change I bought a Moto Guzzi Stelvio, a lovely sexey black one, and feck me it's a cracker, plus now I don't feel like I'm riding the latest fashion accessory. It's a pity the Moto Guzzi 'twat suits' aren't made in fat bastard size though.

I still have a lovely old R100GS to keep me in the fold.

 

[Wegby]

I've had two 1150s in the last 6 years and covered about 90k between them. Haven't needed anything serious (apart from the valve guides needing replacement on my current bike @ 100k), and I think I (slightly) prefer the lines of the 1150. Although that's not to say I'm not warming to the idea of a 1200..!

If you ride all year, the stadard 1150 wheels are a bit of a bugger to keep clean, and it won't be as big an issue on the 1200.

I'm told some of the early 1200s (pre-2007) can be problematic. I know 3 pople with 05/06 bikes; 2 seem fine, while the other says it's the most unreliable piece of **** he's ever owned. So don't buy his...

If I was going shopping for one this afternoon - I'd go for the 1150GSA (I'm presently a GSA wannabe).

 

[Wrinkly]

Had an 1150gsa se,it was a great bike,swapped it for a new 1200gs in September 09,don't regret it for one minute.
That's not to say I don't understand where 1150 owners are coming from because I do,but in my opinion the 1200 is a far superior bike.
Having said that if I already owned two iconic boxers I might be looking for something completely different.

Steve

 

[Ash]

" there does seem to be a loyal band of 1150 owners and I want to know why? " quote AvTech37
my opinion -[worthless maybe]
Had an iconic 1999 1100 GS Anniversary, which was a cracking bike.
Well made,ultra reliable and a pleasure to own.
[sold it after being told i would not be able to ride after a big operation i was due,6 months later i could ride again .
Got a 650 Aprilia ! NO LIKEY
Got a Transalp ! No Likey
Bought a 2003 1150 GS and realized that was the bike for me and with the 6 speed gear box was better for distance work.[over the 1100's 5 speed]
3 years and 30k miles and fancied/needed something lighter/ newer, so went the 1200 GS route No Likey
Thats not to say the 1200 was all bad,nice gear change,lighter,faster
but i found it's 6th gear to low and the engine vibes made my hands numb as others have found and bought "grip puppies" [foam grips].
The front end " flighty " and just never took to it.
Along comes along a 1150 GSA the day after i sold my 1200.
The ride home from London was like wearing an old pair of slippers.
It's smooth,no vibes,built to last,like a Pantzer tank
Which is why i said ride them in my first reply.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

If I was going shopping for one this afternoon - I'd go for the 1150GSA (I'm presently a GSA wannabe).

Best thing i've read here

 

[snerkler]

" Thats not to say the 1200 was all bad,nice gear change,lighter,faster
but i found it's 6th gear to low and the engine vibes made my hands numb as others have found

I found this with my 2005 GS. I've not had such problems with my 2010GSA

The front end " flighty " and just never took to it.

This is one of the main reasons I prefer the GSA

 

[Pip_UK]

Hiya, the 1100/1150 is a modern classic, and production ended just as the GS hit the tipping point from cult oddity to mainstream popularity. Consequently they're in short supply now relative to the top-selling 1200.

My suggestion would be to get a piece of biking history while you can. You'll be able to take your pick of 12s anytime for the next decade at least.

The 12 does feel lighter, friskier and more modern than the 1100/1150, but they all have that confidence-inspiring GS pointy-squirty horizon-seeking feel to them.