High mileage GS's

[CharlieM]

What the collective thoughts on high mileage GS's?

In the engine dept, I know the Wehrmacht used these flat twins to go to war with ... and that's almost reason enough ... but what goes wrong with them past the 50,000 mile mark?

What other things go wrong once the bike is in that mileage territory, assuming its been regularly and properly serviced?

Best

Charlie

 

[D6]

not a lot,
but then again, which bikes are you talkin about? 1100,1150,850,1200???
theyre about as similar as a suzuki to a ducati,the 12,s havnt much in common with the vastly superior 11xx series

 

[mad moose]

as above clutch can be on the way out around £1000 at main dealers or half that at steptoes great bike

 

[mr_magicfingers]

Hank over on ADVrider has nearly half a million miles on his 1100gs, I don't think you have too much to worry about.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5541300#post5541300

 

[CharlieM]

...ahhh!

Well I am referring to the 1150 range really.

Amazing that guy Hank has clocked up that galactic figure - I always suspected those units could/would do it.

Are there any other weak areas of componentry that the 1150's have inherently or are they all hewn from solid oak?

Charlie

 

[david vaughan-birch]

Er..no, not quite solid oak. Gearbox and drivetrain issues mostly I think on big milers although I wouldnt say 50,000 was especially high (I didnt change my clutch until 140,000). The subframe can also rust badly above the rear mudguard-wire brush and black hammerite.

 

[Micky]

1100RS 55,000 miles no problems
1150GS 83,000 miles no problems
1150GS-A 63,000 miles no problems

Not a clutch, an oil seal or a bearing required

F800GS 38,000 miles no problems

Just ride and enjoy

 

[Bouser]

24k per year

I've been hoovering up the miles (24k per year - 115 per day) with no probs. Admittedly the bike is relatively young and had 2k on the clock when I picked it up 12 months ago, but it just munches the miles. I guess regular servicing is the key.

I need the bike to hang in there until it hits the 80k mark because that's when my loan terminates (2 more years) which is why I went for a GS. Nearly, naively, went for the 650GS (800cc) which I just don't think would have handled it.

The only minor regret is that I couldn't stretch to the, larger tank, 'Adventure' because I seem to spend more time in the petrol station than with my family!

I can't imagine riding another bike.

Bouser

 

[waterloo700]

Look at the previous owner - they will tell you a lot about the bike. I bought a 52K 1100 from a "ride em in all weathers - cleaning is for wimps" type. The bike was generally sound mechanically (supporting what everyone else says about their longevity) but cosmetically it looked awful. That's why I got it cheap.
I've thoroughly enjoyed bringing it back from the edge - they are easy to work (and learn) on but I had the luxury of alternative transport while I did it.

 

[tailscookie]

high miles

85000miles new gearbox/clutch,another 85000 to go.2002.

 

[Borderline]

Prior to my ownership, my 1997 1100 had a clutch and starter motor replaced. I got it at 39k and in my six months of ownership I have had to replace the gearbox and now the rear shock is goosed. It has only done 44k miles.
It came with full service history and the previous owner (2nd) not only looked after it, but was confident enough to trade 'up' to an 1150.

Win some, lose some I suppose.

 

[CharlieM]

Look at the previous owner - they will tell you a lot about the bike. I bought a 52K 1100 from a "ride em in all weathers - cleaning is for wimps" type. The bike was generally sound mechanically (supporting what everyone else says about their longevity) but cosmetically it looked awful. That's why I got it cheap.
I've thoroughly enjoyed bringing it back from the edge - they are easy to work (and learn) on but I had the luxury of alternative transport while I did it.

Good point(s)!

 

[good'oleboy]

What the collective thoughts on high mileage GS's?

In the engine dept, I know the Wehrmacht used these flat twins to go to war with ... and that's almost reason enough ... but what goes wrong with them past the 50,000 mile mark?

What other things go wrong once the bike is in that mileage territory, assuming its been regularly and properly serviced?

Best

Charlie

A mate has 50k plus on his 1200 and no probs as such. so the 1150 is a more solid bike but a little more portly. the 1200 is like a race horse more temperamental and not as robust me thinks. my lovely 1150 with all the blue and white i sold for a not so brill 1200 really peed me off but since then I have had a couple of lovely 1200s. so pays your money takes your choice good luck mate. Dave