is 50k on R1150 Gs a problem?

[Packer]

Worth checking the service history for signs of fixing the following:

Clutch, fork seals, dampers front and rear, brake lines, ignition switch (with wire loom), disks all round, battery.

If they have been replaced - good news. The owner has recognised and repaired the usual weak spots (or paid someone who knows what they are doing to do it for him). If not you are looking at a miracle bike where the normal laws of physics are suspended or just a snotter waiting for an unfortunate new owner. Only you can decide.

Waterloo, I think you're OTT on some of those. Folk on here indicate that clutches regularly do 100,000 miles.

At 57,500 with a lot of short commutes and trips the only things from your list that I've changed are disks and dampers and the latter was not because of failure but a desire to upgrade. The battery is still strong enough to crank the bike for an extended period in sub zero conditions after it had been left standing for 3 weeks through the recent icy weather.

It does look like a snotter as its covered in ACF 50 plus months of road crap but mechanically its probably as good as new.

 

[waterloo700]

Waterloo, I think you're OTT on some of those. Folk on here indicate that clutches regularly do 100,000 miles.

At 57,500 with a lot of short commutes and trips the only things from your list that I've changed are disks and dampers and the latter was not because of failure but a desire to upgrade. The battery is still strong enough to crank the bike for an extended period in sub zero conditions after it had been left standing for 3 weeks through the recent icy weather.

It does look like a snotter as its covered in ACF 50 plus months of road crap but mechanically its probably as good as new.

.

I accept that not everything in the list will need to be replaced - clutch is always quoted because if it goes you need 200 quid, a weekend and a fair bit of mechanical aptitude or 800 quid and a trip to the dealers. The brake lines and ignition switch have their own safety stickies on this site and for good reason - they are prone to failure and could really spoil your day when they let go.

If this was your first BM, you had little mechanical experience and limited funds I think you should take a knowledgeable friend along to check the bike out at the very least.

I enjoy working on the bike and learning how it is put together so I've no complaints.

 

[robinnoelevans]

Phew - What an amazing set of responses! Very useful. Many thanks.
My dilema is that I can a buy an immaculate 10K Fazer 1000 or TDM 900 for the same money. Having read your positive responses, the GS 1150 is still in pole position. I am looking for a bike with soul. I went round France in the 80's on a BMW 600 and am looking to recapture the kind of man bike harmony thing. Maybe I am too old but the above Jap bikes whilst brilliant dont quite do it. I expect thats why you lot are so loyal? As I havent ridden a GS yet I may be whistling in the wind.
I will let you know how things pan out
Once again many thanks.

 

[motobiker]

Why do you think so many carry one as a spare on a big trip

I saw no mention of any 'big trip'.. none at all. the question was referencing general maintenance for a circa 50K bike.

if there had of been something like.. "I'm off to timbuctu what parts should i take?" I would have said:

take an alternator belt.. rear drive bearing and a hall sensor.

But that wasn't the point of this thread.. its been about ordinary 'servicing'.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

I saw no mention of any 'big trip'.. none at all. the question was referencing general maintenance for a circa 50K bike.

if there had of been something like.. "I'm off to timbuctu what parts should i take?" I would have said exactly the same as you!!

After 40k, it's only a matter of time before the big bevel bearing spits.

Granted it's not routine maintenance but worth considering doing if it hasn't already been done

 

[robinnoelevans]

The only big cost will be replacing the clutch – some last over 100,000 miles some go much earlier. You’d be looking in the region of £800+ from a dealer and something like £500 from an independent or do it yourself but it is a PITA job. Other than that I’d have no worries buying a 50K oilhead – I bought my latest 1150 with 60K on the clock

Do you mind me asking how much you paid or to put it another way what would be a reasonable ball park figure for a good 50K bike private fsh?

 

[robinnoelevans]

The service history will sway you one way ortother
I take it, it has service history?

Thanks yes it has

 

[Steptoe]

That mileage isn't a problem at all - just look out for the same things as you would on any other bike regardless of mileage.

Some clutches wear out at 15k miles, others at 100K miles plus, all depends where and how it's ridden. Town riding will take it's toll on a clutch.

 

[robinnoelevans]

Phew - What an amazing set of responses! Very useful. Many thanks.
My dilema is that I can a buy an immaculate 10K Fazer 1000 or TDM 900 for the same money. Having read your positive responses, the GS 1150 is still in pole position. I am looking for a bike with soul. I went round France in the 80's on a BMW 600 and am looking to recapture the kind of man bike harmony thing. Maybe I am too old but the above Jap bikes whilst brilliant dont quite do it. I expect thats why you lot are so loyal? As I havent ridden a GS yet I may be whistling in the wind.
I will let you know how things pan out
Once again many thanks.:

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Phew - What an amazing set of .......

Is that a 30 minute echo or the early onset of alzheimers

 

[raginmund]

Phew - What an amazing set of responses! Very useful. Many thanks.
My dilema is that I can a buy an immaculate 10K Fazer 1000 or TDM 900 for the same money. Having read your positive responses, the GS 1150 is still in pole position. I am looking for a bike with soul. I went round France in the 80's on a BMW 600 and am looking to recapture the kind of man bike harmony thing. Maybe I am too old but the above Jap bikes whilst brilliant dont quite do it. I expect thats why you lot are so loyal? As I havent ridden a GS yet I may be whistling in the wind.
I will let you know how things pan out
Once again many thanks.

Fwiw, I came to the GS after owning a super blackbird for two years, and all-weathers. The blackbird is a lovely bike, cheap(ish) to maintain, great 2up, and smooth as you like at legal speeds +20mph. But, for me, the big I4 lacked..something.

The GS, so far, has that something; I'm not sure (yet) whether it's the chassis-balance, or the ride quality, or the torque. Maybe it's just the usability of the whole package.

I know I'd rather own the GS, even if it means putting a couple of ££ away each month 'just in case' an issue arises

 

[Kawanor]

Clutsh

03.1150.GSA.155000KM,,,stil the same clutch,,..

 

[motobiker]

After 40k, it's only a matter of time before the big bevel bearing spits.

Granted it's not routine maintenance but worth considering doing if it hasn't already been done

you can say exactly the same about the clutch... but as the saying goes: "if it ain't broke..."

All these things are worth looking into prior to a holiday.. but otherwise; pointless. My attitude is not to worry about what 'might' happen.. I just ride the thing.. I don't share the general air of paranoia that seems to be the norm on this site. In 13 years on two 1100's I've had ONE breakdown... and nothing could have prevented that.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

you can say exactly the same about the clutch... but as the saying goes: "if it ain't broke..."

All these things are worth looking into prior to a holiday.. but otherwise; pointless. My attitude is not to worry about what 'might' happen.. I just ride the thing.. I don't share the general air of paranoia that seems to be the norm on this site. In 13 years on two 1100's I've had ONE breakdown... and nothing could have prevented that.

As I've said before, the life of a clutch all depends on what sort of life it has had.

I was merely voicing my experience of two 1100's here, one rear bearing failed at 42,000 and the other at about 65,000... not paranoia Tony, simple facts

 

[waterloo700]

you can say exactly the same about the clutch... but as the saying goes: "if it ain't broke..."

All these things are worth looking into prior to a holiday.. but otherwise; pointless. My attitude is not to worry about what 'might' happen.. I just ride the thing.. I don't share the general air of paranoia that seems to be the norm on this site. In 13 years on two 1100's I've had ONE breakdown... and nothing could have prevented that.

Lets take this "just ride it" approach to its logical conclusion. Ride your tyres down to the canvas? Engine oil level? Who cares about brake fluid or brake pads for that matter?

We all do preventive maintenance and we all set our own standards - paranoia or common sense? Each to his/her own.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Whats the mileage got to do with anything? Thats only how many times the odometer has moved. Think of it as an example along the lines of Triggers Brush. Twenty years with the same brush, seventeen new heads and fourteen new handles..