Is there a guide to the various GS models anywhere?

mr_magicfingers

mr_magicfingers

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Hi all,

I'm saving to get my first GS, low budget, around 3k, not much I know but I've seen the odd one go through the for sale section recently. I'm trying to find information on the different 850/1000/1100/1150 models and how the differ and particularly any strengths/weaknesses of particular versions.

Is there anything on here or elsewhere to go through? I did some searches and went through the 'Font' but didn't see anything particular.

Many thanks,

J.
 
Don't worry about the budget, £3k will get you something quite decent.

A good 1100, maybe an early 1150....

Paul G
 
Cookie beat me to posting that link :D

Aside from that, you'll find if you search on here that many people have asked "what should I look for when buying a ****?" questions (I know I did). It might take some digging but you'll find lots of information.

That said, peoples view is naturally coloured by their personal experience so someone who owns a lemon will slag a certain model off whereas someone who's done 60k trouble free miles on the same model will think they're the best thing since sliced bread :rolleyes:

However each model does have certain things to watch out for so a dig on here should help you identify some possible things to look out for (but you'll have to filter out the uninformed opinion).
 
The Other PaulG said:
Don't worry about the budget, £3k will get you something quite decent.

A good 1100, maybe an early 1150....
Click to expand...

Personally I'd go for a late 1100 compared to an early 1150 and would be the same for 1150 v 1200 or even 100 v 1100, as it's well known that BM seem to use the inital couple of years as beta testing :mad:
 
1100 97 - 2000.

1150 2000 - 2002.

For either model that would be the time period I would be looking for. Though I much prefer the 1100 over the 1150... I can fully understand the attraction of the later bike, But having said that, Its main advantage is of no import to me as I very rarely (if ever) stray onto the Motorway system.

The later 1100s were by this stage (97 on) fully sorted with the faults of the earlier bikes pretty much fixed. Most notably the gearbox problems... but also they have the massive advantage (if you take pride in your bike) of having anodised wheels.. which are an absolute doddle to keep clean... Just ask anyone who owns an earlier bike what a pain the wheels are. Of course many earlier bikes had no problems whatsoever.. or had the various 'fixes' done years ago.

With The 1150.. the big change came in 2002 with the introduction of servo assist. If you really WANT ABS on your bike... then this (ahem) innovation is best avoided as it will eventually fail resulting in either it being removed.. or replaced (at great expense) - unfortunately you cant have ABS on the servo model witout the servo.

But.. if ABS is not a concern then the world is your oyster.

Be patient.. and be prepared to travel for the right bike. Personally if the worst happened and my bike had to be replaced I would travel anywhere in the UK for the right replacement.. which would be another 1100 on a T,V or W plate. :thumb
 
I have an early 1100GS and think it is absolutely superb complete with ( oh no, don't say it ) a cracking gearbox and character wheels:).....so whilst I'm on here ( little thread hi-jack, sorry ) has anybody a link for a download of the owners manual for my bike?
 
Kenny said:
I have an early 1100GS and think it is absolutely superb complete with ( oh no, don't say it ) a cracking gearbox and character wheels:).....so whilst I'm on here ( little thread hi-jack, sorry ) has anybody a link for a download of the owners manual for my bike?
Click to expand...

Easy enough... just pop to your local motorrad and order one. 01 41 9 799 481 :thumb

sockpuppet said:
Silver and Blue is the fastest colour that's all you need to know.
Click to expand...

Nonsense.. 'one offs' are fastest.. My tractor in 'Chamonix WHITE' for example...

prof.jpg
 
sit on ukgser for an hour, and read,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

u want a bike that will get your there and minimum off fuss ?
gs11**
any of em
 
Thanks for all the replies and advice, particularly for that link to the range run-down. Looks like I'll be keeping my eyes open over the next couple of months for a new bike :bounce1

Just have to get a few things cleaned up and sold and I'll be sorted. No doubt there'll be questions galore as I narrow things down.

Cheers,

J.
 
look for one in the right places, like here or adventurerider, ebay is not always the best place as there have been some badly bodged ones sold on there, but dont discount it either as it can also be a good guide.
Ask people on here the truth and usually you get it (unlike the 1200 owners who think their bike are the best:mmmm)
A good 1100 is worth its weight but could be pricey, there are more good 1150's out there at reasonable money, so keep an eye out in the for sale section.


Harry
 
If you are thinking of getting an 11** GS remember to make sure you buy a new jacket that will allow for the big chip you'll be getting on your shoulders:augie

For £3.5K you could get Bakermans Airhead, a sound investment IMO:thumb2

Shep
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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