Looking for an 1150 GSA - some questions

[Mattie]

Hi guys & gals,

Newbie here, on the GSA front that is, with some questions regarding the 1150 GSA. I have read for hours now but still can not find conclusive answers to the following:

First: how do I determine I'm not buying a 1150GS with Adventure parts?
I understand the tank / rims, but found (and lost ) a thread that mentioned other specific thingies like enforced brake lines and the luggage rack. Anyone has pics by any chance? Or other NON-OBVIOUS signs I'm looking at a converted bike?
I'm asking as I come across quite a number of (imported) 1150 GSA's with a dualseat - of which I am told they are GS specific and should not fit GSA...?

Second: I've read someone's comment here that mentions to get an 1150 GSA after 06/2004 (think it was) Can anybody tell me what changed in that specific month as I can not seem to find it. I am aware the servo's got introduced in 2002, but I can not find any specific differences on the year/models for the 1150 GSA's. I did read 2004-to-2005 are identical though.
Any specific year one should avoid or favor over other years? My instincts would say last of the line - but that might be wrong?

Any further intel on this is highly appreciated, thanks!

 

[roddy]

The 1150GS and GSA share a lot of the same parts, so if someone has modded there GS to GSA spec or vice versa, if done correctly it would be quite hard to tell them apart I'd think, basically

First:- GSA - single seat GS - Dual seat though with the correct parts they can be swopped about.
This is only a thought but the GS had an under seat storage/tool tray which the GSA didn't have, so the rear wheel arch on the underside is smooth on a GSA but if I remember correctly from my 1100GS the arch had a rectangular shape which was the bottom of the tool tray, somebody would be able to clarify whether this tray stays in place when you change a GS to GSA seat arrangement

GSA taller suspension but the suspension from a GS and GSA is a straight swop, so someone can take the shocks, side and centre stand from a GS and do a straight swop onto a GSA, but not the other way since the GSA shocks are longer

GSA has braided brake and clutch lines as far as I'm aware GS came with normal rubber lines, but again this can be easily changed and potentially done on GS of <04 era by the owner as the original lines perish

Second:- from 2004 the GSA came with the larger tank as standard up till then it was an option, and servo ABS became standard as well again up till then it was an option (as I understand)
Again the tanks are readily interchangable
An 04 GSA came with Blue anodised rims on spoked wheels not too sure about the GS wheels whether they stayed silver or not ?

If your in doubt ask the seller ?
if you still have your doubts either walk away or if it's a UK bike (not import) take a note of the VIN and check with a dealer it should be recorded on there system

HTH

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

The V5...

...Registration document states that mine is an Adventure model.

Also, try reading this for a few more cues.

 

[GS TRV]

pop a foto of proposed bike on here and you will have your answer for sure

 

[ovenpaa]

ABS/Servo was still an option in 2005 for the Adventure (I specified mine without January 2005)

 

[Taff]

.... if you still have your doubts either walk away or if it's a UK bike (not import) take a note of the VIN and check with a dealer it should be recorded on there system

Exactly. When I bought my current 1150GSA the man at Rydales could tell me loads of information about the bike just from the registration number, because all BMW dealers are linked on computer. He could tell me what gear ratio it was, when it had been serviced, whether any parts had been changed under warranty etc etc etc. If in doubt contact a BMW dealer.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi guys & gals,

Newbie here, on the GSA front that is, with some questions regarding the 1150 GSA. I have read for hours now but still can not find conclusive answers to the following:

First: how do I determine I'm not buying a 1150GS with Adventure parts?
I understand the tank / rims, but found (and lost ) a thread that mentioned other specific thingies like enforced brake lines and the luggage rack. Anyone has pics by any chance? Or other NON-OBVIOUS signs I'm looking at a converted bike?
I'm asking as I come across quite a number of (imported) 1150 GSA's with a dualseat - of which I am told they are GS specific and should not fit GSA...?

Second: I've read someone's comment here that mentions to get an 1150 GSA after 06/2004 (think it was) Can anybody tell me what changed in that specific month as I can not seem to find it. I am aware the servo's got introduced in 2002, but I can not find any specific differences on the year/models for the 1150 GSA's. I did read 2004-to-2005 are identical though.
Any specific year one should avoid or favor over other years? My instincts would say last of the line - but that might be wrong?

Any further intel on this is highly appreciated, thanks!

Just to confuse you........................

Both 2005 1150GSA models without Servo ABS (I converted the Silver one to a dualseat from a 1150GS)

The 1150GSA should have...................

Blueish Anodised Rims

Blue Head Covers

Braided Brake & Clutch lines

Specific suspension - taller and made by WP, IIRC

Lower 6th Gear (Lower 1st Gear was optional - my Black has it, my Silver one doesn't)

Extra Power Socket on L/Hand side of Beak

Adv Crashbars (originally optional, but later standard)

Adv bash plate

ABS (optional)

Heated grips (optional)

White Indicator lenses (optional)

30 litre Adv tank (originally optional, but later standard)

Adv beak protector

Handguards

Crossbar Pad

Adv Single dual seat and rack

Adv large screen

Adv Foglights (optional)

Adv metal luggage (optional)

That's the main stuff, I might have forgotten something though

 

[bladerunner]

With toungue firmly in cheek:...............



Look at it from the front:
If it looks you straight back in the eyes with attitude it's a GSA, if it looks down sulkily, it's a GS

Sit on it:
If your feet can touch the ground it's a GS, if not it's a GSA

Drop it:
If you can pick it up, it's a GS, if not it's a GSA

Ride it:
If you've gone 100 miles without the fuel guage moving from full, it's a GSA

If you've gone 100 miles and want to go home, it's a GS
If you've ridden 100 miles and are just settling into your stride, it's a GSA

If the tarmac runs out and you turn round, it's a GS. If you smile and continue, it's a GSA

Dent it/get it dirty:
If you curse, it's a GS
If you laugh, it's a GSA

Try putting plastic panniers on:
If it acquiesces like a donkey, it's a GS, If it rears up like a stallion and shrugs them off it's a GSA!

 

[roddy]

Oh another thing I just remembered

the 6th on the GS is this not a overdrive gear and shows "E" on the RID ?
where as the 6th on a GSA is just another gear so shows "6"

 

[Merv]

Try putting plastic panniers on:
If it acquiesces like a donkey, it's a GS, If it rears up like a stallion and shrugs them off it's a GSA![/QUOTE]

Priceless

 

[Captain_Jack]

Nice one Bladerunner

You can also try with this site - Although it says Euro models should use the whole VIN number - it truncates the last 2 digits - so just put in the last 7 characters from the VIN and it should pop up the model, month and year of manufacture.... well, it does for me

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/fiche.aspx

Happy New Year everyone!!

 

[Urban Rider]

With toungue firmly in cheek:...............



Look at it from the front:
If it looks you straight back in the eyes with attitude it's a GSA, if it looks down sulkily, it's a GS

Sit on it:
If your feet can touch the ground it's a GS, if not it's a GSA

Drop it:
If you can pick it up, it's a GS, if not it's a GSA

Ride it:
If you've gone 100 miles without the fuel guage moving from full, it's a GSA

If you've gone 100 miles and want to go home, it's a GS
If you've ridden 100 miles and are just settling into your stride, it's a GSA

If the tarmac runs out and you turn round, it's a GS. If you smile and continue, it's a GSA

Dent it/get it dirty:
If you curse, it's a GS
If you laugh, it's a GSA

Try putting plastic panniers on:
If it acquiesces like a donkey, it's a GS, If it rears up like a stallion and shrugs them off it's a GSA!

Priceless!!!!!

and spot on......!!

 

[Steptoe]

Oh another thing I just remembered

the 6th on the GS is this not a overdrive gear and shows "E" on the RID ?
where as the 6th on a GSA is just another gear so shows "6"

This is wrong.

The "E" is nothing to do with the difference between a GS and GSA. It's an age/gearbox switch thing.
My standard GS shows "6"th.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Don't get too hung up with the Adv thing, either model can be personalised to suit your requirements, I had an 55 Adv and whilst it was a nice bike I ended up selling it as I had too many bikes, then when I could I bought a STD 1150, for my riding it is a much better bike. Much more comfortable as I found the standard Adv seat terrible and I didn't need the taller suspension. I can quite happily do 600 mile days, I would look for the best condition bike you can find, then change it over time to the spec you want, then just ride the wheels off it, had it 4 years now and it will never be for sale

 

[franco]

With toungue firmly in cheek:...............

Try putting plastic panniers on:
If it acquiesces like a donkey, it's a GS, If it rears up like a stallion and shrugs them off it's a GSA!

Or it's a GSA belonging to some tight Scottish bloke who only uses panniers a few times a year so doesn't wanna waste good drink vouchers on aluminium panners