New here!

[demonbiker]

Hi guys new on the GS forum, been around bike sites for a while but having ridden my mates N reg 65k 1100GS last week- then going to the dealer for a test ride - Sawbridgeworth in Hertford- good salesman there- Dave (i think Austrailian guy), Any way rode a W plate 1150 GS and then the 1200, felt the 1100 gs was a bit quicker and pokier than the 1150 and less vibey- also seemed to sit in the 1150 and on the 1100- prefer the styling of the 1150 but felt the 1100 the better bike???? even with 1 less gear!
Rode the 1200 - different beast- quicker lighter more grunt, only had it out for about 20 mins but i like it!!! bit unsure of the styling?

Problem now is i want a GS! but do i go for 1100 or 1150?? 1200 is too much money and panniers are £500+

Advice on 1100 and 1150 would be helpful guys, a cheaper well specced 1100 would be ideal, but prefer look of 1150! Tart i know!

HELP!

see what happens when you watch Long Way Round!!

 

[multiscan]

I'm new here too.

I think chice of bike is a very personal thing but maybe my experience is relevant to your question.

Several years ago I rented an 1100 GS, decided it was a fraction underpowered for me but otherwise perfect so soon after the 1150 was launched I placed my order.

I have no regrets (it was the best bike fo me at the time) but shortly after I took delivery the Adventure was launched which adressed a few isssues with the standard 1150 GS.

I assumed the 1200 GS would be my dream bike but after a couple of test rides it's clear that it's not the bike for me so I've just ordered a new Adventure before they are withdrawn. The lower first gear should put an end to being beaten away from the light by 50cc mopeds (and 1100 GS's), the one piece seat should allow me to shift my butt on those 1000km/day trips, and the big tank means I can stop when I need refreshment instead of when the bike needs it.

 

[-Robbo-]

Welcome to the forum from another Fifer, I have just got the 1150GS and love it, had a 1200GS for the weekend a few months ago and felt it was just to light IMO. Get yourself to John Clarks they have 1100's 1150's & 1200's just now and you will be able to test drive all three!!!

 

[ceeby]

Dave at Sawbridgeworth is a good bloke, I believe he is South African, not exactly a local dealer for Fife though??

 

[JohnC]

Hi m8, I was in the same position just over a month ago. After looking at all options I finally decided on a bog standard 24,000 mile 1999 1100 from Motorrad Central. I paid a fair bit more than I would have done private but the bike was mint, had a fbmw service history and was given a both a 24K mile and annual service by Motorrad, including a years tax, warranty and BMW assist. This gives me the pease of mind to really use the bike as intended and travel extensively abroad.

I've read probably every thread regarding which GS is 'best' and decided on the 1100 for a variety of reasons. For me this was down to low initial purchace cost, good quality materials and finish and proven long term reliability. In my case this means I can spend the savings on tailoring the bike to my own requirements while still coming in cheaper than a standard 1150 might have cost me. Dont get me wrong, I'd have bought an 1150 if the right bike had came along, but I just got fed up waiting

There are some cracking second hand private buys on the forum right now, both 1100 and 1150's. Splash the cash, you know it makes sense

 

[demonbiker]

I like the 1100 but cant justify the price difference for a 1150 when i dont think its any better- except 6 gears and headlight?
A used 1100 with good extras/spec is probably what im looking at but i DO prefer the look of the 1150!

Confused??

I am!

 

[Fanum]

Welcome aboard demonbiker...I'm a bit of a newb here too


JohnC's right...keep an eye out on the board and you'll find some cracking bikes from time to time.......on the previous page to this for example, there's this 1150 up for 5800

LINK HERE

I would honestly suggest you get yourself along to a decent dealer's for a day....explain to them your dilemna and they'll let you ride an 1100 back to back with an 1150........make sure it's a ride of at least 2 hours and then do the same route on the other bike, and go for the one that gives you the biggest grin factor.

If the price of an 11 grabs you but the looks of an 1150, there are always things like desierto fairings, and it is possible to graft an 1150 beak onto an 1100.

It'll be a personal choice, but one nice thing I think you'll discover is the total lack of model snobism, certainly between 11/1150 owners- at meets, noone gives a flying toss which one anybody rides.

There's little difference 'tween the two- at least up until the twin spark 1150 model, which cured the surging that many previous 11xx's suffered from (though that can be cured if you know how )

Go test ride, whichever you get, you won't be dissapointed.