Newbie 1150R or GS- advice

[delToro]

Hi.
I’m 60+ and consider a farewell to my R80ST when It’s still time..
Mostly touring, twisty Norwegian roads with passenger, but also Germany/ South of France, I hope.
1) Why a 1150GS and not a 1150R? (6’ but aging and don’t want too many 0mph accidents).
2) Can I trust the speedo mileage of the 1100 / 1150’s, and how to control it? (2001 1150R and 14.000km??)

 

[Pip_UK]

Hi delToro,

All of BM’s ‘R’ bikes share a similar ‘feel’, from having the boxer engine and telelever suspension, making them easy to ride and control, and they all are able to be equipped with heated grips, ABS (when new, but a lot of secondhand R bikes seem to be ABS-equipped), practical luggage, different screens etc. and they are very comfortable, and are designed for the pillion to enjoy all day too. All R bikes are fun to ride as well as being sensible, which is a great trick, as the two don't usually go together.

The roadster is a very different look and image, and I think is intended to appeal to riders who prefer the simplicity, compactness, and back-to-basics appeal of a naked bike. The ‘R’ is lower & smaller than the GS, but not actually all that much lighter. And although the GS looks huge, the wide bars and low centre of gravity make it easy to control at low speed. Just like the GS, the 1200 version of the R is much lighter than the 1150.

I’m a fan of the roadster, but the GS just ‘feels’ right for me. I like the roominess, road presence, the view from the seat, and the feeling of control from the wide bars. Why not try them both and see if one of them feels more right for you?

Something to think about if you choose an 1150 R, is that they were available with a choice of short or long (overdrive) 6th gear. The short gear gives more overtaking punch at high speed, and the overdrive gives more relaxed and economical motorway cruising. I think the 1150 GS has the overdrive 6th as standard, and probably the 1150 GS Adventure has the short top gear, but another GSer may confirm or correct this for me.

Re your second question, although roadsters are perfectly capable of long-distance touring, you mostly see them around town or out on Sunday, when you see them at all - they're not nearly as popular as GSs (in the UK anyway). I looked at quite a few roadsters before I bought my GS and they tended to have low miles comapred to GSs. Also BMW owners seem to be quite good about keeping service documentation, so you can check that. If you buy from a BMW dealer, the bike's history with any BMW dealer will be on computer.

I visited Norway on my GS and you are very lucky to live in such a beautiful country with such great biking roads, little traffic, and fantastic scenery. Whichever bike you choose I wish you very enjoyable riding.

 

[bladerunner]

welcome delToro

The GS has the sexier cooler image and has been more popular.

For most people - especially if you are not going off road - I'm sure the R1150R would be at least as good. It is likely to be cheaper, have lower milage and in the UK probably have been better looked after by a more mature rider.

By with your heart means the GS, buy with your head means the R - the 1150R is probably the most under-rated best value used buy out there.


p.s. I ride an 1100RT for the excellent faring and a 1150GSA 'cos they're iconic and I can't help but be impressed by a bike that looks me straight in the eye!

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Greetings del_Toro

 

[delToro]

What about extras?

Thanks to Bladerunner and Pip. I may follow my head.. (Even cheaper, the RS, but..)
There is a R 2001 out there with Remus exhaust system, Wunderlich performance controller(?!?), Yves Moille comfort- seat, Rox handlebar, adjustable foot pegs and more. I don’t need the Wunderlich thing at all(?), but is it a drawback?

 

[The smudger]

Hi matey,

I ride the 1150 GSA but as someone else mentioned the 1150R is a very capable/underated tourer.

Plus points for the GSA is later models have the 30 ltr tank, thats a real plus when touring, although i have found that when touring with mates who havnt got the big tank you find yourself stopping with them anyway..

Only negative point for the GSA is the weight. Boy is it heavy! But a wonderful capable tourer. I have ridden an 1150R but no great distance so cant really comment.

With regards to the gearbox thing, i have a 2004/54 Adventure and it doesnt have the short top gear, from memory i think all the 'SE's had it?

 

[Achim]

After two R850Rs I went for a 12GS.

IMO the GS is the better tourer: more cockpit room to move around, more comfortable pillion accommodation, much better wind protection at motorway speeds. It's also more flickable and has more road presence.

I'd test-ride both for an extended period and then follow your gut instinct .

Good luck,
Achim

 

[delToro]

Saddle and footpegs

Alea acta est
I made my choice, and I'm now a proud owner of a bright yellow 2002 R (and in a wrong forum), thanks to some of you.
I've ridden my first 250miles. Easy handling, great brakes and Torque! Everything was great, but as the miles and hours passed, my old hips and body (183cm) (16')? protested. Seat too low and knee angle far too sharp on long rides. (Poor testride).. .
On the other side, just minor adjustments required . New saddle and some adjustable footpegs. What brand, and where to buy?
Thanks a lot, everyone, and if you plan to pass Mandal / Kristiansand, or need some advice, touring Norway,please send a mess.

Tor