Hello to one and all. Forgive my ignorance, in advance, for my lack of mechanical knowledge, but thinking of buying a GS soon. Was initially trying to get newest / lowest mileage for around 5-6k, maybe 7 at a push, but now I’m beginning to look at older (cheaper to maintain) and higher miles (40k).. so been looking at 1100’s, 1150’s etc. Is there a huge difference in ride Quality and performance between these sizes, and goes more modern mean more tech, as I’m not too fussed about bells and whistles! Many thanks…
Newbie seeks advice!
- Thread starter Steeler
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Older cheaper to maintain ? , don't know about that , I assume you're not doing the maintenance in that case buy a Jap , plenty of tales on here with oil cooled having failed suspension especially motorised adjusting ones, final drives , fuel strips. If it needs a clutch that's a day's labour.
Early water cooled ,suspension units again , loose spokes , front forks should have had recall , corroding engine cases, water pumps.
They are nice bikes but not cheap to run if your luck is out .
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Early water cooled ,suspension units again , loose spokes , front forks should have had recall , corroding engine cases, water pumps.
They are nice bikes but not cheap to run if your luck is out .
Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk
You can pick up a tidy last year Twin Cam 1200 for 6-7k.
As with everything in life, you get what you pay for. Newer versions of the get better, smoother and stronger. Miles don't matter if the bike is properly serviced.
A 50,000 mile bike will run sweet as you like.
As with everything in life, you get what you pay for. Newer versions of the get better, smoother and stronger. Miles don't matter if the bike is properly serviced.
A 50,000 mile bike will run sweet as you like.
I'd be looking for a Twin Cam 1200 for 6-7k.
Me too.
ELIMINATOR
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Bought my 1150 with 996 miles showing, in 2004. now showing 108,000. Had a second hand caliper the other day. New final drive bearing last year. a few stick coils over the years. One rusted metal rear brake pipe replaced. ALL in all, not bad.
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Suspension is good even on the older models and much simpler to maintain versus adjustable electronic stuff that will eventually go wrong.
1100/1150 aren’t anywhere near as smooth or powerful as the latest engines but they are still torquey engines. I’ve got an 1100 and 1150 but I’ve had bikes as new as 67 plate water cooled and had a couple of 1200 twin cams before.
You’ve really got to ride them to gauge for yourself but personally I’ve got no interest in the newer stuff these days, but that’s just me.
1100/1150 aren’t anywhere near as smooth or powerful as the latest engines but they are still torquey engines. I’ve got an 1100 and 1150 but I’ve had bikes as new as 67 plate water cooled and had a couple of 1200 twin cams before.
You’ve really got to ride them to gauge for yourself but personally I’ve got no interest in the newer stuff these days, but that’s just me.
Did you get any joy with your warranty claim on these parts?
Seriously, the O/P is looking for a unicorn which I think most on here are also looking for - low purchase and maintenance costs, high performance
ThreeDawg
Registered user
Just try to find the last year of any model if you buy a BMW. Buy an older bike and spend the balance on a thorough refresh and top notch suspension. Damned if I can see what all the fuss is over the latest bikes.
fox889
Registered user
I’ve got an old girl……….also an 02 GS1150 didn’t pay a huge amount for her, keep the oils & filter changed on a regular basis and can’t really fault her.
Why don’t you try & find a well cared for 1150 for around £3k mark & see how you like her. Key also is having a decent old school mechanic on hand if anything needs doing, my 1150 with 43k had early symptoms of final drive bearing wear, I didn’t fancy doing it but local old school bike shop did, all sorted for not a lot of money.
I’m an old codger of 65 years, this is the only girl I can get me leg over, love her to bits, comfy, smooth & a joy to ride.
Why don’t you try & find a well cared for 1150 for around £3k mark & see how you like her. Key also is having a decent old school mechanic on hand if anything needs doing, my 1150 with 43k had early symptoms of final drive bearing wear, I didn’t fancy doing it but local old school bike shop did, all sorted for not a lot of money.
I’m an old codger of 65 years, this is the only girl I can get me leg over, love her to bits, comfy, smooth & a joy to ride.
Lots of the issues quoted above refer to the 1200’s and not the 1100/1150.
Don’t be over obsessed with low mileage on a second hand 1100/1150 GS.
Don’t be over obsessed with low mileage on a second hand 1100/1150 GS.
Yes. One small example. On an 1150 you can adjust the idle speed with a screwdriver and get the idle balanced as close you want it to be and at the speed you prefer ( i like my 1150 idling at 700rpm).
On a 1200 you need a diagnostic unit to set the idle, and you get the speed and balance you're given, oh, and they rarely balance at idle as well as an 1100/1150.
After 210k on my 1150 I can say mileage isn't an issue. I also have a late 1200 and though the 1200 may be more powerful its not a better bike just different. The 1150 can be ridden in 6 from 30mph and is silky smooth, try that with the 1200! I think personally condition is king, mileage does not matter, a high mileage well looked after is better than low mileage and un loved, oh god sound like marriage!
I have a 2000 1150 and a 2006 1200adv. Both bikes are like chalk and cheese. I have put 60k miles on the 1150 and had one final drive bearing and a Speedo cable. Have put 55k on the 1200 and had an abs unit, gearbox oil seal, clutch, FPC, final drive replaced and 2 TPS units. If I had to keep one, I would keep the 1150. I would never sell it- it’s quick enough, torquey, comfortable and easier to handle. That bike redefines my expectations of what riding a bike is about.
Thought about something newer, I’m not interested in all the electronics, they are superfluous as far as I’m concerned. I’m also a trustee for the local blood bike group and we have had RT’s for years, and some of the warranty claims have been shocking. New engines, final drives, exhausts, the list goes on.
Ignore mileage, just go for overall condition. Also suspension is the best mod ever on a bike. A Maxton shock transformed my 1200.
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Thought about something newer, I’m not interested in all the electronics, they are superfluous as far as I’m concerned. I’m also a trustee for the local blood bike group and we have had RT’s for years, and some of the warranty claims have been shocking. New engines, final drives, exhausts, the list goes on.
Ignore mileage, just go for overall condition. Also suspension is the best mod ever on a bike. A Maxton shock transformed my 1200.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Maxton shock on the rear of my 20 year old 1150. The best mod ever. Maxton maybe expensive but well worth it in my opinion.
Try them! I've had water cooled, and older air/oil cooled models. I prefer the 2013 onwards personally (water cooled) . I also prefer the GS over the GSA (having had both)... I prefer the power/delivery of the water cooled, and also like the benefits of things like cruise control...
Worth trying a few local rides if possible... Assuming you've not spent much tome riding GS's...
Just a thought
Worth trying a few local rides if possible... Assuming you've not spent much tome riding GS's...
Just a thought
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