Own an 1150GSA but thinking of about a 1200GSA (2011-2013 only)

[Nando654321]

Hi All

Pigglet thread on whether our wonderful bikes will some day become classics got me thinking about my conundrum:

- I had always wanted to own and ride on a big trip with an 1150GSA
- That box has now been ticked, I rode the big beast on a European trip last year and loved the fact that even after that amount of hard riding, I was able to do some work on late Sunday night, as I was so fresh and not exhausted. Something that simply has never been possible before on any other bike I have ever owned. See pic attached from that trip
- I ride it religiously for my weekly commute and needed to arrive in the office at an early time for an extremely important meeting on a day when temperatures were hovering -4 to -6’c and I rode in. Again, was warm enough and the bike behaved faultlessly. I have never ridden near 0 before and being warm like I am on the 1150GSA has never been normal before

So, quick answer is I’m happy. It’s a 2005 version with sub 40k miles and all the trinkets I would want inc fog lights for my night time living middle of nowhere return from work (now even has an original top box so it’s perfect for me and my weekly commute)

However, I am still in my 40s and have always enjoyed having a bit of “oomph”. The GSA was amazing on my European trip, but I would love to have a few more ponies… hence my question here:

Q: Has anyone got any experience of riding a 1150GSA vs the 1200GSA from 2012 ish which are the models upgraded with more hp? Is it a marked difference? Unable to do a test ride near me hence the ask

My biggest worry about the 1200GSA from 2012 ish is reliability… will it be as bullet proof as my 1150GSA which I know is a great bike vs the penny pinching done on the 1200 builds. I don’t want to buy a 1200 and then within a couple of years start having to pay for this or that. On my 1150GSA, everything is so simple that between me self service and some Steptoe for more complex stuff (or when I haven’t got time), I am sorted for many years to come at reasonable prices

Anyway, just a thought and interested in all replies

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

If you are in your 40’s
Just keep the 1150, unless you have a burning desire for a 1200
I have 2 1150 GSA and not getting rid anytime soon as for me, they are the best GS ever built (others won’t think the same)
The only thing I would swap for, is a mint 1100 GS as they really are also great bikes and the first GS that got me into BMW’s when I first bought one new in 1996 (way before GS bikes were popularised)
I also have a Tenere 700 also for knocking about on locally & for when I want to give up the big GSA - not for a while - but I love the GSA for a big trip, it just takes it in its stride
I had a brand new 1200 GSA in 2008 (the single cam 2008-2010 are also good bikes) and sold it after 6 months (luckily I kept my silver 1150 GSA that I had bought new in 2005 & didn’t trade it in)
The 1200 GSA wasn’t for me, despite all the bells & whistles of TC and ESA suspension - after selling the 12GSA in end of summer 2008, I bought a second 1150 GSA while I could get another decent example and run 2 since then
In 2017/18 I ‘thought’ I needed a change and sold my black 1150 GSA (still keeping my original silver one though)
Within 3 weeks of selling it, I had bought another (one owner from new) black 1150 GSA from this forum again
For me the 1150 GSA is better to ride and more enjoyable (others may disagree) than a 1200
Both my 1150’s are set up & customised for me with top notch suspension and a different screen/seat so that may come into play, as to why I prefer them to 1200’s
I have ridden 2004-2013 single cam and twin cam 1200’s and the latest WC 1200’s from 2013 onwards - but I prefer the original 1100/1150 bikes to own

 

[Davey B]

How long is your weekly commute ? Your sub 40k GSA won't stay a low miler for long if you have a fair sized commute (plus a Euro tour a year). 10 miles each way is adding 5k miles on to it. Why not go for something smaller and far more economical for the commuter and keep the 1150 for 'best...weekend rides and tours?
I doubt you'd really notice much more power in a 2011/12 GSA.

 

[Neil W]

Late model R1200GSA TC is about as good as it gets regarding reliability and useability , even as late as 2011/12 you can easily get non ESA and even non ABS bikes (but with led indicators ,heated grips etc).

Still have the character of the 1150 but added 6 or 7 years of refinement,.

At one time I owned a late model GSA hexhead tc and and early GSA LC te and it was only for financial reasons I sold the LC as it was a P.O.S but I was going to lose £1000's if I got rid of it.


That said even though now I own a 2022 model R1250 GSA Triple Black Basic I have bought a low mileage 1999 R1150 GS as a everyday bike

 

[Ian J Hartley]

When I needed a slightly higher performance bike to ride and tour with my buddies who own and ride R1250GS, my choice was a 2012 R1200GS adventure.

I wanted all the controls the same, so I didn’t have to think about it, and the standard luggage system. (I had already modified my R1150gs to take R1200 aluminium panniers).

However, I could not sort out the ergonomics, specifically the foot pegs.
I’m tall and always felt cramped, so as I was on the cusp of getting rid of the bike, I bit the bullet and built my own foot peg lowering kit, which also required a modified gear and brake lever. Now the bike is as comfortable as the 1150, and I can ride each all day long.

So now I run them both. Long distance and touring with mates, I’m on the R1200. Short solo rides and generally having fun, and I’m on the R1150.

If it ever came down to which one to keep, it would be the R1150, I’ve had it so long and we’ve had some adventures together, it’s almost a part of me……

 

[Nando654321]

If you are in your 40’s
Just keep the 1150, unless you have a burning desire for a 1200
I have 2 1150 GSA and not getting rid anytime soon as for me, they are the best GS ever built (others won’t think the same)
The only thing I would swap for, is a mint 1100 GS as they really are also great bikes and the first GS that got me into BMW’s when I first bought one new in 1996 (way before GS bikes were popularised)
I also have a Tenere 700 also for knocking about on locally & for when I want to give up the big GSA - not for a while - but I love the GSA for a big trip, it just takes it in its stride
I had a brand new 1200 GSA in 2008 (the single cam 2008-2010 are also good bikes) and sold it after 6 months (luckily I kept my silver 1150 GSA that I had bought new in 2005 & didn’t trade it in)
The 1200 GSA wasn’t for me, despite all the bells & whistles of TC and ESA suspension - after selling the 12GSA in end of summer 2008, I bought a second 1150 GSA while I could get another decent example and run 2 since then
In 2017/18 I ‘thought’ I needed a change and sold my black 1150 GSA (still keeping my original silver one though)
Within 3 weeks of selling it, I had bought another (one owner from new) black 1150 GSA from this forum again
For me the 1150 GSA is better to ride and more enjoyable (others may disagree) than a 1200
Both my 1150’s are set up & customised for me with top notch suspension and a different screen/seat so that may come into play, as to why I prefer them to 1200’s
I have ridden 2004-2013 single cam and twin cam 1200’s and the latest WC 1200’s from 2013 onwards - but I prefer the original 1100/1150 bikes to own

Thanks JB, interesting. I have a feeling too that the 1200GSA may not feel as special…

 

[Nando654321]

How long is your weekly commute ? Your sub 40k GSA won't stay a low miler for long if you have a fair sized commute (plus a Euro tour a year). 10 miles each way is adding 5k miles on to it. Why not go for something smaller and far more economical for the commuter and keep the 1150 for 'best...weekend rides and tours?
I doubt you'd really notice much more power in a 2011/12 GSA.

Hey Davey

Commute is all year round, 1-2 times a week at 110 miles round trip. Mix of central London, fun country roads and hard motorway miles… as I am getting older, the heavy adventure bikes like the GS mean I don’t get cold on the motorway, a massive plus. A lighter smaller bike would be horrible in deep winter. I’m 6 foot so my chest staying warm is helped by the GSA

As to not noticing power difference; it’s 86 vs 100+ but not noticeable?

 

[Nando654321]

When I needed a slightly higher performance bike to ride and tour with my buddies who own and ride R1250GS, my choice was a 2012 R1200GS adventure.

I wanted all the controls the same, so I didn’t have to think about it, and the standard luggage system. (I had already modified my R1150gs to take R1200 aluminium panniers).

However, I could not sort out the ergonomics, specifically the foot pegs.
I’m tall and always felt cramped, so as I was on the cusp of getting rid of the bike, I bit the bullet and built my own foot peg lowering kit, which also required a modified gear and brake lever. Now the bike is as comfortable as the 1150, and I can ride each all day long.

So now I run them both. Long distance and touring with mates, I’m on the R1200. Short solo rides and generally having fun, and I’m on the R1150.

If it ever came down to which one to keep, it would be the R1150, I’ve had it so long and we’ve had some adventures together, it’s almost a part of me……

Haha there’s a theme starting on this thread along the lines of

“Yes the 1200GSA is more refined and a bit faster, but we would still choose an 1150!”

I haven’t got the cash for two bikes…

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Thanks JB, interesting. I have a feeling too that the 1200GSA may not feel as special…

For me, it doesn’t
The 12 GSA I bought new, I only kept for 6 months

 

[ricardo]

You've probably summed it up there. I'm fortunate enough to have an 1150 GSA and a twin cam 1200 GSA and if I had to give one up it would be tough to choose. The 1150 did let me down twice, once was the hall effect sensor and the second time water ingress due to riding to Scotland during a monsoon. The 1200 is faster and a bit more refined, but to me feels taller and with the weight higher. Every time I start thinking I could get rid of the 1150 though, I hop back on it and change my mind.

I tend to ride the 1150 if I'm out for a few hours, but stick to the 1200 for tours and full on 8-hour days.

I don't think you'd be disappointed in a 1200 twin cam, but some are.

To sum it up, FIIK!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Nando
Just fit some decent suspension to yours and fit a proper exhaust set up and your 1150 will be sweeter

 

[Nin]

I’ve had all the variants over the years bar the 1250 (though I had that in an RT) all are incredibly capable as you know. The best one for me is the 1200 TC GSA, all it’s missing is cruise control.

I found it to be quite significantly more refined than my 1150, which was itself only marginally better than my 1100. I’ve had the LC versions and prefer the TC.

 

[dub 24]

+ 1 For everything said above. My own situation was I had two 1150 adv's,one for commuting and one for Sunday's and sunny days. I sold the commuter one with 80,000 miles as it got a bit too heavy for commuting, compounded by nearly dropping the bike twice when I lost my footing. I then bought a 1200 gs hexhead for commuting. I would describe this bike as the younger faster lighter version of the 1150 but it doesn't have the character of the 1150, but does everything just as well. I have ridden newer 1200's even a 1250 but still prefer my 1150, and hexhead. For what's it's worth like you I'll never sell the 1150 as to me it's just like that old comfy reliable chair you sit in and never get tired off.

 

[Nando654321]

Nando
Just fit some decent suspension to yours and fit a proper exhaust set up and your 1150 will be sweeter

Agreed JB

Luckily my 1150GSA already came with the Y piece replacement but has a black widow exhaust which I’m hoping to replace with a Remus can, I just need to find a second hand Remus!

No luck as yet.

In relation to suspension - surprisingly I have absolutely nothing to complain about- whatever I do with the GSA it has always behaved well, whether riding hard or bumpy, always good. So for now there’s no plans on suspension

 

[Davey B]

Hey Davey

Commute is all year round, 1-2 times a week at 110 miles round trip. Mix of central London, fun country roads and hard motorway miles… as I am getting older, the heavy adventure bikes like the GS mean I don’t get cold on the motorway, a massive plus. A lighter smaller bike would be horrible in deep winter. I’m 6 foot so my chest staying warm is helped by the GSA

As to not noticing power difference; it’s 86 vs 100+ but not noticeable?

Power wise....I said I doubt you'd really notice much more power.....and you won't. c15%

If a big adv bike means you don't get cold on the motorway, imagine how good something like an RT would be, proper fairing etc...and cheaper for effectively the same bike as the GSA. Just a thought

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-d...D22 9QL&price-to=17000&sort=price-asc&fromsra

Twin cam for less than £5k

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-d...D22 9QL&price-to=17000&sort=price-asc&fromsra

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Agreed JB


In relation to suspension - surprisingly I have absolutely nothing to complain about- whatever I do with the GSA it has always behaved well, whether riding hard or bumpy, always good. So for now there’s no plans on suspension

Ride one with aftermarket suspension and then see how much better it is
Best improvement you can make to any bike is properly sprung suspension

 

[GedJack]

Ride one with aftermarket suspension and then see how much better it is
Best improvement you can make to any bike is properly sprung suspension

Agree totally

 

[Neil W]

Ride one with aftermarket suspension and then see how much better it is
Best improvement you can make to any bike is properly sprung suspension

Agree anything with properly set up Maxton,Ohlins ,Nitron etc will run rings around ESA ( in any of its guises) with regards to performance and comfort

 

[ThreeDawg]

Yup, rode a new(ish) 1250 in South Africa in late '21 for a few days waiting for my 1100 to turn up in Cape Town and was really worried that my old bike would feel shite compared to the new one. It didn't, because my bike has Wilbers on, and the 1250 had oem (not ESA), just no comparison. My mate, who has a 2012 1200 with Wilbers, had to do the whole trip (up to northern Namibia) on a rented 1250 cos his bike turned up nearly a fortnight late ended up actively loathing the newer bike because the ride was so bad on the gravel.

 

[PIGGLET]

Ride one with aftermarket suspension and then see how much better it is
Best improvement you can make to any bike is properly sprung suspension

100% this. With caveats......
Factory shocks are a compromise. OE shocks may well be tired and well past there best with 30K miles on but as its a steady decline, unless you ride new vs old or are fortunate to have access to a dyno its difficult to tell.
Aftermarket shocks will usually be an improvement but the real magic happens when they are custom valved and sprung for you and your bike. Until you have experianced it its difficult to comprehend the magnitude of imorovement. As well as being smoother and more comfortable, the bike will turn in a lot quicker taking cornering to the next level.
Without doubt the best money spent on an oil head.