Questions from GS 'Virgin'

[ferguscawley]

Hi all

I am considering buying either an 1100 or 1150 GS. I am getting out of the sportbike scene and have been searching the 'for sale' ads for some time. I have seen some great bargains, especially for older R1100GS models. However, I have a preference for the 1150. Anyway, I have some questions that I hope you 'gurus' here may be able to answer..

1. What is considered high mileage for these engines ?. Is 56000 miles (with FBMWSH) anything to be afraid of ?
2. Are the any weak points (on both models) that I should be aware of when buying the bike, such as wheel bearings, driveshaft leaks, gaskets etc ?
3. Are replacement parts horribly expensive ? e.g. clutch, filters etc ?
4. is it very difficult to replace the clutch ?

Bear in mind that I have above average mechanical ability and have rebuilt (sport)bikes, overhauled suspension, balanced carbs etc in the past. I plan on doing all servcing / repairs etc myself.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
By the way, this is a fantastic website. There seems to be huge welath of knowledge and very friendly atmosphere here.

Have a good weekend

Ferg

 

[BawdyMonk]

High Mileages..

Take a look at this thread on the RT Forum and you'll see 56Kmiles isn't anything to worry about!
There are reports of bikes with 200K and one of 300K, have a search for engine problems.

Can't help you on the other points due to prices being different here.

 

[Spanish Bob]

Re: High Mileages..

Take a look at this thread on the RT Forum and you'll see 56Kmiles isn't anything to worry about!
There are reports of bikes with 200K and one of 300K, have a search for engine problems.

Can't help you on the other points due to prices being different here.

Hells teeth Bawdy

thats a lot of laps of Cyprus.

bob

 

[Madmountainman]

The fork braces corrode quickly and the rear shock's crap. Some fastners rust like buggery and some minor electrical gremlins abound. Worse to watch for are gearbox input/output shaft seals leaking. This seems to happen on bikes not used regularly more than not. Tell tale signs are oil misting at the joint where the gearbox meets the engine. Low mileage is always preferable but beware what i said previously, a higher mileage may well be running as sweet as a nut! Clutch can be tricky, it requires an engine strip. Best to put a Touratech ceramic in and do the shaft seals whilst you're in there.

 

[Sleepy]

I've not had to buy anything other than service parts and these (from Moto-bins) have been very reasonable compared to the Jap bikes I've owned.
Servicing is a doddle, if you used to service your Japanese bikes you'll have no problems with GS's...

 

[Squidbrain]

Clutch can be tricky, it requires an engine strip.

Rich

The clutch is dry plate construction between the engine and gearbox, just like on a RWD car, so replacement "only" entails dismantling the bike from the back, up to, but not including, the engine.

Fergus

Go for the 1100, and spend the change on all those "must have" goodies. As Sleepy says, working on these bikes is very straightforward, even clutch replacement, which is time consuming rather than complicated.

From what I've seen and heard, there's no real advantage in owning an 1150. Despite its 6th gear, it's allegedly less economical and the twin headlamps come in for lots of criticism. What are you left with? A hydraulic clutch. I'd rather have cable actuation (with a spare tie wrapped in place) any day.

Good luck with your search. Whichever you decide on, you won't regret it for a second.

Mick

p.s. Just checked, 76,589 so far, and I'm off to do another 25k soon.

 

[BawdyMonk]

Re: Re: High Mileages..

Hells teeth Bawdy

thats a lot of laps of Cyprus.

bob

Bob, I'm not sure how I've managed to do 15000kms on the bike(s) since February plus 13000kms in the cars... on a place thats 225x97kms, with 11150kms of roads...especially as only 58%are paved

I'm planning to to the Iron Butt, 1000 miles in 24 hours, before Xmas... I'll probably do it at night, not as boring that way!

 

[ferguscawley]

Thanks !

Guys

Thanks for all your help. This is a great forum
I have a decision to make now -

A 1994 R1100 GS (black) with 56K miles for £3500 (immaculate condition - new ohlins front and rear etc)
or
A 1999 R1150 GS (mandarin) with 13K miles for £4950 (h/grips - luggage etc)
or
A 2000 R1150 GS (silver) with 8.9K miles for £5300 (h/grips - luggage)

My wife does not like the mandarin one though........... theres no pleasing some people

Thanks again for your replies. If any of you have any opinions on which one of the above 3 to chose, feel free to comment / abuse / etc etc

 

[roadrider]

Fergus

If your planning on mile munching, I'd go for the 1150 6speed
as 6th is a proper overdrive gear and it certainly improves the MPG, and keeps the vibes down on long trips. I've had 4 BM's and had no problems with stock suspension riding in the real world.
Don't get hung up on colour, any colour grows on you after a while, just ride and enjoy a real fun bike

John

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Go for the latest 2000 model 1150 - because the gearbox gremlins ( jumping out of E on 99 models) had been sorted and it's only £300 more.
Also Silver is a timeless colour and most of the early ones were Silver or Mandarin - both colours were most popular.

 

[ferguscawley]

The silver one has been sold. Just spoke to the seller.

My fault for waiting too long. Ah well, I'm sure there will be others very soon.

 

[samsgs]

do

they have ABS as thats something to consider.

Also does this mean that a 2002/3 bike should be no more than £6000 (given the £300 differential between the two 1150s)?

sam

 

[ferguscawley]

Yep, all 3 have (had) ABS.
Going by MCN, the 2002 / 2003 models start around 6750 up to 7600. Out of my budget unfortunately. I hoping to spend no more than £5000, but if a really good one comes up then I may stretch to £5500 max.

Ferg