R 1150 GSA - What's the best year ?

[BLUEJAY]

Bluejay, having had most types of GS,

I can see that from your records

I can assure you that the telelever front end is fine off road (trail riding - not competition), and its advantage of partially seperating braking and suspension on the road is well transferred to the dirt.

That's good to hear
I must admit this is one (if not the biggest) concern I have on 1150/1200 vs. the 800GS
Although I do not intend to do any competition off road , I am still worried of the telelever system when pushed through some hard stuff
I have looked at the 800GS forks closely and they seem tough (45 mm tubes ) and made "to be dirty"


No doubts telelever behaves very well (probably better ! ) on pavement

Again, I haven't tried the bikes myself yet, just going on personal impression and other people's valuable experience

 

[nunesaf]

If you come by the Lake of Como area, let me know and we can have a beer together (the rest you'll have to find it yourself ), so that we can have an updated chat on Beemers

I live about 20 minutes (as a bike flies ) form the Lake and 1.5 hours from the swiss border.

If your planned trip comes closer and you have the time, I can give you my e-mail, to arrange for the meeting.

Bleujay,
Will do! Thanks for your offering . Our plans are open - all we want is to go to the Alpes. Keep in touch by PM

 

[Rhino]

well I had 2 gs 1200s a second hand one on a `54 plate and a brand new `06 one. I now ride a `02 1150 gsa. No servo no abs single spark. Its a keeper. No weird and wonderfull canbus to go wrong and try and kill me like the 1200 did 3 times. The bike is heavier yes but that makes it feel like it flatens the bumps rather than bounces over them. I love it and wish I had held out and bought a 1150 gsa instead of listening to the dealer and getting the 1200 when I went looking the first time.

 

[nunesaf]

I can see that from your records




That's good to hear
I must admit this is one (if not the biggest) concern I have on 1150/1200 vs. the 800GS
Although I do not intend to do any competition off road , I am still worried of the telelever system when pushed through some hard stuff
I have looked at the 800GS forks closely and they seem tough (45 mm tubes ) and made "to be dirty"


No doubts telelever behaves very well (probably better ! ) on pavement

Again, I haven't tried the bikes myself yet, just going on personal impression and other people's valuable experience

Bluejay, are you there? I was trying to pm you, no luck. My email address is [email protected]

Hope hearing from you

 

[BLUEJAY]

Bluejay, are you there? I was trying to pm you, no luck. My email address is [email protected]

Hope hearing from you

Hi there,
yesss I am still alive

I am sending you my e-mail contact in a few minutes and we'll go from there



P.S.: PM did't work probably 'cause I haven't subscribed yet.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

2005......................

 

[BLUEJAY]

Hi Folks,
I am still looking into this matter although it seems more confusing the more it develops (ABS - Servo, non Servo, Single Spark, Twin spark, Low first, Overdrive..... ).

Can some of you "experienced" 1150 GS/GSA Riders light a beacon for me and summarize the varios options ?
I know I am asking a lot, but pleeeeease

P.S.: Is there a GS model (non adventure) with a low first as well ?

Thanks

Bluejay

 

[MikeP]

Hi Folks,
I am still looking into this matter although it seems more confusing the more it develops (ABS - Servo, non Servo, Single Spark, Twin spark, Low first, Overdrive..... ).

Can some of you "experienced" 1150 GS/GSA Riders light a beacon for me and summarize the varios options ?
I know I am asking a lot, but pleeeeease

P.S.: Is there a GS model (non adventure) with a low first as well ?

Thanks

Bluejay

I'll take a stab:

1150GS never had the low first gear as an option.

When the 1150GS was launched it had 5 plus a tall "overdrive" 6th gear.

When the Adventure was launched, BMW shortened the 6th gear on both models.

Servo brakes and ABS: Non-ABS bikes have no servo.

There were different versions of the Servo/ABS. Earlier versions are considered to be more 'grabby' than the last version (Evo-III brakes). IIRC the later brakes are branded 'BMW' whereas the earlier versions are branded 'Brembo.'

The Servo-ABS system is partially linked. While the foot pedal only operates the rear brake, the handlebar lever operates both and spreads the braking forces according to need.

Like ABS, servo brakes generate lots of debate as to whether they are good or bad.

Both add complexity so both are possible/potential trouble.

If a bike has no ABS, it will have no servo-assist and this caused a lot of heartache for buyers. Personally, I wanted ABS and have since come to enjoy the servo-assist (admittedly, my bike has Evo-III brakes and they are much nicer to use than the earlier servo versions).

Some people get their knickers in a twist because the system on 1150's requires a few seconds to test itself before starting the bike or using the brakes.

Simple way to check that a bike has ABS is to look for the ABS button on the right-hand switch gear (this allows the rider to disable the ABS until the bike is next re-started).

There is no quick and simple way that you can check which gearbox ratios a bike has. With 1150GS's you need to know at what frame number the short top gear was introduced, with 1150GSA's you need to see what options were specified by the first owner.

Just to complicate things further, I believe that the overdrive gearbox could be specified in the US until the end of production/supply but short bottom gear and overdrive top could not be specified in the same gearbox.

Single-Spark. Both GS and GSA were originally single-spark. The Twin-Spark (addition of a second plug) was about 2003 model year on. Some say it was to address the surging issue but it was to aid combustion and clean-up the emissions to meet tougher EU requirements (surging can be sorted by valve and TB adjustment).

Clear as mud innit.

The bits I have got wrong, someone eminently more knowledgeable will be along shortly!

 

[Rhino]

as I said for me it was a case of going for the low tech option. On the principle thatthe twin spark is there to keep the CO readings down not increase performance and no servo or abs to fail in the middle of nowhere left Me withthe only chocie between low first or not.
Other point is the lower cost and easier maintenace not having abs gives.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Early 1150 GSA's had ABS But no Servo, around 2002 on a 02 or 52 plate

Later ones...... early 2003 onwards had Servo ABS or just plain jane no ABS

I have a last model 2005 Silver Twinspark, no ABS and it's a good bike

 

[Alex B]

2003 - 2005.

SE is just a tarted up version basically but looks nice in white.

I have a 2003 ABS Servo and works fine. ABS has come in very handy in very wet weather and HAS prevented me coming off at least twice.

Non-ABS is OK too if you're a dab hand and know what you're doing. But not many really fit safely in that category methinks.

 

[BLUEJAY]

Thanks to all of You who replied so nicely (special thanks go to MikeP for his detailed report ).

A Good Friend of mine (Motorbike Mechanic as well ) wants to talk me into choosing an 1150 GS as my next steer and I know He has no hidden agenda

Basically He said what You all also have said.....quite "old fashion built" bike with no CAN BUS and High tech devices which could go wrong, nice motor, good handling and bla bla.....without going broke !

Good package for the money ! ...and definitely a big upgrade from my F650GS...

I have to admit I am seriously considering the swap and I would like to make the right choice to meet my expectations.

My only concern is WEIGHT !!!!

Based on the herebelow "personal requirements", which model/year would you suggest me to get ?


1. The simpler the better
2. Non ABS & Non Servo
3. Low first and long 6th if possible (and compatible).

By reading some of your previous posts, I seem to understand that "MY 2002" would be the way to go.

I like the Adventure (In this case "low first" would be a must) but I also like the black/red seated standard GS.

Thanks again for your time.

Cheers

Bluejay

 

[chrishb4]

I have a 2001 1150GS with ABS and overdrive,(the fast black version) it's a fantastic bike and is only heavy when you're standing next to it heaving it off the stand....riding it, all those kilos disappear!! Go for the 1150GS...you know it makes sense.
Chris

 

[Taff]

I've owned two 1150 GS Adventures, one from 2003 and still have one registered in 2005. For about a month I had both parked next to each other - them were days.

TBH although I love my bike to bits, the finish quality of the 2003 bike was better than the 2005 one. The day I sold it, the 03 bike looked as good as the day it came out of the factory - I still have the photos, but on the 05 bike a load of the bolts are rusting and are looking shite. Ok, I could replace them all, but I shouldn't have to. On other parts of the bike, some of the paint is literally flaking off and some parts are showing very slight rust spots, but as I intend trying to get it round the clock I will keep an eye on it and when it gets really bad, I'll get it repainted.

I didn't buy the 03 bike from new, so I suppose it's possible that the previous owner had changed the bolts.

 

[King Rat]

2003 1150 GSA with servo brakes (BMW ones, not Brembo). Done 146,000 miles - only niggles were the starter ring bearing began to chatter, so was changed. main drive shaft bearings collapsed at around 40,000 - no problems since then.

Finish is shite in comparison to earlier bikes though - the engine "paint" is flaking off (was at 25,000) and the fork lowers were painted with water that had the paint tin shown it - but the tin was still closed!

fasteners all pretty good, they are at least coated, the later bikes are not.

Fuel consumption - I have never managed to get more than 28 litres into the tank, so not run it dry - going steady to eeek out the precious liquid (getting dearer than whisky now) I have managed to get 380 miles from a tankful, but that was cruising for long periods at just over 60 (to make the fuel go as far as possible) - going steady 80 will still give you 310 miles. So about 55 to the gallon, or about 6.5 litres/100km as an average.

Tourance tyres - 13,000 to 15,000 miles from a set.

Lights - get one of les Wassell's HID kits for the dip beam - worth every penny. I don't have extra riding lights, but others say they are worth it - I don't like the clutter.

Weight - it disappears in a month and you simply don't notice it. Just get on a and ride the f**king thing. At first it will seem a bit intimidating - BEST IT.

Thats it. All the electronic mumbop jumbo? As reliable as doesn't matter. If you have simple that you can fiddle with - you will, whether it needs it or not. THAT can be a source of problems!

 

[GSAde]

main drive shaft bearings collapsed at around 40,000 - no problems since then.

So did mine, due to water getting in, make sure you put either a very strong cable tie or jubilee type clip arround the shaft "boot"

Finish is shite in comparison to earlier bikes though - the engine "paint" is flaking off (was at 25,000) and the fork lowers were painted with water that had the paint tin shown it - but the tin was still closed!

My 05 GSA has the best finish of any of my 1150's, no flaking paint anywhere - (this 05 is my third 1150)

fasteners all pretty good, they are at least coated, the later bikes are not.

My fasteners did start to corrode - fitted a set of Steptoe's s/steel sets

Tourance tyres - 13,000 to 15,000 miles from a set.

HOW MANY does your throttle open! seem to vary set to set with me but nevere bettered 7k for a rear, last one lasted 5k & was barely legal when I got back from Scotland - but their roads are a tads abrasive.



Got to admit my 05 GSA is the best GS I've had, twin spark is now (was then)smoother than the earlier t/spark & much smoother than the single spark.

No ABS on my 05 as I hated my previous one with the servo (kept it for a couple of years/ 25k miles but never could get used to it) Brakes have been fine on this one, loads of feel , something that the servo robs them of - so your more likely to ned the ABS as you can't feel what the brakes are doing the same.

Mine is also, as others have said a "keeper" as It's the bike that suits me the best in the stakes of fun to ride & simplicity - tried the 1200's yeah, quicker, nimbler, but just didn't float my boat in terms of riding satisfaction. Weight is no issue (unless you have to pick it up ) & I'm no muscle man @ 75 kilos

I'd buy the same again, if they still sold them - there again mines still virtually as new condition, as I do look after my bikes, so no need to. Was out yesterday & was still the best grin per mile ratio of any bike I've had

Hope you get what "suits you sir" but I would't hesitate to recommend the latest non servo you can find, forget the SE "tarts handbag" as they all had servo brakes & as for looking good you can always change the colour scheme of any bike (if not the engine colour - I think they had non painted engine - if I'm wrong someone will be sure to point this out

Enjoy whatever you get.

Ade

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

So did mine, due to water getting in, make sure you put either a very strong cable tie or jubilee type clip arround the shaft "boot"



My 05 GSA has the best finish of any of my 1150's, no flaking paint anywhere - (this 05 is my third 1150)



My fasteners did start to corrode - fitted a set of Steptoe's s/steel sets



HOW MANY does your throttle open! seem to vary set to set with me but nevere bettered 7k for a rear, last one lasted 5k & was barely legal when I got back from Scotland - but their roads are a tads abrasive.



Got to admit my 05 GSA is the best GS I've had, twin spark is now (was then)smoother than the earlier t/spark & much smoother than the single spark.

No ABS on my 05 as I hated my previous one with the servo (kept it for a couple of years/ 25k miles but never could get used to it) Brakes have been fine on this one, loads of feel , something that the servo robs them of - so your more likely to ned the ABS as you can't feel what the brakes are doing the same.

Mine is also, as others have said a "keeper" as It's the bike that suits me the best in the stakes of fun to ride & simplicity - tried the 1200's yeah, quicker, nimbler, but just didn't float my boat in terms of riding satisfaction. Weight is no issue (unless you have to pick it up ) & I'm no muscle man @ 75 kilos

I'd buy the same again, if they still sold them - there again mines still virtually as new condition, as I do look after my bikes, so no need to. Was out yesterday & was still the best grin per mile ratio of any bike I've had

Hope you get what "suits you sir" but I would't hesitate to recommend the latest non servo you can find, forget the SE "tarts handbag" as they all had servo brakes & as for looking good you can always change the colour scheme of any bike (if not the engine colour - I think they had non painted engine - if I'm wrong someone will be sure to point this out

Enjoy whatever you get.

Ade

Totally agree.................forget the Servo ABS and get a late 2005 non Servo ABS 1150GSA

 

[BLUEJAY]

Hi Gents,
I may be shopping around for an 1150 GS ADVENTURE and was wondering :

Which, in your opinion, is the best year to choose and why ?

What main bugs (if any ) should I be looking for ?

Any of you have swapped back from 1200 GS ?


Actually, I have decided to change my '03 F650 GS (no complaints overall - great bike ) at the end of this year, and to replace it I am checking out the following models, although I have not yet tried any:


F800 GS (as New bike) :

Up =
Seems nimble and lighter
good power/weight ratio
good capabilities for light/medium off-road
very good MPG
chain driven

Down=
worried it won't be too confy for longer runs
low end torque ?
Too much electronics ?


1200 GS (as Used bike) :

Up=
Nice motor/performance
good appeal
very good/confortable on roads
low end torque

Down=
too much electronics
heavier than 800
telelever suspension (for O/R)
some bits are plasticky


1150 GSA (Used, of course)

Up=
Metal made
good range
very good appeal (read "unique")
though made "old timer"
low end torque
simple made construction (read not much electronics)
first lower gear ratio option

Down=
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Fuel consumption ?
telelever suspension (for O/R)


Just a few thoughts....what do you say ?

Still some time to decide I know, but I wanted to get it right, be convinced at the end and made some deep research with the help of you experienced long-time owners.


Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers


P.S.: If I decide for the 1150 GSA, I'd be definitely looking for a "lower first gear" equipped one.

Awesome is the 2006 Special Edition

First of all, thanks again for those of you who are cooperating and sharing their experience

I have been "working" a little on this matter and, just to "refresh" the picture....see below :


F800 GS : Had a go (test ride) on one..... great disappointment
It definitely does not fit my bill as in my opinion is does not have the "touring" capabilities I am looking for.
I could go further and say I wouldn't swap it with my '03 F650 GS in an overall rating travelling confort contest
To sum it up ..... too many vibrations and very poor protection from the elements

R 1200 GS/GSA : I am hearing of too many issues, so I intend to keep it away from me for the moment, as I am looking for a dependable ride



It then really comes down to 1150 GS/GSA and, as soon as I sell my F650 , I will be avidly looking into getting one of these.....

In the meantime, I am continuously following this great forum, for any hints and tips.

Will keep you updated on future progress.....

Stay tuned !


Bluejay

 

[BLUEJAY]

I got it !

Finally, after long months spent "researching" and "scanning" I made my choice : 2003 1150 GS Pacific Blue/Alpine White.

The bike is a Twin Spark model with 20000 Km's on the clock, heated grips and BMW Touring panniers. It appears to be well kept.

Now it's in for a "Super Check" (oil changing - filters etc.) and I am looking forward to collect it end of next week.

I intend to buy the original engine protection bars (possibly used ) and get rid of the horrible Givi topcase

And..oh..I forgot, it doesn't have ABS, which for me it's a

 

[nud1e]

Bluejay, that sounds very similar to the 1150 in my garage, well I hope it is in my garage - you didn't buy it from some Irish bloke out of the back of a van, did you?
Topcases are for scooters or pizza delivery bikes.
I put the Hepco and Becker bars on my bike, I've heard suggestions that the OEM bars have a tendency to dig in and flip the bike.

Enjoy