R1100 or 1150 which is better.

[Iain.M]

Hi All, I am new to this forum and have been reading a few of the threads. I presently own a K1600gt ( don't hold it against me) I am looking to buy a GS to use as a bit of a winter hack, and the price of a new one is out of the question. Therefore I have been looking at older ones. You can get an awful lot of motorbike for 3K but the question is which is the better buy. I don't want a super clean one but something that I would not worry about to much using through the winter.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also what are the main differences between the standard 1150 and the adventure model? Just so that I will have an idea what to look for.
Cheers again.

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site

Had both the 1100 and 1150 variants ( each a few times ) If I wanted a commuter or winter hack each would perform as well... you could pick up a really nice 1100 with lots of farkles for around 3k... the same for the 1150 but generally the 1150's will cost you a bit more....

Personally I liked the couple of 1100's I've had, personal taste comes into it a lot.....

Performance wise they're very similar, 6 speed gearbox on the 1150 and 5 speed on the 1100 though.

Find a nice tidy one with 20-30 k on it and it will last you years ( not me though , as I only seem to keep them months )

The adventure has longer shocks, so it sits a bit higher, ok if you're taller, but 30" inseam or under and you may have to plan your stops. The
ADV has a bigger tank... if you're using it for commuting what's the point The 1100 didn't come in ADV variant

 

[Ash]

If your going to do loads of m/ways then the 1150 is better geared, 6 speed over the 1100's 5 speed.
GSA / Adventure has taller suspension/seat height.
bigger fuel tank [ usually ] 31 litre over standard 21 litre
And can have lower first gear
post 1998 1100's have improved gearbox.

 

[Gecko]

It depends which oil you use.....

 

[Jurassic Mark]

I've had both and the 1100 feels more solid, over engineered, if you understand what I mean by that. No scientific basis for this just my view. However I find the 1150 sitting position better.
Never had an Adv version but would like to try one, one day. They look cool if that is important to you.
Just my humble opinion. Good luck finding the right bike.

 

[Awfers]

I've got an R1100R and a R1150GS.. Never ridden a R1100GS.

My impression is the 1150's motor is smoother, more powerful, easier revving. The 1100 is more of the "tractor" feel, very "vibey" at around 4000rpm and above, but can itself be a ball (might have more to do the the R's chassis than the GS's, I don't know).

If you are even going to consider going near the autoroute, get the 1150, the 6th gear means lower RPMs, and the smoother engine = no vibes.


Happy hunting,

Awfers

 

[Fanum]

You won't be disappointed in either 1100 or lebenfiddy.

Don't stress about the differences, or opinions.....you'll find as many 1100 owners saying that the 11 is better as you will 1150 owners saying theirs is the best model.

Just go find the best condition bike you can, sit on it, check it over and if it lights your fire, get it

11s and 1150s are holding their value well now, so as long as you don't pay over the odds, you can't lose much, but either will do the job more than adequately.

 

[Udders]

1150

 

[Canuck]

I have a 97 r1100GS and a 04 1150 gsa. Both engines run smooth when serviced and tb's balanced... both get the same mileage (at least my two do... average 100 miles on 10 litres with nothing more than half a litre between them). If I was buying again... I'd buy which ever has least mileage, most farkles (that I 'd want) and the lowest price.

I prefer the 5 speed gear box around two... motorway... not much difference but the 1150 (with the lower 6th) has slightly slihgtly lower rpm at 80mph.

I wouldn't pay a grand more for an 1150... £500 maybe... but certainly no more.

 

[STUBBS]

having owned both im going to chuck a spanner in the works the better 1100 the 850

 

[Jamesons]

Rainbow have a very good example of a yellow (fast one) 1150. Owned in a previous life

 

[duckspeed]

1200

 

[B4ndit]

1200 GSA or 1150 GS/A. 1200 GS just doesn't quite look right. Especially with that vario luggage.

 

[Felters]

Wow - you certainly know how to make a first post. Put's my Troll skills to shame... :O)

Either are great bikes. My personal take is that the earlier the BMW, the better engineered it is. For me a late '90's 1100 wins (better gearbox and a metal tank). But the 6th gear on the 1150 is good on a long haul. But I guess you'll use the 1600 for that sort of stuff. That said I'm off down to the Alps on Monday for the third time in a year on my 1100, so it certainly hasn't stopped me.

 

[Littledumptruck]

If you only want it as a winter hack, don't discount the 850. You'd be very surprised how good they really are. I've had mine 3 1/2yrs, and it's been brilliant.
I have just bought my mates 1150 to upgrade, but I'll be keeping the 850 till I'm sure I'm happy with it.

I guess where you are you'll not get many within reasonable distance to look at, so just get the best you can for the money and dont worry about which one that is, you've nothing to compare too after all, and in truth they're all good.

 

[Iain.M]

hi Guys, thanks for all your input. I have found a one owner 2001 1150 with 20k on it and loads of history near me so going to have a look at it on saturday.
Will keep you informed. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[Madmountainman]

hi Guys, thanks for all your input. I have found a one owner 2001 1150 with 20k on it and loads of history near me so going to have a look at it on saturday.
Will keep you informed. Thanks again for all the advice.

Sounds like that could be the one... if the price is sensible.

 

[Iain.M]

Hi all, Well the deal didnt go ahead on the elebenfiddy so continued looking and ended up back at the BMW dealer where I got a 2009 1200GS Adventure with loads of toys on it. So much for a cheapish winter bike.
But having a lot of fun on it at the minute. i just need a cheap set of Adventure panniers.so if anyone Knows of a set for sale would be much appreciated.

 

[Dazzle]

Should have read 11** V 1200 thread first

 

[Black Rooster]

ooh a 1200gsa watch out for water in yir canbus