R1100GS or R1150GS?

[waynem325]

Hi all

When I traded in my old R1100GS a few years ago I had a feeling not long after that I'd be owning one again....

That time could be any moment as I've seen an R11GS that I really like, but...... my dilemma is that an 1150GS has also reared it's head, for a few more pennies, but sporting full luggage! (The R11 has pannier rails but no panniers).

I have very fond memories of my old R1100GS and so I'm leaning more toward another one ( I currently have an R1100RT and am beginning to enjoy the simplicity of home mechanics on the boxer engines!) But wonder if the 1150GS is a better bike and worth paying more for?
Does it have more electrickery that could get in the way of the amatuer home mechanic?

These 2 bikes have similar mileage and service histories, and both have crash bars and abs. I could do without spending the extra cash on the 1150, but I would want panniers for the 1100 and so would eventually end up buying them in the future. (Would probably only have to buy a LH one as I could use the RH one from my RT).

So over to you - is the 1150 a better bike and worth the extra cost?

 

[Duchess]

I'll move this over for you

Welcome to the forum

 

[GS TRV]

How much extra?

 

[peepingtom]

No keep the 1100 a set of system panniers can be had for around £150 or less. And 5 speed box is more flexible for top gear cruising

If you look up there's a sticky thread on this

 

[waynem325]

Thanks Duchess - I wasn't sure which section to aim for....

V4TRV - £400. R11 is 1999 and R1150 is 2002.

Thanks Tom. I don't aim to be spending too much time on the motorways, although inevitably they're a necessary evil.
I won't be commuting (for now, though I won't rule out a job change!) But will be used often for visiting family 200+ miles away, which I've found a route that avoids mways, albeit about 60 miles on the A34.

I guess my question should have been - will I be missing out on much if I opt for the 1100?

 

[hops]

It's a personal choice but I'd say a late 1100 is as good if not better than an early 1150. Of course the overall condition, mileage etc will play a part in your ultimate choice but without a doubt the best GS I've owned was an 1100.

 

[waynem325]

Thanks hops.

That's a good point re: models. My old GS was a 97, which I had for 3 years and had no problems what so ever. I imagine a 99 model would (should) be tip top.

I'm buying blind, which is a big risk, but asking as many questions as I can think of, and getting some higher res pics sent over.

I think the 1100 has paint flaking on the cylinders and possibly the swingarm, which I can live with. Not sure about the 1150?

 

[Ash]

Having owned - 2 X 1100 - 2 X 1150's - 1 X 1150 GSA

My opinion is as follows...

Both are well built and with good maintenance and regular cleaning will wear well. The 1100 models finished in 1999 with better gearboxes coming in 98 I believe and only 5 speed.

The first 1150's came with 5 speed plus E which in reality is a 6 speed box, a more modern looking front end and a different exhaust system, making it easier to choose a different end can and in 2002/3 came with twin spark motors to stop the surging on some bikes.

( I never found a problem with my 2002 1150 though.)

My choice would be an 1150GS as I preferred the 6 speed gearbox for distance work, if you never use motorways then an 1100 will be fine.
But bear in mind you can get an 1150 registered as late as 2004 and 1150 GSA until 2005.
( as you never mentioned the GSA variant, I have left that one out )

 

[Colban]

As regards maintenance,beware of the later (from 2002) 1150 with their nasty servo ABS brakes and the coil stick eating twin-spark motors.The early single spark 1150 have the same brakes/ABS as the last 1100s.Much better.
I run an early 1150 because i prefer the overdrive 6th cruising amongst other considerations but the last of the 1100s seem pretty well sorted.Look after either bike though and it will go on forever.

 

[waynem325]

I gave the garage in question a call yesterday (who was selling both bikes) and within seconds he decided for me! The 1150 had sold!
This exercise was all about releasing as much money part exing my other bike as possible, so the 1100 was the bike of choice....but when I saw the 1150 I wondered if it was worth the extra cash?
I am glad as I preferred the 1100, and being a late model I know that most of the gremlins will be ironed out.
I did love my old 1100GS so I know what to expect with this one - and I can't wait! I paid a deposit and should get it end of this week, beginning of next!

 

[Dahoum]

Don't forget it is mandatory on here to post pics of your new steed

 

[waynem325]

I definitely will! Once it's nestled in my garage.

 

[Ash]

I gave the garage in question a call yesterday (who was selling both bikes) and within seconds he decided for me! The 1150 had sold!
This exercise was all about releasing as much money part exing my other bike as possible, so the 1100 was the bike of choice....but when I saw the 1150 I wondered if it was worth the extra cash?
I am glad as I preferred the 1100, and being a late model I know that most of the gremlins will be ironed out.
I did love my old 1100GS so I know what to expect with this one - and I can't wait! I paid a deposit and should get it end of this week, beginning of next!

Enjoy and ride safe......

 

[waynem325]

It only turns out to be the 75th anniversary model. Checked and confirmed by the supplying dealer.
I thought it may be the SE as it was registered in April 99, but the dealer informed me it was built September 98.

So glad the 1150 had sold!

Here it is...

 

[Old Codger]

Very Nice

Have same year in red enjoy .

Looks like the stainless brake hose update has been done as well.

These bikes are getting rare in good condition.

 

[longdog]

It only turns out to be the 75th anniversary model. Checked and confirmed by the supplying dealer.
I thought it may be the SE as it was registered in April 99, but the dealer informed me it was built September 98.

So glad the 1150 had sold!

Here it is...

That's a cracker!

The best model GS and in the best colour too, result!

 

[waynem325]

Thanks guys. I'm well chuffed with it.
Goodridge hoses all round, but front brakes as spongy as hell! Bled the calipers this morning and although there was no air, the fluid that came out was very dark. Disks are new and pads are fine and calipers were overhauled last year. Hopefully nothing more than fluid replacement needed?

I'd say it's general condition is good, but there are a few diy painted bits like cylinders and wheels, but with a bit of care I'll eventually have them like new...ish!

 

[Old Codger]

If its ABS

Have you bled the brakes at the ABS unit as well, not as complicated as the later 1150 One bleed valve for each circuit front and rear. Just to purge all the grungy fluid

 

[waynem325]

I haven't tried the abs. Not really sure where to start - I have an 1100 RT as well, currently with tank off, and there doesn't appear to be anywhere abvious to bleed from? (assuming they use the same abs system)

 

[Old Codger]

There are only

Two bleed nipples on the top of the ABS control unit.
One for each circuit simples !