R1150 or R1200

[Andrew Stocking]

Hi, I have had BM's since 1985 and am looking at getting a GS. Does anyone have an opinion about whether to get a low mileage 1150 or a high mileage 1200? General option seems to be that the 1150 is still better.

ANDREW

 

[MIKE R]

I kept my 1150 when I bought the 12 and am glad I did, not because I believe one is better than the other, just that they are so different.

I would recommend that you get a test drive on both, back to back, and then make an your (informed) decision.

Mike R

 

[Aurelius]

Hi, I have had BM's since 1985 and am looking at getting a GS. Does anyone have an opinion about whether to get a low mileage 1150 or a high mileage 1200? General option seems to be that the 1150 is still better.

ANDREW

I owned an 1150GS, and I've taken the 1200GS out for several test rides. While I didn't think the difference in power or overall ride quality was all that great, I would without hesitation buy the 1200GS if the price difference wasn't considerable. The 1150GS had a number of design flaws, including the delicate shaft splines, final drive assembly, and gear box. The 1200's drive shaft is a one piece unit without the troublesome shaft splines, the final drive assembly has been redesigned, and the all-new gearbox shifts better and is far more robust than the previous model. All that, along with its lighter weight and greater power, simply makes the 1200 a better GS.

 

[Andrew Stocking]

Many thanks for the information. I have riden both bikes and prefer the 1200 is every way, especially in the looks department!! Prices still seem very high for 1200's in general so I think patience might be the best option.

Thanks,

 

[Brian ROSEN]

1150 or 1200

I had an 1150 and 18 months ago changed it for the 1200 - not by noticing the difference in a test ride but because of the very positive road tests in all the magazines. The bikes are not, in my opinion, very similar. The 1200 is, AND feels much lighter both en route and pushing around. I thought the 1150 was fantastic but is like a lorry compared to the 1200 which is smoother, more responsive, excellent handling and you do appreciate the extra HP. I like the servo brakes once you have got used to them and have absolutely no regrets.

 

[bradkb]

I had the same question a few weeks ago, was considering buying an 1150 or 1200, but wasnt sure, never ridden either so did not know what to expect.

Took both out one saturday and can't wait to get the cash together to order the 12, it won me, still grinning now almost a week after riding it. Infact might go back this weekend and ride it again....

 

[ricochet]

The debate on which is the better GS bike, the 1150 or the 1200, will never be resolved to the satisfaction of either party. I believe like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. However, I also went through the same experience when I decided to add another BMW in my stable of R12C Monatauk and a Piaggio X9. Between the 1150GS and the 1200, both of which I test rode, I believe the 12 is the better bike both in power and gearing. Although I find the 12's first gear still to be tall, the 1150 was taller. Both I found both to be lacking in smoothness in shifting of gears. But what held me then from going for the 12 was my desire for a lower first gear and my harrowing experience of being blown by a sidewind I encountered which had me pushed two lanes away from my initial path. So much for its the much advertised weight advantage.

Then I got the chance to test ride the 1150GS Adv. At first it felt heavy, but it soon became a strenght of the bike as I found it very stable and planted. Second, the gearing is excellent. It felt even smoother than the 12's and has good power distribution in all gear levels. And talking about looks, whenever I ride with the 12's and we stop, say for petrol, the people around would give me compliment on how good my bike looks while almost always ignore the rest.

 

[Bigtwin]

Get an 1150Adv and never have to worry if you made the right choice.

 

[DaveH]

Agree with the comment about the 1150 being more planted. Having ridden both I prefer the carved from solid feel of the 1150...sure it's heavier and not as refined but I just prefer the feel of it.....have got two other bikes for brain out antics.