R1150GS cosmetic issues on possible new to me bike.

[MikeS]

I am looking buying another 1150GS, it would be a bit of garage queen as I already have an 1150RT. The bike is in great condition except for 2 issues as shown in the photos. Brown discolouration on the side of the engine and a dull coating on the cylinder head. As the bike is otherwise almost mint I am assuming these marks are not easily cleaned up. I have not seen this on any of my several previous 1150GSs. Any ideas on the causes and if they can be cleaned up without doing anything too drastic?

 

[rustychain]

The discoloured gearbox is from fuel leaks - I have the same issue.

From what I've read you can't remove this and it needs a repaint.

Not sure what's going on with the cylinder head.

Hopefully these issues won't put you off the purchase.

 

[Wrigsby1]

As it's over 20 years old it's done pretty well... Most important bit is that it's runs and rides well...

 

[jefformston]

I am looking buying another 1150GS, it would be a bit of garage queen as I already have an 1150RT. The bike is in great condition except for 2 issues as shown in the photos. Brown discolouration on the side of the engine and a dull coating on the cylinder head. As the bike is otherwise almost mint I am assuming these marks are not easily cleaned up. I have not seen this on any of my several previous 1150GSs. Any ideas on the causes and if they can be cleaned up without doing anything too drastic?

View attachment 525180View attachment 525181

Fuel spills. I’ve had reasonable results using a mix of T-Cut and WD-40, not at the same time, to remove petrol stains on the side of the engine casing. I would add this has taken years of gentle cleaning rather than removing the stain in one go.

 

[Udders]

My garage queen has a slight staining just like that one from petrol spills.
I had fairly reasonable results using a soft toothbrush with Autosol.
I certainly hasn’t got rid of all of it but definitely better.

 

[KMD]

Personally, I’d just call that patina on a bike of this age. I’ve had a number of 1150’s now, sadly no more, and if it were me I’d just give it a ride and see how she goes .

 

[davegs]

just get onandride the thing you’ll find it so good the RT wilbecome the garage queen.

 

[MikeS]

just get onandride the thing you’ll find it so good the RT wilbecome the garage queen.

I have had several before so I know how they ride. The RT would still be the daily.

 

[KMD]

I have had several before so I know how they ride. The RT would still be the daily.

Up until recently Mike, I had an RT and a Gs. I’d had three GS’s (4 if you include the 1200 which I never got on with ) but never an RT. When it came to it I couldn’t decide if I preferred one over the other, they were both excellent in different ways, which presented me with a pleasant dilemma when it came to choosing which one to take out. In my opinion, the 1150’s were the best of the boxers. I’d still have mine now if it weren’t for a health issue.

 

[Santa-2512]

A mint 1150, circa 20 years old and your

Questioning about a bit of discoloration on

some panels . If I was the seller I'd tell you to

FRO

Jeeez.

 

[850GS-J]

if you aren’t keen then please share the sale details