hi, this may be slightly off topic, but whilst I fancy a R1150GS there are loads of R1150Rs which seem to be well priced, has anyone any views/experience and can compare the 2 ? are the engines essentially the same ? I believe they both have 6 gears but the gs 6th gear is higher - does this help mpg much ? also is ABS worth having ? thanks for any help !
R1150gs v R1150R
- Thread starter MikeHave
- Start date
I had the same thoughts but bought an older GS in the end. I am now really glad I did - if deep down its what you think you want you have to go for it.
You just cannot get into the same wanabee an adventurer mind frame without a GS. You can prep a GS in all sorts of ways - the R is much more limited.
The GS will have a better re-sale so in the long run just as good value.
Hi,i had a ride on an 1150r a little while ago.It seems to have the Adventure gearbox.ie,low 1st and 6th.Felt buzzy in top as my GS1150 has the "E" economy 6th gear (high in other words) which is more relaxing on the motorways etc but the motor is the same.
The r also felt cramped(the seat seemed to keep me in one position),exposed to even more wind blast than the GS,but,with the road tyres,more "flickable".
ABS is good.
Glad to get back on the GS.
Jonny_L
Registered user
I bought an 1150r as my first BMW, I got it coz I wanted a GS but couldn't afford one at the time, and had no real intention of going offroad then. I must say it's a great bike to ride, perhaps nicer on road than a GS 
, though you'll probably be wanting a decent screen and seat if you're doing any touring. Course you'll probably end up wanting both for a GS too! I found 6th to be a bit high revving at 70-80, though they did do an optional longer 6th if you can find one.
Basically I'd say it's a great bike in it's own right, lovely to ride on the road, good engine, good in the corners, and looks beautiful (mine was in the limited edition dark ferro metallic
), nice riding position, can tour well with a few mods, though I always sighed longingly when I saw a GS on the road. I owned mine for a year, then realised I could finally afford a 1200GS and went for it. I've not really looked back, though I'd happily own an 1150R again if I had to.
As for the ABS question, it used to be a bit of a can of worms on the R1150R.net forums (worth a look by the way, if you're keen on the roadster, some great pictures too). Generally it's all down to personal preferance really. Some say you get less feel with ABS, it's more expensive to service, and more chance of things going wrong, especially if it's servo assisted, but my god, it doesn't half stop you quick if you need it to
Best thing you can do is go out to your local BMW dealer and test the different bikes out, dunno if you're new to BMW or not, but don't worry if you are, they're really great with giving out test rides.
P.S. Welcome to the forum!
, though you'll probably be wanting a decent screen and seat if you're doing any touring. Course you'll probably end up wanting both for a GS too! I found 6th to be a bit high revving at 70-80, though they did do an optional longer 6th if you can find one. Basically I'd say it's a great bike in it's own right, lovely to ride on the road, good engine, good in the corners, and looks beautiful (mine was in the limited edition dark ferro metallic
), nice riding position, can tour well with a few mods, though I always sighed longingly when I saw a GS on the road. I owned mine for a year, then realised I could finally afford a 1200GS and went for it. I've not really looked back, though I'd happily own an 1150R again if I had to.As for the ABS question, it used to be a bit of a can of worms on the R1150R.net forums (worth a look by the way, if you're keen on the roadster, some great pictures too). Generally it's all down to personal preferance really. Some say you get less feel with ABS, it's more expensive to service, and more chance of things going wrong, especially if it's servo assisted, but my god, it doesn't half stop you quick if you need it to
Best thing you can do is go out to your local BMW dealer and test the different bikes out, dunno if you're new to BMW or not, but don't worry if you are, they're really great with giving out test rides.
P.S. Welcome to the forum!
I bought a new R1150R in 2000, having owned an R80 for 18 years.
The R1150R is a great bike, but lack of screen and not quite right peg positions meant long distances were tiring. Also, the bike I had suffered from surging at low revs / constant speeds. I sold it for a R1200GS in 2005 and I must admit I never regretted the decision, but before you decide, take a ride on both bikes.
Its difficult to explain, but I must admit that after riding the R1200GS the R1150R felt really 'solid' - the GS on the other hand feels lighter and more eager to corner.
The R1150R is a great bike, but lack of screen and not quite right peg positions meant long distances were tiring. Also, the bike I had suffered from surging at low revs / constant speeds. I sold it for a R1200GS in 2005 and I must admit I never regretted the decision, but before you decide, take a ride on both bikes.
Its difficult to explain, but I must admit that after riding the R1200GS the R1150R felt really 'solid' - the GS on the other hand feels lighter and more eager to corner.
mikepg
Registered user
It's a fun bike - but as before - if you can do it, go for the GS
thanks for all your comments, I'm on the look out for a 1150gs ! cheers, Mike
Similar threads
