should I swap ???????????????

[GSdude]

Now then - I know that the ultimate answer to this question is based upon my own personal preference and desires BUT Id like to throw it to the forum for some technical advice and suggestios.

I have a 52 plate 1150 GS, 27,000 miles, all the usual stuff ABS,hard luggage, heated grips black engine, black forks, a few touratech bits and we have recently been able to use it for Europe etc etc.

Now then, like most people I believe that a man can never have too many bikes nor attempt to try as many bikes as possible. Im getting itchy feet and am pondering changing bikes. I quite fancy (amongst others) an 'old style' 1150 GSA. Would I find incredible differences in all aspects or - as I suspect - would it not necessarily be worth doing. I would consider as young and low mileage a model as possible.

Nice replies only please, this is not designed as an opportunity for the angry ones to fly off the handle. Just consider it a chit chat in the pub as opposed to handbags at dawn. Cheerio.

 

[Mutley]

It's worth it

I think you'd only notice dynamic differences if you do any serious off roading (suspension & gearbox) or long distance touring (tank range).

The main difference would be pride of ownership (they are rarer, look better etc.) plus the depreciation would be significantly less

If you've got itchy feet anyway and you are asking the question I bet you have already made up your mind

 

[GS TRV]

spose it depends what your motives/needs are?

Ive an 03 1150 and love it - thought of changing it to an ADV 1150 for maybe appearance and range reasons. After my 7000km hol this year I realised that I cant ride more than 180miles without wanting to stop so the bigger range wouldnt be an advantage. The style diffs are cool but honestly not worth the hassle/money to change.

Mine's a goodun (33,000 trouble free miles) and I'll be keepin it.

a 12? na - too many hassles plus the tlying just doesn't do it for me.

just my 2c.

Trev

 

[Popeye]

I did exactly the change you are contemplating.

I always liked the look of the 1150adv. When the opportunity to dip a toe into the world of GS'ing presented itself it was in the form of an immaculate but non adventure bike. Bought it, liked it but still wanted the adventure.

6 months later I bought an 8k mile 1150adv in black and this will be my bike for the forseeable future.

Differences between the two:

The adventure has servo brakes - great for two up touring with luggage in the Alps but needs a sensitive touch round town solo.

The adventure has the lower first gear - great for the small amount of off roading I've done but I miss the long legged "overdrive" 6th gear on long motorway drags.

The adventure has more suspension travel - never needed this so lowered it by and inch with new Wilbers front and rear which is a great setup, better than stock GS by a country mile.

The adventure has a bigger tank - I can squeeze 350 miles if I need to, love it.

The adventure has better looks - can't put a value on it but I just love the look of the bike.

In the end, I'm never quite sure how much logic you can apply to buying a bike. Like Mutley says if you're already thinking about it you're probably already there.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Same as the Sailor man,

I had an 1150 and waited to see what the 1200 would look like when it came out. Saw it and was not for me. I then decided I would get the best 1150 I could so I bought the 1150 Adventure. By Best I mean spec wise.

If your feeling this way then you will never be satisfied until you get the Adventure and I suspect you know that.

In my mind the biggest advantage with the Adv. is that it handles the extra touring weight well. Yes if you are short in the leg you will struggle a bit. You can swap most of the bits from an Adv. to the standard Gs the tank being the most usefull but to do all the bits is expensive and after that your log book will still not say "Adventure".

My opinion bottom line is ...... if you can manage the taller bike then go for it.....

 

[(RIP) john plane]

Keep your bike and put a bigger tank on it.