Sold My R1200 GS Adventure , thinking of a R1100 GS ? Any good ?
- Thread starter Robbo1200ADV
- Start date
Chrizm
Registered user
I bought my 1100 about 2 years or so ago and love it. We did 6000 miles around Europe last year in 2 weeks and didnt let me down. Off agin in 2 weeks for a small trip around scotland and ireland hopefully it will be the same.
Seat, as all, isn't brill so Ive swapped that, also I prefer the 1150 beak so swapped that also, fitted HID's to a Touratech twin head light setup and some spots. Only thing I have had is a slightly troublesome missing 2nd gear from time to time but that seems to be when Ive been out all day and gearbox is hot, or its just me!
Even I can do stuff on it and Im not a mechanic by far.
Seat, as all, isn't brill so Ive swapped that, also I prefer the 1150 beak so swapped that also, fitted HID's to a Touratech twin head light setup and some spots. Only thing I have had is a slightly troublesome missing 2nd gear from time to time but that seems to be when Ive been out all day and gearbox is hot, or its just me!
Even I can do stuff on it and Im not a mechanic by far.
Pip_UK
Registered user
I've had my '96 1100 for 12 years, and my 1200 for 5 years. Was going to trade in the 11 but (a) wasn't worth much as a trade-in (b) couldn't bear to part with it for sentimental reasons. It still looks and rides fine.
Both bikes have the sweet-handling GS magic, comfy ergos, and touring practicality but as mentioned, the 1100's lack of 6th gear makes it feel a bit busy once you get above 60 mph. It's also quite a bit heavier than the 1200, and the brakes are merely adequate compared to the excellent 1200 ones.
The 1200 is definitely a more modern-feeling bike: lighter, quicker, and sharper all round. But the 1100 shows just how right the original design was and is still a fine bike for the real world. Personally I'd go for an 1150, just to get the 6th gear.
One final point: 1200s are absolutely everywhere now, and the 1100 somehow has a bit more classic cred. Like an original Mini Cooper over the ubiquitous BMW reboot.
Both bikes have the sweet-handling GS magic, comfy ergos, and touring practicality but as mentioned, the 1100's lack of 6th gear makes it feel a bit busy once you get above 60 mph. It's also quite a bit heavier than the 1200, and the brakes are merely adequate compared to the excellent 1200 ones.
The 1200 is definitely a more modern-feeling bike: lighter, quicker, and sharper all round. But the 1100 shows just how right the original design was and is still a fine bike for the real world. Personally I'd go for an 1150, just to get the 6th gear.
One final point: 1200s are absolutely everywhere now, and the 1100 somehow has a bit more classic cred. Like an original Mini Cooper over the ubiquitous BMW reboot.
I swapped a 12GSA for an 1100GS. Found a lovely one on this site, 1997 with only 23000 miles from Bryne (of this parish). No regrets at all, I love it. Have put lower pegs and bar risers on though as I found it a little cramped. The 1100GS build quality is great and I love the fact it's a simple mechanical bike. Handles great too. Wouldnt swap it for anything else.
My advice would be to be patient and wait for a good un and then enjoy it.
My advice would be to be patient and wait for a good un and then enjoy it.
CPL
Registered user
I tested a couple of 1200s (just for the hell of it because I wasn't really looking for this type of bike at the time) and they were more,or less what I was expecting. Excellently engineered, well mannered, comfy etc. And if I'd had sufficient funds, I might have bought one
so when I got my 75,000 mile '95 1100 off an internet site (because theres no way I could afford a new one) expecting it to be a slightly more agricultural version I was very pleasantly surprised, because I think feels more solid, its more nimble, cheaper to keep running, certainly smoother and it seems to have more character.
It is true that it would benefit from closer gear ratios and another cog. It's also true that I wouldn't have acquired it if the service history wasn't so comprehensive. And I consider myself fortunate that the gearbox is as smooth and slick after 25 miles in city congestion as it is after a five minute trip to the next village, but they're just the icing on the cake....
so when I got my 75,000 mile '95 1100 off an internet site (because theres no way I could afford a new one) expecting it to be a slightly more agricultural version I was very pleasantly surprised, because I think feels more solid, its more nimble, cheaper to keep running, certainly smoother and it seems to have more character.
It is true that it would benefit from closer gear ratios and another cog. It's also true that I wouldn't have acquired it if the service history wasn't so comprehensive. And I consider myself fortunate that the gearbox is as smooth and slick after 25 miles in city congestion as it is after a five minute trip to the next village, but they're just the icing on the cake....
alistairl
Registered user
A mint 1150SE ? I'm sure I saw one listed at Lind for £9k (can't see it now though).Thanks for the replies chaps . I did very well selling my 30 year anniversary,and though I'll miss it ,it was not getting the use it needed. Will keep a look out for a late 1100 or a mint 1150SE ,may be some time I guess , but half the fun with bikes is looking for the right one
A.
