Someone please tell me to be sensible

[markbatey]

OK here's the problem. Sold the old R80GS airhead about three years ago after four years fun - just wanted something that was a bit quicker really. At the time I was a bit broke, so went for a 1994 R1100RS which I've had since. Really nice bike, bit dull, goes well, sorted, reliable, took me all the way to Portugal through the Picos last year. Plus it wasn't expensive.

So if I'm happy with it, why do I keep hanging around this forum and looking at GS for sale posts?

I'd have to find about £2000 to change the RS for a slightly newer oilhead - which I can't really afford.

So would I have that much more fun out of it if I did?

Anyone normal would tell me to shut up, get on with riding a perfectly good bike, and stop hanging my nose over things I haven't got the money for.

So that's what you lot will definitely say, right?

 

[Steve]

Be sensible.

Buy a GS (but not one of those new-fangled 1200 things).

 

[Fanum]

Yes, you'd have 10 times the fun.........there aren't may bikes you can (over)load up, take a pillion and yerself anywhere you want to go in comfort and safety, then ride the bike offraod up a mountain all day before riding it all home again.

Maybe you're looking at the wrong end of the market.....in your shoes, TBH I'd most certainly be looking at a nice sorted 1100GS......rock solid, will do anything that an 1150 will do and you should get one within your budget.

Welcome aboard BTW

 

[JohnC]

Life is not a test run, you only get one go at it I love new fangled things

 

[gsnut]

Mark I have just recently purchased an 1150gs myself. From my (little) experience all I can say is do it - I wish I had years ago. These are a great bike to live with on a day to day basis.

 

[badger]

Mark I have just recently purchased an 1150gs myself. From my (little) experience all I can say is do it - I wish I had years ago. These are a great bike to live with on a day to day basis.

I would tend to agree. Changed last year from sports bikes to an 02GSA and have never looked back. It takes me anywhere and everywhere. Should have done it years ago.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

I had a fine r1100rs 1994 model before my 1150gs, great bike but I have not had half the back pain since I sold it.....
More face pain from constant grinning though....

 

[spot]

Im in exactly the same boat as you mate, Got an orrible 94 r1100rs which is showing all signs of going for ever. I will have to sell it and hope to pick up a cheap 1100 or 1150 gs before the cash evaporates. No one responded (positively )to my ad on here for a swap. Miserable gits.

 

[Steptoe]

chuck the top yolk away, and fit a GS one - fit GS handlebars, knobbly tyres and away you go .

 

[Dave Barrett]

Mark,

Some time ago, I decided to trade in my 1150GS for an 1150RS. Exactly the same comments as you, " Really nice bike, bit dull, goes well, sorted, reliable". In the end, it got just too dull for me and I changed back to an 1150GS. This was "Really nice bike, absolutely NOT dull, goes well, sorted, totally UNreliable". Now ride a 1200GS and never looked back!

Go on, you know you want to!

 

[Aurelius]

Yes, you'd have 10 times the fun.........there aren't may bikes you can (over)load up, take a pillion and yerself anywhere you want to go in comfort and safety, then ride the bike offraod up a mountain all day before riding it all home again.

Well maybe not all the way home, eh Bill?

 

[Twotter]

I went from a 1995 R1100RS to a 2002 1150GS and had a few problems at first. Comfort was a big issue with the GS but it put a huge smile on my face that I persevered and after changing the screen/bar risers/seat/footpegs it's now spot on for me. The RS was a very reliable bike but like you say, dull in comparison and not a model that many people seem to want.

 

[spot]

at the risk of hijacking this thread , can an r1100rs be Gsified? Is it as simple as that steptoe? my biggest problem with the rs is its lack of any off road capability. I did a few miles on dirt tracks this summer two up with all the camping gear and it wasnt fun. I wouldnt give a toss what it looks like and can get second hand stuff bit by bit. Where to start?

 

[markbatey]

I guessed you'ld all say that, the GS is more fun etc. Just have to ignore my friend who hates the small left hand pannier and the surging - he does like the rest of it though, even though he's now talking about going back to a Pan. The man ain't got no culture.

Nice 1100GS in good nick is what I need I think, medium mileage, not Kalahari yellow, that sort of thing, definitely makes sense. See if I get get back that feel-good factor I got on the airhead GS...

Think I'd better go and sell the RS, then see what's around. Thanks for the tips.

 

[Shep]

Yes, you'd have 10 times the fun.........there aren't may bikes you can (over)load up, take a pillion and yerself anywhere you want to go in comfort and safety, then ride the bike offraod up a mountain all day before riding it half way home again.

Welcome aboard BTW

Sorted

 

[Fanum]

Well maybe not all the way home, eh Bill?

 

[Colt]

hi Mark ,i had a 1993 r1100rsE,fittedwith all the bits,remus,fornales shock,panniers ,ergo kit etc owned it for 3yrs was going to keep it forever.

i had the same thoughts in 2001, it seemed a lot to change to an 1100gs was it worth it blah.
,i traded it and bought a new r1150gs in 2002 3weeks later went and toured to Rome ,far better grin factor.
couldnt afford both at the time.
not missed it since,got myself an f650 then an airhead g/s

how about A] keep the rs1100 and buy an airhead as well?
B] just sell the rs and go for a late 1100/early 1150.

but
re read your comments in the first post ,you equate rs= BIT dull .GS= FUN.
sounds like you are addicted to getting a GS

 

[markbatey]

Colt - good couple of options - but... can't afford two bikes, and I've already had an airhead, which was great, but I need a bit more wind protection and speed. So I think your B option is the answer - and I think a late model 1100 looks better than an early 1150 - usually cheaper, people say they're better built, and personally I'd prefer a five speed box and no servo on the brakes. Probably get about £2000 for the RS, if prices in autotrader are anything to go by - if I can find a buyer. Then up to £4000 for a really tidy 1100. All I have to do is find the difference... Probably have to sell the missus.