Thinking of a 1150ADV ... some opinions wanted

[Dale]

After ownership of a 1100GS, 1200GS and X-challenge, I find myself looking for one of the Adventure models. the 1200 seems the logical choice, but all those electronics horror stories are putting me off. So, (having done some searching here) a couple of questions for the 1150 guru's out there ......

Brakes
I want ABS, but NOT the servo ones (personal choice, don't want to get into the whole "which are better" debate ).
When were the servo brakes introduced on the 1150ADV?
What are the non-servo ABS brakes on the 1150 like? I'm guessing they will be similar to the 1100's ABS setup which I thought was OK.
Is it true that if the ABS unit fails on a non-servo ABS setup, then the brakes function as normal, just without ABS?
Are the non-servo brakes still linked ... iow, the back and front activate when you pull the front lever?
Anything else I should know about brakes?

Electronics
the 1200's seem to be packed with electronic gadgetry , but ... were the 1150's really that much better? Surely they use similar engine management /fuel injection type systems?
Do the 1150's not suffer from the EWS issue?

Spark plugs.
Newer bikes have the 2-spark system. If one plug fails, will the bike run on the other?
This may be a non-issue in the long run because I have a feeling that twin spark was introduced at the same time as the servo brakes

Gearbox
How do you ID a gearbox with the low first (enduro) gear? iow, is there any physical difference that can be seen from the outside?

Anything else I need to know?

BTW: this is a bike I plan to keep for a while. Probably won't service it myself, but am planning a few trips through Southern Africa, so needs to be "repairable" in the bush. Will also be used for 100km commute twice a week.

TIA
Dale

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

After ownership of a 1100GS, 1200GS and X-challenge, I find myself looking for one of the Adventure models. the 1200 seems the logical choice, but all those electronics horror stories are putting me off. So, (having done some searching here) a couple of questions for the 1150 guru's out there ......

Brakes
I want ABS, but NOT the servo ones (personal choice, don't want to get into the whole "which are better" debate ).Early 2002 bike then
When were the servo brakes introduced on the 1150ADV? Late 2002-2003
What are the non-servo ABS brakes on the 1150 like? - Fine, my 2005 bike with normal brakes is ace .
I'm guessing they will be similar to the 1100's ABS setup which I thought was OK.
Is it true that if the ABS unit fails on a non-servo ABS setup, then the brakes function as normal, just without ABS?

Are the non-servo brakes still linked ... iow, the back and front activate when you pull the front lever? No

Anything else I should know about brakes? Just ride

Electronics
the 1200's seem to be packed with electronic gadgetry , but ... were the 1150's really that much better? Surely they use similar engine management /fuel injection type systems? No Canbus on 1150 - whether that's better, let the 1200 riders answer that
Do the 1150's not suffer from the EWS issue? No - none fitted
Spark plugs.
Newer bikes have the 2-spark system. If one plug fails, will the bike run on the other?
This may be a non-issue in the long run because I have a feeling that twin spark was introduced at the same time as the servo brakes

Gearbox
How do you ID a gearbox with the low first (enduro) gear? iow, is there any physical difference that can be seen from the outside? Chassis no. and BMW computer

Anything else I need to know? The 1150 has a heavier flywheel and so feels to have more low down grunt and has much more engine braking than 1200. Consequently the 1200 with a lighter flywheel spins up faster and revs harder, but lacks engine braking - a feature I hatted because you were always on and off the brakes

BTW: this is a bike I plan to keep for a while. Probably won't service it myself, but am planning a few trips through Southern Africa, so needs to be "repairable" in the bush. Will also be used for 100km commute twice a week.

TIA
Dale

Some points for you to think about

 

[MikeP]

I'll have a stab but cannot vouch for the accuracy 100%

Brakes
I want ABS, but NOT the servo ones

I don't think that ABS without Servo was an option. It's either Servo-ABS or non-ABS full-stop (or not ).

What are the non-servo ABS brakes on the 1150 like? I'm guessing they will be similar to the 1100's ABS setup which I thought was OK.

The only non-ABS, non-Servo 1150GSA I have ridden stopped okay. The brakes felt no better or worse (ABS-Servo III is less sharp or harsh than the earlier Servo types that attract so much criticism).

Is it true that if the ABS unit fails on a non-servo ABS setup, then the brakes function as normal, just without ABS?

See above (no non-Servo with ABS option but the ABS failure on the Servo bikes still means normal braking. It's the Servo failure that leaves "residual" braking).

Are the non-servo brakes still linked ... iow, the back and front activate when you pull the front lever?

No. It's the ABS sensors that allow the type of linking that BMW uses. The ABS sensors monitor braking and distribute the forces. Without the ABS sensors the only linking would be a fixed split of braking forces.

Anything else I should know about brakes?

There's a lot of hot-air wasted moaning about them.

Electronics
the 1200's seem to be packed with electronic gadgetry , but ... were the 1150's really that much better? Surely they use similar engine management /fuel injection type systems?

Engine Management and EFI are well sorted. Probably more reliable than carbs these days.

I don't think that there's a problem with the EFI on 1200's, it's the CanBus system that is problematic for DIY fixes. The 1150GSA has good old (but heavy) wires, relays and fuses.

Do the 1150's not suffer from the EWS issue?

They don't have an EWS to cause the issues.

Spark plugs.
Newer bikes have the 2-spark system. If one plug fails, will the bike run on the other?

Yes and the failure is hardly noticeable (except that it's rarely a plug that fails, more likely a coil. The same applies to the 1200).

This may be a non-issue in the long run because I have a feeling that twin spark was introduced at the same time as the servo brakes

Not quite. There are at least two Servo-brake variants so you can find the earlier single-spark bikes with Servo-ABS II

Gearbox
How do you ID a gearbox with the low first (enduro) gear? iow, is there any physical difference that can be seen from the outside?

Two ways: One is to give the VIN to a dealer who can look-up the original spec. The second is to take the gearbox out, split the cover and count the teeth on the 1st gear (there is another way but for that you need a bike known to have the "enduro" 1st gear).

Anything else I need to know?

Just buy the best bike you can find, don't get hung-up on the Servo-ABS thing (the later versions are nicer to use but no more or less likely to fail), enjoy the bike safe in the knowledge that you have purchased possibly the best of the breed.



Edit: Scooped by JB

 

[vireo]

Dale

There'll be far more knowledgeable types along with the full SP....but here's a start.

Brakes
I want ABS, but NOT the servo ones (personal choice, don't want to get into the whole "which are better" debate ).
When were the servo brakes introduced on the 1150ADV?
What are the non-servo ABS brakes on the 1150 like? I'm guessing they will be similar to the 1100's ABS setup which I thought was OK.

Few enough of the 1150GSA's have non-servo ABS .....AFAIK. The earliest ones from 2001/2002? did. Those from 2003 and certainly by 2004 had servo ABS brakes.....and I think the very last (SE) models did too...........but I'm open to correction. That said, my 2004 has servo ABS and they're fine........so too are a mates, so I think a lot of huff has been spoken about the issues with them. Granted, this is probably one of those 'personal' preferences, and as you've had non-servo GS's (I hadn't) you have your reason, I guess

Is it true that if the ABS unit fails on a non-servo ABS setup, then the brakes function as normal, just without ABS?

Wasn't aware....I presume so..........I hope so

Electronics
the 1200's seem to be packed with electronic gadgetry , but ... were the 1150's really that much better? Surely they use similar engine management /fuel injection type systems?
Do the 1150's not suffer from the EWS issue?

No EWS issue. Little enough gadgetry - far more 1100-like than 1200-like. Electrics are very resilient as far as I'm concerned.

Spark plugs.
Newer bikes have the 2-spark system. If one plug fails, will the bike run on the other?
This may be a non-issue in the long run because I have a feeling that twin spark was introduced at the same time as the servo brakes
?

A non-issue. Plugs are different types/sizes to aid better combustion. If one fails, will the other do the job of two ..........if it happens on the move, the engine will most likely continue to fire on compression alone.............but I dont know if it will restart. TBH, I think your thinking/worrying a bit too much. I've had dual spark arrangements in 5 Alfa Romeo's and never had one go, and I'm not aware of any 'issue' ever mentioned in regard to this on the GSA. More likely to suffer a coil failure, IMO.

Gearbox
How do you ID a gearbox with the low first (enduro) gear? iow, is there any physical difference that can be seen from the outside?

No different outside; you'll need the VIN number and check with BMW. Most Adv's had this spec'd but a few peeps will have presumably spec'd their new bike otherwise.

Anything else I need to know?

Yeah.................get one, and enjoy
You'll not be disappointed

BTW: this is a bike I plan to keep for a while. Probably won't service it myself, but am planning a few trips through Southern Africa, so needs to be "repairable" in the bush. Will also be used for 100km commute twice a week.

TIA
Dale

Ask Charlie............remember it was the 12gsa that gave problems on LDW, the 1150GSA was for their RTW !


EDIT: Ahh, beaten to it as I typed.....zealots, these 1150GSA owners!

 

[motobiker]

Its not unheard of for some owners to remove the whole servo gubbins - whether it's possible to retain the ABS isn't something I know.

But i'm sure someone will answer that before long.

 

[Dale]

Thanks ...

... for all the replies.

a 2002 model seems to be what I will look for then (pre-servo ABS one). Also nice to know the electronics are more robust than the 1200's.

Regards,
Dale

 

[Thunder]

Its not unheard of for some owners to remove the whole servo gubbins - whether it's possible to retain the ABS isn't something I know.

But i'm sure someone will answer that before long.

Iv'e seen a couple of bikes with the servo unit removed following a failure and set up with conventional brake lines.

It's a cost effective option and the brakes work well but you cannot retain the ABS without the servo unit.

 

[Blackal]

The 1150 GSA certainly appears to be the long-term "keeper", although you will pay a premium to buy in the first place.

The topic of "removal of ABS/Servo" has been discussed on another forum, where some opinion was that you have altered the bike from its original specification, thereby altering the risk for the insurer (but in a more significant manner than adding a "performance" exhaust).

Perhaps someone has looked into this, and can advise?

Al

 

[ricardo]

I changed from an 1150gs to an 1150gsa (2004) and the only slight downside is that it's a bit revvier at motorway speeds. The best answer is just to stay off motorways... Otherwise, spot on.