upgrading to 1100gs

[warriorkilt]

new on here so a big hello to all,my first post,i have a f650gs and was thinking of getting my first big bike the 1100gs,well the deal is nearly done on the phone and internet,its a 99 model in red,just have to look it over to see whats what,can you give any advice on what to look for and what to check
thanks
donnie

 

[Stewart H]

Hello and welcome to the forum, the 1100s are very good bikes and are becoming quite sought after (yes I am biased) have a read through the font of all wisdom at the top of the page, its mainly about condition really, the rubber brake pipes need replacement, the shock absorber (usually the rear one) is likely to be tired, they need a very good battery for the ABS to work.
Why not come back to us when you have seen the bike and you may have some questions

 

[STUBBS]

great choice

 

[ronnie69]

welcome along

excellent choice, although not as good as the wee wee green ones (aka "kalahari yellow", don'tchaknow ? )

+1 on what Stewart H said - have a root around

there's a warning thread about possible over zealous bmw cable tieing on the wiring to the lower ignition which can cause the wiring to flex all in one place and possibly fail. Check it out and either cut all the cable ties (to let the wiring run free - although it may just reveal the simmering problem ) or replace the part (about £50 IIRC). DIY job (if I can do it, anyone can ) I can't see the earlier thread in the stickies at the top, but it won't be far away or someone speedier than me will post a link for ye

 

[ronnie69]

found it:
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214151

and a couple of others:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171544

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113184

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160562

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224298

 

[Timolgra]

the rubber brake pipes need replacement,

I had trouble with the front brake pressure on my 1100 so repaired the master cylinder a couple of days ago but still the lever came back to the bars after a few seconds.

Took the tank off to bleed the ABS again, squeezed the lever and fluid pissed out of the rubber hose just above the juction on the headstock.
I consider myself very lucky not to have found that out on the A55 next morning

 

[warriorkilt]

thanks you all for your replies,got a good idea what to look out for now,need to organise for time off work to get the 1100gs because of the ferry times,that is the down side of living on a island,will put up some pics when i get her
thanks again
donald

 

[waterloo700]

If you are ever near Inverness and need a hand give me a shout (or a PM). These are great bikes - relatively simple and easy to work on.
Are you looking at the one in Mitchells?

 

[warriorkilt]

hi waterloo700,thanks,yeah the red one at Mitchells,what do you think,do you know anything about it
cheers
donald

 

[waterloo700]

hi waterloo700,thanks,yeah the red one at Mitchells,what do you think,do you know anything about it
cheers
donald

I don't know anything about the bike but I think its been there some time - might help your negotiations!

Friend of mine bought a 1200 from them recently - very happy with it. They also had an 1150 Adventure in but it didn't stay long.

Mitchells seem to have a good reputation and I think one of their mechanics owns a GS - ask to speak to him for advice - can't do any harm.

If I can help any more let me know.