Was gonna buy an RT now thinking of GS

  • Thread starter Thread starter Macp
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Macp

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I currently ride a K1100RS everyday commuting and I was definitely going to buy an 1100RT then started looking at the GS. I have never owned a trail type bike before but I like the lofty riding position and the quirkiness of it. And although they are a top selling bike they still seem quite rare on the roads.Problem is my budget is about £4.5k maybe I could beg steal and borrow a little more but I want the R1150GS. Am I being really optimistic or just stoopid. Also are the gearbox problems in the 1100 as bad as I have read and how good are the tourance tyres for everyday use as I will never offroad. Flame suit is on but please accept this post as a complete novice to the GS.
 
You may well be able to get an 00 or 01 GS 1150 for that, or a good 97/8 GS 11. I would go for a late 1100 due to the quality issues. Not sure what you mean about gearbox probs.
Tourance tyres are great, you'll get between 5k and 10k plus out of a set and you can do gentle green laning or a track day and everything in between. Happy hunting. You will not regret it!
 
Macp,

I made the jump from the K1100RS to an 1100GS back in 1996. I haven't looked back since. I've got the 1150 now. For £4.5K, you could find an 1150 out there, especially at this time of year. The Tourance tyres work very well on the road (IMHO).

As for the gearbox problems, are you talking about the quality of the gearchange, or problems with them failing?

Bob
 
Thanks guys for your answers im now excited about the prospect of possibly getting an 1150.

Regarding the gearbox question I should have been clearer I was talking about failures.

Dave you were talking about going for a late 1100 because of the quality issues. What quality issues are those ?
 
I bought a new 2001 1150 in err 2001, within the year it had new wheels, new fork brace and leg lowers due to corrosion. Folk with 1100's are still on original after 5 yrs plus ( as is my Feb 1999 R 1100 rs...just chopped in for an 04 GS tho')
The original GS 1100 were best part of £10k, as the parallel import market took off, BMW had to do something to keep sales so dropped around £2k off the price, well they weren't going to lose out so spent less on the quality of kit.
Corrosion or not tho' its a top bike. I;ve looked at absolutely everything this last couple of months and have opted back into GS ownership. Can't wait until next Tuesday, shame a weekend skiing in the Alps gets in the way!!!!
 
£4.5k should get you a 2000 / Y plate GS. I paid £5,150 for mine last May, 24,000 miles on the clock, y-piece, Remus can, System Panniers & Givi topbox. Since covered another 11,500 miles.
 
Steve Pickford said:
£4.5k should get you a 2000 / Y plate GS. I paid £5,150 for mine last May, 24,000 miles on the clock, y-piece, Remus can, System Panniers & Givi topbox. Since covered another 11,500 miles.
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Thanks Steve
Whay year did the 1150 replace the 1100. Im sure Ive seen 1999 1150`s.
 
I think the previous e-bay link may be to the general automotive menu. Try this one for the bikes
 
Once again superb response thanks very much. I still think the RT is brilliant but the GS is beginning to make more sense the more I think about it.

I commute everyday on my current bike and want something for fun at the weekend. Also from what Im reading the GS seems to be a bit of a gentle giant for something of its size & weight.

I was really impressed by the balance of the RT is the GS the same.
 
The balance of the GS is better than the RT in my opinion. There is a big difference in weight between the 2 (about 40-50kg) and it shows.

Bob
 
Funny, I think the exact opposite! I've had a GS and now own an RT, which I find not nearly so top-heavy as the GS despite greater weight.

The GS is definitely the better bike for twisties, but I believe that's because there are wheelbase/trail angle differences. (I had to get rid of mine because I kept dropping it on grass - once it starts to go over it goes too quickly for me).

Much prefer the RT now for long distances, though would like a GS for cities. Ideal, have both!

Phil
 
slampo said:
Funny, I think the exact opposite! I've had a GS and now own an RT, which I find not nearly so top-heavy as the GS despite greater weight.

The GS is definitely the better bike for twisties, but I believe that's because there are wheelbase/trail angle differences. (I had to get rid of mine because I kept dropping it on grass - once it starts to go over it goes too quickly for me).

Much prefer the RT now for long distances, though would like a GS for cities. Ideal, have both!

Phil
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Bloody hell what a choice to have to make,obviously I cant afford both. Out of interest are prices for both RT and GS similar or does the GS command a higher price.
 
Sorry, I meant the ideal is to have both! Not that I actually have both - can't justify that (not with a 27-year old Boxer to maintain as well!).

RT price is significantly more, which can be off-putting and indeed put me off at first (I still think I've paid more than I really should for a bike). But in the end I decided I'd got to do it while I still can and before the zimmerframe becomes necessary ...

Not sure if the new 1200RT will drive down 1150 prices. You'd think so, but the 1150 didn't seem to make that much difference to the 1100 when it came in.

What's important is to ride each one you're looking at to make sure you get a good 'n. I rode a few bad ones both GS and RT.

P
 
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