Which Engine??

DeuceBG

Registered user
Joined
Dec 9, 2015
Messages
407
Reaction score
0
Location
Nowhere
Hi,

I'm new to the World of the GS and I'm about to dive into my first purchase.
Can anyone give me a knowledgeable Opinion as to the Strengths and / or Weaknesses of the 1150 Single and Twin Spark and also the earlier 1200 please?
I'm aiming to spend up to £4k so not looking for anything too new.

Many thanks in advance,

Regards
GJ
 
Try to get a ride on both and see if one stands out over the other (1150 v 1200) then take it from there ?
 
The 1200 came later and with your budget I'd say the options are limited. Much better to look at a 1150 maby a single spark rather than a later twin. Condition is much more important than mileage. Look on here for ideas. Don't pay too much for extras. Most sellers around here would like to see the bike go to a good home. There are a few overpriced bikes around. Also accessories don't get too excited about bits and pisces. It's easy to get carried away. Most people do. JJH
 
Try to get a ride on both and see if one stands out over the other (1150 v 1200) then take it from there ?
Thanks for the Reply Davey but I'm thinking more along the lines of any known Mechanical / Electrical Issues with the various Types and also their respective Characteristics.
I expect the Performance of the 110bhp 1200cc to outdo the 85bhp 1150cc to a noticeable degree, at the Top End at least.
I'm switching from a K1600GTL, mainly because I want to go back to something I can easily and relatively cheaply Service and Maintain myself.
I became temporarily blinded by the High Tech Wizardy of the more modern Machine but I didn't really think it through.
The Servicing Costs are ridiculous and I have to use Main Dealer in order to maintain the Warranty (which is another small fortune annually).
I'm hoping the GS is going to provide simple, cost-effective and enjoyable reliability.
 
The 1200 came later and with your budget I'd say the options are limited. Much better to look at a 1150 maby a single spark rather than a later twin. Condition is much more important than mileage. Look on here for ideas. Don't pay too much for extras. Most sellers around here would like to see the bike go to a good home. There are a few overpriced bikes around. Also accessories don't get too excited about bits and pisces. It's easy to get carried away. Most people do. JJH
I don't go Off-Road JJH so I'm not too fussed about all the Stainless Steel "Mad Max2 style stuff, as long as it's got some form of Engine Protection and a decent sized Screen then I'm happy.
I have seen a tidy 05 1200 with 50K for my Budget as well as a few nice looking 1150s for similar money.
It's not an area I'm familiar with, I'm a Harley Man but know very little about the BMW (2 wheeled versions anyway).
 
If you are looking for a list of what goes wrong I hope you have plenty of time. Start by looking for a bike without abs. No better still if you want a trouble free BMW GS buy a f800. You should get a good one with your budget. With abs too. JJH
 
If you are looking for a list of what goes wrong I hope you have plenty of time. Start by looking for a bike without abs. No better still if you want a trouble free BMW GS buy a f800. You should get a good one with your budget. With abs too. JJH

I have looked at the other options but the F800 isn't big enough to do what I want to do with it. I travel 2-Up and Fully Loaded alot of the time and I need something that will eat the miles easily and in comfort.
 
I have the F800 gs adventure and I find it grand for 2 up traveling. I am 17 stone and my daughter is a bit more. I have about 40,000 miles on it over the last 2 years and it regularly gives 55 mpg. Wheel bearings were the only issues along with chains. The chain was worn out at less than 10,000 miles and replaced with other one that lasted even less. Replaced with a did in August 2014 and still going strong. I replaced the front sprocket a couple of months ago. I agree with u about the 1150 gs. Whatever formula they used it is a very comfortable bike with everything just right. JJH
 
I have the F800 gs adventure and I find it grand for 2 up traveling. I am 17 stone and my daughter is a bit more. I have about 40,000 miles on it over the last 2 years and it regularly gives 55 mpg. Wheel bearings were the only issues along with chains. The chain was worn out at less than 10,000 miles and replaced with other one that lasted even less. Replaced with a did in August 2014 and still going strong. I replaced the front sprocket a couple of months ago. I agree with u about the 1150 gs. Whatever formula they used it is a very comfortable bike with everything just right. JJH
My last Adventure Bike was a Triumph Explorer which was fast, smooth, handled and was very comfortable for us both but I don't want to spend that much this time around and I've always liked the look and size of the GS so that's the way I'm going to go I think. The big question is whether to opt for an 03 Twin Spark 1150 or an 05 1200 (I've managed to narrow it down to a choice of two now!!).
 
Can you get a test ride? in the end it's what best suits your needs. I test rode 2 Explorers and although the owners raved about them they didn't suit me at all, which the test rides showed up, so it was a good job I had them before putting down a deposit. Good luck
 
You need to ride both bikes,they have different characters,
The 1200 is quicker ,lighter and slightly more refined,prob better fuel economy
But the 1150 will do everything just as well,
If I was to blast across Europe on autoroutes I would reach for the 1200 keys,
Same destination on minor roads I'd be firing up the 1150:thumb
 
The big twins will return massive mileages if ridden with just a little mechanical sympathy and regular routine maintenance. I had an airhead RS100, it was replaced by my 1150 Adv - it had 337,000 miles on it when I sold it and it still fetched £1500. The heads had never been off, just routine maintenance.

The Adv has now got 105,000 miles on it - still on original suspension and clutch. Others fry their clutch at under 40,000 and knacker their suspension in the same sort of mileage. A couple of months ago I managed to ride from home to the top of Denmark in one hit, bar fuel stops, just under 1200 miles. Lashing with rain and blowing a gale all across Germany and the full length of of Denmark. From the Peak District to the ferry and the first part of the continent was fine.

Things that go wrong:
Wiring loom at the headstock. It gets over tightened at the factory. Most owners have cut the ties and retidied with slightly looser routing to avoid the wires breaking (the result if it isn't done)
Fuel pipe quick detatch couplings. If they are plasdtic, replace them with the metal ones. A later 1150 should have them done, apparently the factory did use metal ones in the later runs.
Stick coils - they corrode in the cylinder head. New ones easy enough to obtain, just bloody expensive (bit someone is bound to have found an alternative source at a more realistic price by now). If / when you replace them - treat the new ones to something to prevent them corroding. Paint with Hammerite or something - there has to be a treatment / idea out there that will help extend the life.
Fuel tank overflow - keep it cleared out by blowing up it GENTLY, to keep the crud and corruption out. Too much air pressure when doing it apprently blows the pipe off inside the tank. I have never suffered this, presumably because with my mechanical sympathy hat on again, I have not used excessive air pressure. :D

There are loads of smart fixes for the small niggles - you will find them in THE FONT OF ALL WISDOM section, or by trawling the 1150 Oilhead section.

I wouldn't get a 1200 if I were you - unless you wear orange trousers.....:aidan
 
I've had my 03 twin spark 1150 from new, just rode home through a hailstorm from a weekend of assorted gravel and other roads, not planning to change it in the near future. Dunno if that helps?

One difference I remember when the 1200 first came out was that the pillion seemed roomier on the 1150. The power, weight etc have already been mentioned...

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
 
Many thanks to all for your Replies.
I'm erring towards the 1150 Twin Spark at the minute, although I do run quite a bit of Motorway, especially when in France.
I'm two-up most of the time too on long trips so the extra Pillion Space mentioned would be very useful.
I have ridden the latest GS1200LC and both Variants of the 1200RT but never an 1150 of any kind.
I also like the fact that the 1150 looks to be a bigger Bike overall, I think the Tank Shape may have something to do with it?
At 6'4" Tall and 19st, I need a big Bike.
Mikeyboy, I left an Answerphone Message for you earlier in the week but assumed you may be away as I haven't heard back yet?
 
Of course, this is subjective but... I prefer the character of the 1150 engine. The 1200 feels more revvy - some will like that. In terms of speed the 1150 loses out at the top end but not a big difference below that.

1200 standard suspension is a step above the 1150 - but i've got ohlins on my 1150 so for me, best of both worlds.
 


Back
Top Bottom