Which GS?

[Uncle-Fester]

Hey fellas, Maybe a newbie question, maybe and old subject, but I need some input.

I had my Heart set on an RT1150 (I think the 1100 looks dated with just a single headlight) BUT, Having spent even more time looking and reading, I feel myself being drawn to the GS as a more versatile machine ( I want a bike that can tour Britain/Europe two up with luggage in comfort for both of us)

So, my question is this: 1100 or 1150?

Apart from the dated/classic styling of the 1100, is there really that much difference between the two?

Does that extra 50cc and 6th gear really make that much difference?

I have read as many threads/sticky's as I could find, but still cannot see the wood for the trees.

I have seen 1100's at quite good prices with reasonable mileage, but am hesitant to buy, as I feel it may be better to wait for an 1150 to come along within my budget.

(I can do basic maintenance such as oil changes, brakes pads/fluid changes myself)

So, all comments welcome and appreciated

Edit: Just as an afterthought, is it financially viable or indeed possible to "face lift" an 1100 to the twin headlight look of the 1150 without major expense/mechanical know-how??

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

1100 is one of the best GS 's

 

[ronniez1a903]

re gs 1100

PLUS 1
Regret selling mine, but happy with my 650 Dakar

 

[Flipfly]

I like the 1100's but like the 6th gear of the 1150 (especially the E version).

Other than that there is bugger all in it.

My advice would be not to get mugged off with a shitty one at over the top money. Hanging around will find you on a decent 1150 for sub 3k. I was in no rush and ended up with a 20k miles 1150 for 2200, it ain't mint, but it was tidy. I've seen much rougher ones with interstellar miles being punted out at much more.

Beware of people overpricing because they think GSs hold their money. They do to a degree, but not as much as some think!

 

[Uncle-Fester]

Thanks guys, I test rode an 1100 today, in fact it was this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191121184470?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I was in the area and it's very cheap (at face value)

On first inspection, it was rough, much more so than the pictures would lead you to believe, it's been ragged for many years, and not looked after.
The panniers do not lock to the bike as the mechanism is broken, and the ABS doesn't work, neither of which is mentioned in the description.

When ridden, it became apparent that there is a tuning problem, as it drove like a 500, not an 1100, and had a misfire and then a flat spot at about 3000rpm when you opened the throttle fully.

The bike was in generally scruffy condition, and IMHO not worth the £1600 they are asking as it will need so much tome and effort to bring to any kind of decent standard.

My other impressions on the bike were that the build quality wasn't up to much (IMHO) the handle bars are cheap tubing, and the hand grips (throttle and clutch) were not very well designed or built, and were actually moving when twisted, and the cables and wires seemed to be randomly thrown around the bike with no real thought to tidiness.

I was surprised at this, as I felt the quality was worse than the ones on my Honda VFR 750 (which is older) and certainly not as good quality as on the RT.

All in all it makes me wonder whether I want to pay big bucks for a bike that is not put together that well??


Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Bryn]

You wouldn't go wrong with this one

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?364990-1999-1100GS-Granada-Dakar-Limited-Edition

 

[Uncle-Fester]

You wouldn't go wrong with this one

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?364990-1999-1100GS-Granada-Dakar-Limited-Edition

Thanks, but unfortunately I don't seem to have permission to access that part of the forum

 

[Bryn]

Thanks, but unfortunately I don't seem to have permission to access that part of the forum

If you're looking for a GS then you need look no further than ukgser.. You'll need to subscribe, but you'll more than get your money's worth....

The link is to a 1 owner 1100 for sale

 

[Uncle-Fester]

Ok, subscribed now, and looked at bike, very nice, but out of my price range (I'm at the bottom of the price range )

However, in the meantime, I have bought a 1998 1100 GS in black with BMW luggage and Givi top box, will be picking it up on Saturday

My only problem at the moment is how to get to Swindon (from Maidstone) by 8.30 on Saturday morning (the present owner has to go out early).