which one

[woodpecker]

Been looking through loads of info on here and would like some feedback on the following so here goes.Been tempted by salesman offering a good deal on a 1200 tripple black with comfort and premium packs which involves saying goodbye to my F650gs.Resisting the impulse to sign there and then have stumbled upon an older 1150 with approx 27000miles one owner full history on an 03 plate and luggage in dark grey. My question is to those that have had both bikes 1150 &1200 obviously new is improved so to speak but is it truly the better bike,or has the world of electricery spoilt it some what from its more humble beginings.Is it me or can the 1200 be a bit troublesome over the old model,or is it a case that they are so popular compared to the older 1150 there is obviously more written about them.
Bike has got to be a weekend play thing as well as commuter when needed and tourer when we go away so do not want to to give up the 650 and get it wrong so to speak.

 

[dizzyrascal]

1100

Your best bet would be to go for 1150 if it is a good one at the right prise and keep the 650 to commute on.
I have been through this myself and the failings of the 1200 have been well documented on this site

 

[Nutty]

If you can afford the 1200, then do not hesitate. It is one AWESOME bike. There are loads of haters on here with 1150's, but they all know they will have a 1200 one day!

 

[Brucey]

Well, having commuted for seven years on my F650GS Dakar I was a bit concerned about the 1200 for commuting. Don't worry! I moved to the 1200 a couple of months ago and make better time on the 1200 and have no problems with filtering at all. In fact being a bigger bike helps sometimes as people notice you more and (occasionally) get out of the way more.

I have not ridden the 1150 for more than a couple of hours so cannot comment, but from what I remember, once you get used to it, either will be fine.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

If your not in a great rush to change I would spend a little time trying to ride both, if possible try an 1100 as well. They are all good bikes and you,ll find that there are die hard followers of all three. The good thing about the 11xx's are that you will be able to find mint ones that you'd be able to run for many years without loosing much money, as an example my own 03 1150, I bought it 4.5 years ago for 5.5k with 15kmiles, it now done 60k miles and I Rekon I could get 4+k for it quite easy. Not that I am ever going to sell it.

There is a mint 1100 for sale with only 7k mile on here that could possibly last you the rest of your biking career, the current owner also has another1100 called Donkey, that bike has now done nearly 300k miles if you ever needed any proof of longevity Then there is the new 1200s again they are great, I took out a twin cam when then came out, wow, the power delivery is great, they feel light and highly 'flickable', I can't say I wasn't tempted myself, but at the end of the day I've never owned a more dependable, comfortable, and 'lived' in bike as my own. Of course it would also cost me 8+ k to change mine for one and whilst I could do it if I really wanted to, the is no way on god's earth it that much of a better bike!!! and of course they are bloody everywhere, just like Mondaous used to be

Whichever one you buy will be great, it really depends on which one you a: like the look of: b: which one you prefer the ride and character of and c: how much money you want to loose

Oh and d: woul you rather keep your 650 as well for cheaper commuting and slimmer gaps through london

Hope it helps

 

[woodpecker]

Thanks for input,all greatly received.As mentioned either way 1150 or 1200 the owners of both on this forum, all love them like one of the family almost like the family pet.The 650 I have although I love it also may have to go if it is replaced with a 1200 but could share the garage with perhaps an 1150.The problem with that is would it actualy get used much if at all as new toy etc old one gets pushed to the back so to speak.As for the test ride a dealer offered me an hour on a 1200,ok can make a decision in an hour but for the money they ask they were not about to let me have it for longer,unlike a car salesman take it for the afternoon.Has it happens when I did say ok for a test actually only had it for as long as it took to sit on it and before I got away was asked to take an 800 instead as they wanted to keep the 1200 for some reason and there was not another available at the time.Did long ago have brief go on an 1150 and basicaly thats why I now have the must have's but cant decide which one.As also mentioned look hard enough and people have posted numerous problems with the newer bike a so was the 1150 realy a better choice.A friend has an old R100rs with carbs and would not swap it for anything so is biased saying go old less gizmo's less hassle.In saying that my 650 is electronic compared to older models and its never missed a beat.I am realy torn which way to go.I love the look of the 1200 not a million miles from the 650 in some ways but then look at 1150 looks a bit more old school if thats not being rude bit more purposeful.Will endeavour to get out on both over next few weeks.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

As everyone says " things ain't built as they used to be"

 

[Pip_UK]

Hi Woodie, I have an 1100 & a 1200 (and used to have a 650) I love them both. They both have the sweet-handling, all-round GS magic. The 1150 is basically a slightly more powerful 1100, with a much-needed 6th gear.

The main differences IMO are that the 1200 is much lighter than the 11xxs, and has a more modern & refined feel. The 11xxs feel a bit classic & agricultural by comparison. They're a simpler, more basic design and yet they still work as well today as they did back in the 90s, because they were so right to start with.

And yet riding them both back to back, the surprising thing is how similar they feel - comfy, easy to ride, steady, confidence-inspiring handling, with grunty, helpful engines that run out of puff higher up.

What I'm saying is, if you choose a bargain 1150, you won't be missing out on the essential GS experience, no sir. And there'll be plenty of 1200's out there to choose from if you decide to change later on.

Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[Motivlack]

Try the 1150, you wont be dissapointed. I've had one for three years and cant fault it(apart from it being a bit heavy) I tried my mates and was impressed but not that much. It did feel that litte bit lighter and turned into bends quicker(prop cause mine had a knackered front tyre). You can always 'upgrade' to the 1200 later. In my opinion the 1150 is just a refined version of the older 1100gs, itself a great machine.The 1200 is (or at least feels like)a new model.. Riding around on the roads over here its surprising how few 1150gs's are about are how plentiful the 1200 is. Stand out from the crowd , be different