Anything to look out for on an 1100GS

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NinjaLee1982

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I'm going to get an 1100GS (at last!) :) :D

Is there anything to be aware of before I look at any bikes?

I've seen the posts on final drive bearings and brake lines above so I'll have an eye open for them.

Is there anything else?


Also, some people say it's better than the 1150GS. Is there any truth in that and if so, why?

Thanks to all in advance - what a useful website! :D
 
Watch out for aching cheeks, you can only spend so much time with a grin on yer face, they also use fuel and eventually tyres :thumb2
Welcome to the 1100 owners clique :)
Stewart
 
I bought an 1100 last November and I asked the same questions - this thread might help ;) :

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

The only real potential 'biggie' with older 1100's relates to possible gearbox issues.
FWIW, mine is a '94 and these pre '97 models can be subject to gearbox problems (manifests itself as skipping under load in 2nd / 3rd) - loads to read about it on here, just do a search. There's no reason not to get a pre '97, but you'll need to get a test ride and quiz the owner about maintenance etc. Many people have run these bikes to beyond 100k with little or no problems, but you do need to bear in mind that you are potentially buying a 14 year old bike, so you'll have to be prepared to maintain it and possibly replace bits and pieces that have just worn out.

Mine is my first BM and was on its fourth owner and has a full BMW dealer service history - it had obviously been looked after and the previous owner came across as honest and a good guy which gave me confidence. I love mine, I'm sure you will yours when you find it :thumb2

hth
Matt
 
only owning my 1999 1100gs i cant really comment on things to look out for but what i can comment on is what a fantastic ride the bike is,i,m very pleased with mine and going by what i,ve read from fellow tossers they seem to be very easy to work on as everything is easily accessible(well apart from the fuel filter)go and buy one mate you won,t regret it craig
 
This is a useful resource - http://micapeak.com/bmw/gs/gs_tele.html

Trying to decide between the 1100 and the 1150 is a difficult one. they are essentially the same bike apart from the extra gear and cosmetic differences in the 1150. Not too mention the added complications that went into the later bikes - Most notably the Servo Brake system.

If you like the 1150 then try for an early one - non servo.

if you like the 1100 then a late one post 1997 - (with the easy clean wheels)

There are many other reasons to favour a late 1100 over an early one - though many of those are just my personal paranoia - a great many have had no problems or those that have - will have been fixed by now.

Try to be patient - great bikes are turning up for sale all the time - but so are old abused/battered heaps.

Expect to pay £3000 =/- for an excellent example. I consider anything less than 50,000 miles 'low mileage' - though i bet there's a few on here who would happily double that and say the same.

buy on condition and extras. early bikes - ask about the gearbox. has it been changed?
 
I can only echo what others have stated. Welcome and good luck with the search:thumb

I'd try for a late model 1100 that has some history.

Mine is just shy of 97,000 miles, bought it when it had about 3,000 on the clock.

I've had one new clutch, two final drive bearings, 2 sets of bevel bearings, one speedo cable and recently upgraded the suspension to Wilbers. The rear shock was knackered, the front was OK but upgrading the rear made the front feel poor.

It has only been on the back of a recovery truck once, that was when the final drive bearing failed and ripped the oil seal out:blast

I have an 1150 RT too and I cannot say thhat has been anywhere near as reliable:augie
 
1100's are the future:rob


just do it, as they say
 

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Buy a red one,miles faster than all the lesser colours.

Apart from that,I can't think of any real problems.
 
Vern said:
Buy a red one,miles faster than all the lesser colours.
Click to expand...

Yup!

Here's mine with it's modern imitator, the 1200:

3015066327_db969d8f80_b.jpg
 
"One Off" White ones are fastest... particularly when it's not weighed down with all those decals screaming "LOOK AT ME - I'M A GS !!!!!!!" :augie

edit.jpg
 
ogni said:
Black is the colour to go for:D
Click to expand...

Indeed it is. Although mine appears to be more "shitty brown" with all the ACF covering it at the moment.

Mine's a '94 and, so far, no gearbox issues at all. In fact, the only problems I've had have been a knacked starter motor and the good old Hall Sensor going. Apart from that, she appears to be bulletproof.

The 1100 - definitely the best GS yet :D
 
motobiker said:
if you like the 1100 then a late one post 1997 - (with the easy clean wheels)
Click to expand...


Wow, thanks everyone for all that useful information.

Did the wheels change then? How can I tell the easy clean ones from th older ones?


Was the bike changed at some point during 1997? Is there any way to tell which I'm looking at other than the reg plate?


Thanks again
 
NinjaLee1982 said:
Did the wheels change then? How can I tell the easy clean ones from th older ones?
Click to expand...

Don't worry too much about the wheels, just fit a set of later ones if your that bothered.

Watch out for loose center/side stand mounting brackets, where they attach to the engine. The thread pulls out of the engine block, meaning it can't be tightened up so leans over alarmingly.
 
NinjaLee1982 said:
Wow, thanks everyone for all that useful information.

Did the wheels change then? How can I tell the easy clean ones from th older ones?


Was the bike changed at some point during 1997? Is there any way to tell which I'm looking at other than the reg plate?


Thanks again
Click to expand...

The wheels were anodised from '97 (and hence much more corrosion resistant) mine's a '94 and the wheels are indeed a pain in the arse to keep looking nice - you just need to keep on top of it and not let them go too far.

From '97 the 1100 received an updated gearbox (the most important change), the anodised wheels and possibly other minor changes (not sure, I'm sure others will chip in).

However, don't go thinking that pre '97 1100's are bad - as you'll see in the thread, there are many of us who are happy with ours and you only read about the ones which have broken (a tiny minority) - you just need to be aware of (and check for) the possible gearbox issue.
 
NinjaLee1982 said:
Wow, thanks everyone for all that useful information.

Did the wheels change then? How can I tell the easy clean ones from th older ones?


Was the bike changed at some point during 1997? Is there any way to tell which I'm looking at other than the reg plate?


Thanks again
Click to expand...

I think I'm probably right in saying that THE biggest bugbears of the older bikes is the wheels - which are a right pain/nightmare to keep clean.

On the later bikes - they were supplied 'coated' which makes cleaning them an absolute doddle... grime just washes off. Older bikes are keeping 'autosol' afloat.

I'm sure someone will be able to provide the exact date this change too place - but I'm pretty sure it was in 1997. Dunno if this is the giveaway - but mine are marked 'BEHR Germany'

HTH.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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