1150 vs 1200GS

[cali_beemer]

I am looking at purchasing my first GS. I am trying to stay around 10k give or take. I rode a new 1200gs today and I liked it. I have never ridden a 1150 gs but I have had 1100rt's. It seemed like the 1100rt's were less buzzy of a motor. The 1200 was nice except for that but a set of grip puppies would help with that. Any opinions? It seems between the key radio antenna issues, the final drive not having a drain plug are my concerns along with the amount of buzz. Would I be better on a 1150gs? less buzz?

Anyone selling a nice clean low mileage GS in nor cal?

[justlookin]

I have the 1100 GS, so I can't really help. However, I get lot's of GS info from ADVRider..
Pretty good forum, if you have not been there. GS info is in the G-Spot section.
I love my 1100.. :D
Jeff

[cali_beemer]

thanks for the reply, I guess there osnt alot of GS'ers here. I have visited the advrider website. Alot of hardcore guys over there so it seems. Not really my kinda gig. Are there any other GS forum sites? I have test ridden a R1200 and a R1150GS and I think I like the 1150 better so i will look for one of those.

[justlookin]

I road a 1200GS before I bought my 1100. I actually did not feel comfortable with the 1200. I can't really explain it, maybe it was because I took my LT to the dealer, then he let me take the 1200GS out just for fun.
I came back pretty quickly. I just did not like the way it felt.
I love the 1100.. Who knows, maybe I like heavier, slower bikes?? :confused:

[jwd98056]

There is a relatively small group of GSers here compared to AdvRider. This is primarily a K1200LT forum. Many members started picking up other BMW models or already had other BMW models so other forums have been created to keep those discussions segregated as much as possible.

Most of the folks here have either transitioned from the LT to a GS or added a GS as a stable mate for their LT. I am in the latter group and I did not have any GS experience prior to picking up my R1200GS. I didn't respond to your query because I had nothing of significance to reply with.

My GS gets several times more miles put on it than my other two bikes combined. If I could keep only one bike it would be the GS. I am fortunate enough that I don't have to make that decision. I like them all.

[jpalamaro]

This becomes a difficult issue to answer because in reality it seems like the final decision will be based on dollars, not the bike. Owning both the 1150GS Adv and the 1200GS Adv I can easily say they are similar enough in many ways, but also different enough in many ways.

Good luck in your decision. BTW, I'm a former LT owner with GS's and GT's take solace in the fact that whichever way you go, the differences are not great enough to worry about whether you made the correct decision.

[cali_beemer]

well, after ridig the 2 differnt bikes, I am going for an 1150GS. I jsut liked it better so I have my eyes on a 2004 dual spark bike. I should be picking it up soon. The 1150 is just alot smoother, the suspension felt better and the throttle wasnt as jerky. Overall, after a test ride this became an easy descision. I am coming off an LT. I have owned a few different BMW's. I have had 2 LT's, 2 RT's, a first gen GT, and an RS.

[usmctpdog]

I would go with the old, better looking 1150 versus the newer, uglier and less reliable BMW... Seems like BMW is becoming alot like Harley use to be. Expensive and unreliable.

[DaveDragon]

I love the R1200GS Adventure.
Loads of power & torque with amazing handling & braking for an enduro.

Go with what moves you!

[jpalamaro]

I would go with the old, better looking 1150 versus the newer, uglier and less reliable BMW... Seems like BMW is becoming alot like Harley use to be. Expensive and unreliable.

Your inventory says it all!

[drmajor]

I had the 1150 GSA and now have the 1200 GSA.

Both are great bikes and will surprise you in how good the handle.

1150 weighs more, less HP, I felt more torque, liked the gearing better.

1200 is more HP, weighs noticeably less, handles lighter, higher 1st gear.

The 1200 just fits me better.

You need to ride both if possible.

[Limey]

Cali Beemer,

Have a look at:

WWW.UKGSER.COM

....different continent, same bikes, lot's of useful info, usual crowd of good guys and idiots!

Safe riding

Limey

[cali_beemer]

Thanks, I ended up buying a 2004 1150GS. It just felt better for me but I did buy a 2004 with the dual spark. It came fully farkled already. It seems to have been a good find. I had to fly to Denver, CO and ride it back to sacrmaento, CA but that was a fun trip in itself.

[Limey]

Cali Beemer,

Congratulations on getting the GS1150....I have a 2003 twin plugged GS1150 I bought from new over here in France.

If you do go and visit the www.ukgser.com sight check out the mods that involve fitting a ''stubby tail pipe'' and the ''Septoe cat code plug mod''.

These two very cheap mods that make a big difference to the way the bike performs......a K & N airfilter seems to help as well.

Safe riding

Limey

[cali_beemer]

the bike I bought came with a remus titanium pipe, remus Ypipe deleting the catalytic and a K&N filter already on it. It was one of the perks to buying it.

[Limey]

Well don sounds like a great buy.

I still strongly suggest you research the Cat Code mod on the UKGSER site.....Steptoe is the author.....I found this made a good improvement to running, pick up and performance......this mod will cost you 5 cents to make and is easy to fit.

Enjoy your GS this W/E

Safe riding

Limey

[cali_beemer]

I couldnt find anything over there on the cat code mod. I cant seem to search since i am not a member.

[Limey]

Cali Beemer,

Look in the sub section headed 'Technical and Rider''

Then look in sub section 850/1100/1150

Then look for a thread dated 7th November 2007, it's title is 'Poll Cat Code Plug' and the thread initiator is Keith Chapman. The response by Steptoe is what you need, even shows a photo for you to follow.

Safe riding

Limey