R1100GS or R1150GS

The Things We Ride
[email protected]
Posts: 476
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2013 9:43 pm

R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by [email protected] »

So...

I bought an R1100rt a month or so ago for general commuting use. Really enjoying it.

Am wondering about a GS of a similar vintage. What's the difference between the 1150 and the 1100, is it just a little more power?

Anything I should look for?
User avatar
Heff
Posts: 2822
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:59 pm
Has thanked: 279 times
Been thanked: 135 times

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by Heff »

Very similar in many aspects, sharing a number of components.

Apart from the increase in CC and power, it has a different cockpit layout, headlight and beak with an adjustable screen, slightly different handlebar controls, 6 speed gearbox. Some of them may have an type enduro gearbox with a low ratio 1st gear

Cant think of anything else offhand
If I'm not online.............



I'm probably out on the Bat Bike



Gelande/Strasse R1200Gsa Triple Black
Mike Wright
Posts: 444
Joined: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:19 am
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by Mike Wright »

They share many common parts but I would go for the 1150GS if I was going to get one.

I had the 1100 which was a solid good bike but missed the extra gear and prefer the 2 round headlights rather than the big square one. The 1100 also needs extra protection to protect the footrests breaking the engine casing due to a fall. The 1150 has a different foot rest hanger.

1150 lights are poor but easy to upgrade the bulbs etc so they work ok. Power wise not alot in it as I chipped my 1100 and it would leave some 1150 ones behind on the climbs. If its not a sports box the 1150 6th gear is for cruising and really nice which in the 1100 the revs are alot higher due to the 5 gears. Cam chain rattle on the start up is an easy fix .. the original plunger has a spring and when the oil fills the chamber its ok but before rattles for a few seconds. Fit a updated one which holds some of the oil and no more rattle ( I fitted loads for people when I had a GS)

ABS is expensive if it goes wrong at around £1400 for a new pump so beware! Easy engine to work on and most can be done by a home mechanic.

Go for the 1150 ADV if find one as there great for longer trips and some have the biger ADV fuel tank . (thumbs)

I did around 50k travelling on mine so know them well......... feel free to ask any questions you like and I will try to answer them if I can
Stuartw
Posts: 124
Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:37 pm

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by Stuartw »

You can work around the ABS if it fails and remove the pump. Just no ABS brakes.

The early 1150's are non Servo ABS which are pretty bullet proof, the later maybe 2003 onwards not 100% ABS is servo and you would clearly be able to hear it whining as soon as you turn the ignition on. That's the one that can fail and needs by-passing, walk through S on UKgser Although saying that my 05 GSA has Servo brakes which I really like and it's at 95k.
johnnyboxer
Posts: 7920
Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:53 am
Has thanked: 100 times
Been thanked: 523 times

R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by johnnyboxer »

I preferred the 1100 GS

BMW got it spot on

For me it was the best - having said that the 1150 GSA with the low 1st & GSA lower 6th (lower than 1150 GS) makes a great second choice
We buy things we don't need



With money we don't have



To impress people we don't even like
sven
Posts: 533
Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:58 pm
Has thanked: 3 times
Been thanked: 72 times

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by sven »

johnnyboxer wrote:I preferred the 1100 GS

BMW got it spot on

For me it was the best - having said that the 1150 GSA with the low 1st & GSA lower 6th (lower than 1150 GS) makes a great second choice
I loved the 1100, but the 1150GS (I was too short to ride the GSA :blush: ) with the overdrive 6th gear left me cold. Test ride one and see which you prefer (thumbs)
ripper
Posts: 98
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 6:56 pm
Location: Scarborough and York

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by ripper »

Having just swapped an 11 for an 1150 adv.part of me misses the 1100 for its dependablity but I think the adv. is in a different league the one thing you do have to be aware of is the seat height it's way up in the clouds on the adv. you can come a croper if your not carefull. The adventures low 1st is really useful but the 6th is about the same as the 1100s 5th whereas 6th on the standard is an overdrive. But which ever you get enjoy
gspod
Posts: 649
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:58 am
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 22 times

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by gspod »

If you do some motorway miles the 6th gear is nice. If not the 1100 is excellent. I've had mine for 18 years and never felt the need to change although I've tried all the newer bikes.
I would recommend a gsjohn chip - a cheap easy upgrade, see ukgser (thumbs)
gspod
Posts: 649
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:58 am
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 22 times

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by gspod »

Oh, if it's a pre 1998 1100 see if the gearbox has been overhauled as there is a design fault, although my original box lasted for about 70,000 miles - now on 150,000 and looking forward to the next 150K (thumbs)
VR_Rider
Posts: 1203
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:42 pm
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: R1100GS or R1150GS

Post by VR_Rider »

Thought about getting a 1100GS for a while now, not sure how I would get on with it as I have always had relatively modern bikes. Only BMW I have so far is the 650GS twin. Be interesting to hear your long term thoughts on the boxer!
Post Reply

Return to “BIKES”