A question about the GS.......

[BMWTim]

Hey, guys. I'm in the market for an 1150GS Adv. or 1200GS. I'd like to know any issues or problems that need to be addressed. Perhaps a recommendation for a guy who needs cruising ability, but would like to do a little trail/fire road riding, too. Any information appreciated. Thanks.

Tim

[screwtop]

I don't think you can go wrong with either bike. Were you planning on buying new or used? The used market is definitely worth considering, as some guys are trading up to the new GS, and some clean versions (at least some R1150GS's) are out there. I've had no issues whatsoever w/ my 1150 GS (14.5 K miles). I have installed a 4 "taller screen (Cee Bailey) and will have a remus installed in the next month. The stock saddlebags are pretty good, but the left one's capacity is compromised due to the notch in it to accomodate the pipe. Consider a good tail bag or trunk for more carrying capacity on your trips.

-JCD

[syeager]

I rode the 12 and didn't find the changes too exciting - not that they're not important, just that I didn't get the "gee whiz" factor out of it. I looked at my 1150, looked at the 12, and felt like a man contemplating cheating on his wife.

That said, if you can justify the money, go for the 12. You get new, warrantied stuff. If you want to save some serious cash and turn your own wrenches (assuming what you get is out of warranty), there are some killer deals out there on used 1150's. And I think they look better.

Just my opinion.

[Gizmo]

No issues with my 1150GS at 30K on the clock. It has been a great motorcycle. The Adventure is also a great ride, but not for the inseam challenged, if that is an issue with you.

[knary]

Hey, guys. I'm in the market for an 1150GS Adv. or 1200GS. I'd like to know any issues or problems that need to be addressed. Perhaps a recommendation for a guy who needs cruising ability, but would like to do a little trail/fire road riding, too. Any information appreciated. Thanks.

Tim

Both bikes are excellent and feel very different. Test ride them and see which sings to you. As to which is a better performer, the 1200 will win. But this isn't about practical performance, this is about a motorcycle. Either will do what you ask well - so long as you don't think of them as off-road bikes but as off-pavement road bikes.

good luck.

[DockingPilot]

Look around, I found a 1200 GS just came in on trade with only 1,500 miles on the clock! It had the BMW cases, spoked wheels and heated grips. Perfect condition, it just wasn't for the owner...................13k even after the dust settled. I love it.

[FredRydr]

There are low mileage high-hat R1200GS bikes available from BMWNA. Ask your dealer to try to get one if he will discount it for you.

Fred

[Belquar]

I do not have any personal experience myself but the people I know who have had the opportunity to ride both rather extensively don't find the 1200 to be any better than the previous models. My Father has been drooling over a 1200 for a while and recently rented one for a week of touring and off-roading out in Arizona and Utah. He says there is nothing about the new GS that wowed him enough to get rid of his old R100GS.

Other folks I know have had the same sentiments.

I have not ridden one. I have an 1100GS and it does great for me on the long haul and the light off-roading I do with it.

YMMV

Brian

[hondarider]

I've got the 1150 but I've ridden the 1200 extensively...the 1200 feels lighter and more powerful...but not enough so to merit the $6-8K difference between what I paid for a 1150 with 1900 miles on the odometer and a 1200 with 100 miles on it. The 1150 has been awesome! I just returned from a ride a few hours ago where I explored some fire roads, cranked through high speed twisties leaned waaaaay over, and then put it in 6th gear for a smooth 85mph run home. I've even ridden this bike down single track trails where light weight singles usually trod. The 1150 is quickly becoming my favorite bike for just about every ride:wave

[GlobalRider]

Hey, guys. I'm in the market for an 1150GS Adv. or 1200GS. Perhaps a recommendation for a guy who needs cruising ability, but would like to do a little trail/fire road riding, too.

Since you are looking at both, you can pick either.

The R1150 GS Adventure has far better range than the R1200 GS if you are looking for "cruising ability". I'm assuming you mean range? I start looking for gas stations at the 300 mile mark and thats cruising at 75 mph with another 3/4 of a gallon of gas left.

If you go for one, look for a 2004 or newer "2 Spark" model.

From the forums so far, the R1200 seems to have just as many if not more issues.

Although a matter of opinion and taste, the R1150 GS Adventure looks so much better than its replacement.

[GlobalRider]

He says there is nothing about the new GS that wowed him enough to get rid of his old R100GS.

I've got both; old and new.

A few weeks ago when I was rolling my R100 GS around in the garage before taking it out for a short spin after being parked 5 years...all I could say was..."this is a real GS". It feels like a real motorcycle! And its still lighter than the latest R1200 GS. :D

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I have the 1150 Adv and love it. All things considered though the new 1200GS is a better bike I feel in terms of handling in stock form, weight and power. I do love my 1150 but it is big, heavy and clunky compared to the newer versions. You cannot go wrong with either though and there are definitely great used deals to be had.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

I had the same choice between a new 1150GSA and a new 1200. I picked the 1150GSA. 41000 miles and 2 years later I am still very happy that I have the 1150.:thumb
A bike is a very personal choice, so ride both and pick the one that suits YOU..

[PETDOC]

I have an '04 1150 GS with 31,000 miles and love to ride the bike, especially on long trips using byways instead of highways. I got the dual plugged version to avoid the occasional bike with surging, I do all of my own service, repairs and accessorizing, and with few exceptions find it easy to work on.
Only significant repairs I've had to date are to replace the clutch slave cylinder due to defective throw out bearing and the starter due to a short which led to infrequent occasions where it wouldn't start. I've only ridden the 1200 once on an interstate and was not overwhelmed by a sense that I needed a new bike, but really liked the transmission and lighter weight.
I am partial to the ascetics of the beast vs the 1200, but as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and beauty is as beauty does.

















i

[podsobinski]

Echo all the other opinoins, I feel the '04 or '05 Adventure is the best of them all. The rugged stout looks and gear ratio and longer spring travel and large tank etc. I hate to harp on how much I like it along with everyone else because when my '02 GS is ready to be replaced we all my be driving up the price of the adventure.:banghead
Just watch the "Long Way Around" as see what they went through. No wonder KTM backed out. . .tough is tough and racing bread bikes are not as tough.
Yea BMW:brad and :banghead KTM

gpodzo

[coach785]

Get the 04-05 1150GS it is a great bike. I have the 04 with 43,000 runs great.
the only thing I would change is no cervo brakes.