One last question R11 GS v. R1150 GS

[718Rider]

Ok, so I know I've been pretty all over the place, but I've narrowed things this week down to 2 bikes -

98 R1100 GS - 20,000 miles - red /w bags + corbin - asking just under 6K

or '01 GS w/18,000 miles - black totally stock = $7800 w/bags

I'm leaning towards the cheaper bike. Thoughts opinions on the R1150 vs. R1100?

[BMW Atlanta]

the R1100GS will do great, but it would be worth $3k + to me to have the R1150 for the smoothness, 6 speed, hydraulic clutch, newer drive train, etc.

[levert]

Agree with BMWATlanta.
Plus your resale should be better.
I'm lucky, everyday is it the 1150gs I ride in or the S.

[Steve Carlton]

Throw in an extra $1k for the Dr. McCoy headlights...

[RoLoo]

...simple advice : always buy that, what's your personal favourite...

Ron.

[Rapid Dog]

definitely the 1150.

[718Rider]

Thanks for the advice. If all goes well, I'll be making an offer on the black GS tonight. Anything I should look for specfically? I did notice some flacking on the righ sider cylinder head cover near the bolts and a little oil there, but my S usually had a little oil in the same spot.

[BMW Atlanta]

just make sure to look around the bell housing seem and see if you can find any seepage. Sure sign of a leaky main seal or clutch slave. Check the side play of the rear drive bearing and swing arm pivots. Look the wiring harness over good make sure no one had it "decked" out with a DJbooth/discotech of gadgetry. The normal stuff for a GS.

[steve abella]

Heard what everyone said and its true
but 1800 would buy front and rear ohlins
and with the corbin make one sweat ride

[718Rider]

I bought the R1100 GS. The R1150 was not what the guy said. The R1150 needed tires, a new windscreen, had a cracked front fender and looked like it had been knocked over and abused. On top of it all, the guy was 30 min. late to meet me. I still think @ $7800 someone is going to get a decent deal on that bike, but 7800 was my upper limit and I didn't want to turn around to throw another $400 at it after I drove it away.

The R1100 was clean. Full service history. 21,000 miles. Recently been serviced, has 2 brand new tires and was owned by a very obessive owner who just bought a GS Adventure. I like it a lot. I'm out of town for the weekend, but will hopefully pick it up next week. @ $5800 I think I'm getting a decent deal on a clean GS with a comp. service history, in GREAT shape, and with both the Corbin saddle and the stocker. Thanks to everyone for your help. I'm just glad to be back on the road in the not to distant future!

[markjenn]

Lots of folks acknowledge the improvements in the 1150's drive train and agree that it is the better street bike, but think the 1100 is a lot lighter and the better adventure bike.

- Mark

[steve abella]

Originally posted by markjenn
Lots of folks acknowledge the improvements in the 1150's drive train and agree that it is the better street bike, but think the 1100 is a lot lighter and the better adventure bike.

- Mark

Geez mine feels like a pig if you hit Sand or loose stuff wouldn't want to think about a 1150 then

[Chris Geuting]

First,congrats and have fun with your new mount.I had both the 1100 and later the 1150.Had lots of fun on both especially in Baja where they boh were fun to ride and capable on dirt sidetrips.With Contitwinduros they are any bit as good as a KTM on those sidetrips but far superior and more capable on the pavement...
As far as differences between the 1100 and 1150.The weight difference due to the added gear is maybe 5 pounds,so not wort even talking about...
The tranny of the 1150 shifts a little nicer but the 1100 is the faster bike due to the shorter reardrive gearing.The overdrive 6 is useless because its too tall unless you have the shorter 6th gear of the Adventurer.
I also wuld have bought the 1100 and with the 1800 saved bought a set of Ohlins and Remus/+ Y -pipe...
Chris
PS:The MRA varioscreen works eal well too and cuts the buffeting of the stock shield...