Had mine 25 years and ridden her a lot over 2 continents. Will never sell her. Part of the family now. Had many bikes since but they've all gone and the GS still with me. She's been the only bike I always turn round, look at her and smile after a big ride.
2003 I bought near new. Since new driveshaft and subframe. Brakes and handling better than my 2019 Africa Twin. Never been to dealer. Do all my own work. 115k on odometer. Still advanced motorcycle by today's standards.
By 1150gs saved my life when I was taken out by a round hay bale dropped off the front of a tractor some way up the hill. I stayed in the gap between engine and panniers, resulting in minor damage to jacket (and shoulder), and scuffs elsewhere. Although slightly bent, it started first time, and I rode it home from Luxembourg to Bath, England. How many modern electrical gizmo loaded bikes will do that. My son recently took it to Switzerland, but they wanted it factory spec to be registered there. So I flew out and rode it back in a day. Didn’t miss a beat. Had a grin on all the way back. Love it, even if it makes no sense really to keep it.
My 2002 1150gsa is bombproof. Semi-offroad roads is key--not great in mud (top-heavy), single track can be dodgy, steep and rocky is TIRING, but rider skills make a huge difference, allowing one to go almost anywhere. Biggest drawback is weight, as mentioned. I've dropped it numerous times and lift technique is crucial if you want to protect your back. Workmanship-wise, several BMW mechs say it (especially the 2002) is the best bike ever built. Price is right, too.
I bought mine in 2000 for a tour of Spain and North Africa, for various reasons it’s been in storage for 10 years BUT this year I revived it. After a few hundred miles I feel amazed at just how effortless this bike is, a true classic with real character. Yes the modern versions have so so much more and having ridden them I feel they offer so much less! 21 years later it’s a love rekindled
Think I’m logged in on another account - I bought a Versys 650 in the end which was a total u-turn. I think it may be going back as I’m having too many issues with it early on in ownership. Perhaps I will get the 1150, after all.
Have had mine for 18 years and just last month went through Botswana Namiba down to Capetown and then along the east coast and finally back to Zambia and no issues at all.. love it.. Three weeks on the road 8400 kms and never missed a beat..if there is a slight niggle it’s having to reset the ABS every now and again but have got that down to a few mins and only needed resetting after three or four day of riding...
MOTO DANS actually not a great deal, just over 60,000 kms. But most of which have been touring through parts of Africa.. I have a 2000 GS 1150 in the UK bought second hand with about 70,000 miles on it.. I got it second hand but have toured Europe extensively on it and again had no hassles..Funny thing is on two separate occasions two different dealers one in South Africa and one in Scotland have both said to me hang onto them..The new ones are far superior but will not last as long and would not survive to far away from a dealer... South Africa is fine but the rest of the continent no..
Drive my GS -00 about 10000-12000 km / year. All year round, not all days in winter, but all months, live in Sweden. Both for work and holidays / fun, read dirt road, trails, forest roads, etc. ! Changed the spark plugs, alternator belt, wear parts. -18 replaces rear wheel bearing. Otherwise, nothing major that has covered about 130000km. Been the owner of this wonderful specimen for 5 years, and sees no reason to change.
This bike is timeless. I'm riding an 1150 GS Williams colors and it keeps on going. Best bike I have ever bought. ( it only has 35.000 km's on it's teller)
Just picked up my first GS..2002 GSA. Rides like a Caddilac. (i'm a Caddilac man). 50K orig miles. $3,700 for a clean bike. I almost financed a 2018 1200 (18k) Feelin' good about my choice. Cheers...
I have just paid a holding deposit for a 2001 1150 with 110k on the clock. Blue and white stripe tank... I can't wait to ride her home after Nov 12 when I finish some out of town work
Just picked up 25k ODO Bumble Bee GSA optioned nicely. $2,500. US. The gas tank needs new graphics and need to fix heated grip. Other than that ready to go. I like this era the best and can afford a new one. Thank you for clueing me on the wiring issues, I will sure them up and get on the road this spring.
I have the pleasure to ride a BMW r 1150gs too. Even in 2020 ( my bike is from 2000 yellow) complete standard it is pretty relevant. It rides llie a dream and is easy to maintain self. Suikervrije still in 2020. 👍
Great video! I adore my 02 1150GS, ultra reliable, no final drive or HES issues. A lot of people complain about the ABS, but it’s worked perfect for me. Brilliant around the NC500 and all over Europe with my partner. Seat issues, I use an Airhawk, very comfy! Only niggle I have is the paint on the engine and forks, will be sorted in the winter. Overall, still an excellent bike!
Nice one Garry. I have had no final drive or abs issues with either of mine just a HES failure on my old 1100. We did the NC500 3 years ago now on my old 1100 was a great trip. Never tried an airhawk but have heard alot of good things!
I definitely recommend an Airhawk, get it just right and it is nearly perfect, just a little air in it makes all the difference, as opposed to inflating it right up.
04 1150GS 73,000km just pulled the ABS servo brakes getting ready to change out the final drive, everything on these bikes is fairly easy to fix or replace and the motor seems to be bullit proof love my GS!
Is there something wrong with your final drive or are you just doing preventative maintenance? My bike would be at 110,000kms and still on the original.
@@MOTODANS My rear wheel is coated in gear oil so the seal at the least is bad plus play at every position of the rear wheel I have a spare and plan to rebuild the bad final drive and replace the pivot bearings.
I'm still riding a 2003 R1150GS ADV. Unlike the R1200GS, you can fix many problems because they are usually mechanical. It's such a comfortable bike even after 15 straight hours in the saddle.
Newbie mature rider my second bike from after having a Bonnie, great bike for the money paid £3.5k for mine 40k miles,it is heavy and I have dropped mine also, but once used to it and moving, it rides great, definitely a keeper.
I ride this bike 2 years. I did small updates, like repair oem suspension and made it for bigger travel (200, 210 mm). Like you said great on the road, but obviously not in hard terein. Just gravel road and so on, not so difficult, because the feedback from the front(telelever) is a zero. Im thinikg about second bike for more dirty traveling, but yes GS stay at home due to engine, comfort and yes, it is fu*kin hard love😀.
Had a GT550 shaft drive that locked the rear wheel as I approached a junction onto thd A40. Really put me off. Didnt drop it but it was pretty hairy. Saying that had a chain fly off my GPz900r too, fortunately no one behind be. Guess it could have wrapped around front sprocket. Im much older now and always fancied a 1150. You posted this video a good few years back, any further update on life with it?
Hey, I actually sold this one awhile back but then regretted it and bought another🤣 New one going well everything I said in the video still stands. They are a great bike
I like mine, I've had it ten years almost to the day. One thing I would suggest when fitting new tyres is to buy the offset tyre valves from Wunderlich as topping up the air on the front wheel is a pain in the b*m! You need three hands and you also have to be holding your mouth just right, haha. I'm a lot lighter now, but was 156Kgs at one stage, wife 85Kgs, all the camping gear, etc, no problem!
Last year at 70,000 miles in Bavaria, the final drive bearings went. Next day clutch server went. And the ignition wire broke. I love it, won't sell it. No issues.
MOTO D your channel is very informative and gets to the point, I have a DR650 now and am considering a 2001 R1150gs to add for longer trips, IK you sold it several years ago. Would you still own it along with your DR650 now or have you considered any other larger cc adv bike that is reliable as he older 1150gs. The ones here in Tex mostly have 30-50k miles, so I would assume if they had transmission failiures they would have already been delt with years ago.
Thanks for watching! Definitely in fact I bought another one 🤣th-cam.com/video/B86MuVSoBME/w-d-xo.html My new one is a UK import and has almost 70,000 miles on it now. They are known for issues as you are probably aware but I haven't had any. Just look for a good service history. I haven't found a big adv as good as these for the price point. Makes a good combo with the dr650 also.
@@MOTODANS well that says alot about the 1150 since you went ahead and purchased a second one , especially living with the trusty steed Suzuki DR650. I missed that video so now I subscribed/liked. Thanks and enjoy your riding.
I have had a ride of a 2019 GS and even though I know it's a new bike but it surprised me at how light it was when going around corners and how well it stuck in.
The suspension on the gs's does wonders for making the bike feel half the weight when moving and cornering. I haven't ridden any newer GS than this 1150 I can imagine the new ones are great
Hi Dan, I just picked up my "new" GS from Dunedin. I was going to stop say hello on the way back, but that was too late yesterday. Would be great to catch up sometime.
My 65000 gs ate the rear wheel bearing. In all fairness it was notchy 5000 miles before it finally went AWOL. Easy to work on though and a jy to ride, especially with a de-cat Y piece. At 6ft and 15 stone it's weight is not an issue. Just love it to bits.
Considering I ride a 67' Norton 650ss as my daily I'd say totally I had the 1200 gsa te and had reliability issues with it, so been looking at the older models :) Thanks for posting
I previously owned a 650 funduro, so this was quite a step up for me but I am happy with my choice. It is heavy but not that noticeable when on the move. Only irritating issue I have is the ABS keeps failing but works fine when the battery is fully charged. The wiring loom is a weak point and the outer protective cover is starting to decompose.
Hey String bean. Could be your battery on its way out. Mine did that occasionally if the bike sat for a few weeks between use. There is a mod you can do which eliminates the fault by only allowing the abs system to initialize when the bike runs. Check out this forum it talks about the issue. There is a tutorial some where online but I couldn't find it. advrider.com/f/threads/has-anyone-done-the-abs-ii-low-voltage-fault-modification.336410/ That wiring is a pain. I redid all mine when I bought it just using some wire wrapping. Didn't look the best but provided the needed protection. Cloth tape may have been a better solution.
@@MOTODANS Thanks for that info. I think you might be right about the battery. Just an hours charge seems to cure it before I ride. I read somewhere that BMW used biodegradable materials on the wiring looms so I guess my bike is well past its sell by date lol. Still a joy to ride!
I have the same issue, my cousin told me that's the batteries fault. If it's fully charged then there's no problem. It seems I have to buy a new battery. Mine is 2001 year.
While I was waiting for the plates for my 2001 1150 GS I have rented a 2013 800GS for a weekend. I loved the 800GS untill I was on my 1150GS the 1150 is definitely the better bike (no hate to the 800GS).
This is the last BMW GS that doesn’t need to be connected to a computer to service. The worst item is driveshaft failures at approximately 80k. Local dealer price is $1080 for the driveshaft not including installation. Factory recommends replacement at 40k intervals. That said, my 2004 R1150GS is a keeper.
Do you have the name of a source for the rebuildable driveshafts for R1150GS? I’ve only found those for R1200GS and earlier R100GS. I am truly interested in finding this driveshaft for my GS.
This one from motorworks is a recon unit. www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop/Parts.php?T=5&NU=15&M=30&Ct=EA&SbCt=BA_15_30_EA_80&spPage=1 It has circlips to remove the uj's. Which you should be able to source locally. You could also look for a good driveshaft shop who should be able to rebuild your stock unit with new uj's and balance it
i see some engine guard there? i drop, more like tipped over with my klr, (rookie rider at that time) it seemed heavy, too. but it is as tall as the klr?
It has plastic head guards which come standard. It also had some crash bars fitted unknown make as they were fitted when bought. Worked well in a tip over. Standard gs is not as tall as the klr. 840mm if I remember correctly but it is a fair bit heavier
@@MOTODANS Thank you for your reply, want a new bike, you know light is better now, but want to get a good bike the 1150 is like new but.. thinking should i wait for the yammy T7 at twice price? both are More than my klr, im commuting hwy a little gravel road, so the bmw is a better deal i think 16,000 kms hwy, cared for BMW is close to new
The T7 and 1150 are completely different machines. T7 would be closer to your klr? If you are riding no more than gravel roads the Gs would be a good choice.
They are known for fd seal and bearings to fail. How ever I have no experience with changing them as both of my bikes had no issues. As far as I'm aware it's a fairly simple repair in the grand scheme of things.
I have one GSA Aniversary Edition white and blue, it was the last 1150 series bought back in 2005! They say that just 700 pcs of this model was made. It has just 28k km, looks still like new. I just love to ride sometimes on it! She is just beautiful. 🥰
Hi MOTO DANS,thanks for tips and video ,the best yet and answered many questions I had .I am looking at one like this .Can you still get parts or is nothing available now ?,like the Hall Sensor are they still available ?I its all obsolete I am put off making a purchase,thanks.
Hey Richard, Thanks for the comments. Parts are very much still available including hall effect sensors. If your Uk based www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Home/index.php Or American based www.beemerboneyard.com/ These company's also ship international as I have had some items sent to me in NZ also BMW dealers can get most parts quite quickly to.
@@richardallan455 Not far from my home then, originally from Perth. Check out motorworks then they are excellent to deal with and usually have a very good stock of new and used parts. I had an older 1100gs back home and used them for all my service parts and I got a hall sensor from them also.
I bought a 2002 GSA on July 2018 here in USA for $ 4800 usd it was in pristine condition with only 23k miles, and lots of upgrades, they are very solid bikes and so simple to work on, I love the way they look to me they look classic but practical for daily driving
On the later ones yes. The early 2002 not so much. If you have issues with early abs you may need a new starter. $45 on eBay. The starter coil glue fails and the starter pulls so much power that the abs computer does not start. If you have issues with the later, power brakes abs you are out of luck.
I've had my 2002 model (non servo non abs) since 2004 with 5,000miles on the clock, alongside a gsxr600, Yamaha R1, Z1000sx Kawasaki and now a BMW r1200rt LC. I've tried every GS since the 1150 and have not liked any as much as the old 1150. Even my R1200rt lc has a poor gearbox by comparison. I fitted Ohlins suspension to the1150 at about 20,000 miles and had it serviced twice in the last 50,000 miles. The engine is as smooth as silk and the bike rides like a magic carpet on bumpy backroads. The RT will be going soon but the R1150Gs never will! I service the bike and change all the fluids every year. I change the spark plugs fuel filter and throttle cables at the recomended intervals and changed to braided hoses when the bike was 10. I've changed one set of paralever bearings at 11,000 miles (which I think were incorrectly torqued at the factory) and that is the only failure. I cut the cable ties round the headstock when I got the bike as this was a known issue back in 2004. There have been no issues and the bike has never let me down on the road. Having said that the only bike I've ever had a mechanical failure on was a year 2000 Honda CBR600 which ate its cams at six weeks old (under warranty) because of a poorly installed rocker cover gasket at the factory!!
Yes haha, I do miss the gs on the high km trips though having both would be nice but the Dr does what I need it to do and I can continually pick it up when I drop it without to much effort
Light is usually on around 230 miles. Usually fill up around 250. Would take around 19 litres to fill so should be able to stretch to 300 miles. Varies depending on riding conditions. I have also drilled my filler neck which allows me to overfill the tank.
@@MOTODANS I'm going to grab a few can and run mine dry to find out for sure how far I can go. It's a twin spark, maybe a stick coil needs replacement.
@@MOTODANS I will let you know. I think the fuel guage is somewhat unreliable. It goes slowly from 10 bars to 6 bars and then starts dropping off more quickly. Right now I'm at 2 bars (3 when I brake hard or ride downhill 😆) and 165 Miles.
Unfortunately I couldn.t understand your comments very well, I.m no native speaker... but I think, you have many good reasons riding a 1150 GS/A... me too! :-)
I have a r1100s wich runs great. Looking for a commuter and found a 1150gs as a second bike with 50k kilometers on it. Want to buy it. Any specifics i need to watch out for? I am used to ride Japanese bikes and never had issues with them. But the GS always had my attention but never had the guts to buy a Euro bike. That r1100s i bought a month ago is my first Euro bike. Nice review btw
50,000km is nothing for one of them. 2003 on had the booster brakes which can give bother if not maintained. Brake fluid change every year. Just give the back wheel a shake when on center stand check for bearing play but at those kms should be all good. Look for diff oil changes at least every second year or 10,000km. Apart from that just make sure it starts and runs well they are quite a noisy engine which is normal. If maintained should last you well over the 500,000kms
@@MOTODANS thnx for the quick response. Tomorrow i will look at the GS and perhaps buy it. I need a motorcycle for every season. The VTX1800 I also have I will trade in for it. The VTX1800 is only a summer season bike. Anything else and it will rust away from under your butt.
Yeah same around here. I’m in Canada. Usually going under 100kph. Was it miles or KMs you were saying? Because I get 270 Kms lol. It’s one of my gripes with my bike... I feel like I am gassing up often. Otherwise I enjoy it! I see you are onto a DR though. Good stuff
@@CCitis 220 miles my bike was an American import so speedo was in mph. I have an 1100gs before that also with similar range. Yea moved to a Dr650 for the weight mainly.
Yes is the answer to your title question. New GS have more power, electronics, bla bla bla, but the GS is only this one ! And if you have got one, keep it !
is it relevant? yes to me. a bmw of any year, really is an "A to B" get you there bike. if you are cash poor lid can wrench, maybe you can ride a bmw, old but a bike that you wish you could afford in 2002? what does new1250 gs, with some farkles cost?
found a low km(16000) and cheap. moving from a Klr650, 90/10 Rider, the heavy scares me but i mostly commute hwy at 100+km/h so might not notice it, the klr is good but "alittle" under powered for my 30 minute commute to work at hwy speeds.
Issues: rear diff problems(broken shaft, bearins) , abs problems, and few mad elektric issues) and burning oil. This bike has problems and is expensive to repair and oem parts are huge expensive
Yes the rear shaft bearing can give out. But it is only a bearing it won't last forever. Not a major expense. Also you will have plenty of warning before it fails. Abs issues are mainly on the servo brake models and usually from lack of maintenance and proper brake fluid flush. Abs systems can be removed anyway. Haven't heard of to many oil burning issues compared to other bikes, I think it mainly comes down to how the bike has been treated since new. Like I said I never had any of these issues with either of my bikes apart from the hes failure on the 1100. I found the OEM parts to be quite reasonable in Europe anyway and there are a tonne of aftermarket alternative if you can't afford to go genuine.
Had mine 25 years and ridden her a lot over 2 continents. Will never sell her. Part of the family now. Had many bikes since but they've all gone and the GS still with me. She's been the only bike I always turn round, look at her and smile after a big ride.
My 1150 GS is also from 1999. I have fun with it like at the first day.
2003 I bought near new. Since new driveshaft and subframe. Brakes and handling better than my 2019 Africa Twin. Never been to dealer. Do all my own work. 115k on odometer. Still advanced motorcycle by today's standards.
Nice one Armin! They certainly are a special bike
It’s like a good wine, improves with the time! I love it!
By 1150gs saved my life when I was taken out by a round hay bale dropped off the front of a tractor some way up the hill. I stayed in the gap between engine and panniers, resulting in minor damage to jacket (and shoulder), and scuffs elsewhere. Although slightly bent, it started first time, and I rode it home from Luxembourg to Bath, England. How many modern electrical gizmo loaded bikes will do that. My son recently took it to Switzerland, but they wanted it factory spec to be registered there. So I flew out and rode it back in a day. Didn’t miss a beat. Had a grin on all the way back. Love it, even if it makes no sense really to keep it.
My 2002 1150gsa is bombproof. Semi-offroad roads is key--not great in mud (top-heavy), single track can be dodgy, steep and rocky is TIRING, but rider skills make a huge difference, allowing one to go almost anywhere. Biggest drawback is weight, as mentioned. I've dropped it numerous times and lift technique is crucial if you want to protect your back. Workmanship-wise, several BMW mechs say it (especially the 2002) is the best bike ever built. Price is right, too.
I bought mine in 2000 for a tour of Spain and North Africa, for various reasons it’s been in storage for 10 years BUT this year I revived it. After a few hundred miles I feel amazed at just how effortless this bike is, a true classic with real character. Yes the modern versions have so so much more and having ridden them I feel they offer so much less! 21 years later it’s a love rekindled
Researching buying one of these at the moment. Great video thanks mate, your knowledge of the bike is incredible.
I’m looking as well. What did you decide on?
Think I’m logged in on another account - I bought a Versys 650 in the end which was a total u-turn. I think it may be going back as I’m having too many issues with it early on in ownership. Perhaps I will get the 1150, after all.
Great no nonsense review that's to the point & not over long. Thanks 👍
Thanks Mark😀
Have had mine for 18 years and just last month went through Botswana Namiba down to Capetown and then along the east coast and finally back to Zambia and no issues at all.. love it.. Three weeks on the road 8400 kms and never missed a beat..if there is a slight niggle it’s having to reset the ABS every now and again but have got that down to a few mins and only needed resetting after three or four day of riding...
Wow Keith that is some trip! How many kms does the bike have in total?
MOTO DANS actually not a great deal, just over 60,000 kms. But most of which have been touring through parts of Africa.. I have a 2000 GS 1150 in the UK bought second hand with about 70,000 miles on it.. I got it second hand but have toured Europe extensively on it and again had no hassles..Funny thing is on two separate occasions two different dealers one in South Africa and one in Scotland have both said to me hang onto them..The new ones are far superior but will not last as long and would not survive to far away from a dealer... South Africa is fine but the rest of the continent no..
Drive my GS -00 about 10000-12000 km / year. All year round, not all days in winter, but all months, live in Sweden.
Both for work and holidays / fun, read dirt road, trails, forest roads, etc. !
Changed the spark plugs, alternator belt, wear parts. -18 replaces rear wheel bearing. Otherwise, nothing major that has covered about 130000km.
Been the owner of this wonderful specimen for 5 years, and sees no reason to change.
Nice one Hringhorne
I like this baby!! Have good miles to all of you guys!!!
It is THE best bike of all time ... anything else is uncivilized;)
This bike is timeless. I'm riding an 1150 GS Williams colors and it keeps on going. Best bike I have ever bought.
( it only has 35.000 km's on it's teller)
Nice one Bert👍
Just picked up my first GS..2002 GSA. Rides like a Caddilac. (i'm a Caddilac man). 50K orig miles. $3,700 for a clean bike. I almost financed a 2018 1200 (18k) Feelin' good about my choice. Cheers...
Never drove a cadillac before but if it is as nice as the Gs I need to try one! Barely broken in at 50k will give you many years of happy service!
Great video mate! I purchased a 2001 1150GS this week. Picking it up on Saturday!
Nice one. Enjoy👍
I have just paid a holding deposit for a 2001 1150 with 110k on the clock. Blue and white stripe tank... I can't wait to ride her home after Nov 12 when I finish some out of town work
Enjoy it👍
Just picked up 25k ODO Bumble Bee GSA optioned nicely. $2,500. US. The gas tank needs new graphics and need to fix heated grip. Other than that ready to go. I like this era the best and can afford a new one.
Thank you for clueing me on the wiring issues, I will sure them up and get on the road this spring.
That is a great color scheme you have got. You are going to love the bike and with those miles she will last you forever.
I"m going to buy my new 1150 gs (2001) thanks your your video. Greetings from Rome
Thanks for watching! Enjoy your new bike!
I have the pleasure to ride a BMW r 1150gs too. Even in 2020 ( my bike is from 2000 yellow) complete standard it is pretty relevant. It rides llie a dream and is easy to maintain self. Suikervrije still in 2020. 👍
In the last sententie it should mention superbike.
Nice one Bram👍
A good honest review best bike ever I had one years ago had various newer bikes and gone back to r1150gs 👍
Thanks Kevin! They are certainly good bikes. Have their issues but there all known and easy to fix
Have a 2004 gs adv!!! Very happy. Some problems w the clutch and fuel lines but i will repair that!! 125k.
Nice! I have a 2004 gs adventure too! I love it!!! No problems at 129k miles!
Great video! I adore my 02 1150GS, ultra reliable, no final drive or HES issues. A lot of people complain about the ABS, but it’s worked perfect for me. Brilliant around the NC500 and all over Europe with my partner. Seat issues, I use an Airhawk, very comfy! Only niggle I have is the paint on the engine and forks, will be sorted in the winter. Overall, still an excellent bike!
Nice one Garry. I have had no final drive or abs issues with either of mine just a HES failure on my old 1100. We did the NC500 3 years ago now on my old 1100 was a great trip. Never tried an airhawk but have heard alot of good things!
I definitely recommend an Airhawk, get it just right and it is nearly perfect, just a little air in it makes all the difference, as opposed to inflating it right up.
Garry Clark hi Garry what size air hawk did u get?
Bignosecris UK
Hi, I got the Cruiser Dual Sport, hope that helps!
Garry Clark cheers pal
04 1150GS 73,000km just pulled the ABS servo brakes getting ready to change out the final drive, everything on these bikes is fairly easy to fix or replace and the motor seems to be bullit proof love my GS!
Is there something wrong with your final drive or are you just doing preventative maintenance? My bike would be at 110,000kms and still on the original.
@@MOTODANS My rear wheel is coated in gear oil so the seal at the least is bad plus play at every position of the rear wheel I have a spare and plan to rebuild the bad final drive and replace the pivot bearings.
Sounds like definitely needed then. Good idea to have the spare and rebuild that one
ايهما أفضل gs 1150 او gs 1200
I'm still riding a 2003 R1150GS ADV. Unlike the R1200GS, you can fix many problems because they are usually mechanical. It's such a comfortable bike even after 15 straight hours in the saddle.
I sold this bike not long after I made this video, just not long bought another one. Great bikes 👌
What size are you?
I am 5'6" around 30" inseam
Excellent, thorough review! Thanks!
Thanks for Watching!
Newbie mature rider my second bike from after having a Bonnie, great bike for the money paid £3.5k for mine 40k miles,it is heavy and I have dropped mine also, but once used to it and moving, it rides great, definitely a keeper.
Can't argue for the price! Will give you many happy miles yet.
I ride this bike 2 years. I did small updates, like repair oem suspension and made it for bigger travel (200, 210 mm). Like you said great on the road, but obviously not in hard terein. Just gravel road and so on, not so difficult, because the feedback from the front(telelever) is a zero. Im thinikg about second bike for more dirty traveling, but yes GS stay at home due to engine, comfort and yes, it is fu*kin hard love😀.
Had a GT550 shaft drive that locked the rear wheel as I approached a junction onto thd A40. Really put me off. Didnt drop it but it was pretty hairy. Saying that had a chain fly off my GPz900r too, fortunately no one behind be. Guess it could have wrapped around front sprocket. Im much older now and always fancied a 1150. You posted this video a good few years back, any further update on life with it?
Hey, I actually sold this one awhile back but then regretted it and bought another🤣 New one going well everything I said in the video still stands. They are a great bike
I like mine, I've had it ten years almost to the day. One thing I would suggest when fitting new tyres is to buy the offset tyre valves from Wunderlich as topping up the air on the front wheel is a pain in the b*m! You need three hands and you also have to be holding your mouth just right, haha.
I'm a lot lighter now, but was 156Kgs at one stage, wife 85Kgs, all the camping gear, etc, no problem!
Nice one Mick. Those valves are handy for all bikes 👍
Last year at 70,000 miles in Bavaria, the final drive bearings went. Next day clutch server went. And the ignition wire broke.
I love it, won't sell it. No issues.
MOTO D your channel is very informative and gets to the point, I have a DR650 now and am considering a 2001 R1150gs to add for longer trips, IK you sold it several years ago. Would you still own it along with your DR650 now or have you considered any other larger cc adv bike that is reliable as he older 1150gs. The ones here in Tex mostly have 30-50k miles, so I would assume if they had transmission failiures they would have already been delt with years ago.
Thanks for watching! Definitely in fact I bought another one 🤣th-cam.com/video/B86MuVSoBME/w-d-xo.html
My new one is a UK import and has almost 70,000 miles on it now. They are known for issues as you are probably aware but I haven't had any. Just look for a good service history. I haven't found a big adv as good as these for the price point. Makes a good combo with the dr650 also.
@@MOTODANS well that says alot about the 1150 since you went ahead and purchased a second one , especially living with the trusty steed Suzuki DR650. I missed that video so now I subscribed/liked. Thanks and enjoy your riding.
I have had a ride of a 2019 GS and even though I know it's a new bike but it surprised me at how light it was when going around corners and how well it stuck in.
The suspension on the gs's does wonders for making the bike feel half the weight when moving and cornering. I haven't ridden any newer GS than this 1150 I can imagine the new ones are great
Hi Dan, I just picked up my "new" GS from Dunedin. I was going to stop say hello on the way back, but that was too late yesterday. Would be great to catch up sometime.
Nice one! Enjoy your new bike. Sure thing go out for a ride some time.
Nice country, nice people, nice leaders and nice bike..u r so blessed
Thanks 😀
What model are the crushguards ? I need ones, when I dont have to remove them when doing for instance valve adjustmen.
Not sure they were on the bike when I bought it and had no markings.
My 65000 gs ate the rear wheel bearing. In all fairness it was notchy 5000 miles before it finally went AWOL. Easy to work on though and a jy to ride, especially with a de-cat Y piece. At 6ft and 15 stone it's weight is not an issue. Just love it to bits.
Had a d cat on my old 1100 went real well. I'm only 5ft 6 and weigh around 9 stone it was a bit much for the riding I now do.
I need info,, found one cheap,, is it good for gravel and trails,, how much it weigh, can it wheelie in 3rd gear
Good for gravel and trails, will be around the 250-260kg fuelled up. Probably not
Considering I ride a 67' Norton 650ss as my daily I'd say totally I had the 1200 gsa te and had reliability issues with it, so been looking at the older models :) Thanks for posting
Wow that's a nice daily! Hopefully you will find a more reliable GS with the older ones.
@@MOTODANS Thanks Dan shes been so much fun to ride yep i think so cant beat the older generation bikes.
It"s the only bike I've owned that you can fetch two bags of cement with. Love the Beemer.
Nice one 👍🤣
I previously owned a 650 funduro, so this was quite a step up for me but I am happy with my choice. It is heavy but not that noticeable when on the move. Only irritating issue I have is the ABS keeps failing but works fine when the battery is fully charged. The wiring loom is a weak point and the outer protective cover is starting to decompose.
Hey String bean. Could be your battery on its way out.
Mine did that occasionally if the bike sat for a few weeks between use. There is a mod you can do which eliminates the fault by only allowing the abs system to initialize when the bike runs.
Check out this forum it talks about the issue. There is a tutorial some where online but I couldn't find it.
advrider.com/f/threads/has-anyone-done-the-abs-ii-low-voltage-fault-modification.336410/
That wiring is a pain. I redid all mine when I bought it just using some wire wrapping. Didn't look the best but provided the needed protection. Cloth tape may have been a better solution.
@@MOTODANS Thanks for that info. I think you might be right about the battery. Just an hours charge seems to cure it before I ride. I read somewhere that BMW used biodegradable materials on the wiring looms so I guess my bike is well past its sell by date lol. Still a joy to ride!
@@stringbeanmuldoon5590 No problem. Haha you could be right. Enjoy the bike!
I have the same issue, my cousin told me that's the batteries fault. If it's fully charged then there's no problem. It seems I have to buy a new battery. Mine is 2001 year.
I love my 2000 model. Great bike.
Good to hear!
I pick up my 2001 1150 tomorrow 64000 miles rides like a new bike I used to have a triumph 1200 explorer and this is way better 😎
Nice one, enjoy👍
I have an 02 1150 GS so like the bike- a little heavy- test rode some later models 40 ish # lighter - still love it- less plastic-...
Thanks for sharing some great info. It sounds like a good reliable bike that's done it's job well. Good luck on your next one.
Cheers Bobber. It was a great bike. Everything going for it just a little heavy for where and how I want to travel these days.
I love mine!!
Nice video, I'm looking at the BMW line the 800 to the 1150, thanks again!
Thanks for the comment! Big difference between the 2. good luck with your choice and enjoy your new bike!
While I was waiting for the plates for my 2001 1150 GS I have rented a 2013 800GS for a weekend. I loved the 800GS untill I was on my 1150GS the 1150 is definitely the better bike (no hate to the 800GS).
@@MOTODANS I ended up getting an 04 R1150R, midnight black, and I'm in love!!!
@@cancerskryptonite Awesome, enjoy!
@@MOTODANS THANKS so much ride safe & ride often
This is the last BMW GS that doesn’t need to be connected to a computer to service. The worst item is driveshaft failures at approximately 80k. Local dealer price is $1080 for the driveshaft not including installation. Factory recommends replacement at 40k intervals. That said, my 2004 R1150GS is a keeper.
There is also aftermarket rebuildable options for the driveshaft. If you consider the mileage to cost it isn't to bad of a repair.
Do you have the name of a source for the rebuildable driveshafts for R1150GS? I’ve only found those for R1200GS and earlier R100GS. I am truly interested in finding this driveshaft for my GS.
This one from motorworks is a recon unit. www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop/Parts.php?T=5&NU=15&M=30&Ct=EA&SbCt=BA_15_30_EA_80&spPage=1
It has circlips to remove the uj's. Which you should be able to source locally. You could also look for a good driveshaft shop who should be able to rebuild your stock unit with new uj's and balance it
i see some engine guard there? i drop, more like tipped over with my klr, (rookie rider at that time) it seemed heavy, too. but it is as tall as the klr?
It has plastic head guards which come standard. It also had some crash bars fitted unknown make as they were fitted when bought. Worked well in a tip over. Standard gs is not as tall as the klr. 840mm if I remember correctly but it is a fair bit heavier
@@MOTODANS Thank you for your reply, want a new bike, you know light is better now, but want to get a good bike the 1150 is like new but.. thinking should i wait for the yammy T7 at twice price? both are More than my klr, im commuting hwy a little gravel road, so the bmw is a better deal i think 16,000 kms hwy, cared for BMW is close to new
The T7 and 1150 are completely different machines. T7 would be closer to your klr? If you are riding no more than gravel roads the Gs would be a good choice.
@@MOTODANS yes i know, i am thinking i can keep the klr for wrecking rather than the t7 and get the bmw as almost daily driver,. really thank you.
@@MOTODANS im getting around 4.75 l/100kms with klr blaving at 110kms/hr is the 1150 good on gas? haven't done the math 22l tank 220? mile thing
is the bearing and seal a hard repair?
Which Bearing and seal? The final drive? Never had to do that before
@@MOTODANS you said it leaked one of the problems?
They are known for fd seal and bearings to fail. How ever I have no experience with changing them as both of my bikes had no issues. As far as I'm aware it's a fairly simple repair in the grand scheme of things.
I have one GSA Aniversary Edition white and blue, it was the last 1150 series bought back in 2005! They say that just 700 pcs of this model was made. It has just 28k km, looks still like new. I just love to ride sometimes on it! She is just beautiful. 🥰
Nice one Alberto, that will be a collectors bike in the future!
Who cares 700 only made frame and engine is the same. Experience is what matters not the trim 🤦♂️
Hi! Why do you want to sell it?
Already have, bought a dr650. Lighter, better off road
Hi MOTO DANS,thanks for tips and video ,the best yet and answered many questions I had .I am looking at one like this .Can you still get parts or is nothing available now ?,like the Hall Sensor are they still available ?I its all obsolete I am put off making a purchase,thanks.
Hey Richard, Thanks for the comments. Parts are very much still available including hall effect sensors.
If your Uk based www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Home/index.php
Or American based
www.beemerboneyard.com/
These company's also ship international as I have had some items sent to me in NZ also BMW dealers can get most parts quite quickly to.
@@MOTODANS Thank you so much I never heard of them but will check them out I live in Arbroath ,Scotland cheers.
@@richardallan455 Not far from my home then, originally from Perth. Check out motorworks then they are excellent to deal with and usually have a very good stock of new and used parts. I had an older 1100gs back home and used them for all my service parts and I got a hall sensor from them also.
Just bought a 2001 gs - love it plan to do a lot of offroad bought motoz knobbies we shall see
Update love the Gs great on road and surprisingly capable offroad could use little more ground clearance but all and all great bike
Best for me i bought it new 02,my tractor . I will never sell it !
I bought a 2002 GSA on July 2018 here in USA for $ 4800 usd it was in pristine condition with only 23k miles, and lots of upgrades, they are very solid bikes and so simple to work on, I love the way they look to me they look classic but practical for daily driving
Nice one. Enjoy it!
abs issues r probly the biggest most common issue but they rrr wanderfull things
On the later ones yes. The early 2002 not so much. If you have issues with early abs you may need a new starter. $45 on eBay. The starter coil glue fails and the starter pulls so much power that the abs computer does not start. If you have issues with the later, power brakes abs you are out of luck.
Are the suspension adjustable?
Rear preload is adjustable unsure about anything else. I no longer own the bike so can't check. Maybe someone else can chime in?
The best bike bc no computer crap🤙🏽
std come with heated grips?
Not sure on the 1150. Mine did. My old 1100 it was a factory option and my one never had them.
I've had my 2002 model (non servo non abs) since 2004 with 5,000miles on the clock, alongside a gsxr600, Yamaha R1, Z1000sx Kawasaki and now a BMW r1200rt LC. I've tried every GS since the 1150 and have not liked any as much as the old 1150. Even my R1200rt lc has a poor gearbox by comparison. I fitted Ohlins suspension to the1150 at about 20,000 miles and had it serviced twice in the last 50,000 miles. The engine is as smooth as silk and the bike rides like a magic carpet on bumpy backroads. The RT will be going soon but the R1150Gs never will! I service the bike and change all the fluids every year. I change the spark plugs fuel filter and throttle cables at the recomended intervals and changed to braided hoses when the bike was 10. I've changed one set of paralever bearings at 11,000 miles (which I think were incorrectly torqued at the factory) and that is the only failure. I cut the cable ties round the headstock when I got the bike as this was a known issue back in 2004. There have been no issues and the bike has never let me down on the road. Having said that the only bike I've ever had a mechanical failure on was a year 2000 Honda CBR600 which ate its cams at six weeks old (under warranty) because of a poorly installed rocker cover gasket at the factory!!
Nice one Marcus👍
So, what bike did you replace the GS with?
Suzuki Dr650
@@MOTODANS ahhhh...you went lighter. I sold my DRZ400 and got the '03 BMW 1150GSA...LOL 😆 I want BOTH!
Yes haha, I do miss the gs on the high km trips though having both would be nice but the Dr does what I need it to do and I can continually pick it up when I drop it without to much effort
@@MOTODANS do not blame you at all.... enjoy those wheels my friend. 😎👍
You get 250 miles per tank average? Up to 300 miles with the light on? There must be something wrong with mine, I can maybe stretch it to 250 miles.
Light is usually on around 230 miles. Usually fill up around 250. Would take around 19 litres to fill so should be able to stretch to 300 miles.
Varies depending on riding conditions. I have also drilled my filler neck which allows me to overfill the tank.
@@MOTODANS I'm going to grab a few can and run mine dry to find out for sure how far I can go. It's a twin spark, maybe a stick coil needs replacement.
@@zarlydoug That's the best way. I think you will be surprised how far you can go with the light on. Mine was a single spark. Let me know how you do!
@@MOTODANS I will let you know. I think the fuel guage is somewhat unreliable. It goes slowly from 10 bars to 6 bars and then starts dropping off more quickly. Right now I'm at 2 bars (3 when I brake hard or ride downhill 😆) and 165 Miles.
@@zarlydoug Yeah my gauge was the same haha last half went twice as quick as the first.
Unfortunately I couldn.t understand your comments very well, I.m no native speaker... but I think, you have many good reasons riding a 1150 GS/A... me too! :-)
I have a r1100s wich runs great. Looking for a commuter and found a 1150gs as a second bike with 50k kilometers on it. Want to buy it. Any specifics i need to watch out for? I am used to ride Japanese bikes and never had issues with them. But the GS always had my attention but never had the guts to buy a Euro bike. That r1100s i bought a month ago is my first Euro bike. Nice review btw
50,000km is nothing for one of them. 2003 on had the booster brakes which can give bother if not maintained. Brake fluid change every year.
Just give the back wheel a shake when on center stand check for bearing play but at those kms should be all good. Look for diff oil changes at least every second year or 10,000km. Apart from that just make sure it starts and runs well they are quite a noisy engine which is normal.
If maintained should last you well over the 500,000kms
@@MOTODANS thnx for the quick response. Tomorrow i will look at the GS and perhaps buy it. I need a motorcycle for every season. The VTX1800 I also have I will trade in for it. The VTX1800 is only a summer season bike. Anything else and it will rust away from under your butt.
I wish I knew how you get 220 miles to a tank, Its one of my main gripes. I get 170 miles a tank, doesn't matter how I ride it.
I think speed and fuel quality has alot to with it. Speed limit here is 100kph
Yeah same around here. I’m in Canada. Usually going under 100kph. Was it miles or KMs you were saying? Because I get 270 Kms lol. It’s one of my gripes with my bike... I feel like I am gassing up often. Otherwise I enjoy it! I see you are onto a DR though. Good stuff
@@CCitis 220 miles my bike was an American import so speedo was in mph. I have an 1100gs before that also with similar range. Yea moved to a Dr650 for the weight mainly.
Fill the bike on the centre stand not side stand.
Ignore the fuel warning light, it comes on a bit early.
200miles should be possible at least.
Bought a 0 kilometer r1150gs in 2000,road it 2up in all the western states, BC and Alberta, still miss it...but very happy with my dr 650
Nice one Norman. They are cracking bikes. I miss mine on occasion but I wouldn't swap back from my Dr
Yes is the answer to your title question. New GS have more power, electronics, bla bla bla, but the GS is only this one ! And if you have got one, keep it !
I agree.. I sold my gs 1200 rally 2017 for the gs 1150... Quality of 1150 is wayyy better!
For me as the oil air cooled engine there's nothing.
I will take a 1100/1150/1200 air cooled second hand all day long over the new ones.
As a Harley rider, I cringe every time somebody says one of these bikes is heavy
is it relevant? yes to me. a bmw of any year, really is an "A to B" get you there bike. if you are cash poor lid can wrench, maybe you can ride a bmw, old but a bike that you wish you could afford in 2002? what does new1250 gs, with some farkles cost?
👍👍👍
Good bike i used this in pubg thank you
Always get the bike when playing pubg😂
found a low km(16000) and cheap. moving from a Klr650, 90/10 Rider, the heavy scares me but i mostly commute hwy at 100+km/h so might not notice it, the klr is good but "alittle" under powered for my 30 minute commute to work at hwy speeds.
Nice one. I'm sure you will like it.
I sold my gs 1200 rally 2017 for the gs 1150. Quality of gs 1150 is wayyy better.. My 1150 has 105.000 km!!!!
Wow. That is interesting!
Issues: rear diff problems(broken shaft, bearins) , abs problems, and few mad elektric issues) and burning oil.
This bike has problems and is expensive to repair and oem parts are huge expensive
Yes the rear shaft bearing can give out. But it is only a bearing it won't last forever. Not a major expense. Also you will have plenty of warning before it fails. Abs issues are mainly on the servo brake models and usually from lack of maintenance and proper brake fluid flush. Abs systems can be removed anyway. Haven't heard of to many oil burning issues compared to other bikes, I think it mainly comes down to how the bike has been treated since new. Like I said I never had any of these issues with either of my bikes apart from the hes failure on the 1100. I found the OEM parts to be quite reasonable in Europe anyway and there are a tonne of aftermarket alternative if you can't afford to go genuine.
Way too heavy , handle well though.