1150 Vs 1200

[SteveSPR]

I have an opportunity to acquire a lovely 1150 Adventure, it's been very well looked after with around 40k mls on the clock, FSH, etc...Should I or shouldn't I...I'm not an expert on these bikes, but the £4.5k asking price seems reasonable?

Any thoughts, most welcome, particularly from those who have owned both, clearly the later bike will be better, (i assume), but as a winter hack would this not suit the bill?

Steve

[Cudrefin]

Originally Posted by SteveSPR

I have an opportunity to acquire a lovely 1150 Adventure, it's been very well looked after with around 40k mls on the clock, FSH, etc...Should I or shouldn't I...I'm not an expert on these bikes, but the £4.5k asking price seems reasonable?

Any thoughts, most welcome, particularly from those who have owned both, clearly the later bike will be better, (i assume), but as a winter hack would this not suit the bill?

Steve

Never ridden the 1150 only the 1200 so I can't give a personal opinion on the 1150. I did however had a fairly lengthy chat with a bloke at a ferry terminal in the UK last year. He was from Ireland and organised bike tours around Europe. He was on an 1150 with roughly 90k miles on the clock and still going strong. He also had a 1200 but reckoned that the 1150 was better built and with fewer 'gadgets' to go wrong. If memory serves me correctly the 1150 is roughly 30Kg heavier than the 1200 which may be an issue for some people. Hope this info is of some use.

[Roundel]

I have a 2010 1200GS, I'll swear my 04 1150 had more torque and thrust.

[Marty H]

I owned a 2004 1150 Adventure and now own a 1200 Adventure. The 1150 was a good machine and I put a lot of miles on it and I'm sure you would enjoy the bike.

I much prefer the 1200 Adventure for many reasons e.g. lighter weight, much more power, and better fuel economy (sometimes) but, money being what it is, I would be OK on an 2004 GS.

I stress the 2004 as it is a dual spark engine and the last of the 259 engine line - therefore all the bugs were sorted.

Cheers,

[shotfromthehip]

Having owned both, a 2004 1150 and currently 2007gs I can save unequivocally that the 1200 is a superior bike. The shifting, torque, acceleration and handling in my opinion is improved. I purchased the 1150 new and put 45k trouble free miles and was content with the bike...until I rode a 1200 at a rally. I found it more nimble and it carries a fully loaded bike (camping gear etc.) more effortlessly. Only have 20k on the 1200, again trouble free. And not looking back. The added cost of a 1200 is a consideration for sure, but if its a bike you think your going to keep for some time, its worth the extra $$$. Good luck!

[motogon]

I used to have 03 R1150GS Sport and now I ride 2010 R1200GSA. I tested before 2005 R1200GS and didn't like it. Then tested 2007 R1200GSA and also wasn't very impressed.
I like 2010 DOHS engine, 2010 eronomics, light weight ... I think BMW did great job with this bike.
On other hand feel nothing wrong with R1150GS, it's great bike and I still like it a lot.