R1100S or R1150GS?

[Phaedrus]

Correct forum for this question? If not, mods please move.

I'm sure most folk on here will say 1100S and over on UKGSer they'll say 1150GS.

I'm sure either would serve well in its own way, and that I'd be overjoyed with ownership of either, so what factors should sway me?

What do I need the bike for?

Commuting (22km each way), occasional weekend fun, very occasional 2-up long weekends and a once-in-a-lifetime round Europe trip this August (fingers crossed).

What's my budget?

I'm inclined to come up with a little more for the right bike (wangle/trade/beg), but under €5000 for bike, gear & insurance is probably realistic. Wait, don't click "BACK" just yet - I'm a real-world guy: new bikes have never been options for me so proportionally, €5000 is biggish money.

Can I service them myself?

Probably. I'd be capable of most of Haynes' 3-spanner rated tasks, possibly some 4-spanners.

Can I insure it?

Got a quote of €580 fully comp. I reckon that's okay.

Can either bike fit down the side of my house and into my shed?

1100S? Definitely - my FireStorm fit no problem. GS? Maybe not.

There are 1100Ss on Autotrader and mobile.de for under €4000. GSs seem to be maybe €500 - €1000 or more for the same year.

It seems that either bike could suit, but although I've always wanted a GS, lately I keep leaning towards the 1100S.

Not a terrible conundrum to be in, in fairness - I'd be quite content with either...


Mark

[Stevie]

They are obviously completely different bikes, but both will do what you want them to do - just differently. I had a few test rides on various GS models over the years, but never liked the remoteness. It's obviously not an issue for many people, and probably over long distances that remoteness translates into comfort.
I would suggest that you need to get at least a day, or better a weekend on each bike to decide what suits you best.

[Gromit]

Hi Mark,

Always an interesting question this one - if it was the 1200, I'd have the S every time (and over that I'd probably have the 1200R) but an 11/1150? Hmmm...

I've owned both an 1150GS (did 14000 miles on it in 5 months) and (4!) 1100S's. For such a 'same' bike they're quite different; the S is tighter, smaller-feeling, more 'leggy' in terms of its feeling of wanting to stretch its legs more.

The GS imho is more fun, more happy being thrown around and on the right roads is still a pretty damn effective, quick machine. 2-up it's awesome.

In defence of the S though it's always been a much rarer machine, is better looking and for long journeys at high speed it's got to be the choice.

[eggcup]

Hi Mark
Sorry Gromit have to disagree on the high speed having just purchased a GS 1200 ADV long distance at speed the GSA is bliss compared to the BCR theres no comparison with the screen on the GS.
If anything Im quicker on the GS just because it soaks up road imperfections so much better,yes there is that slightly detatched feeling from the front but all sit-up high bar bikes are a bit like that and the BCR does'nt give half as much feedback as the 888.
So if you are considering long distance Id go for the 1150 GS and fit road rubber and embarass a load of sports bike riders.
ian

[Scuzzlebutt]

I've also had both and I think I preferred the 1150GS in everyway apart from its size and weight.

Like eggcup I was probably quicker on the GS, especially on our crap roads.

However, you'll get more 1100S for your money and it should fit down the side of your house whereas the wide bars of the GS might make that a struggle.

[Gromit]

Hi Mark
Sorry Gromit have to disagree on the high speed having just purchased a GS 1200 ADV long distance at speed the GSA is bliss
ian

Ian - we're talking about the 1150GS here; the 12 is a very different animal.

I've lot of experience of the 1150GS and its high speed ability wasn't in the same league as the 11S. I also found the screen on the S vastly superior - and in my experience of a lot of bikes it's one of the best standard screens fitted to any bike. A couple of hours sat at 90-100mph on the GS was enough to give me a headahce.

[eggcup]

Hi Gromit
It was a go on my mates 1150ADV they gave me the bug for the GS having said that I thought it was soft until I jacked the preload to max then it was thunder birds are go.
I found the 1150 has more low down grunt the the 1200 but I prefer the looks of the 06/07 ADV.
Ian.

[Gromit]

Hi Gromit
It was a go on my mates 1150ADV they gave me the bug for the GS having said that I thought it was soft until I jacked the preload to max then it was thunder birds are go.
I found the 1150 has more low down grunt the the 1200 but I prefer the looks of the 06/07 ADV.
Ian.

Agree - the GS is a pretty damn fine tool on roads at which it excels. Must admit, I think I was probably quicker on twisty roads on my GS than I've been on pretty much any bike I've ever owned.

Daft thing is that I actually prefer the 1150's motor to the 12's. Sure it's not as quick on the top end, but it does have a lot more instant shove lower down. I've not ridden a 12ADV but done a fair few miles on a std 12GS as loan bike/demo etc. Was pleasantly surprised at its high speed motorway manners vs the 1150GS which was not pleasant, IME.

[eggcup]

Hi Gromit
Imho there is no comparison between the GS/GSA there like chalk and cheese I nearly went for a GS until I tried the GSA demo bike theres a big difference.
Cant really explain what and why but it is.
ian

[Gromit]

Hi Gromit
Imho there is no comparison between the GS/GSA there like chalk and cheese I nearly went for a GS until I tried the GSA demo bike theres a big difference.
Cant really explain what and why but it is.
ian

You're confusing me - are you on about the 1200GS vs the 1200GSA here? I'm on about the 1150GS vs 1100S (just used the 12GS to state that it's a very different beast to the old 1150) which was what the OP wished to have opinions on.

I believe the 12GS Adv had an extra 10bhp over the 12GS? ie it used the same motor as the 1200R, leaving the std GS with the 100bhp version.

[eggcup]

Hi Gromit
It was a go on my mates 1150ADV they gave me the bug for the GS having said that I thought it was soft until I jacked the preload to max then it was thunder birds are go.
I found the 1150 has more low down grunt the the 1200 but I prefer the looks of the 06/07 ADV.
Ian.

Agree - the GS is a pretty damn fine tool on roads at which it excels. Must admit, I think I was probably quicker on twisty roads on my GS than I've been on pretty much any bike I've ever owned.

Daft thing is that I actually prefer the 1150's motor to the 12's. Sure it's not as quick on the top end, but it does have a lot more instant shove lower down. I've not ridden a 12ADV but done a fair few miles on a std 12GS as loan bike/demo etc. Was pleasantly surprised at its high speed motorway manners vs the 1150GS which was not pleasant, IME.

Confused no mention of the 1100s here?
Just saying that I nearly fell into the trap of thinking the GSA was just a big GS and a lot more money but that does'nt do it justice Imho.
ian

[eggcup]

Hi Mark
Sorry to go off track,Imho you need to ride the shortlist back to back as close to each other as poss.
in the past Ive demo'd a bike and then rode to the next demo on the demo to get the same roads etc.
When I was looking for a Sports tourer I rode the 1100s/VFR/SPRINT/TIGER I then went to Vines for one more demo but the Graphite/mandarin 1100s had sold and they only had the BCR again this was different to the standard S but we both loved the colour scheme and as they say the rest is history my 1st BM and I was impressed.
ian

[BMWBob]

Hi Mark,

After 3yrs of 1100S ownership I've recently swopped to an 1150GS. To be honest I'm now very enamoured with the GS; suits our 2-up touring needs far better than the S, and a lot more roomy with better luggage capability. I liken it to a "motorised armchair"

As has been mentioned the S is slightly more "edgy", and I don't regret having had one for a minute.

Best thing to do is try and find a Dealer with one of each and take a back-to-back test ride.

Regards Bob

[winger]

What were talking about is a Traillie V a Sports tourer,and haveing had one of each for the last 10 years there isn't an answer,when i've ridden my S for a length of time,i miss the roomy,soft,wishy washy feel of my Tiger,dispite it being set up like concrete,when i've been on the Tiger for a time,i miss the focus that S has,it's a circle i'm afraid.

[eggcup]

What were talking about is a Traillie V a Sports tourer,and haveing had one of each for the last 10 years there isn't an answer,when i've ridden my S for a length of time,i miss the roomy,soft,wishy washy feel of my Tiger,dispite it being set up like concrete,when i've been on the Tiger for a time,i miss the focus that S has,it's a circle i'm afraid.

I have a very understanding wife I can full circle in my garage.
ian