BMW R1150GS - tell me all

[Banesto John]

Sorry if this has popped up twice. I suck at forum things.

I'm asking this because I'm a bit of a newby to GS things. I know there are people on this site with lots of knowledge, so here's a request.

I am looking at a 2000 R1150GS. It has luggage, 39000 km, engine bars, spotlights, sheepskin seat, spare ADV tyres (not sure of brand), and it looks like it is in very good condition. The owner advises it has been serviced fastidiously.

What things should I look at? What are the issues with that model? Is 40000 km a lot? I suspect it isn't, I saw one with 145000 on it last weekend.

The chap is looking at taking my F800ST, and paying me a cash difference. We'd both win, as we can avoid the dealers percentage. I don't begrudge the dealers making money, but if I can avoid paying it I will.

Anyway, let me have your thoughts.

Thanks in anticipation.

[NordieBoy]

Get it checked out by a bike mechanic just to make sure.
39000km is just about run-in

Bars and spotlights certainly sweeten the deal.

Paging BusaJim.
Mr BusaJim to the white courtesy phone...

[Banesto John]

Hey Nordie

Great advice. I just rang the mechanic who has been doing the services. He tells me the owner has over serviced the bike, changing oil twice as often as required, changing brake pads at 60% wear.

Cool, the thing is looking sweeter all the time.

[cooneyr]

Drive shafts - there is something about these that can cause issues/break but I dont know what. Try searching the web for info on this.

Cheers R

[mountainboy65]

I had an 1100GS then an 1150GS. I love these bikes. Took mine through France, Spain, Morocco and also up north through Germany and denmark.
Yes, they are not cheap, but they go on and on. I just changed my oil every 6 months religiously. My only concern for real "adventure" biking is that they are heavy. You need to be aware that they are NOT an off road bike. Good luck!

[Banesto John]

Realistically, I am not an off road rider. My issue is I have done a lot of road riding, but my mates keep pissing me off by telling me about fabulous views from the end of this gravel road or that gravel road.

I am guessing I will want to ride on gravel roads, maybe beaches, maybe grass. I'm not an off roader.

What are your thoughts about the 1150GS against the 650 Dakar? Both are in the frame, but for different reasons. The 650 is more fuel efficient, and I am guessing the servicing will cost less. It can do more off road stuff. The 1150 can carry a pillion, and go most places.

Bloody hell, it's not easy choosing between two great bikes.

[mountainboy65]

I don't envy you the decision! If weight is an issue...YOU HAVE TO GET THE DAKAR. 220kg PLUS luggage etc is simply too heavy to lift. I have had to rely on friendly Moroccan shepherds more than once to extricate me from soft sand. If you are out for long distance cruising and comfort, then go for the 1150!

[jim.cox]

Drive shafts - there is something about these that can cause issues/break but I dont know what. Try searching the web for info on this.

Cheers R

The drive splines wear (especially if not cared for) which == $$ && effort to fix

[Banesto John]

I don't envy you the decision! If weight is an issue...YOU HAVE TO GET THE DAKAR. 220kg PLUS luggage etc is simply too heavy to lift. I have had to rely on friendly Moroccan shepherds more than once to extricate me from soft sand. If you are out for long distance cruising and comfort, then go for the 1150!

I have had quite a bit of time on K1100RT, R1150RT and R1200RT. I know enough to avoid putting them down, but I also accept that picking one up is a skill you have to have if you own one. The number of plonkers I have seen trying to pick them up forward amazes me. Slow speed cone work means you get used to picking one up, believe me. Either that, or you are a bloody legend at clutch feathering.

Yeah, sadly money comes into the equation as well. The 1150 is a few years older (2000) than the Dakar (2006) so is cheaper.

[Crisis management]

I would expect that if it has been well maintained you should have every chance of it being a good bike, they certainly do high mileages but suffer from drive line breakages if not looked after. You seem to have satisfied yourself of the maintenance side of things so rip into it and buy it!

[Oscar]

What are your thoughts about the 1150GS against the 650 Dakar? Both are in the frame, but for different reasons. The 650 is more fuel efficient, and I am guessing the servicing will cost less. It can do more off road stuff. The 1150 can carry a pillion, and go most places.

Bloody hell, it's not easy choosing between two great bikes.

The 1150 is far more sorted and brilliant at what it was designed for. The 650 in my opinion is probably the worst in it's class.

So the equation shouldn't be 1150 v. F650, but F650 v. 640Adv or Transalp.

[jim.cox]

The 650 in my opinion is probably the worst in it's class.

I would agree - I tried an F650 and found it disappointing.

I've also tried the 1150 GS and thought it a fat slug suited mostly to road riding.

Aparently the new 1250 is much better - it certainally has more power

I wonder what the new F800 is like?

My money would go on an old R100GS...

[Balrog]

Hi pde964

Sorry I'm at work at the moment so can't spend to much time replying

If the servicing has been done then I would expect 39,000 to be nothing on
these bikes. As NordieBoy says, just about run in.
Regarding the shaft drive. I'm sure some of them have failed, but its hardly
an issue for 99% of the rest of us. I've hammered the crap out of mine
and its never missed a beat.

Picking up the bike. Yes with all your luggage on its a mission. But if you take
the luggage off and use the right technique, most of the time you can get it
up yourself. And of course if you have your pillion on, no problems.
( once they calm down about the reason you're having to pick the bike up )

As for the off road ability.
These bikes are big, and they can be scary at first to ride off road.
They are in fact, very capable in the dirt, you just need to practice and learn.
I take mine all over the place, and so far the limitation has been the idiot in
the pilot seat, rather than the bike

Jim

P.S If you do ride off road I highly recommend this DVD
http://www.dualsportriding.com/

[Oscar]

I would agree - I tried an F650 and found it disappointing.

I've also tried the 1150 GS and thought it a fat slug suited mostly to road riding.

Aparently the new 1250 is much better - it certainally has more power

I wonder what the new F800 is like?

My money would go on an old R100GS...

The 1200/1150 GS's are surprisingly competent off road (which is high praise from a KTM owner).

Speaking of which...
I've managed to restrain my self up 'till now, but for God's sake get yourself test ride on a KTM!

...there, that feels better.

[Banesto John]

You have been very restrained so far..........

I had a friend who owns a few bikes recommend KTMs. I've been on Beamers for a few years, so it's hard to lose loyalty.

Teasingly, does KTM stand for Keep Throwing Money at them, as suggested on several blogs I've read (the devil made me ask that!!)