Hi there
I see there is not too much talk of this bike on the Hub (1150GS Adverture)! Does any one know of any bad points this bike has? I'm considering purchasing on for an Australian tour and then Asia.
Any thoughts on this bike would be appreciated.
Thanks
Daryl

You could take a look at the pictures in this thread! I am aware of this occuring to a number of later model oilheads.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47128
Many swear by them in Australia.

cheers
alec

[This message has been edited by simmo (edited 18 July 2004).]

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Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality

I've heard of this happening to some Oilheads but it did not deter me from buying a second hand 1150GS less than 2 months ago.

If you check the ADV Riders site, you'll also find mention of a 300,000km 1100GS. Another guy by the name of jkam covered most of the world on one.

I'd say that only bad points are the complexity of the injection system. When it comes to servicing, it is absolutely no different to an Airhead. It is a 4v head but still screw & locknut tappets. All of the oil & filter changes are as per the Airhead with the exception of the Oilheads fuel filter. This can be a PITA but only needs changing every 24,000 miles although I'd change every 12,00o if using dirty fuel from a drum. You can easily fit an external fuel filter if you're concerned.

I bought a non-ABS model, partly because of cost but mainly because of complexity & the fact that read many reports of it going wrong.

I carried out the Throttle Body Synch yesterday, very easy with the correct eqp't (Carbtune 2 in my case) & some instructions.

I'd say the only other downside is that they're about 30kg heavier than an R80GS Paralever, which makes them a little more difficult on steep, narrow slopes (i.e. me at the recent UK meet's off road ride out - see photo, lol).



On the other hand, they make excellent road bikes. Even after 13 years on GSX-R1100's, I'm still happy with mine. They stop & steer well & can be really leant over, even on Tourances's, without losing grip.

The Adventure model has 20mm longer suspension (not for the short of leg), a non-adjustable single seat & comes with a 30 litre tank & braided brake lines as standard.

Seats on neither model are that comfortable IMO but there are many options from cheap to expensive. If planning a serious trip, money spent on uprated suspension would be the first thing I'd do.

One final point, in the UK at least, the introduction of the new 1200 has caused many people to sell their 1150GS, leading to a drop in second hand prices & a slightly flooded buyers market - worth checking out if considering a used bike. Prices of Adventure models are still quite high as they're still available new.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/

Regards

Steve


[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 19 July 2004).]

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My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com

Thanks guys
Think I'm going to get myself one. Just need to find out if it would be cheaper to purchase in Australia and pay the import duty when I return.

GS Adventure is great! But great in all the meaning of the word.
Check that you can place your feet steady on the ground while seated. This means check you are tall enough for this girafe.
I have mine and I had to buy another seat called low seat, it is an accesory from BMW for the not so tall guys.
Dont be fooled by the BMW ads, this is not an off road bike, if you try to make it in loose sand or gravel you will have a hard time taking it out once stopped.
But on the road it is amazing, it turns like a snake, I have been speeding a little with young guys with sport bikes and they have a head ache trying to get me on twisty roads. It is a marvel for Mexican style roads.
It is a very good buy. I wont buy a 1200 until the next model, you know first timers always have their unexpected problems, second year makes them better models.
On the other hand a regular boxer engine is like a VW, you can find parts in a grocery store! (joking)
Good Luck

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Life is the process of making known the unknown. MOROcycler

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THE Motorcycle JOURNEY is making known the unknown.
http://www.morocycler.smugmug.com

agree with Steve´s comments. I have a bill mayer saddle (www.billmayersaddles.com) and a WP rear shock. Would also recomend the tobinator and the fastway footpegs.

STrongly recomend you get familiar with the two web sites that Steve mentions. You will find a large amount of very specfic technical information as well as parts for sale.

bob