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31 Dec 2003
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New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Jersey City, NJ, USA
Posts: 2
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Buying R1100GS; any problems?
Im about to buy a 1998 BMW R1100GS, 27,000 miles on it, for $7200. Does anyone have any problems with this? Are there any dirty little secrets that i should know about this bike?
Let me tell you more: This will be my second motorcycle. I just gave away my 1978 KZ400 that i rode 4000 miles on around the Great Lakes last summer. The trip was at times a frustrating experience because i had so many bike problems, but i made it. I paid $700 for that bike, so i guess i got my money's worth. I vowed never to ride such a piece of junk so far from home again.
So now i am moving onto my second motorcycle, and am about to take this GS. I love its upright riding position and want to be able to carry two passengers and luggage on long trips, without any power problems, and on this bike i can do it.
But, it scares me a little bit. I like bikes that i can work on. I would rather have a bike that breaks down occasionally that i know how to fix than one that 'supposedly' never breaks down (because i know it will break down and then i'll be screwed!) The BMW is fuel injected, and i don't like this; i don't like not being able to tune my bike up. But according to BMW the bike never needs 'tuning'. Supposedly the bike never needs anything besides its 6,000 services. is this true? should i be scared? The only thing i can really do to ths bike is change its oil, but then that is just the kind of bike i was dreaming of when my ignition switch was cutting out north of Lake Superior. Or maybe i'm just nostalgic for all those beautiful riding days i spent, summers past, with my bike in parts on my garage floor.
Tell me, is a BMW really all they say it is? And is this model a good buy for this price?
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31 Dec 2003
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Girdwood, Alaska, USA
Posts: 27
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Dont be scared of the fuel injection that you may not be familiar with. It is an easy bike to work on once you understand the way it works. It is easy to keep "tuned" or balanced. The price is in the right area if the bike is in good shape. Things to check: check for play in the final drive/rear suspension, listen for any weird noises in the tranny through all gears, check the paint on the adjustment screws on the throttle bodies and the throttle position sensor to see if anyone has messed with the factory settings. Other than that dont worry too much. Go with your feeling about how well the bike was maintained, because in the rare event that you dont fall madly in love with you new GS, there are plenty of people that will buy it and love it for you.
chuck 1100GS, 1150GS, F650GS
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4 Jan 2004
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: L.A., CA
Posts: 12
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I love my r1100gs. The main weakness in the bike is where the rear subframe attaches to the transmission. This is a well known problem and TourTech makes an aftermarket part to beef it up.
Regarding the paint on the TPS screw. Mine have been adjusted multipe times and have a few colors of paint. Many bikes come with poor adjustments from the factory and can use a bit of tuning. This is not a bad thing, just some thing to look for. Mine have been adjusted by factory mechanics at major dealerships. They all seem to reseal it with a different color paint.
[This message has been edited by G. Kennedy (edited 04 January 2004).]
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
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Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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