Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
BMW 1150GSA or BMW 1200GSA BMW 1150GSA or BMW 1200GSA
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
BMW 1150GSA or BMW 1200GSA
I am wracking my brains trying to decide which bike to get: BMW 1150GSA or BMW 1200GSA. Have read about the CAN bus issue, and am wondering if I should steer clear of the 1200GSA. I plan to ride off road through the deserts of Southern California and other areas of the USA, and realize this is not the same as riding in Outer Mongolia, and that I would still be in the BMW service grid. Am I paranoid? I am mechanically inclined, and would like to think that I can fix whatever problems arise in the field, assuming they are fixable. However, I am not a BMW technician with a laptop.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
If you are going to stay on the BMW USA grid and make use of those dealers, go 1200 because it's lighter for off road riding.

If reliabilty is paramount, I suggest 2002 and earlier 1150s.

After time, your priorities could change.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Thanks. Why 2002 and earlier models? Were 2003's given "upgrades" that might require the need for tech support to fix?

Also, what would be considered a "high" odometer reading for one of these models? Are there any pitfalls in buying a 2002 or older model that I need to look out for? I'm a newbie when it comes to BMW's, and I don't really know what questions to ask (yet).

Any help would be appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Genova, Italy - Kabul, Afghanistan
Posts: 201
You can find a lot of info here:
The BMW R G/S and GS motorcycles
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
BMW started their servo brakes in the 2003 models.

My 1150 reached 160k miles before needing a new motor. There should be many <50k bikes sitting around.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Nomadic1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 103
To be honest, having seem the write-ups of many a broken 1150 and 1200, I think its a case of half dozen of one and 6 of the other.

The early 2004 1200's seem to have quite a few problems with their electrics and the CAN-BUS didnt help matters. If something went wrong you couldnt necessarily get out your multimeter to fix. That said - im riding an 04 1200GS and have yet to have a problem that has stopped me riding.

As for the 1150's they too share their own issues. Oil leaks are common and are not necessarily easy to fix in the middle of the desert. Final drive units, gears, bevel boxes all seem to suffer.

I've seen horror stories from riders of both bikes that you would just think that their bikes were lemons..but none of me or my bmw riding friends have yet to experience them.
__________________

Visit my space here
See my photos here
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Northern Arizona, USA
Posts: 103
1150 vs 1200 GSA
I do hate these subjective questions as answers are so biased, and how can they not be?
I have owned both. I rode the 1150 2-up across China a few years ago, cleaned the air filter. Just put 17K miles on a 12GSA this past 12 months and just returned form Prudhoe, added gasoline. Again 2-up. I never liked the 1150 because of its weight/balance feel, and never like the 11xx engines.
I love the 1200 engine, and the balance of the bike; even with that big tank, the ABS/linked brakes, tranny, unreal torque. I feel the design of the 12 GSA gives the weather protection of the RT, and the handling of the S. It has been amazing and I have been impressed, with its reliability. Yes, its still new, but it has recieved some abuse, and took it well. Did I mention how great that engine is!!
Off road, get a 950, they are tops, but don't go too far from home! I have never felt the GS a great dirt bike. But for long distance adventuring and reliability, they're tops.
Allen.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Flagstaff; Arizona, United States
Posts: 37
x2 with what LE said....

I've been anal-retentive with my 1150 Adv. maintenance, and will likely do a pre-emptive final drive bearing replacement at about 50-60K, but other than that I've had no issues whatsoever....

Like all GSs...it does get a bit heavy to pick up after the 5th time or so....

-H-
__________________
With a little love and luck, we will get by.
2003 BMW R1150GS Adventure
1983 FJ45 Land Cruiser Troop Carrier
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jul 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
"through the deserts of Southern California" ? ut of the dirt.
Forget the Adventure model. Heavy, tall and stupid.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 06:25.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
No. I'm not planning on taking that big dog on desert trails (I have a DS 650 for that). I do want a street bike that will go long range with comfort and be dependable, not strictly for dirt (just a little though). I considered an XR650 but didn't feel it was beefy enough should I choose to include a pillion. Long range dependability and the fact that they look soooo good got my attention, initially. I do plan to travel overseas at some point, and I couldn't help but notice that alot of people use BMW's.

Thanks for everyone's input.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mendoza BMW brennan South America 11 28 Jan 2008 13:54
Chinese R71 BMW clone / Dnepr DavidZweig Which Bike? 3 21 May 2007 06:18

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top