R 1100 GS and R 1150 GS difference?

**Margus** · #1 14 Oct 2003

Can anyone tell what are the main differences between BMW R 1150 GS and older R 1100 GS besides power and weight?

Is it possible to tell witch one is more comfortible or more touring/offroad resistant or has better suspention or handling?

Or they two are basically the same thing just a different displacement and weight?

Kind regards, Margus

**Grant Johnson** · #2 14 Oct 2003

ALL the technical differences are here

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Steve Pickford** · #3 14 Oct 2003

I asked a similar question a while ago, without reply. I was more interested in problems with the 1100 that had been fixed on the 1150 or even vice versa i.e. is the 1150 worth the extra cost compared to a similar mileage but slightly older 1100?

All replies appreciated

Steve

**Mick O'Malley** · #4 14 Oct 2003

On the UKGSER web site there's a wealth of information on these bikes. www.ukgser.com/forums

Main changes from 1100 to 1150 were six speed gearbox, hydraulic clutch and twin headlamps. Consensus of opinion seems to be that, despite the 1150's overdrive top, the 1100 is more economical. The 1150's lights also come in for a lot of criticism, additional lights being a common modification. And personally I would prefer a cable clutch (with a spare cable tie-wrapped in place) any day.

Less is more? IMHO yes, and you can spend the money saved by going for the older model on those must have modifications.

Mick

**Steve Pickford** · #5 15 Oct 2003

Thanks, just the sort of info I was needing.

I've started looking for an 1100, just need to sell my R80GS first (once I've re-shimmed the rocker arms this weekend).

Looking through recent MCN's, there are always about five times as many 1150's for sale than 1100's? I realise that more 1150's might have been sold but do people hang on to the 1100's longer?

Anybody out there wanting to p/x their 1100GS against my R80GS + cash?

Steve

**sanderd** · #6 9 Dec 2007

Hi there,

I'm not an expert nor do i have the specs handy, but i know from experience that there is very little technical difference, unless you have the '03 spec 1150 with twin spark and new gearbox.

I owned both 1100 and 1150. handling and offroad capabilities are the very much the same because of minor changes in power, geometry and weight.

much info can be found at the english (or dutch) gs websites and forums on the internet. (::. UKGS'er.com .:: - Powered by vBulletin).

cheers,
sander

**Martynbiker** · #7 10 Dec 2007

talk to Phil at Welcome to the Euro Classics they are in Northampton

always has time for a chat, free advice, Tea and his work is second to none including preping RTW bikes.

Phil may do you a P/ex on your bike, he rides an 1100 himself, or did do.

Martyn

**Carl P** · #8 12 Dec 2007

Er, chaps, the original post is over 4 years old !

**Roboyobo** · #9 12 Dec 2007

Also of importance is the fact that Phil's wife makes nice cakes.

Incidentally, he's one of the experts who has advised me:

1. the older Beemers are best (although I think he said the 1100 is the best of the lot).
2. concentrate on regular servicing, rather than upgrades and pre-emptive parts replacement (except for R100 shafts).