I'm planning on buying a new bike for a journey through Australia next year.
( one year, mostly offroad, no passenger ) I had my mind set on the R1150gs, but reading some stories about people who had broken frames with there r1100gs after offroad riding i'm not so sure. Is a r1150gs frame differend, better? Or is the lighter f650gs better for offroad work? (i'm not planning Paris-Dakar style riding !!!) Thanks, Maarten.

You say 'mostly off road' but that could mean lots of different things from gravel touring to full on bush bashing in the outback. I have not heard much about the frame strength of the 1100 or 1150gs. The Rally bikes have modified and braced frames, but that is serious off road! I would offer that, given the choices you are considering, the F650GS Dakar would be the bike to take. If you are not planning to carry a passenger, and want the off road capability, then the lighter bike is a good bet. Trade offs will be in high speed tarmac touring and fuel range (the 650's have an under seat fuel cell that it difficult to enlarge). Again, it depends on what your exact plans are! I would suggest contacting HPN info@hpn.de in Germany about the frame strength issue. They have some experience in BMW frame mods and will likely know of the weaknesses in the design. Good luck anyhow.

The R1100GS frame was notoriously weak in the area of gearbox / rear-footpeg mountings. However:

1) BMW offer an "adventure" kit which solves this problem - and its a standard fit in Australia. Its also available after-market, as is Touratech's equivalent.

2) The frame on the R1150GS is completely redesigned in this area to overcome the problem - take a look at the pictures in the front of the Touratech catalogue and you'll see what I mean.

The big R850GS/R1100GS/R1150GS bikes are superbly balanced machines for riding on gravel etc, better than most others, BUT you must use technique to control them (rather than brute strength and optimism) because if you do manage to get one out of shape it will likely be very difficult to correct.

If you want to try one, back to back with a F650GS (inc. Dakar) then why not book yourself on the 2 day BMW off-road skills course? You'll get *top* instruction, plus an opportunity to try all the bikes on gravel so you can make your own mind up.

I have recently bought a R1150GS. I use it for my 130 mile daily commute down twisty roads and will be taking it to the Sahara later this year for some (gentle) pistes after a couple of days chasing the Dakar rally. I would recommend one to anybody.

Andy