Thanks for the advice guys.

I had an interesting ride on the bike yesterday, first time on a beemer. My initial impression was one of suprise as it is a big heavy bike, it had a full tank of petrol when I rode it. Surpising because it handled well. Not sure about the pull to the right as you rev the beast though. Didn't know about that.

I rode around the busy streets of London for half an hour, didnt manage to get it out of 3rd gear unfortunately, even along the embankment - traffic not great and nearly died trying to cancel the indicators on the bike....ok, slight exaggeration, just weird having 3 buttons for indicators.

Amazed as to how good it felt cornering, felt like you really could have it sideways.

The handlebars felt wide, and felt slightly "cruisey". I like the wind protection, even though I didnt go to fast. It felt wider, so gettng though the traffic will be more difficult than the AT.

Get this, as soon as I got home, my AT died literally as soon as I rode up my front garden. It's like it knows something is up!

I need another ride to completely make my mind up, this time with more speed and corners.

It does seem like a good deal, its a lot of bike for 5k and the mileage at 22k seems good for a bike that is 4 years old.

Nice one.

Brian

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A ride out in the country is a must, you need to get it in to 6th to establish the gearing.

You'll get used to the indicators, I now prefer the BMW setup.

1150 Adventure screen can be fitted for greater wind protection.

The pull to the right only occurs from tickover if you blip the throttle. You won't notice it once you're moving. Don't worry about accelerating out of a bend & running wide etc.

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mongrel things always pull to one side when trying to go down steep rocky or muddy slopes as well!

check that there is no play in the final drive unit from the last "hinge" It is said this play can be adjusted but once the adjustments begin the end is nigh and you are better off replacing the bearings as it may affect the rest of the seals and bearings.

grab it at the top and bottom and try and move it back and forth, any movement bad.



[This message has been edited by simmo (edited 07 November 2004).]

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Brian,

IMHO you cannot really compare the AT and the 4-valve GS. Rather AT against the old 2-valve GS. Here Chris is right - the AT is themuch more modern conception.

But the 11xx GS is a size bigger. Personally I wouldn't waste a thought on the 1100. The 1150 is technically better, more comfortable. The GSA even more so.

Hans

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Not sure about the GSA being more comfortable? It may be for some but it's only a regular 1150 with a one piece seat, 20mm longer suspension & a bigger tank.

I found the GSA seat a bit soft & a bit shorter, not so good for pillions if you're both of "generous proportions".....

Longer suspension presents a problem if you're under 5'10".

30 litre tank may deflect a bit of wind from your legs on the move. You also pay a fair bit more for the privilege

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Thanks again guys for all the great ideas and comments. I mounted a 1150GS yesterday from a BMW garage and took it out on the motorway. My god does that bike leap through 2nd and 3rd. Touching a ton in no time and its almost like the bike sighs when you put it into 6th. It felt very capable at speed, much more than the AT. Then there is the wind....I will need to fit some kind of better screen or risers, from bracken or someone else I guess. Not sure if they are better than the adv. screen - any ideas on that anyone?

Fun to corner and felt like the tyres were well up to the job. ABS was wonderful, very solid feel to coming to a stop quickly its a confident ride.

Now that I have accepted my job and start in 10 days I'll be buying the bike and spending a few days out on her I think....unless anyone can see a good reason for not buying a 1150gs with 22k miles on her for 5k?

Cheers again,

Brian

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Good to hear you've got a boxer virus now too!

Solution for wind on highways - you'll find lot of third option windscreens for GS. Cee Baileys, MRA Varioscreens etc, all are better than stock ones. And to be honest, i don't know any bikes that has ideal stock windscreen, not talking about travel-enduros.

Margus

[This message has been edited by Margus (edited 06 November 2004).]

Check out this site for GS stuff & ideas:
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/

And here also:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/

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Thanks again guys, the hubb has proved once again to be an invaluable resource.

Nice one Grant and Susan.

I'm now officially exited about getting the GS1150 now. Looking forward to many a day on it dreaming of the next trip (whilst taking around the M4 no doubt)

Cheers
Brian

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Just to finish up here, I bought the bike 2 weeks ago and can honestly say that its a beast of a machine. There's a devilish grin on my face every time I open her up on a clear road and witness my whole body shift towards the back wheel (might need to replace my "slippery" bike trouser gear). I've noticed 2 things about other people on the road now.....I don't get as many nods as I used to, could be being paranoid here & also cars do get out the way a lot more. Dunno why as the twin had brighter lights.

Wonderful machine, I've named him Klaus! Will be sad to part with thumper, looks like hes going to sold for a song on Ebay in 4 hours from now boo hoo.

Cheers all.

Brian


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Brian,

good to hear you feel the "Baieriche Motoren Werke" atmosphere now too and see how stunningly excellent two-wheel machines this German factory can produce when coming from japanese bikes (that's what i did too and was extremely sceptic first).

Good luck with the new travels on it!

Margus

[This message has been edited by Margus (edited 30 November 2004).]

Cheers Margus,

I put it in for a 24k miles service yesterday at bracken, made my wallet 350 quid lighter though as its a major service interval.

One of the guys there said that I've had the best of both worlds with the africa twin and now the gs....I'm a lucky lad....now just to pay off the debts from the last trip and to get moving off to china...

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