GS preferences: 1100 vs 1150, ADV model vs non?

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

I'm looking to spend around $6K for a GS. I think that, really, my riding is 90% communting and 10% playing. The Un last summer helped me define the types of riding I really like to do, fire roads and so forth, that the GS is perfectly suited for. I bet two-up, the GS will be just fine.

 

So now the question becomes what GS? Looking here, ADVrider, IBMWR, Craigslist, Cycle Trader and individual dealer's websites reveals a number of candidates. Most will require either a fly-n-buy or putting a bike on a transport.

 

The accessories that seem common are Jesse bags, PIAA lights, aftermarket shocks, and so forth. So then the questions start with mileage...is a 2002 1150 GS with 95K miles (but with a new gearbox and clutch) better or worse than a 1999 1100 with 55K miles?

 

When do the servo-assist model years start and is it anything to worry about? Realistically I'll be buying in a month or so, but I want to be mentally armed to make the right choice when it is presented to me.

 

The only thing that has been specifically recommended is to make sure I get a M97 tranny. Some ads I've seen have 1995 models that have that trans swapped in.

 

Thanks!

[Killintime]

I had the honor of owning an 1100 version of the GS and have also spent time aboard the 1150. The 1150 is a superior motorcycle and a bit more aftermarket friendly. that said, I'll take the 1100 hands down every time. Why? No real reason, I can only say "I like it more". I could care less about the 6 speed and prefer the taller 1st gear of the 5 speed box. But thats obviously just my opinion. I'd be willing to bet there is very little, if any difference as far as mechanical reliability is concerned. As far as the servo assist, At one time I knew, but well... I haven't got any younger in the last few years(and I'm just too lazy to look). LOL! Either way you won't be disappointed. In any form, possibly the most practical, do anything bike ever built.

[Huzband]

I can't tell you which is better, but I'll tell ya what I do know.

 

I had Jesse bags on my GS, & loved them. tough as nails, & never leaked. Hold a ton, too. I didn't have after market shocks, but I did put a pair of Adv shocks on it for another inch of travel. The Adv gear box also has a lower first gear, great for tighter fire roads.

 

Servo, to my recollection, came in '02. Mine RT was so equipped, & I personally didn't care for it so much. It can be a bit tricky waiting for the servo motor to initialize if you've stopped & shut off the motor on a downhill.

 

Those are the things I know about the GS. But just one question.

 

Considering your preferred style of riding, have you considered a 950 Adv? I always liked it much more than the GS.

[lvnvbiker]

There is a 1150adv on craigslist here in vegas with 9900 miles for 3k that needs a clutch, if I was not broke I would be all over it but since I am I figured I'd pass it along.. Heres the info

sale-wwcgx-1144149118@craigslist.org

[eddd]

There is a 1150adv on craigslist here in vegas with 9900 miles for 3k that needs a clutch, if I was not broke I would be all over it but since I am I figured I'd pass it along.. Heres the info

sale-wwcgx-1144149118@craigslist.org

 

 

Under 10,000 miles and it needs a clutch??? That would be a big red flag for me.

[Killintime]

Thats what I was thinking. But then again have you seen some of the chuckle-heads they give motorcycle licenses to?

[lvnvbiker]

Yep. Someone used to a wet clutch and not told how to ride one of these bikes can destroy the plate rather quickly.

[OoPEZoO]

for that matter, it could just be a blown seal from the engine or tranny. If that was in my neck of the woods, I would have a wad of cash in hand and be hooking up the trailer as we speak

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

Considering your preferred style of riding, have you considered a 950 Adv? I always liked it much more than the GS.

Tell me more. Passenger comfort is a big thing even for the few times that Valerie will be with me. That's an aspect that we've been missing in the last few years. How about ease of maintenance?

[Huzband]

Okee dokalee.

 

The Wife didn't care too much for the stock seat, but she did like the leg room more than the GS, & she's only 5'-2". Whip says Mrs. Whip likes the Renazco. Maybe he'll chime in with more info on that.

 

Maintenance is another issue all together. Although valve adjusts & carb syncs are much less frequent, they are more involved. Oh, & oil changes take a bit of getting used to.

 

But even with that, the motor & suspension make it all worth while. I'll just say that if I were in your neck of the woods, & in the market for a GS type bike, I'd get a 950 in a heart beat. Prices on an '04-'06 should be in line with your budget as well.

[Matts_12GS]

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

The Wife didn't care too much for the stock seat, but she did like the leg room more than the GS, & she's only 5'-2". Whip says Mrs. Whip likes the Renazco. Maybe he'll chime in with more info on that.

Mrs Wiener is 5'3", so this is something to consider.

[hANNAbONE]

mY sHORT stint on the '04 KTM 950 (carbed model) was one that shouted "lack of wind management".

 

Even with ear plugs and expensive helmet etc...had to cut down the stock screen almost to the point of dismounting it, traded out the mickey mouseear-mirrors for the super duke lower profile ones.

 

Everything Husband states is true though...that mill and drive train is sportbike quick and a dream...make that a D R E A M .!

 

If my '04 was just gonna be used for zippin' thru town everyday - I'd still own it.

But I was looking for a pack mule that can go crosscountry without many worries. So, it didn't fill the bill for me.

 

Now - the '05 GS/ADV I found locally a month ago - let me tell you ............

 

(*I think the Sprint sells this weekend*)

[Whip]

The Wife didn't care too much for the stock seat, but she did like the leg room more than the GS, & she's only 5'-2". Whip says Mrs. Whip likes the Renazco. Maybe he'll chime in with more info on that.

Mrs Wiener is 5'3", so this is something to consider.

 

I have not been following this thread.....eddd sent me a PM about it.

 

 

I've chastised hBONE in private for his statement about the wind protection, so I won't do it again here. I've seen my man DWWD ride his RT through stuff I had trouble walking on so I bet I can safely say he could ride that Katoom anywhere on earth......he had a GS, it wasn't quite that easy for him. Y'all know we went two up to AK with no problems with the KTM. We did have an experience Orange Man prep it for us. Mrs Whip calls the Katoom "her bike", she liked it better than the GSA, FJR, HD RG, and now the K12R.

I ride with a lot of gear, Stich in anything below 90, BMW mesh/kevlar somethin the rest of the time. Wind protection not an issue. The Renazco seat was the key for Mrs Whip. Sitting at the same height as me makes her feel much more comfortable. When we go through the twisties at "Pace" she feels very stable and even takes pix while the bags are scraping. On the K, FJR she would hit me up side the helmet every time I leaned the bike over. She said she just "bobbles around" back there and it scares her. On the KTM she says she sits down in the bike and feels like shes part of it, on the others it's like tryin to ride a marble. I currently have 5 bikes, 4 of which are in my barn right now ready to ride. I always go to the KTM first, there is somethin intangible about that bike. When it's time to go home from the shop, if I'm on the KTM I approach the bike with a smile and try to figure out a long way home. If it's one of the others, I start tryin to figure out what I'm gonna listen to make the time past faster on the shortest way home.

 

More anecdotal info......

 

Last Spring a tornado was sighted in Pipecreek TX, a town of about 1 square mile and one red light. My shop is on the edge of that town. I was working when the sky went black. Mrs Whip calls to tell me about the tornado she heard about on the news. I tell her I'm gonna get the camera and go outside. She starts getting mad at me, I tell her I'm kidding, I'm just bringin the bike in. She says "forget the bike, go to the house behind the shop and get in the basement." I hang up and get my camera and go outside. My phone rings.......did you bring the KTM or the BMW to work today. I tell her it's the BMW, she says leave it, if you had the KTM I was gonna ask you to take it to the cellar with ya.

 

 

I got nothin against the 1100/1150 GS bikes. I've been looking for one for my partner lately and even test rode one for hBONE.

 

 

If I can be any help at all, let me know. Bring some gear with ya in a couple weeks and we can go for a ride. I bet you like the Katoom.

 

 

Whip

 

[Bud]

Gently used one sitting in my garage.

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

If I can be any help at all, let me know. Bring some gear with ya in a couple weeks and we can go for a ride. I bet you like the Katoom.

 

That's a good idea. The missus said I could take an extra day or two on the back end of my project.

[Whip]

If I can be any help at all, let me know. Bring some gear with ya in a couple weeks and we can go for a ride. I bet you like the Katoom.

 

That's a good idea. The missus said I could take an extra day or two on the back end of my project.

 

 

 

Sounds like a wonder full lady.....smart too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Huzband]

Ruin him good, Whip.

[sgendler]

Just to correct an earlier statement - '02 1150 GS does NOT have servo brakes. I can't say for certain that it got 'em in '03, though I think that is the case, but my '02 1150 GS is servo-less.

[lvnvbiker]

Do not ride the KTM if you are thinking you may not want one! I have a fair amount of experiance with the orange beasts, and they have a way of casting a must buy one spell on a person. Hell even with the factory seats mounted I have payed for nearly all of them that I tested out. I have a friend with a 990adv thats got the Renazco seat who keeps telling me I need to try his bike out every time we hang out. So far I have been strong and have managed to resist the power of the "Orange Side", but know if I ride it that I will own one shortly after. I am still torn between a GS and the KTM myself and have been looking pretty hard for a good deal. Now that I am back to work I'll be looking alot harder then I have been soon...

 

Whip, how does the Renazco seat compare to the stock GS seat as far as comfort goes? I ride my RT with the stock one and am fine for some distance, but even my caloused tailbone could not take the stocker on my LC4.

[Whip]

Whip, how does the Renazco seat compare to the stock GS seat as far as comfort goes?

 

 

The GS seat is a big cushy sponge than pinches your rear and doesn't support ya on a long trip. YMMV

 

 

The Renazco seat is still a dirt bike seat only much wider and mine has a the suede finish. Mrs Whip likes it cause she doesn't have to worry about sliding around. It lets her relax. They are very firm, much like a Corbin. They also allow you to move up and back so you can change the angle of your back and move the pressure points around. They are also much cheaper than other aftermarket seats. Mine was $400.

 

Go Orange!!!