I've almost got the better half convinced that it's okay for me to go ahead and buy one. Now I just need a little imput from you who have far more experience. I'm debating whether to get the 1150 GS Adventure or the 1200 GS. I'd love to hear from you what the pros and cons are for each bike. It appears that many of the riders on this board have an 1150 GS, probably because the 1200 GS is new. I plan to spend 70% of the time riding paved roads and the other 30% offroad. I would like to do a few pave/dirt tours and that has led me to rule out the 1200RT. Also, this is my first BMW, what kind of life(mileage) will I get out of the engine???? --jerrocop
Both are great bikes. This question has been asked many times in the GSpot area of this site. Do a search to get some answers. The best thing to do is to go ride both and decide there. Both have an avid group of followers. I went with the 1200gs...its much lighter and has more power. My bro went with the adv and loves it. Ride em' both.
The 1200GS is the better street machine. It's lighter and faster. The 1150GS Adventure is better equipped to go off road than the 1200GS or the regular 1150GS, but it is much heavier and difficult to manuver compared to the 1200GS. The gearing on the Adventure is much more suited to off roading, and the stock accessories mean less $$$ spent to get the bike dirt ready. That said, I have an 1150 ADV, and I love it. It's perfect fot the blend of street and dirt that I do. It is a very capable street machine and holds its own in the dirt. Definitely ride them both, they are very different animals. As far as engine life, it all depends on what kind of care you take of it, but a boxer engine isn't really even broken in until between 12 and 18,000 miles, and it's not unusual to see bikes with over 100,000 miles on them and still running strong.
If your a big guy you'll like the 1150. Get the Adventure but change that 'orrible seat asap, plan for a good rear shock and some panniers. Resale on the 1200 will hold strong. The 1150 is petering out... 'specially with the Blue and White "Special Edition" 1150GS Adventures on the market... You'll get years of service from a beemer engine. Its the other pieces you will need to replace. Also, make sure and go get a realistic "cost-of-running" idea. Everytime you sneeze near them you seem to lose a couple of hundred bucks! The 1150 is on the way out. Great bike but it aint the future. I'd say get it if your over six foot and dont mind a heavy bike. The 1200 is faster, sleeker and on the way in. It is also a better pavement bike. There will be more stuff out for it soon. The BEST advice I can give you is to go ride each of them and buy the one that you like riding the most. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.... They are both good bikes. Cheers
All great advice above. I would tend to disagree with a couple of comments above. I have an 1150GS Adventure. Its a great bike. The 1200GS is a great bike also - and much faster, lighter and smoother. I happen to think the 1150 adv is a better road bike. I know most people dont agree with that, but I mostly use mine for camping trips and find the extra size and weight a plus when travelling on pavement. I think it handles the load well and feels more 'planted'. The new 1200 is so much lighter its MUCH easier to handle on the dirt - it makes a huge difference. The 12oo has a slicker gearbox and engine 'counter balancers' which reduce the engine vibration. They are both GREAT motorcycles - you cant go worng with either.
I rode both bikes at my dealer and went for the 1150 Adv. My reason was that I didn't feel in control of the 1200 on the highway, as it was wondering around. The 1150 was far better in that respect. I am not knocking the 1200 but it is what I felt, and coming from an LT the weight doesn't bother me one bit. Like anything else it is a personal choice, but riding both is what is needed to feel the difference. Go ride and pick one.
1100 GS with 62K and it is just now broken to my stride. It also has the better transmission!! Just my opinion.
Make sure that when you do test ride them, take the time to set the suspension up for you and your riding style. Any bike can handle like crap with the wrong suspension settings.