BUYING

It’s not the quickest bike in the world, but you’ll So easy to be surprised how fast ride one you can ride it quicklyy

Pillions love it as well

Bike chooser

42 OCTOBER 2006

0042-04642-046 BBikeike CChooserhooser GS.inddGS.indd 4422 33/8/06/8/06 99:23:24:23:24 aamm 1999-05 BMW 250-mile tank range R1150GS Big, stable, steady and composed enough to humble fl ightier bikes. But surely life’s not all beer and skittles with an 1150GS Words Tim Skilton Pictures RiDE archive here are few bikes with a bigger In 2004, actors Ewan McGregor and following than BMW’s R1150GS. cemented the GS’ hardy TOwners absolutely love them. Just take reputation by riding a pair of GS Adventures a look behind the bike’s ungainly façade and on their trans-global trip. it’s easy to see why. Robust, rugged and The GS is reputed to be as hard wearing as perfect in almost any situation. The GS will a ship’s anchor, but in reality the build quality forever be a motorcycling legend. is dubious, particularly the painted parts, as Its roots go back to the original R80GS, shown by our readers’ comments. That motor created in 1980, inventing a niche of its own. Production of the 1150 ran from July 1999 Plenty have tried to emulate the GS since but to the end of 2003, with the Adventure goes on none have captured its mysterious lure. model surviving through 2004 and 05. It So what is it that makes them so popular? replaced the already popular R1100GS. A forever The GS is a big, comfortable road bike with new front fairing, dashboard and lighter attitude. It’s useable, reasonably quick and Telelever suspension sat up front. An 1130cc exudes the same sort of ‘don’t mess with me’ engine used cylinders from the R1200C aura as a bullbar-clad Land Rover. Ride a GS cruiser while heads, cams and crankshaft and everyone will think you’re heading out came from the R1100S. A six-speed gearbox on a multi-thousand-mile mission. Even if gave easier cruising with fewer revs and a you’re just popping to the shop for teabags. redesigned rear subframe sat next to a Ask any owner what they think and you’ll shorter paralever swingarm. usually be bombarded with praise, even if The 1150 was sturdier, more powerful but their bike’s been far from perfect. Then take also weighed a whopping 10kg more than its a shufti at the resale values. It’s one of the predecessor. The weight makes it the least least depreciating bikes of all-time, whether trail-oriented of the GS family, but the power it’s covered two or twenty thousand miles. and stability make it hell of a good road bike.

It’s never mentioned in the ‘what’se. Better the than most beautiful bike ever?’ debat most , though

OCTOBER 2006 43

0042-04642-046 BBikeike CChooserhooser GS.inddGS.indd 4433 33/8/06/8/06 11:08:47:08:47 ppmm BUYING

Bike Braver riders hit the trails on an 1150, but chooser most stick to the roads

Standard lights are rubbish!

Check lock stops for damage

Final drive in doubt get a professional to inspect Engine as either the pistons are loose or the The critical area on any Boxer is the the bike before buying. A well-maintained Boxer engine will big-end bearings are knackered. drivetrain. Almost anything else A clunk in the rear bevel drive easily do 100,000 miles before it If the bike’s left on the sidestand for should be reasonably cheap and easy means either the crown wheel and needs signifi cant work. We’ve had any length of time, oil drains down to fi x, but a broken fi nal drive can get pinion or the rear wheel drive splines reports of bikes covering 300,000 into the left combustion chamber, very expensive. are damaged. Rectifying either miles with no serious engine work which results in a billowing cloud of To check it’s OK, put the bike on the problem can cost around £300-£400 needed. A poorly maintained bike will smoke when you next fi re it up. This centrestand and grasp the rear wheel. and it’s a specialist job. Alternatively, need attention much sooner. smoke is never terminal, it’s the Rotate it back and forth, listening you can fi nd a good used replacement There should be a noticeable tappet engine burning the oil out as it carefully all along the drive train. for £100-150 and fi t it yourself. noise. This is normal. There will also warms, and it should clear in a minute Using a piece of wooden dowel, as you Serious clunks in the gearbox (more be a light ticking from the barrels. or two. Check for smoke again after a would a stethoscope, helps as a than the normal slack between gears) This is normal, too. Some bikes have a test ride. If it continues to smoke, or listening aid. Knocking or grinding will require a rebuild or replacement louder noise than others. A heavy smokes from both sides, the rings, noises mean there’s a problem, so if box, usually costing around £400. knocking from the barrels is serious bores or valve guides are worn. The ! THE HISTORY OF THE GS

Great

Good

Ok The one to buy 1980 R80G/S 1988 R100GS 1994 R1100GS 1999 R1150GS 2001 R1150GS It’s 800cc, reasonably light and A bigger engine, larger petrol A revised engine producing Extra power (now 85bhp) and Adventure extremely competent. The tank and oil cooler took the GS another 20bhp, Telelever front more weight (219kg) took the Longer-travel suspension, R80GS was used on many theme to the next stage. Many suspension and Captain Beaky GS to new heights. It proved a bigger fuel tank and huge transglobal expeditions and still prefer the R80 though as mudguard heralded the launch better road bike but was more panniers. It also weighed over created a new class of machine. it’s more nimble. of the R1100GS. diffi cult on loose terrain. 250kg dry. Heave!

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0042-04642-046 BBikeike CChooserhooser GS.inddGS.indd 4444 33/8/06/8/06 55:06:43:06:43 ppmm R1150GS 1999-05

Meet the owners... mileage. Upgrade the lights as well as the stock ones are like a candle in a hurricane.” I bought one Bad points: “A few issues with fork-brace Oliver Newby- corrosion and a major issue with lunching Robinson, R1150GS the gearbox and shaft as I was in the middle Adventure of overtaking an HGV. That underpant-fi lling Mileage: 100,000 moment cost £1200 to sort out. Not a Good points: The squeak of a problem since. Just use 20w 50 engines are good oil (a fi ver a pot) and change it often.” for 200,000 miles and more if looked after. I should know having I bought one done 236,000 on a R1100RS. Get a dealer Tony Williams, 47 Pull the wheel back and problems might be revealed with oil leaking from the rubber cover bike with a AUB (approved used BMW R1150GS warranty) and it will be fi xed quickly and Year: 2003 GS has Nickasil-coated bores so they thin and metal parts look tatty in no without fuss. Owners tend to be a little more Mileage: 28000 can’t be rebored. New barrels and time. Suspension and engine paint are mature so there’s less chance it’s been Good points: “It’s pistons are the only answer. criticised too. thrashed. No matter what I do to it, the GS brilliant for touring still comes back for more. I’ve crashed it on and comfortable for Oil Exhaust and off road and it’s as solid as a rock. It’s the long days in the The fl at twin motor commonly Akrapovic and Remus are popular Humvee of the biking world. All-day comfy saddle. Panniers consumes 500ml per 1000 miles replacements. They cost £600-800 with enough poke to keep me amused. and a Hein Gericke when new. Unusually, they get better for a conversion. Expect 8-10bhp The Adventure tank is wonderful; 350miles- tankbag mean I can with age. Steer clear of fully-synth oil, extra. Both systems do away with the plus I’ve also got the alloy wheels from a carry all my camping which is better for high-revving fours. catalytic converter. A Remus Y-piece R1150RT, which gives me a huge tyre choice necessities – including a chair! ditches the cat, giving a throatier over the standard spoked rims. It’s running It has lots of road presence so is unlikely to Electrics sound and small power increase. This BT020s at present. I’ve tried D207s, Conti be overlooked or ignored. It has good tank Check the battery as they’re can cause a popping on the overrun. Road Attacks and MEZ4 and Z6 and I’ve range and reasonable fuel economy. expensive to replace. Gel ones are less always gone back to the 020s as they offer If you want a big trailie this is the one. I’ve likely to leak and pump out the same Discs the best mix of grip (enough to get the rocker test ridden the R1200GS and I found it lacked power. Budget to spend about £100. They’re prone to warping. PFM high covers down) durability (around 10,000 the stature and presence of the 1150. I also A common problem area is the performance discs (expensive at £400 miles) and wet weather grip.” test rode the 1200 Adventure which certainly electro-mechanical charging a pair) improve stopping power Bad points: “The gearbox seals have gone looked and went well but it wasn’t worth my regulator. If the charging light stays dramatically and last longer. more times than I can count. It’s a bad design bike plus another £6000.” on, it’s likely to be this. A replacement fault but there isn’t anything I can do about it Bad points: “Corrosion on the fork brace. It solid-state device is £25. Headlights so I just replace them when they go.” was replaced under warranty but it’s They’re crap so many owners uprate beginning to suffer again. It had an ABS brakes the bulbs or fi t high intensity expensive wiring problem, which kept ABS was an optional extra. Make sure discharge lamps (around £300). I bought one blowing headlight bulbs. The lights aren’t it works as failure is common and it’s Mark Mcarthur-Christie, 47 much good but I haven’t upgraded as I rarely £1200 to replace. If the warning light Crash bars R1150GS ride at night. It’s a heavy bike. I’ve only illuminates, turn the bike off and on Cylinder head covers suffer indrops. Year: 2000 dropped it once with a full fuel tank and I again and it should reset. The battery Bars from Touratech, Hepco & Becker Mileage: 50,000 couldn’t lift it. I had to walk three miles to the also needs to be well charged for the or SW Motech are around £200. Good points: nearest village for help.” ABS to operate. “So many. Seat Comfortable for Corrosion The GS perch is overly hard. Sargent mega-mileage I sold one Owners say corrosion is common and Corbin seats or Airhawk pads are days (once you’ve Dennis Skilton, 37 unless it’s cleaned regularly. Paint is popular upgrades. replaced the crappy stock Mileage: 4000 seat) and it’ll sit at 90 all day long. It has a Why did you sell it? “I bought mine in New 250-mile tank range too. It handles well, Zealand and rode it there on a long holiday. I although it won’t embarrass any sportsbike left it in NZ for a year, but it didn’t sell so I riders with me on board. It’s as simple to shipped it back and sold it because I’ve got work on as my old Series II Land Rover and a an 1100GS and didn’t need another GS.” home mechanic’s joy. It’s got real road Good points: “It’s comfortable, looks presence and is incredibly practical too (I purposeful and deals with anything you can don’t own a car because I don’t need to with throw at it. It has great road presence, which the GS). Heated grips make a real difference is important in today’s dog-eat-dog road in the winter, and the screen and cylinders system. The residual values are impressive. I keep the rest of you warm. The owners club lost a few quid, but it would have been much is fantastic (www.ukgser.net). I don’t think worse on a Japanese bike.” I’ve ever known such a friendly group of Bad points: “Weight. The GS is a monster people. I’ve fi tted panniers by Caja Sahel. once it’s loaded with full panniers. I found it Bloody great ally things. I’d recommend unnerving at low speeds, particularly taking engine bars as if you drop it, it’s going to it on and off the side stand. I’d hate to drop cost. GPS is handy too as you’ll be doing the one as it’d need a winch to get it back up.” Many GS owners use crash bars to protect the cylinder head from damage in drops

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0042-04642-046 BBikeike CChooserhooser GS.inddGS.indd 4455 33/8/06/8/06 33:42:06:42:06 ppmm BUYING R1150GS 1999-05 Still want one? Spares costs Used prices OE new part prices I sell them! Year New Dealer Private Brake lever £56.50 2000 8200 5730 4985 Front disc £136 Gary Evans 2001 7595 6440 5770 Indicator £23.50 Balderston of Peterborough 2002 7595 6940 6460 Mirror £35.60 (01733 565470) 2003 7995 7350 6850 Exhaust can (excl. cat) £439.63 “The 1150GS is one of our top sellers. 2004 7995 7945 7360 the All prices are inclusive of VAT Secondhand models don’t stay in Prices taken from Parker’s Guide showroom for long. I’ve seen quite a few with (Source: Balderstone BMW) over 100,000 miles on the clock. What do I look for? The paralever bearings can Insurance Aftermarket part prices The following Norwich Union quotes wear so check there’s no oil leaking from Front pads £24 are for a 2002 R1150GS, worth £6500, behind the rubber boot on the . Spin Brake lever £21.50 garaged and fi tted with an approved the back wheel and listen for any grinding Remus exhaust Can £199 alarm. All quotes are based on the noises, as it means the trunion bearings are on Tall screen £89 owner having fi ve years’ no-claims, in the way out. Expect a clutch to last around Hugger £95 50,000 miles. Look for a bike with full service a rural town and city centre location. Air fi lter £35 history so you’ll know it’s been well looked (Source: www.nippynormans.com) after.” TPFT Town City 25-year-old £229 £472 Breakers 35-year-old £98 £201 Don’t expect to see a plethora of GS 45-year-old £73 £149 parts at your local breakers as they 12,000 miles Comprehensive Town City rarely get scrapped. Because of their Cost: Approx £330. 25-year-old £347 £715 tank-like constitution (most have been Transmission gear oil change 35-year-old £148 £305 fi tted with protection bars) even Battery fl uid level check 45-year-old £110 £226 crash-damaged examples are hard to Battery electrolyte level, come by. Best source for used parts is clean/grease terminals Specifi cation eBay. We found the following asking Air fi lter change 1999-2003 prices for 1150 spares. Wheel bearing play check BMW R1150GS Swingarm bearing play check Engine a/c, 8v, Boxer twin, Crash bars £30 Spark plugs change injection, 1130cc Front shock £30 Power 85bhp @ 6575rpm Touratech fork brace £75 24,000 miles Torque 72ftlb @ 5250rpm Rear caliper £47 Cost: Approx £330. Chassis steel spine Speedo drive and cable £23.50 Transmission gear oil change Dry weight 228kg Subframe £65 Rear drive gear oil change Seat height 840-860mm Fuel fi lter change Fuel capacity 22 litres (4.9 gal) Recalls Battery fl uid level check Tyre front 110/80 x 19 Chassis numbers: Battery electrolyte level, Tyre rear 150/70 x 17 ZH000000000050000 to clean/grease terminals NU insurance 13 ZH000000000057192 Air fi lter change Under certain conditions it is possible Alternator belt change Thanks to Balderston BMW (01733 for the inner section of the rear brake Wheel bearing play check 565470) and Norwich Union for their hose to rupture, leading to a loss of Swingarm bearing play check help compiling this article. brake fl uid. This could result in the Spark plugs change rear brake becoming inoperative. Affected machines were recalled Tyres and fi tted with a modifi ed rear brake Metzeler Tourance is the most hose and connections. popular choice by far. They’re hard wearing and allow decent lean angles. Servicing Sizes are 110/80 x19, 150/70 x17. F R 6000 miles Avon Distanza £65 £80 Cost: Approx £150. Bridgestone Battlewing £68 £92 Engine oil and fi lter change Bridgestone BT020 £78 £99 Brake fl uid check Bridestone Trailwing £62 £92 Brake pads check Continental TKC80 £57 £64 Clutch fl uid check Dunlop D607 £64 £90 Sidestand grease Metzeler Tourance £68 £88 Sidestand switch check Metzeler MCE Karoo £62 £66 Spark plugs check Michelin Anakee £69 £86 Valves adjust Michelin Pilot Road £72 £93 Throttle cables check Prices are mail order. Throttle bodies synchronise Source: SMD tyres (01942 604511)

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0042-04642-046 BBikeike CChooserhooser GS.inddGS.indd 4466 33/8/06/8/06 55:37:38:37:38 ppmm