MAESTRO REVIEW BMW R1100GS

The BMW GS: A Pit Bull in Golden Retriever's clothing. It's even. uglier when it's passing you!

[@tonielezi8458]

Im about to buy a BMW R1100GS in good condition but my friends keep telling me its to old 😅. They have the newer model, but i dont want to spend that much money. I think im gone by the R1100GS. The price is 2000€ becouse we know each other and this price is only for me 😊

[@themaestro1881]

If it is in good condition I would not hesitate, specially at that price. Good Luck!!!

[@tonielezi8458]

@@themaestro1881 i offically bought it, 😊 im very happy, it needs a bit of work but im learning thru videos

[@gregorywilliams8580]

Rather get the F800 haha

[@mojomania101]

Great buy. 👍🏻

[@stevieg7403]

Never listen to people on the subject I constantly have the same thing I’m convinced a lot of it is slight jealousy

[@rideronthestormc968]

Impressive knowledge-base & riding skills ... beautiful lines! Never seen a video like this! Keep 'em coming!!

[@jaminic16]

I agree with everything you have said, I had x 2 1100 GS and have surprised many sport bike riders. I remember riding with some sport bike riders and they were setting up the bends with their knee down, I was relaxing until I decided to pass them, sitting bolt upright.

[@judod97]

its not about the bike but about the rider😉

[@kamilobetancur1]

Nice I have the same bike .. I have a couple questions, 1. can I change the tank 1100 GS 1996 to the super tank R1150 GS or i need o add something extra ? and 2nd. Can I change the front fender from GS 1100 to the 1150gs Adventure fender? ill appreciate any help

[@robpinter5431]

Done the same think with TKC80's......was such a hoot in my younger years...

[@neo2mel]

GS for the win!! 🏁

[@CZmx961]

Thanks for the useful information! I’ve watched this video 100 times and brings a smile to my face each time I watch it. I just acquired a 98 r1100 with only 11,600 miles on the odometer from a gentleman in Carson City who gave me the bike to add to my eclectic collection of motorcycles. New Michelin’s , brake pads(he did change out the brake lines), and that dual head light have been changed. Like you said pricey but worth the look. TFX or Olin’s are next. Seriously contemplating selling my African Twin. Just love the look of this 29 year old bike. Taking it in the van to CHP in Rohnert Park for an inspection on Friday. CA DMV what a rip! Our back roads up here in Cloverdale are so good can’t wait to get the girl on Skaggs Springs Road.

[@themaestro1881]

Love Hwy 128 to 1 to Skaggs. There's a show in Point Arena which is great. The sponsor Moto GP events at the local pub!

[@nikko7362]

You could get away from those guys on sport bikes on a scooter if you wanted to. It's not the GS, it's you. 😁

[@themaestro1881]

Actually, a couple of them were not really trying. The guy on the S1000rr could have crushed me like a bug!! But Thanks!

[@briannolan5601]

Great insight to the GS1100, and great info. I have a 1997 model that runs so sweet, and is fitted with Ohlins shocks. It carried me from Ireland up through Holland Germany and Denmark to take the ferry to Iceland for an 8 day tour of Iceland and back. Michelin Anakee adventure tyres were great for the rough roads there. Thank you! 🏍️💨👍

[@themaestro1881]

Would have loved to join you for that one! Done a fair bit of riding in Alps and Italy on a GS. Nothing Better!!

[@DawaiMulders]

Oh yeah 1100 GS the best!!!! And the best GS for the money even these days. This I the original BMW weapen for that price man. I live in the Netherlands you can buy these for €5000 euro with 100.000 km’s on it. The 1200 and 1250’s with 100.000 km the are more than twice the money. People are getting grazy over money. And they think the have the best bike. Bikes from the end 80’s end the 90’s are just great with not to much electronics because this is where the problems starts. Great video thanks for sharing the information 👍🏽

[@MALBACHinc]

Ive been dreaming mine. Old gs with twin 4x4 shaped hella headlamp and a marlboro decal

[@johnmignano7872]

😆🤣BMW hater, but shockingly must admit wouldn't of believed, if I hadn't seen it, this bike kicks butt, thanks for sharing so many invaluable buyer tips and your riding skills are phenomenal as well 👍

[@sqd8r]

Had a 04 12GS, it was the perfect bike, hand-in-glove from day 1. Got a HP2 after the 12GS was written off after 85K. Still have the HP2 today. The GS line is the perfect bike and the modern bikes really owe it to the 1100GS.

[@mollyfilms]

Did the produce the 1200 in 04?? I thought it was much later? I had a brand new 1150 in 05

[@Bandit-Iggy]

Very enjoyable video, there's a 80th anniversy gs 1100 sitting under my building now for at least 5 years, you convinced me buddy, i will take to the lady owner, and get it, cheers👍

[@themaestro1881]

That's the red and white? Very striking color combo.

[@Bandit-Iggy]

@@themaestro1881 yes that's the one, been sitting here for years now i figure there's not to many of them.

[@kashsay962]

75th anniversary?

[@straycat1115]

I have a 95 GS, riding it now for several years and more than 30 thousand kilometers, no trouble with the gearbox, luckily, the only trouble I had was a whining fuel pump. Mine is also slightly modified, Touratech suspension front and rear, windshield cutted, steel cable brakes lines, actually similar to yours. I also had an early 2013 1200 GS LC, which I sold again after a season. Reasoning: horrible gearbox, ugly noises from the shaft drive in some gears / rpm - sort of whining resonances - intolerable. (Early series BMW's are like bananas, they ripe with customer, the saying goes..) And seriously: my observation is, that a well adjusted, high-quality conventional suspension is at least at pair with all the ESA-voodoo. You nicely describe how to ride the old lady - smoothly, utilizing the good torque at low rpm. And accept my compliments, please: you ride, what we call in German: "einen sauberen Strich! "😊 One question: can you please give the exact spec of the "softer" brake pads you are using? The brakes are indeed imhop the greatest deficit in comparison to a modern bike, regarding initial bite and breaking power alike. Ride on safely!

[@julietharty1965]

Hi mate, what did you do about the whining fuel pump? I'm heading back to Europe and mine was dreadful last year, 2022, it was a new replacement from Euromoto Electrics. I have a new one from Euromoto Electrics in the USA, it's bloody annoying so when I land in London am off to "Jap and German" for them to replace the whole lot. Be interested to know if you resolved your problem and got to the casue of it. Regards from Australia.

[@ConstantinosPanayiotides]

Wow Maestro....You just made me want to buy one..... THANKS

[@DDR29]

Stage road Herb, How are you ??? Great to see you doing what you LOVE.... We had some great rides in the day for sure, I have quite a lot of videos up under the original "Doug Davis Racing" on youtube as we were beating up sport bikes >>> Keep in touch my friend..

[@vinjofin1972]

I have the r1200 injectors from a company called Tills in Germany on my 2000 BMW r1100rt. No more KFR and more bottompower. No complains over here.

[@themaestro1881]

Thanks for the confirmation! Cheers!!

[@vinjofin1972]

Where is this road?

[@kamilobetancur1]

Nice video, I have the same I have a couple questions, 1. can I change the tank 1100 GS 1996 to the super tank R1150 GS or i need o add something extra ? and 2nd. Can I change the front fender from GS 1100 to the 1150gs Adventure fender? ill appreciate any help

[@themaestro1881]

I am pretty sure the 1150 and 1100 tanks are swapable. For the fender, I would look at an 1150 nest to your 1100 and see if it looks the same. Sorry I cannot be more definative. Good luck!!

[@kamilobetancur1]

@@themaestro1881 thanks a lot for your answer

[@elay1393]

Loved your review plus your bike , i’m very impressed , i’m in the market of buying an R1150RS, what are your thoughts? What should i look for before buying ? It has low miles only 20k miles on it

[@themaestro1881]

Thank you Sir! Low mileage bikes are great to find,. Of course, it is difficult sight unseen to comment but service records are always a big plus. Has the biek been in the dirt? How much? Hard dirt riding puts more strain across the board. Tip overs in the dirt are almost mandatory. Check for oil seepage although the bike will probably be wiped clean, there are ususally tell tale signs. Not a huge deal but a negotiation point for sure. How long has the present owner had the bike? Get a sense for how he rides. Usually low mileage older GS's are a good buy and have years of life left. That being said I have a friend who bought one with like 30K miles and it did not serve him sell. Good Luck!

[@owensmith1258]

Awesome review! I just bought my first 2001 BMW 1150gs. Do you use the Redline heavy shock proof oil in your final drive as well?

[@themaestro1881]

I haven't but I certainly wouldn't hesitate to use it. It worked wonders on the tranny.

[@owensmith1258]

@@themaestro1881 Thank you very much.

[@karlos3611]

This was a great watch really enjoyed it. Im looking at buying one at the moment because of this vid. Great info Maestro so well explained and great riding too. Ive had 2 R1250 GSs great bikes but too much money can't justify anymore so need to have one of these👍

[@garyhoward4064]

Wondering how this works off road.. Every now and then, nice to have.. Still happy with my G/S 80, but thinking about it..

[@themaestro1881]

In the right hands, these GS's are superb. I did not start out on dirt so mine are not the right hands. I'll never forget one time my "buddies" led me down this rock strewn steep hill. They made it easily. I thought I was going to die, saying my mantra the whole way..."Speed is your friend, Speed is your friend." Then these 450cc guys pulled up at the bottom of the hill and looked at us and said with disbelief, "You guys came down THAT on THOSE?" Suffice to say, I have seen some amazing riding (by others) on 1100 GS's!

[@danfredrick4585]

Hey cowboy, you could put a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine in a wheelbarrow, and kick ass 😅

[@romananthonymusic]

you got skill

[@robpinter5431]

I have one from new in 1100 GS 1998....gave it to my son with 350,000km....broke the subframe a few times, a few gearbox rebuilds but truely reliable.

[@themaestro1881]

Certainly has to be a canidate for GOAT motorcycle!

[@motoxygen]

Nice ride Maestro !!!! Hello from Greece !!!! Could you tell me please what handlbar is this ? Is fatbar 28mm or 22mm ? What about vibrations without barends? Have you heated grips or no? Thank you !!!

[@RealEstateYucatanMexico]

I have a 95 1100 gs bmw, no spark it doesnt star up 🙈

[@achimk4886]

Thank you man for Thiago review! You are so right, the gs is great, I ride the 1150 . Greatings from germany

[@herbshattuck6269]

I have a friend who drags his knee on an 1150! Amazing to watch and hard to follow!!

[@takeseverythingyouvegot]

Just bought a 99 R1100GS. Shipping to me soon. It's like waiting for Christmas. Rookie question. What do you mean by soft brake pads? Sintered? Asbestos? Organic?

[@themaestro1881]

I use the EBC Double H Sintered {ads. Congrats and Good Luck!!

[@SalsamichaelA]

OK, I will keep my R1100RS!

[@MichaelAnderson-o4d]

Hi Maestro, i have a 2020 tuono v4 factory and then i bought a r1250gsa, i love riding both bikes, i saw your reviews after i bought both. Every now and then i wonder if i should have got a multistrada v4s as a only bike. Great comprehensive reviews, keep them comming 👌🏽

[@themaestro1881]

Step away from the Cycle Trader!!!! You have the perfect combination of motorcycles with the broadest of applications possible with two bikes. Now that being said, I have not ridden the V4 Multi. I had a twin Pikes Peak though. The Tuono is much better handling bike and the GS is a great go-anywhere bike. Thanks and Cheers!!!

[@d24tv43]

Hi what glassfering do you use on this bike?

[@allseeingotto2912]

Holy shit , you rode the hell out of that thing . Did it come with no abs ?

[@marcophez6907]

Jeez brother- I'm about to buy (hoping I'm making the right choice given your pointe about the long gears etc) a mint 1150GS for some adventure touring in the Pyrenees, Spain. Was toying with the idea of adding some knobblies so we could do some of the TET (off-road) but you video's made me ponder on the need for doing that, in favour of just having fun on the roads! Top riding by the way- so much confidence- I salute you sir! I always freak out about the possibility of losing grip on the centre lines but clearly you don't have that fear due to your experience. Nice vid! 🙂

[@themaestro1881]

I'm jealous. Need a tour guide by chance?? So here's my two cents! The Pyrenees have dozens of great roads both in France and in Spain. Many of them are goaty and super fun leading to points beyond any civilization. Most adventure tires are fully capable of dirt roads without breaking a sweat and the new ones still stick great on pavement. I think the new Metzler Torrance would work great for your trip. Also, you watched me in the video on roads that I know like the back of my hand. The pace on unfamiliar roads will be toned down considerably so a more touring oriented tire will do you just fine. Cheers and check back in to give us a report on the trip!!

[@marcophez6907]

@@themaestro1881 Yes mate! Come on over and be our guide! 😃Thanks for your insight, it's really appreciated- I've only had a few small bikes decades ago- then a Bandit 600 for hooning around Wales which has now been sold a couple of years back. Those tyres look ace by the way- thanks for that recommendation too. So... we plan to be in the Pyrenees in September sometime- see ya there?!

[@stainsxl]

Max Verstappen on two wheels.

[@themaestro1881]

Maybe Jos Verstappen. Closer in age!! 😀

[@whatthesnell]

Great video and beautiful bike. I live in the South Bay, do you have a shop that you recommend (preferably independent but good dealer is fine too).

[@themaestro1881]

Yes. My friend Guillaume in Glendale. Tell him I sent you. Starter Cycles. 818) 482-5374

[@irakperez]

thanks a bundle!! Solid gold info on this grat video man!

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

my 97 r11000rt trans is very noisy shifting and grinds some. do you think this oil would be helpful for the shifting?

[@themaestro1881]

A little difficult to diagnose from here but the total risk is $20. I would give it a try. Should help with the noise but the grinding may be beyond redemption. Goos luck!!

[@kevinlauterbach4934]

Overtaking those sport bikes on that old GS must feel hella good ;)

[@themaestro1881]

😬

[@gabrielcocco3134]

Very informative! I really liked your video. I’m looking for a GS for me and I was very uncertain about which model to choose and your video helped me a lot! Amazing work.

[@timreid8445]

Maestro, great review and convinced me that the GS1100 is the one for me - like the analog nature of it and the spiked wheels rather than the overly plasticy 1200s. Unfortunately they are not a bargain any more in the UK which makes it difficult not to go for a 1200.

[@MALBACHinc]

Thbiking of owning the 1100, hows the spareparts engine parts. Is it still on the market?

[@themaestro1881]

Yes. There were a million of these running around at one time. I have a friend in NorCal who has four of them!

[@MALBACHinc]

@@themaestro1881 thats convincing enough. Thanks🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@MALBACHinc]

@@themaestro1881 I just close a deal on 96 model, fully restored but parked for two years. The engine was fired for the first time during my visit, the starter was weak probably it was newly charged for few hours. First few minutes the engine was weak, after that it revves quick. and it starts smoothly the 2nd time. I am both worried yet excited. If you can take some time to check out my shorts posted few days back. thats the bike..

[@ionutk2000]

Awesome skills Sir! Cheers!

[@corruptclan1443]

Awesome skills well done

[@themaestro1881]

Thank you Sir!!

[@Alex_tezin]

Молодец мужик, снимаю шляпу. Старый но надежный мотоцикл, коробка и двигатель мне тоже нравиться. Удачи на дорогах.

[@juancarlosmezacoello3043]

mis respetos!! yo tengo una igual, y me gusta mucho. saludos desde Mexico!!

[@themaestro1881]

Gracias, mi amigo!!

[@eliasperez5577]

Hola amigo disculpa me regalaron una como esta pero llevaba tiempo.po parada quiera preguntarte

[@eyezlikeydrums]

Great vid!! Great riding!! You know a great deal about the GS platform. Any advice on the 2003 1150? A relative just got one. Anything to look out for or be concerned with that I can pass along? Thanks!!

[@themaestro1881]

Advice: Plan a trip to Alaska! I spoke about the final drive in the video but other than that, enjoy!!

[@kevinhawtin4677]

Great review have owned 2x1150gs 🏍️🇬🇧

[@990carpenter]

Best review I've seen so far about this bike, proper skill riding, beautiful bike, respect from France my friend ✌🏍

[@themaestro1881]

Merci!!

[@kawaman2192]

Great vid ,just got myself a R1100GS what size tyres are you running, 110/80 or 120/70 front 150 or 160 rear, looking forward to going around the outside of some sport bikes...maybe

[@themaestro1881]

I always run stock sizes so a 110/80/19 up fromt and a 150/17 in the rear. Michelin Road 6.

[@aerourraco]

really enjoyed your review,I’m searching for my first bike.And not yet decided if its going to be 1100 gs or 1150gs.thanks for your video!

[@themaestro1881]

Thanks! Good Luck and check back in when you decide.

[@ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣΣΙΜΟΣ-ξ5β]

Hello,i have the 94 model,and i want ask this:as i see u go fast,and the last time i tried to go fast,the temperature of the bike went up just my one bar ,not much but its an old bike. So is that normal or maybe i have to check something??

[@themaestro1881]

To be honest, I have not paid that close attention to temp variations. It seems to always be just north of the midpoint no matter what. I wouldn't worry about yours. Seems pretty normal. Cheers!

[@MarkoMarcello]

Great review. Awesome riding. Still enjoying my r1100rt.

[@themaestro1881]

I had two r1100RT's. Loved them. When I put some Pirelli Angel; GT's on it ithey transformed the bike. Cheers!!

[@MarkoMarcello]

Thanks for the insight on the tires. Pirellis or road6 , I’ll check them out. Not very satisfied with Dunlop roadsmart.

[@Itsdazma]

Great minds think alike!! I have a 2019 Tuono RR and a 2018 r1200gs Rallye. Have a few others too, but I will never be without a Tuono and a GS - an unbeatable combination. The Rallye editions use the Adventure suspension on the standard GS which is what accounts for the superior handling. Loving the content.

[@herbshattuck6269]

I'm jealous! Would love to upgrade to a Rallye! I just picked up a 2017Tuono Factory with a Akro and forged wheels with only 1500 miles. Going to sell the 2020 which has 27,000 miles . Stsy tuned !!

[@davidcox8961]

I recently bought a BMW r850r, 1997. Would it have the GS gearing? I love the bike. I haven't had a bike to ride for over 40 years. Makes me feel young again !! That a good feeling at 75.

[@themaestro1881]

Congratulations!!! You have a 40 years worth of riding to make up for!! From what I have been told, yes, the final drive is the same. Cheers!!

[@davidcox8961]

@@themaestro1881 Thanks! My R850 is a five speed. Cheers !!

[@avenueb]

Seems insane to ride a bicycle on this road for fear of being plowed down by a motorcycle.

[@themaestro1881]

Indeed! But that's the reason I held up the pass. Three into two don't go! But you're right. It's all pretty insane when it comes down to it.

[@csch3d]

Hey, which handelbar & mirrors do you use? Nice Video

[@themaestro1881]

Thank you. They are SevenEight Bars and I am not sure of the mirrors but you can find them on ebay. thy're cheap. The riding position of the bars is great but they are very light compared with the heavy stock bars and no bar end weights on them. Consequently more buzzy. Doesn't really bother me but noticeable. .

[@kamalazam666]

i agree part of it its the bike.. but its also the rider.. nide riding man!

[@themaestro1881]

Thank you sir! I appreciate the compliment!

[@tolissis5702]

Awesome driving skills....

[@touchingthecloth]

Ha! had the same bike in monkey piss yellow- wonderfull! Whenthe 1200 rallye came out i bit the bullet and shelled out for that....really not that much difference apart from all the lecky functions to go wrong! Heyho. Glad i owned it and yours looks a beauty!- Si in the uk

[@bryanbird8108]

Does the rear brake caliper heat up when riding

[@themaestro1881]

I honestly don't know. I only use the rear a lot in the dirt. On the street I only use the rear brake riding two up. On the center stand does the rear wheel spin freely? You've probably tried that already.

[@aaron___6014]

How similar does the GS handle to the RT?

[@themaestro1881]

I had two R1100RT's. They feel much heavier and do not handle goaty roads nearly as well. So the GS will outrun a RT pretty much anywhere. That all being said, on a smooth flowing road, the RT will surprise a lot of people. For those who are familiar with Hwy 9 out of Boulder Creek CA, I had a good run with a pretty well ridden ZX10 years ago on the RT. The Zx10 rider couldn't believe what he just witnessed. Tires make a big difference. When I switched to the Pirelli Angel GT's it transformed the bike. Cheers!!

[@aaron___6014]

@@themaestro1881 thanks for the reply! I'll be checking out those tires once my metzelers are toast.

[@bartonmcgill]

I’d like to know where those twin headlights are available

[@themaestro1881]

They ain't cheap but they really improve both the looks and lighting of the bike. www.wunderlichamerica.com/BMW_R850_GS_R1100_GS_Dual_Headlight_Conversion

[@allseeingotto2912]

I think the original looks better .

[@christrek1027]

I bought a used 99 R1100R with 29k. The rear brake line popped a leak. (All original). Immediately changed all the lines to stainless steel lines. The single best thing you could do to your bike! Makes all the difference.

[@avenueb]

I wonder if that was my 99R1100R.. blue?

[@aaron___6014]

I have an rt, does it improve confidence or feel?

[@christrek1027]

Mostly confidence. A little bit more solid feel.

[@AnalogDude_]

1150 pistons?

[@herbshattuck6269]

Yes. Had replace the jugs as well which came off of an an 1159RT. The stock RT pistons are higher compression ratio. Chris Hodgson of San Jose BMW had them lying around and gave them to me. What a guy!

[@AnalogDude_]

@@herbshattuck6269 What are the jugs? it's possible to run R1150RT pistons on a r1100 block? I'm thinking of replacing the valve stem seals, tell me more?

@@herbshattuck6269 Can you please give more information about this update?

[@dutchsailor6620]

@@AnalogDude_ Pistons of a R1100S are a drop in replacement and will increase your compression, no barrel swap required. The heads stay the same. The higher compression will ask for premium fuel, otherwise detonation might occur. A good update is to use the throttle bodies from the R1150. These have 4 hole injectors instead of the 1 hole injectors on the R1100 resulting in a smoother throttle reaction and some more bottom power.

[@AnalogDude_]

@@dutchsailor6620 Yeah, that's was the plan using R1150 throttle bodies and this gas cable assembly under the battery, but not sure if the gas cables will fit the R1100RS gas handle. it seams cylinders or the R1150 need some modification, someone here on Tube said. Ordered parts will not be taken back, so i have to be sure. looking in the catalog, the conrod pin is the same part number, but the pistons are not and the pistons might not available. it's a bit cheaper to buy the whole R1100S engine, second hand.

[@Bulgaria-112]