03 GSA 1150 or 94 Africa Twin?

[Bliknęrs]

Help me decide please - I have narrowed my search down to two bikes and cant decide. I'm looking for an all rounder that I can ride for years and sell again easily.

Charlie and Ewan GS has alum panniers and 130k kilos (new clocks standing on 6000) unable to verify mileage only a book stamped when it was replaced with a new set. I think it's OK. Bearings on drive shaft replaced and a joint or something on the front suspension. Thing bothering me is a ticking noise from left side owner says its throttle body and easy to fix. Looks Ok some rust.

The AT is on 70000 and really well kept. Engine sounds as new. Nothing to spend. Owner keeps it under a blanket in his garage.

Both same price.

Comments and thoughts please I want to ride this weekend. Or should I look for something else?

[Gérrard]

Jy ry mos alleen nę ?

Ek was bevoorreg om altwee te hę. Die 1150GSA is 'n great bike as jy meestal ooppad en goeie gravel gaan ry. Hy kan die rowwe goed hanteer.

In jou geval sou ek egter die AT vat. Net so great bike, relatief OK op die ooppad en daar's min plekke wat jy nie met hom kan ry nie.

Goed versorg sal beide jou jare hou.

[Xpat]

I had both. GSA all the way(1150 that is, none of that newer stuff). It is undestructible, while honda is flimsy and not cery good at anything. And ut is less reliable - fuel pump and regulator bring the weak spots (unless they were addressed somehow by current  owner).

[manxkipper]

Its all about condition with older bikes. On the basis of your information I think the at is the better bet.  I had a 1150 gsa that I really enjoyed but I would go for the at as it probably has more life in it at this point. A well looked after bike is always first prize.
Good luck.

[Steekvlieg]

Also had both and for long term i would take the GS, or both 

[Gérrard]

I also think we need to know what your purpose with riding it is. They are very different bikes. If I recall you had a DL1000 before. If that is still your type of riding, then the 1150 no doubt.

You have to take them both for a ride. The 50 kg in weight difference is telling, but the solidness of the 1150 is what will sell it.

[Gérrard]

Also had both and for long term i would take the GS, or both 

Something I picked up long time ago here, is how many guys had an AT and then an 1150GSA.

[Steekvlieg]

Also had both and for long term i would take the GS, or both 

Something I picked up long time ago here, is how many guys had an AT and then an 1150GSA.

And most of them wish they had both now

[ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS]

I am biased. The GSA for me.

[volroom]

Honda AT retains second hand value - it has more legend status..

[katana]

What is the spares like on a 94 AT?  I imagine a GS will find spares a lot easier.  Both are nice bikes - I have ridden, but not owned either.  For me a shaft drive will be a big plus.

[jaybiker]

Can't say much about the AT because I've never ridden one, but I don't doubt they're very good and I could probably live with one quite happily.

But the 1150, well frankly it just doesn't make sense. It's so horrendously overweight that you'll find yourself riding rock steady in a 50kmh gale when your mates won't even bring their bikes out.
And it's so woefully under powered that your mates on much faster bikes will just shake their heads and let you go when you blow them away.
And it's ugly. Especially with that stupid plastic beak and mismatched headlights
And reliability, you'll hear and read about other owners' issues sometimes, but if my experience is anything to go by, you'd better buy an exotic second machine if you like working on bikes, because with a Pig you'll be bored out of your skull.
Which is just as well,because if you ever have occasion to visit the dealer to enquire about parts you're either going to blow your mind or bust a gut laughing. Then you still have to face the embarrassment of hunting around, ducking and diving to find cheaper generic alternatives, or the identical parts in other packaging at a fraction of the price.

So there you have it. Overweight, underpowered, ugly, much too reliable, mission to locate affordable parts on the rare occasions that you need them.

I absolutely love mine, but don't buy one unless you're 'Pig headed' like me! 

[Bliknęrs]

I wish I could afford both!
I mostly ride alone, yes G.
I cant work on them and decent mechanics are far away. I only have basic tools and very basic skills.
I keep my bikes long, and usually get to know them quite well.
I will put on about 5000km in a year.
I also have kids going to university soon!!

[RTFM]

Did you see Gryph's AT for sale??  2003 model...

[Bliknęrs]

I saw Gryphs bike on Gumtree, didn't realise it was a WD.
His bike looks very nice but out of my budget, unfortunately.

[Lem]

I have not owned the Africa Twin before, but I know how good they can be and have ridden with a few owners. I have always admired that model. I feel that the best example in SA should not be priced above R 40 000. All of them are on high mileage by now.

I have owned two 1150GSAs. The last one had mileage around 130 000km. The engine itself was good. During my time I also replaced the final drive bearings. The rest of the bike started to feel old and needed some TLC. Spares are available, but expensive.

On a R 45 000 budget I would much rather look at a pristine example, lowest mileage R 1100GS of R 1150 GS.

I recently paid R 45 000 for my yellow 1150GS with 85 000km on the clock and I firmly believe it's the most beautiful, well looked after bike I have ever owned. I don't forsee any big expenses soon.

With these old bikes, history & condition is everything. I have paid the schoolfees on making emotional purchases before. You will find a better condition 1150GS at R 45 000, than you would find a 1150GSA at R 55 000.

[Omninorm]

If they were the same condition and mileage I'd say go 1150, but the AT here sounds like a better buy from your description.

The 1150 is MUCH MUCH easier to work on and to find spares and believe it or not will be easier to pick up if you drop it.

[Bliknęrs]

Thanks guys now I'm even more confused.
Maybe it comes down to a older bike with less mileage v a 9 years younger bike with double the mileage.
Cost of ownership most important. Generally speaking off course as we dont know what the future holds for us.

[Omninorm]

Thanks guys now I'm even more confused.
Maybe it comes down to a older bike with less mileage v a 9 years younger bike with double the mileage.
Cost of ownership most important. Generally speaking off course as we dont know what the future holds for us.

Then go for the 1150. You will have less "Headache" I think.
Maybe do a costing on the 1150 if say rings and seals have to be replaced.
If not too much...go for that. There are a few with over 250 000km on without issues.
The BIG plus on them....BMW dealership and lots of BMW indies.

[Bliknęrs]

You will find a better condition 1150GS at R 45 000, than you would find a 1150GSA at R 55 000.