First look at the new GS1150

Just delivered.  This bike was bought "sight unseen".  The truth is that bikes (and most things really) always look better in photos on computers.  I knew this when I was bidding on this bike and I surprisingly won it for less than I thought it would attain.

It looks great in these photos but overall it is quite tired and does not look too good when you are up close.  This bike has covered 64,000 miles and it shows.  The frames on these were quite cheaply made and this one looks pretty ugly.  The bike has come from Nevada in the US so it has little rust but it would certainly do with a makeover.

Looks like it was owned by some one who worked for the US Department of Defense.

 

It was last registered and probably last run before June 2010.

Radiator looks like it has been through a war zone.  Probably still works but many of the fins have been dented by being hit by road debris.

Forks have no pitting at all.

Some body panels are held on with cable ties.

The engine and some of the components behind the panels look very fresh.

LHS cover is on good shape.

LHS of engine looks great.

Chain and sprockets look dry but without wear.  Teeth have no signs of hooking.

Covers are missing from the swing arm.

Rear plastics all in good shape.

Riders seat has original base (plastic moulded) but cover and foam are not original.  They are far thinner than normal.  Perhaps PO was short and needed sear lowering to reach the ground?

This is nice. Stainless steel Supertrapp muffler and headers.

Calipers will need rebuilding but all the brakes are free and working.

RHS engine cover has seen some road surface but it is not terminal.

Some of the panels need considerable repair.

The mirrors never survive the trip from the states.  I wonder why?

Lovely stainless.

Both of the keys supplied fit none of the three locks.  I had to remove the steering lock and the seat lock.

Fuel tank is without problems except for cosmetics.

Side panels have splits and posts missing.