'08 engine/gearing compared to '06

[IanTr]

Hi.

Just desk researching the '08 as I'm tempted to upgrade from my '06. I'll be organising a test ride but thought someone might be able to comment on the real-world impact of the engine/drivetrain changes.

Somewhat amusingly the dealer told me that "extra power has been added at the lower end of rev range". Even a relative numpty like me knows that that sentence makes no sense whatsoever!

Anyway, I see that the power output is up by 5hp, but I also notice that this output is quoted for 7,500rpm vs 7,000rpm on the older version. And that max torque is unchanged but arrives 250rpm later. And that the gear ratios are a little longer on the newer model.

I tend not to rev the b*llocks of my current bike, so am wondering if those changes are actually going to net out to inferior performance for me? Are there any torque curves available for the two versions??

From those of you who've upgraded to the '08 version I'd be delighted to hear your entirely subjective thoughts / opinions!

Thanks in advance.

 

[scooterman]

Last weekend I rode side by side 1,200 km on my R1200GS 2007, and 2008 model.
Although the changes looks minors on the paper, the now one fill mach stronger on the road.
The new one accelerates smoother at any rev and faster. The main differences are the feeling, not the numbers. The top speed is same.
On 2008 model you feel like more extra 15 horses not only a five. I assume the gear changes makes different between these two.

 

[Tartan Terror]

I would also agree that the new engine does feel stronger in the midrange and picks up a wee bit quicker all round. Mines still tight yet but I can feel it already.

 

[Pathologic]

2008 rental

I had a couple of days in southern Spain on a rented 2008 R1200GS. Definitely smoother roll on acceleration than my late 2007 version. The bike did feel more together than 2007 and performed flawlessly on the day.

Regards,

Path.