2006/7 or Twin cam GSA?????

[holla916]

Hi all, I will be in the market in a few weeks for another 1200 GSA, I had one about 2 years ago (2010 twin cam) it was the worst thing I ever did getting rid of it but I had to get the money to relocate. I'm in 2 minds whether to sell my beautiful 916 ducati and get a newer twin cam like I had before or keep the Ducati and get a £6000ish 2006/7 one???? I have never ridden any other GSA apart from the 2010 one I had. Is there a lot of difference in engine or gadgets between the two models? I'm guessing the older one wont have the electronic adjustable suspension (a manual adjuster knob instead) but what about traction control/heated grips/tyre pressure sensors etc etc.

If they are worlds apart i'll part with my Ducati but I wanted some opinions. Many thanks

 

[birdseye]

The twin cam engine is a nicer unit . This http://www.mts1200.info/motorcycleinfo/indexc9d1.html?fa=contentGeneric.dnvjxqtaqfhxwmvv&pageId=180472 will give you some model history . Dont forget the unreliable brake servo system on the early bikes.

If you want to keep both bikes why not go fo a 1200gs twin cam rather than an adventure - or is it s street cred issue? You would get a good 2008 bike privatrely for 6k. As for extras, its going to be more of a question of whats on the bikes on sale

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

The 2008 I think is not a twin cam I dont think the twin cam came out until 2010 year model

 

[MWH]

My 07 was fully loaded. The only things it didn't have compared to my 09 MU was ESA and TPMS as they werent available then. It had grips, computer, asc, abs, chrome exhaust, spotlights, alarm etc. The abs system is more awkward to bleed on the 06/07 I believe fyi.

 

[Pukmeister]

Do NOT part with the 916, an iconic bike that will only become rarer and more valuable. You'll kick yourself if you do.

Plenty of GS models to chose from, which will only get cheaper due to the many thousands sold. The market is flooded with them.

Try for a MU bike after 2008 if you can as they are better than the earlier bikes for not much more money.

Buy based on condition rather than mileage: they can easily rack up miles but suffer if neglected.

 

[Greenman14]

Don't sell the Ducati. You will regret it, unless it's a shitty unreliable air cooled Multistrada like mine was.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

In the real world, there isn't a lot of difference. The TC definitely has a little more oomph but an o6/07 will do you well. If you want a bit more power, you can put a Power Commander on it or Hilltop it and you will be right up there with a TC. My 06 has a PC3 and has the same torque curve as a TC so it can be done.

Also, the earlier bikes were less complex without all the ESA, TPS etc etc but you will get trip computer, grips and spots which is all you really need.

Keep the 916 and I bet you'll find a nice 06/07 for sensible money.

 

[bikemad]

I'd defo say buy a cheaper one n keep the duke,mine has a wonderlich pc,full BOS exhaust pulls like a train compared to a standard GS

 

[GFJ]

I bought an 06 plate standard gs with a handful of miles on it earlier this year off this forum. My take at the time was that I didn't want all the electrowizardry on an older bike that I would be servicing myself.

Gearbox is clunky, engine sweet and it handles fine. Fine choice for me and most of my riding. Maybe better choices for extended motorway work, but don't think the tc would make much of a difference to that.

 

[Pukmeister]

GFJ, they are all clunky in comparison with Jap stuff.

A strip of the shift linkage and greasing, especially the bushing in the frame near the LH footrest, can improve the shift quality as can an gearbox oil change for good GL5 oil.

A remap also helps, but they aren't cheap.

 

[snaponphil]

Hi all, I will be in the market in a few weeks for another 1200 GSA, I had one about 2 years ago (2010 twin cam) it was the worst thing I ever did getting rid of it but I had to get the money to relocate. I'm in 2 minds whether to sell my beautiful 916 ducati and get a newer twin cam like I had before or keep the Ducati and get a £6000ish 2006/7 one???? I have never ridden any other GSA apart from the 2010 one I had. Is there a lot of difference in engine or gadgets between the two models? I'm guessing the older one wont have the electronic adjustable suspension (a manual adjuster knob instead) but what about traction control/heated grips/tyre pressure sensors etc etc.

If they are worlds apart i'll part with my Ducati but I wanted some opinions. Many thanks

Worth a look I'd say.. Spotted on site a few minutes ago.. ( no connection to seller)

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/385549-2010-R1200GS-Twin-Cam

Good luck

 

[Pukmeister]

That's a nice spec and good price.


Sent via my iThingumabob

 

[holla916]

Thanks for your advice, I probably will keep the 916. Its right what you say I'm not going to get another in this condition ............................. 9,000 miles from new and over £2k of carbon and extras. Thanks for the wake up call and for those 916 lovers out there ........................................ here she is:

 

[holla916]

Thanks snaponphil, I've sent a message to the seller

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Thanks snaponphil, I've sent a message to the seller

The only thing is the bike in the link is a GS ..... I thought you were after a GSA?

 

[Bendy toy]

The early bikes have some mechanical weaknesses. E.g Servo brakes final drive internal bearings.
The 08-09 has problems with corrosion.
The twin cam is the most sorted Hexhead. But the valve shims look like great fun to adjust.

 

[holla916]

The only thing is the bike in the link is a GS ..... I thought you were after a GSA?

......................... OH COCK!!!

 

[twizzle]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/376964-BMW-R1200GSA-2006

 

[Pukmeister]

The early bikes have some mechanical weaknesses. E.g Servo brakes final drive internal bearings.
The 08-09 has problems with corrosion.
The twin cam is the most sorted Hexhead. But the valve shims look like great fun to adjust.

No Bendy I strongly disagree, YOUR 08 bike has (had) a problem with corrosion. Mine still looks like new. I think you just got unlucky with yours.

 

[Bendy toy]

I've seen other 08-09 bikes with rusty black frames. The silver however does seems to be tougher.
It surprised me just how quickly the unheated (read slow) Biostrip strip tank ripped the black frame down to bare metal. The paint just fell off.
The swing arm and other silver alloy parts were in the tank for days. TBH coating them was just bling. The frame paint was a repair.