Wait till next week, take a test ride, and make up your own mind
If you're worried about how long it'll take to get one, you can always stick a deposit down on both and only take the one you like best.
2008 1200 GS whats different?
- Thread starter Thunder
- Start date
Wait till next week, take a test ride, and make up your own mind
If you're worried about how long it'll take to get one, you can always stick a deposit down on both and only take the one you like best.
Migsel GPS mount
I know my Migsel GPS mount is now U/S and will not fit my '08 GS1200 but if I fit a tinted 1200ADV screen will it fit this screen. Not sure if the Migsel mount was the same for the GS and ADV. Anyone know? Also I understand the ADV screen is the same on the '08. Is this right?
As someone who had a previous version of the 1200GS when I ordered the 2008 I found no one could tell me what exactly was different on the new model and which of my existing accessories would fit so I thought it would be useful to post what I’ve discovered so far.
Entire front sub-frame is new so existing Migsel light bar will not carry over, from enquiries it appears that no light bars designed for the 04 to 07 model will work on the 2008.
Screen mounting plate has changed; the screens themselves are the same for all the bikes and the GSA screen is still an option (as are any after market screen ) but accessories like the Touratech cockpit cover, Migsel GPS mount which use the centre panel of the frame won’t work.
Oil cooler grills are the same for all model years, some reports said the 2208 had a larger cooler but my existing Reyno grill went straight on with no issues with the new bodywork.
The oil cooler using the same mounting points as previous bikes so Les Wassell’s HID ballast bracket pops straight on, again the new beak is not a problem.
Best Rests Hid brackets designed to fit underneath the side panels of the 04 -07 won’t work with the 08 owing to the new sub frame.
The Stebel Magnum horn (dual or single) won’t work with the 08 particularly if it has ESC as an option. The mount for the horn has been moved to hang under the head stock to inside of the right hand side panel.
Touratech hand guard extenders can’t be fitted with the new guards on the 08 owing to the new shape. BMW offer extended hand guards as an option from the dealer. The new hand guards also prevent fitting a brace to the handlebars.
Touratech brake and clutch reservoir protectors are common to all model years.
Accessory sockets have been moved on the 08, the front socket designed for a GPS feed is now down on the right side cable tied to the frame underneath the horn, the main socket has been moved from the rear sub-frame to inside the tool tray under the seat which makes it easy to access if you want to connect an Autocom unit. In addition the tool tray mounting box no longer has any relays which gives more space for an auxiliary fuse panel should you which to fit one.
The 08 has a completely new fuel tank and panels. The filler cap sits higher and has 2 breather pipes, which makes filling it to the neck easy compared to the previous bike.
The fuel filler is now mounted with 4 screws inside the cap which makes it simple to remove to take the panel off, but the SW Motech tank bag which mounts on a quick release bracket using the mounting screws for the filler cap on the previous version is now useless.
With the new tank panels on the 08 BMW have released new tank bags for the bike. The previous version of the tank bag will not fit perfectly and is likely to mark the tank.
Other accessories like crash bars, exhausts, seats are common to all model years, changes are mainly to the front of the bike and the fuel tank.
If you find any other differences add them to the post.
I know my Migsel GPS mount is now U/S and will not fit my '08 GS1200 but if I fit a tinted 1200ADV screen will it fit this screen. Not sure if the Migsel mount was the same for the GS and ADV. Anyone know? Also I understand the ADV screen is the same on the '08. Is this right?
Thunder
Registered user
Migsel mount will not fit on either the 08 GS or GSA as the screen mount is new, but the screens are the same for all models.
robb
Registered user
Top thread...........
Thunder - which screws is your reyno grill mounted? I took mine off my 05 and the beak screws are not in the same place in relation to the oil cooler.
Also can't find the front accessory socket. I've found the socket with a clip on which I think is for the diagnostic thingy. Did you have to unwrap it from the loom as you had to do on the old one?
cheers...Rob
Thunder - which screws is your reyno grill mounted? I took mine off my 05 and the beak screws are not in the same place in relation to the oil cooler.
Also can't find the front accessory socket. I've found the socket with a clip on which I think is for the diagnostic thingy. Did you have to unwrap it from the loom as you had to do on the old one?
cheers...Rob
Thunder
Registered user
Rob
I've found out since I wrote this article that there are 2 versions of the Reyno grill, the first mounted to the screws on the beak, the second (and later) version (mine) is held in place by strips running behind the oil cooler.
On The GS you don't have to unwrap it from the loom as it's on a spur, but you do have to cut a couple of cable ties to get it free.
The earlier version won't fit on the 2008 for the reasons you've mentioned.
The pictures I posted for the accessory socket are for the 2008 GS, the 2008 GSA I believe has it mounted under the headlight under the instrument binicle.
robb
Registered user
Rob
I've found out since I wrote this article that there are 2 versions of the Reyno grill, the first mounted to the screws on the beak, the second (and later) version (mine) is held in place by strips running behind the oil cooler.
On The GS you don't have to unwrap it from the loom as it's on a spur, but you do have to cut a couple of cable ties to get it free.
The earlier version won't fit on the 2008 for the reasons you've mentioned.
The pictures I posted for the accessory socket are for the 2008 GS, the 2008 GSA I believe has it mounted under the headlight under the instrument binicle.
You can't see the cable ties from the front so I'll leave the grill as is.
I'm really struggling to find the socket though. Mine's a normal GS, should I be able to see it by just taking the beak off or do I need to go behind the tank? Is it branched off the same bit of loom that the clipped socket is on?
cheers....Rob
Thunder
Registered user
Take the tight side panel off, the beak can stay on and look between the inside of the tank and the engine for the socket. It;s roughly in line with the horn, there are 2 sockets, one diagnostic and one for accessories.
robb
Registered user
cheers I'll give that a go when I get home. Couldn't find it yesterday but then I can't remember seeing the horn either
robb
Registered user
cheers I'll give that a go when I get home. Couldn't find it yesterday but then I can't remember seeing the horn either
Found the little xxxxer.
It was central under the headlights. A very logical place to put a power supply for a sat nav.
Must be there on mine as I have both option packs. Where you suggested looking is a little cluttered with ESA wires.
I'll have to shorten the lead now or run it around the block once or twice.
thanks....Rob
RAM-man
depleted member !
had good look at PiMM's (when he signs up ) new 08, 12GSA and noticed handlebars, thicker, oversize centre section (28mm ?) which then taper outwards down to 1", but this should not cause a mounting problem even on the upper screen mounting plate, I could slip a u-bolt thru the mid open section, so do not expect problems or blonde moments.
nharrisn
Registered user
Bought some Fastway pegs for my 08 and tried to fit them yesterday, the pressed in collar comes up about 1/4" short between the footpeg brackets. Sent pics to Nippynorman who sent them on to Fastway manufacturer in USA, aparrently they were already aware of the problem and will be coming out with new pegs for the 08 end of July.
Nigel
Nigel
Thunder
Registered user
That's strange as my Fastways which I'd fitted on the 06 bike dropped straight on to my 08.
Any chance you could post the pictures on here?
nharrisn
Registered user
Here's a pic, hope this turns out ok as first time posting pic...
Thunder
Registered user
Pic is fine. Looks like a machining fault or something similar, hope you get it sorted.
Andy Davies
Registered user
The rear brake pedal is different. The old 1200 allowed you to adjust the vertical position of the biting point the 08 version doesn't. Maybe a previous partial rupture of my right achillies tendon is at fault but standing on the pegs I find that it is uncomfortable to point my foot and difficult to apply pressure. I bet TT make a build up spacer! An alternative is to re-model the pedal so that it can be adjusted or source one off an Adventure.
I still suspect that the fuel tank retains an air space when full. I cannot get the same range on the new bike. To be investigated further!
To get over the problem of the Motorrad Concepts GPS mount not fitting the 08 model, the work around was to swap the whole screen assembly from the old to the new. Fits perfectly!
When I have time, my PIAA lights and Migsels's bar (with new mounts) will be fitted.
Cheers
Andy
I still suspect that the fuel tank retains an air space when full. I cannot get the same range on the new bike. To be investigated further!
To get over the problem of the Motorrad Concepts GPS mount not fitting the 08 model, the work around was to swap the whole screen assembly from the old to the new. Fits perfectly!
When I have time, my PIAA lights and Migsels's bar (with new mounts) will be fitted.
Cheers
Andy
rob1964bike
Guest
It's a great machine nuff said I love my 08
Tartan Terror
Registered user
Having just fitted a set of Fastways to an 08 GS I noticed that under the standard pegs there was a thick washer. You need this to take up the gap. Mine were stuck to the old pegs with thick grease so there may lie your answer.
HTH's
nharrisn
Registered user
Tried the washer, doesn't make any difference. This was the response I got from Will Huffman of Fastway's customer service:
We actually have a different length collar that should fit it perfectly, the older BMW pegs were intended to fit a few different models and some of them had a wider clevis for which those spacers were intended. Our design for the late model BM’s have a better fitting collar for the pegs, if you kick me your address and phone number I can have a set of these collars sent.
Waiting on the postman..
Nigel
We actually have a different length collar that should fit it perfectly, the older BMW pegs were intended to fit a few different models and some of them had a wider clevis for which those spacers were intended. Our design for the late model BM’s have a better fitting collar for the pegs, if you kick me your address and phone number I can have a set of these collars sent.
Waiting on the postman..
Nigel
Tartan Terror
Registered user
Ok, glad you hopefully have that sorted. You may still need that washer so don't bin it!!
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