2012 or 2013

[pitrat101]

Hi Guys, I have saved up and now have the funds to buy a BMW R1200GS! Just a quick question, am I better off going for a 2012 model not the LC or the 2013 model LC, what are the differences, pro's and con's?

Thanks guys in advance

Steve

 

[Roadrash Rider]

Hi Steve, that's a big question and your going to get a lot of very different opinions. My view based on having had both the 10 to 12 plate TC GS and a 15 plate 16 build LC GS.

The bikes are chalk and cheese, completely different, but trying to keep it objective if you get a 12 plate TC your buying probably the most sorted oil air cooled GS's available. If you buy a 13 plate LC then your buying the first of the new breed of engine, without years of sorting and de bugging. Not that the LC isn't a great bike it's just very different to the TC.

I waited and bought a 16 build LC as I wanted to make sure that any new model glitches had been addressed, I'm sure that there are still plenty of refinements and updates to come on the LC's. There will be someone along to tell you what the technical differences are on the new LC shortly.

For me very different bikes, you need to ride them both, if you want character, low down grunt and want a bike you have be heavy handed with then TC old school tech, if you want a faster smoother bike then the LC all new tech. But give them both a good test ride.


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[Nutty]

If you can stretch to a 64 plate TE or newer, these have most of the bugs ironed out. This is a great time of year to haggle with the dealers, as they want sales and have a lot of stock. If not, go for a late twin cam, as these are great bikes, but don't look as modern, IMO.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Hi Steve if u like a sportier ride get 2013 on it is much much quicker. The 2012 is a softer ride but the are both gs's so very very relaxing tourers it's just I feel the 2013 can have a real edge to it if thrashed.

Cruise control and integrated nav controls for nav 5 are good.

I would go for 2014 over 2013 as they added a damper and the gear change can be shockingly awful on 2013/2014 so check on a test ride if it's bad u will know.

if u go for a 2012 the gear change is sloppier but there's no risk it will graunch like some of the newer bikes do.

You simply have to ride both then u will know they are quite different.

 

[Toddmeister]

Hi Steve, there's a few folk who had problems with their 2013 LCs but most got resolved under warranty at the dealer. A number are well documented on here, but don't be put off as some folk must have posted their same story several times over and dramatised it so much it would have been fit for an Eastenders plot!
There are also a load of bikes out there which were just fine and have being going strong for a couple of years with no major issues at all, and some are already into mileages of over 50k. You can also take out an extended warranty if you want extra peace of mind.

As previously advised, test tide both and see what deals you can get, then make your mind up. Whichever you go for you'll get a great bike!

 

[spm0912]

I've got a 13 plate GSA TC bought from new. Longest I've kept a bike for years, as others have said its a well sorted bike. I've had several long rides on both the GS and GSA LC and I just can't get on with them despite wanting to (though I had a week on the LC RT and loved it).

I think for me anyway the fact that I've grown up riding big twins means I prefer a less 'frantic' way of getting around, the LC is too revvy for me but if you're coming from multi cylinder jap bikes you might think differently.

Long rides on both are recommended to see which one best suits your riding style

 

[oldnfat]

I've got a 13 plate GSA TC bought from new. Longest I've kept a bike for years, as others have said its a well sorted bike. I've had several long rides on both the GS and GSA LC and I just can't get on with them despite wanting to (though I had a week on the LC RT and loved it).

I think for me anyway the fact that I've grown up riding big twins means I prefer a less 'frantic' way of getting around, the LC is too revvy for me but if you're coming from multi cylinder jap bikes you might think differently.

Long rides on both are recommended to see which one best suits your riding style

Same for me. Had the LC but went back to the TC. That is not to say the LC is a bad bike, it isn't, I just prefer the TCs (GSA) Mrs relaxed ride and remains awesome despite having been super ceded.

So as others have said, very different bikes and the only way to be objective is to ride both on mixed roads.

 

[Wrinkly]

I had a well sorted 2012 TC which I foolishly swapped for a 2013 WC.

Whilst the WC was quicker it was very revvy and had a bloody awful gearbox, which bizarrely only raised it's ugly head after the 600ml service. I had lots of problems with the early WC and in the end moved it on.

I think it was on the 2015 model that they swapped to a heavier flywheel which did improve things, but to be honest out of the 11 or so WC
bikes I've ridden, whist the gearbox has been acceptable on most of them none could be described as good.

If you don't mind a little less performance then the TC is a fine bike, it's fluid and torquey with a lovely gearbox.

I've had every incarnation of the GS since the 1100 and in my opinion the TC is the best overall bike.

Having said all that, a Triumph Explorer with the suspension and riding position sorted, which can be done for around £350, is a far better bike than either the TC or WC.

If you regularly take a pillion make sure you take them on any test ride.

My good lady liked the TC hated the WC, but loves being on the back of the Explorer.

Happy hunting.

 

[pitrat101]

Thanks for the reply's guy's, a bit thrown now, not ridden a 2012 model but did take the 2015 one out in September and thought it was good, and certainly not that much of a power drop from my Gixxer! I just thought the clunking was the gear shift thing that was fitted! Had a look at an Explorer but my work mate has one and the rear shock has burst twice on it and he cant wait to change for a BMW. Does the 2012 have cruise control on it or was that a revision on the 2013 model? Sorry for the questions guy's but just want to get the full scope on both bikes before I decide. One last thing! is there ay sites I can compare both bikes together to see what the differences are?

Thanks

Steve

 

[agent2494]

No cruise control on old air cooled models but I maybe wrong as I don't have it on my 2013 twin cam


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[Deleted account 251212001]

2013 on was cruise. Look for a TE version it will be standard. The triumphs are not a patch on these imo.

Coming from a gixer get a 2013 onward trust me. Way sharper than the 2012 or before.

 

[GS-Jonesy]

One last thing! is there ay sites I can compare both bikes together to see what the differences are?

There is a site called totalmotorcycle.com but it is American and I don't know if specs/models are different on the other side of the pond. I don't know of a UK/European version of the site but someone else might.

I would definitely suggest you ride both bikes. I've not but those that have seem to suggest they are chalk and cheese


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[Nutty]

Thanks for the reply's guy's, a bit thrown now, not ridden a 2012 model but did take the 2015 one out in September and thought it was good, and certainly not that much of a power drop from my Gixxer! I just thought the clunking was the gear shift thing that was fitted! Had a look at an Explorer but my work mate has one and the rear shock has burst twice on it and he cant wait to change for a BMW. Does the 2012 have cruise control on it or was that a revision on the 2013 model? Sorry for the questions guy's but just want to get the full scope on both bikes before I decide. One last thing! is there ay sites I can compare both bikes together to see what the differences are?

Thanks

Steve

Steve, if you're coming from a gixxer, and want cruise control, go for the LC model. (2013 onwards).

 

[DING-DONG]

Steve ive had both recently, both bikes had been mapped as well, the wc is the nicer bike to ride especially with the added benefits of cruise and the engine has a bit more on tap and feels more refined, the 2012 bike being a twin cam does not have cruise but you can retro fit a kako cruise as I did but it's not exactly in the same level as the cruise on the wc bikes. The twin cam is the better built bike but depending on rider ability you might want more zap, the 2013 Wc having a light flywheel spins up quicker then the 2014 bike but early bikes suffer the most issues however the WC would get my vote that's if bm have upped there game and fixed the niggles.

 

[Wrinkly]

Thanks for the reply's guy's, a bit thrown now, not ridden a 2012 model but did take the 2015 one out in September and thought it was good, and certainly not that much of a power drop from my Gixxer! I just thought the clunking was the gear shift thing that was fitted! Had a look at an Explorer but my work mate has one and the rear shock has burst twice on it and he cant wait to change for a BMW. Does the 2012 have cruise control on it or was that a revision on the 2013 model? Sorry for the questions guy's but just want to get the full scope on both bikes before I decide. One last thing! is there ay sites I can compare both bikes together to see what the differences are?

Thanks

Steve

Na, the clunking isn't the 'gearshift thing' that's fitted, that's the gearbox. Not heard of any real problems with the explorer rear shock, but heard of plenty of folk on their second or even third engine in the WC's.

 

[2 wheel humvee]

If you can stretch to a 64 plate TE or newer, these have most of the bugs ironed out. This is a great time of year to haggle with the dealers, as they want sales and have a lot of stock. If not, go for a late twin cam, as these are great bikes, but don't look as modern, IMO.

Why a 64 plate? There were no revisions over the 14 model which got the heavier crank, steering damper and other small improvements coinciding with the launch of the Adventure, the 64 got nothing thew 14 model didn't already have

 

[Nutty]

Why a 64 plate? There were no revisions over the 14 model which got the heavier crank, steering damper and other small improvements coinciding with the launch of the Adventure, the 64 got nothing thew 14 model didn't already have

Heated grips that work

 

[2 wheel humvee]

Heated grips that work

Ah yes the 64 plate also known as the OBH model........
Office Boy Hands model

 

[pitrat101]

Hey guy's, Road tested 2012 triple black edition and a 2015 WC TE model and for me, the 2012 won hands down! I did not like the fly by wire throttle or the false feeling of the esc working away under me, had an awful wind noise from front under fairing which real annoyed me and just didn't like the feel of it!. The 2012 was like a glove, no esc or gizmos to worry about and a perfect ride position for me. The wife also said it felt far smoother and less vibration than the LC so we went with this. Wont miss the gixxer and to be honest the lack in power is greatly compensated for in rider position. Before anyone has a go! I'm not saying the LC is a bad bike it just did not suit my riding style at the moment and in a few years it might! but a 2012 with 4000 miles on it for £8500 for me was too good to miss! Thanks for all the advice guys now its time to mod and ride a bit!

Steve

 

[oldnfat]

Smart man....I went back from an LC to TC (GSA) for those reasons. Much better long distance two up in Mrs Oldnfats opinion. First mod I would get is an MRA Xcreen that clips to the top...changes the screen from a nightmare for rider and pillion into a place of calm and serenity.