2016.5 model year changes - ESA - clocks - Euro 3/4. How to tell?

[Max-GS12]

Chaps, aware of the updated 2017 model with changes to clocks/ESA/improved gear change etc but how do I tell exactly what is what with a bike in this transition period?

According to a Bikesocial guide: "In 2016 a stop-gap model (often called the 2016.5) was released that used an updated 2017-spec engine in the 2016 bike’s frame, however the major update was to the 2017 model. The 2017 R1200GS features a Euro4-compliant boxer motor with altered cats and a new judder damper on the output shaft with the selector drum actuator and transmission shafts also revised for smoother gear changes. The ESA was also updated with a self-leveling function, which automatically sets the suspension’s height according to the bike’s load status where on the 2016 bike you have to manually set it. Cosmetically, there are also alterations to the clocks, radiator covers and screen on the MY17 bike."

Bike I am looking at (a long way from home) is registered Dec '16 and has the newer clocks (with blue ring), older ESA (helmet/luggage etc selections), older fairing.

How do I tell if it has the improved gear change and is Euro 3 or 4 etc?

 

[leadfarmer]

I’m pretty sure if it’s got the blue ring on the speedo and reflectors on the fork legs it’s euro 4

They also got the standard rectangular OBD connector rather than the round 10 pin plug on the euro 3 bikes

 

[Max-GS12]

Thanks - it's got reflectors on the legs. Just thinking - is there an extra lump or catalyst or doobree-gizmo-whatsit on the exhaust somewhere??

 

[CPJS]

The only way to be sure is to get the chassis no. and check with BMW.

 

[Teeonethousand]

Mine is also registered December 16 and has the characteristics mentioned above ie clocks, reflectors, d-type pin for odb but also has the helmets. My understanding is that the 16.5 does not have auto levelling….that came in with the full 17. I have nothing to compare gearbox’s to but mine is fine . Had mine for 3 years and since 9K …now at 27K it is better now than it’s ever been…they definitely get better with use. good luck

 

[Max-GS12]

Cheers guys, dealer has confirmed it as Euro 4. I have the original build sheet/spec too and it includes Dynamic ESA (not ESA II), GSAP, ABS Pro - which is cornering ABS isn’t it, another apparent 17.5 update?? So a real transition/mix it seems?

 

[leadfarmer]

Cornering ABS came in with the the original euro3 2016 model, as well as the flashing brake light when emergency braking, I’ve got this model

 

[Max-GS12]

Cornering ABS came in with the the original euro3 2016 model, as well as the flashing brake light when emergency braking, I’ve got this model

Excellent, thanks.

 

[CPJS]

Cheers guys, dealer has confirmed it as Euro 4. I have the original build sheet/spec too and it includes Dynamic ESA (not ESA II), GSAP, ABS Pro - which is cornering ABS isn’t it, another apparent 17.5 update?? So a real transition/mix it seems?

The Euro4 models also have the worst fuelling of all the LC models.
I would go for a late E3 or a 1250.

 

[J biker]

The Euro4 models also have the worst fuelling of all the LC models.
I would go for a late E3 or a 1250.

I had the Euro 4 model, owned for four years and around 40,000 miles. Fuelling was excellent. Prior to that had a 2014.

 

[Max-GS12]

The Euro4 models also have the worst fuelling of all the LC models.
I would go for a late E3 or a 1250.

Seen that said but from reading older topics on here I'd say the consensus was inconclusive and a bit 'swings and roundabouts'. More so go for the latest model you can (for general gain) but the jump to a 1250 AU is out of my budget and not something I'm worried about for now.

 

[CPJS]

Seen that said but from reading older topics on here I'd say the consensus was inconclusive and a bit 'swings and roundabouts'. More so go for the latest model you can (for general gain) but the jump to a 1250 AU is out of my budget and not something I'm worried about for now.

The fuelling on an E3 is easily improved, the E4 not so easy. I have owned both and would rather go for a higher mile 1250.
Best try them and make your own mind up, dont be in a hurry to buy, there are loads out there.

 

[yofi]

Aside the flat spot between 5 and 6k, which might be common to all 1200s, on the E4 the issue is with third gear for 25-30 mph work. Can live with but it was a joy to upgrade to the 1250.

 

[knutk]

Aside the flat spot between 5 and 6k, which might be common to all 1200s, on the E4 the issue is with third gear for 25-30 mph work. Can live with but it was a joy to upgrade to the 1250.

In addition to already mentioned differences, Euro 4 also introduced a carbon filter that collected fumes from the fueltank.

I had a -15 GSA, and when it was at the dealer for a recall for something else, the fueling was also upgraded to E-4.

The dealer claimed that BMW had urged them to upgrade all older LC bikes to the E-4 fueling. On side-effect of the E-4 software was that there was an internal errormessage that said something like 'No contact with the cannister'. Fairly obvious, since my -15 did not have a canister. My dealer informed me to just ignore it, and I did. No worries..
Didn't notice much difference in the fueling, but fuel mileage was improved slightly...

 

[Max-GS12]

Oh well, this bike fell through - dealer did not want to deal. Never mind, a shed load of these out there but some prices are daft.