What are the updates going to be for the 2018 GS (not GSA) - I will be changing my bike next April.
Someone must have insider knowledge - fess up.
Someone must have insider knowledge - fess up.
2018 GS updates.
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Three year warranty and free can of ACF50 with every service.
fred_jb
Registered user
Just look at the latest GS updates from March, as the GSA is likely to be very similar.
So I guess you can expect the self levelling version of the Dynamic ESA suspension and the hill start assist, plus possibly revisions to the bodywork. Last year the GS 2017 model had an interim update from August 2016, mainly for Euro 4 compliance, but also got the modified gearbox and judder damper. The rest of the changes, such as the self levelling suspension came out in March. It seems less likely that the GSA will have a similar two stage transition to the full 2018 spec as presumably it is already Euro 4 compliant and already has the judder damper, though I'm not sure if it has the revised gearbox.
As a recent convert to the GS, one thing that strikes me about BMW is that they make it very difficult, deliberately so I feel, to definitively work out the differences between successive iterations of their models. I suspect this vagueness and lack of hard comparative information on their web site is to minimise the number of people holding back on purchasing waiting for the next upgrade. I guess it also makes it easier for them to sell the "old" model stock after the new one has come out if people find it hard to tell the difference. For example the August 2016 models had the judder damper and revised gearbox, but were otherwise more or less identical to the previous version - the giveaway for the new model was the Euro 4 reflector on the fork legs. If the one you bought didn't have that, then it wouldn't have the revised gearbox either.
Edit: just read original post properly, and realise you are talking about 2018 GS, not GSA - please ignore all of the above!
So I guess you can expect the self levelling version of the Dynamic ESA suspension and the hill start assist, plus possibly revisions to the bodywork. Last year the GS 2017 model had an interim update from August 2016, mainly for Euro 4 compliance, but also got the modified gearbox and judder damper. The rest of the changes, such as the self levelling suspension came out in March. It seems less likely that the GSA will have a similar two stage transition to the full 2018 spec as presumably it is already Euro 4 compliant and already has the judder damper, though I'm not sure if it has the revised gearbox.
As a recent convert to the GS, one thing that strikes me about BMW is that they make it very difficult, deliberately so I feel, to definitively work out the differences between successive iterations of their models. I suspect this vagueness and lack of hard comparative information on their web site is to minimise the number of people holding back on purchasing waiting for the next upgrade. I guess it also makes it easier for them to sell the "old" model stock after the new one has come out if people find it hard to tell the difference. For example the August 2016 models had the judder damper and revised gearbox, but were otherwise more or less identical to the previous version - the giveaway for the new model was the Euro 4 reflector on the fork legs. If the one you bought didn't have that, then it wouldn't have the revised gearbox either.
Edit: just read original post properly, and realise you are talking about 2018 GS, not GSA - please ignore all of the above!
Last edited:
scoobert
Registered user
They will lower the paint warranty to 3 days from 12 months.
fred_jb
Registered user
Hard to imagine what will change on the 2018 GS. The March 2017 model had a thorough cosmetic makeover, so it seems unlikely that the appearance will change again after only one year, having stayed the same for so long before that. I have read some vague rumours about engine developments, including a capacity increase, but personally I wouldn't find that a compelling reason to change as I'm very happy with the current engine. Maybe more changes to the suspension, but again that changed quite a bit in 2017. Could perhaps lose the Telelever in future, but I don't think that would be popular.
Maybe they will follow up the diversification of the range and put out a dedicated touring version to run alongside the Rallye - perhaps with low level exhaust and different luggage options.
Maybe they will follow up the diversification of the range and put out a dedicated touring version to run alongside the Rallye - perhaps with low level exhaust and different luggage options.
TFT instruments must be coming 
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fred_jb
Registered user
TFT instruments must be coming
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Excellent point - that is one area where IMO the GS is not very user friendly and definitely lags some of the competition.
One thing I did like about the Ktm 1290 SA 
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TFT instruments must be coming
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That's sounds very possible - I'd like engine updates to reduce mechanical noise - improve walking pace throttle response - less vibration at 80mph two-up cruising.
If the instrument bezel is so easy to remove or steal, why cant BMW build a compatible TFT upgrade replacement clocks/screen for our existing bikes?
I'd be interested in a Colour TFT fancy screen upgrade.
Or Garmin design a super wide Colour nav screen split with Telemetry data from bike?
fred_jb
Registered user
Maybe we should be offered the option to have the instrument panel and headlights engraved with the bike's registration number?
fred_jb
Registered user
Should be Datataged but it doesn't seem to help
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Well that relies on it coming to the attention of the police or someone who can detect the Datatag ID, but an engraving of the registration number would probably make the item unsaleable and hopefully put the thieves off taking it in the first place. Same principle as etching all the glass in a car - makes it expensive to hide the original identity if stolen.
I might get a cheap engraving tool and stencils and do mine myself.
Is there a thread here which describes the judder damper?Just look at the latest GS updates from March, as the GSA is likely to be very similar.
So I guess you can expect the self levelling version of the Dynamic ESA suspension and the hill start assist, plus possibly revisions to the bodywork. Last year the GS 2017 model had an interim update from August 2016, mainly for Euro 4 compliance, but also got the modified gearbox and judder damper. The rest of the changes, such as the self levelling suspension came out in March. It seems less likely that the GSA will have a similar two stage transition to the full 2018 spec as presumably it is already Euro 4 compliant and already has the judder damper, though I'm not sure if it has the revised gearbox.
As a recent convert to the GS, one thing that strikes me about BMW is that they make it very difficult, deliberately so I feel, to definitively work out the differences between successive iterations of their models. I suspect this vagueness and lack of hard comparative information on their web site is to minimise the number of people holding back on purchasing waiting for the next upgrade. I guess it also makes it easier for them to sell the "old" model stock after the new one has come out if people find it hard to tell the difference. For example the August 2016 models had the judder damper and revised gearbox, but were otherwise more or less identical to the previous version - the giveaway for the new model was the Euro 4 reflector on the fork legs. If the one you bought didn't have that, then it wouldn't have the revised gearbox either.
Edit: just read original post properly, and realise you are talking about 2018 GS, not GSA - please ignore all of the above!
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fred_jb
Registered user
Which version do you have at the moment? I have a March 2017 bike and haven't noticed any vibration issues two-up at 80. There is a tad more vibration from the engine around 5000 rpm, but nothing objectionable. My wife doesn't like riding pillion on fast roads so we try to avoid that when touring, but on a recent local trip it was unavoidable and didn't cause any problems, either with mechanical vibrations or wind buffeting. The latter is particularly pleasing, as even on my previous bike, a Triumph Trophy with large fairing and screen, my wife complained about buffeting at high speed.
You can bet your dollars that it will be more expensive as the manufacturers are pricing the adv touring bike to unaffordable levels plus renewed efforts to suck in new owners only for them to realise that is just another bike with a crap finish.
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I have a 2015 TE, it doesn't vibrate badly but a little less would be better when it's working hard two up with a head wind on the A26 down through the first boring bit of France
I am looking forward to spending huge sums on money on a new crap bike next April
I am in 2 minds whether to do this in July as I am not over keen on the iced chocolate metallic and I am not paying all the extra for the blue
Might go for a black TE although I did want a black engine??
Or I might take out a years extra warranty and keep my 15 plate for 6-12 months??
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