A few questions about my first gs 1200

[gazzauk]

Hi ive just moved over from the zzr1200 forum after partexing my 04 zzr1200 for a new 1200gs today and i have a few questions,
1. Is it normal if slowing and blipping the throttle for the gs to "pop" through the exhaust (i assume it is because the demonstator i rode and my bike seem to do it) Must add it sounds lovely though, but can this possibly cause any motor problems after a few thousand miles.
2. Does the motor "free up" after running in and if so how many miles before it feels a bit more free reving.
3. Is it ok with the gs gear box to do clutchless upshifts
4. Does the motor always sound (and no disrespect to the machine i love it)
a bit "con roddy" if you give it a hand full of throttle below 3000rpm.
5. Ive heard the motor uses abit of oil , but this usage tapers off once everything is bedded in , What is the average bedding in period and at the end of it does the motor still use oil or is it then not necessary to top up between services.
6. What kind of mileage can you get out of these motors if serviced thoroughly.


Like i say im new to this forum and also new to any other kind of bike other than 4 cylinder japs so i hope you can see why im asking these qustions. Must admit the gs handles so so much better than the zzr1200, has a better riding position , and a much more relaxed motor , so far i love it. Any replies would be much appreciated.

 

[Gundog]

Errrrr......yes, yes, oooh yes.

To many questions, just get owt and ryyde, you'll find all the answers

 

[JJH]

Hi ive just moved over from the zzr1200 forum after partexing my 04 zzr1200 for a new 1200gs today and i have a few questions,
1. Is it normal if slowing and blipping the throttle for the gs to "pop" through the exhaust (i assume it is because the demonstator i rode and my bike seem to do it) Must add it sounds lovely though, but can this possibly cause any motor problems after a few thousand miles.
2. Does the motor "free up" after running in and if so how many miles before it feels a bit more free reving.
3. Is it ok with the gs gear box to do clutchless upshifts
4. Does the motor always sound (and no disrespect to the machine i love it)
a bit "con roddy" if you give it a hand full of throttle below 3000rpm.
5. Ive heard the motor uses abit of oil , but this usage tapers off once everything is bedded in , What is the average bedding in period and at the end of it does the motor still use oil or is it then not necessary to top up between services.
6. What kind of mileage can you get out of these motors if serviced thoroughly.


Like i say im new to this forum and also new to any other kind of bike other than 4 cylinder japs so i hope you can see why im asking these qustions. Must admit the gs handles so so much better than the zzr1200, has a better riding position , and a much more relaxed motor , so far i love it. Any replies would be much appreciated.

1/ yes 2/yes u can notice it gradualy after 2000 miles 3/no u will find false nutrals 4 u should not give a new 1200 full throtle at low enginespeed until run in 5/there all different just keep an eye on the level 6/ how long is a piece of string? massive milages are comon but some say earlier 1100/1150 motors are better time will tell. I hope this answers your questions but as always there will be someone with different views and thats what makes the whole thing intersting and good luck JJH

 

[Schtum]

1. Is it normal if slowing and blipping the throttle for the gs to "pop" through the exhaust (i assume it is because the demonstator i rode and my bike seem to do it) Must add it sounds lovely though, but can this possibly cause any motor problems after a few thousand miles.

Yes and no - in that order.

2. Does the motor "free up" after running in and if so how many miles before it feels a bit more free reving.

I found that on my first 1200...I'm on my third one.....the engine became significantly smoother and used less oil at 10K + miles.

3. Is it ok with the gs gear box to do clutchless upshifts

It depends on how good your co-ordination and timing are. As with any bike if you get a horrible *CLACK* when changing up you might want to use the cltuch.

4. Does the motor always sound (and no disrespect to the machine i love it)
a bit "con roddy" if you give it a hand full of throttle below 3000rpm.

I'm not sure I've noticed. I take it you are wearing earplugs. As stated above, it's best not to lug the engine until it's run in.

5. Ive heard the motor uses abit of oil , but this usage tapers off once everything is bedded in , What is the average bedding in period and at the end of it does the motor still use oil or is it then not necessary to top up between services.

See above. I believe there's been an overall reduction in oil consumption since BMW started to specify 20W/50.

6. What kind of mileage can you get out of these motors if serviced thoroughly.

I suspect there are other factors in addition to regular servicing. Come back at 100K and tell us how you've got on.....

 

[gazzauk]

Thanks for the replies its much appreciated

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Hi.
I'm quite new to these oddly designed machines too. My 05 1200gs manages clutchless upshifts just fine.
But coming from a ZZR myself, I'm used to a bit of a "clonk" now and again

 

[steviegasgas]

enjoy, but be patient!

Hi, agree with nearly all comments apart from nmbr3!!! I can do it without hitting any neutrals but I find that everything seems to gel better when even just momentarily dipping the clutch, seems to smooth out the change.

Having chopped in my GSXR1000k5 for my gs last year the difference is huge, give it time, dont expect too much performance wise and it will be good.

I still miss the superbike, and will get one again, but would not sell the gs to get it, it is a keeper for me! For touring, practical riding it excels, I just miss the flat out quick spins in the evenings!!

I fitted akra system,this frees the bike up like you wouldnt believe, fitted higher screen, winglets, and a must for me is the Les Wassall HID headlight upgrade, find him on here. Also got the plate to move the top pannier onto where the rear seat would be, this reduces the length and make sit look much more compact.

And also a sheeps fleece to put on the seat, helps your butt, and is a great talking point when stopped!!!

Oh, and trust the front end, it will seem vague, not connected at first, but go with it, the lever front end just feels wooden after coming from shocks!

Just enjoy it and rack the miles up, they are deceptively quick, can handle better than nearly all badly ridden sportsbikes!!!

And what other bike has been severely beaten with the ugly stick but yet has such a huge following!!!! All the best.

 

[NorthernBoy]

3/no u will find false nutrals

I think that you need to be particularly cack-footed to have to use the clutch on the GS on upshifts. I do it all the time, and have not found a false neutral yet.

Are you timing your throttle hand and foot properly? If you are, and are still getting false neutrals, you might want to have it looked at.