Advice wanted

[volcane]

Hi all
Been biking 3 years now on a F650 GS twin doing my own servicing and snags chain replacements, headstock bearings etc. Very happy with the bike overall but contemplating a move to a 1200GS more for the experience more than any dislike of what I have. Is there a significant difference with the twin cam engine 2010 on as opposed to the pre twin cam bikes? A special edition twin cam with the spoked wheels and the electronics for traction control, suspension adjustment etc is on my wish list, but again are the electronics more trouble than they are worth?
Any advice appreciated.

Rgds volcane

 

[RickSkye]

Just my experiance....I bought a single cam 2009 18000 miles, with most of the bells and whistles.
From a BMW dealer. Headlight replaced as it was cracked, tyre pressure sensors replaced (3 hours labour) and a fuel sensor in the tank replaced (more labour). Glad of the warantee. Realy like the adjustable suspension and traction and brakes. It was top of a particular price point.
Tried out a water cooled with all the bells and whistles. It was much nicer, cruise control and a digital throttle with 4 programmed maps, but £3500 more expensive. If i had the money i would get the newer one. So i am saving.
Re the electronics, So you pay more from dealer, but in my case, worth it.

 

[Bendy toy]

I have a 2008 single cam adventure. I get accused of dissing the people's bikes but I found the frame paint finish to be (frankly) rubbish. I had the frame powder coated. A problem specific to my bike forced me to do the job, but once I stripped things off I was very glad to be getting the finish re done. Its now got a conductive zinc base coat with gloss powder over the top.

Buy a corroded bike at the right price and this level of refinishing makes a lot of sense.

Other areas are much the same as other models so do your research regarding the usual faults.

Dynamically I love the bike and will be unlikely to part with it unless I come into some silly money. It's that good. The Twin Cam (2010 to 2013 ) is better but not enough to make me change bikes. Wilber's shocks are the next on my list.

ESA is nice to have and well worth having if you regularly take a pillion or carry loaded luggage but otherwise its bling. The main issue is costs when the shocks fail. They are generally done by 30K so you will be looking at Wilber's or similar replacements. Wilber's are great but ESA compatibility just adds to the expense.

The engine works a lot better with a remap or AF-XIED to adjust the fuelling maps. I have a Power Commander on mine but its not as good as the other options.

The Adventure has all the bling of big tank, tall ride and road presence. But the plain GS rides lower so the floor is easier to reach and its not such a huge lump to move about

 

[Pablo1]

Twin cam engine is noticeably more punchy

 

[Bendy toy]

Twin cam engine is noticeably more punchy

Out of the box the TC is the better engine. But all 1200s benefit greatly from a remap or add-on tuning box.

A "chipped" Single Cam almost closes the gap to a chipped Twin Cam but the SC costs less to buy.

 

[Pablo1]

i had my 12 plate gsa 3 years and never felt it needed tuned/mapped, try both and you wont fail to notice the difference which i think is what op asked

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

[Sgt Bilco]

There is a slight difference between the older 1200 and the TC but to be honest, the older single cam is enough for most people. I have a PC111 on my SC which brings it almost to the same power as a TC. I didn't fit the PC for the increased power but it was a happy benefit after I'd had it dyno'd to suit my riding style

I bought mine new in 06 and it was one of the first 1200ADV's without the horrible servo's and I deliberatley specced it with minimum electronics and no ABS. The electronics do a good job but they can be expensive when the go wrong and you have to rely on a dealer. ESA is a perfect example because when the shocks fail, which they all do, you will be selling a kidney to get a replacement.

Early 1200's are great value now and you woudn't be dissapointed with a SC.

 

[Bendy toy]

Bilko said it better than me.

The TC is better out of the box for sure, but they all benefit from a remap or tuning box to remove the flat spots and other such foibles programmed in to meet official regulations. When that is done you will notice very little between a TC or SC bikes. The SC also has screw and locknut tappet adjustment which is a simple job. The TC uses shims which are far more trouble to change when valve clearances close up.

They all use the same exhaust mountings so an SC system can be fitted to a TC bike and immediately do away with the flappy valve. Used SC systems are often available at lower cost.

I like the ABS and have been glad to have it on at least one occasion. The associated traction control will tell you when the bike takes off over a bump (engine stutters) but it's pretty useless when might actually need it. Once that back wheel has spun just cutting power is very not enough. So while I like the ABS I feel the traction is a gimmick. Don't expect any miracles.

As said before ESA is nice to have but considering the costs it adds to replacement shocks you are better off not having it.

Any bike a fews years old with minimal use can suffer age related problems not seen on better used bikes. One example is the alternator failing due to lack of use. When used regularly any moisture in the case will be driven out by engine warmth. But corrosion can build up when its stored and the alternator jams solid.

On any of these bikes check hidden areas for corrosion. It's almost never a show stopper but should affect the price.

 

[NZRalphy]

I had both a 2012 TC and a 2008 models 1200GSA both with 10,000km at the SAME time (long story)
2008 quiet - other one throaty, droning, noisey for the neibours
2008 v smooth - other one vibrates past 5000rpm
2008 punchy mid range power.
2012 powerful high in rev range
At normal sane riding speeds the 2008 felt smoother/punchier in the mid range.
2012 valves haven't moved so no adjustment yet
Both ABS felt the same.
Both traction control felt the same, ie very abrupt and unrefined.
2008 no ESA and handled fine - a quick turn of the rear adjuster for extra load and all is good.
2012 has redesigned rear hub and is supposed to be better engineered - I'd agree.
2012 lots of little improvements all over bike. Minor stuff for screws and brackets....but you can see someone was thinking!

2012 has ESA and gets used a lot as I move from commute to two up to tour to gravel quite a lot. It gives me an enormous sence of superiority over my Honda mates (plus I actually like it). But the rear shock damping went south as "they all that". Feck'n BMW price for new is out of this world. I couldn't find a local NZ chappie to rebuild em so new ESA shock from Tractive and all is good again.

What would I chose?..... Either as they are effectively the same bike (rear hub should swing it though)

 

[comberjohn]

Let's keep it simple. Also, remember, forums will do yer head in, because everyone has their opinion.
Go for the newest GS with the lowest miles on it, that you can afford.
I've had my TC for just over a year now and it's coming up to 30k miles, 17k were In my ownership.
It has ESA, ABS, traction control, etc. and I have had zero problems with any of the electrics. The finish seems to be ok despite using it all year, although it does get washed regulary.
I've fiddled about with it. Power Commander, de cat exhaust, sport exhaust, no flappy valve, etc. Now it's completely standard apart from a pair of AF-XIED units, which I would heartily recommend.
And I just love this bike!
FD is still not bullet proof. I recently replaced mine as someone seemed to think it would be sensible to lubricate it with something resembling cappuccino and the main seal went. Don't trust dealers, change the oil yourself and it will do many miles.
If you do need parts, they're now dropping in price second hand. I picked up a complete FD from an R nine T with 3000 miles for £300.
Go out and get one.

 

[lawvar]

I have a 2011 Triple Black TC
Its the best bike I have ever had
The last edition of ride magazine did a feature of the GS and rated the TC as the best and most sorted !
I wanted this model as it still stays true to the GS heritage and spares are much more available than the watercooled model
Love the ESA even though I'm not 2 up very often it takes the guess work out and only takes seconds without the use of a spanner
Can't recommend it enough

 

[volcane]

Thanks guys for the wealth of feedback, i value all the varying opinions. I have the use of a friends 2005 1200GS to experience whilst he travels east for six weeks on a KLR 650. This forum has always been a positive experience for me and ive benefited from some great advice, thanks again volcane.

 

[Bendy toy]

Final drives on Mk 1 bikes to 2008 had a smaller needle roller internally. Patzx12 did a feature on problems he found with a 2006. Later bikes (2008 on) may have solved that but the FD is weak on all bikes. Mine had a full rebuild at 50K with new bearings throughout.

The Mk2 was a facelift. It looks much like the Mk3 and had many detail improvements but used more or less the same engine as the Mk 1. The Mk3 continued the refinements had the twin cam engine.

I went for a Mk2 because a Mk3 was out of my price range. I find there are frustrating aspects to these bikes but overall have not regretted buying mine. There is nothing else available that would prefer to have for regular use.

For full details on tech aspects talk to MikeyBoy or Steptoe.