Could a 2009/2010 GS be made to look like a 2005 model?

[Humbug]

My faithful old GS has been declared beyond economic repir after my recent accident (HERE). The third party has admitted full liability and her insurers have deal with my claim direct, avoiding the need to go through my own insurers. They have however, been noted of the accident - thanks Wapping. I've been offered a very, very generous figure for the bike - far in excess of what I believed it to be worth which I have accepted. I have also been offered the salvage delivered back to me at a ridiculously low price. The bike is virtually mint from the headstock back with no marks or damage whatsoever.

My dilemna is that it would make sense to buy a newer version of the 1200 but my wife and I don't like the styling as much. This is mainly down to the shape of the tank and the front beak (we both dislke the 'boomerangs'). The question is, could I fit a 2005 tank and beak to a later model eg 2009 or 2010? Will they go straight on or was the mounting hardware changed? As far as I can see there have been no changes to the front frame or suspension apart from different bars, yokes etc. The tank from my old GS is pristine so all I would have to possibly buy would be a new front beak.

Any ideas of the answer? I know it sounds a bit daft but at least we would feel as if we still had a bit of our old bike present.

 

[EggChaser]

AFAIK The front subframe and mountings were changed,

 

[Bobbin-Man]

So why not just look round for one of the last of the early models ('07?) with low mileage?

 

[pogo]

Hi ,

I can not answer your question , but I also prefer the old version with the
aluminim sides on the tank .The fuel cap looks better too, and I love the yellow color with grey side panel . I am glad to read your post , I thaught it was just me sticking with the old style ! ( 2005 gs )

A+ Pogo

 

[Nutty]

You're right, it does sound daft. Get an older 12GS and stick the rest towards petrol and a trip away

 

[Bendy toy]

After 2006 the final drive (FD) pinion needle roller bearing was upgraded. A bearing failure in there, destroys the FD which was enough to avoid pre 2006 bikes.

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

After 2006 the final drive (FD) pinion needle roller bearing was upgraded. A bearing failure in there, destroys the FD which was enough to avoid pre 2006 bikes.

Hmmmm my 2007 bike had 3x final drive rebuilds (Under warranty) in two years ....

 

[birdseye]

Any ideas of the answer? I know it sounds a bit daft but at least we would feel as if we still had a bit of our old bike present.

If you like it that much why not repair it yourself? Bike's are way easier than cars to do that to. Relatively simply bolt together job

 

[Humbug]

Thanks for all the replies.

After speaking to my very helpful dealer (CW's) it would appear that the mounting points for the tank are different. EggChaser, you were right, the subframe for the front beak is also totally different. The reason I asked the question is that it would have been nice to have a twin cam engine but with the older, better (IMHO) styling. birdseye, have you seen the cost of wishbones. ball joints, fork legs, top yokes, front wheels, headstock and all the associated gubbins? And at the end I would still have a Cat C bike.

 

[mr badger]

Paint the boomerangs?

 

[cookie]

must be some good deals on new GSs now, and they are a better bike than the old one.

i'd learn to love the new styling.