Difference between 2020 and 2021 R1250GS

[Hatcho]

Hi all,

What are the fundamental differences between a 2020 and a 2021 R1200GS? Were the changes all internal or are there any external differences across the two model years? For instance does having the X-shaped (as opposed to the C-shaped) headlight indicate a particular year of manufacture? Ta in advance for any help.

H.

 

[MotoRevive]

There is no 2020/2021 R1200GS.

They went to the 1250 Shift cam in 2018(ish)

2013/2014 was the first R1200GS LC (liquid cooled). They're okay but had issues with clutches/gearboxes etc. Although any truly bad ones have melted away now. If they've lasted this long, they good forever.

In 2015 they modified the motor and gearbox. 2017 I think they went to Euro 5. Carbon canister, LCD screen and a few other bits. I think these don't run as well as the earlier LCs.

If I were to buy a used R1200LC, it would definately be a 2015/2016.

Cheers, Ted

 

[Smartbazza]

If it’s the 1250 you’re talking about from 21 they had the x headlight and the ‘yellow’ front indicator / running lights and the rear multi function indicators. Was more like a face lift.

Barry

 

[Spareparts]

2021 GS has (over the 2020):
- Cornering LED headlight
- LED indicators
- change in rear light configuration
- 5 level heated grips (vs 3)
- factory option of heated seats
- Dynamic engine braking
- New ECU (eliminates pro plug) and adds additional ECO mode
- Inability to turn off ABS as it is now linked to the new riding modes

There may be other changes.

And in my experience of my 2021 GS over my 2020: a noticeably stronger engine.

 

[MotoRevive]

2021 GS has (over the 2020):
- Cornering LED headlight
- LED indicators
- change in rear light configuration
- 5 level heated grips (vs 3)
- factory option of heated seats
- Dynamic engine braking
- New ECU (eliminates pro plug) and adds additional ECO mode
- Inability to turn off ABS as it is now linked to the new riding modes

There may be other changes.

And in my experience of my 2021 GS over my 2020: a noticeably stronger engine.

I've never noticed any power difference between any of the 1250GS. I'm 99.9% sure that there are no changes to the bike in that respect. And I have ridden HUNDREDS of them. However, the mapping and modes could be different giving the illusion of more punch. I'll keep this in mind though. Interesting.

 

[Hatcho]

2021 GS has (over the 2020):
- Cornering LED headlight
- LED indicators
- change in rear light configuration
- 5 level heated grips (vs 3)
- factory option of heated seats
- Dynamic engine braking
- New ECU (eliminates pro plug) and adds additional ECO mode
- Inability to turn off ABS as it is now linked to the new riding modes

There may be other changes.

And in my experience of my 2021 GS over my 2020: a noticeably stronger engine.

Thanks both, this is exactly the info I was looking for. Much appreciated! Based on the list you provided, the bike in mind is definitely the '21 version as it has 5 level heated grips, multi function rear indis, x-shaped headlight, factory heated seats and Eco mode. Champion.

 

[Hatcho]

There is no 2020/2021 R1200GS.

They went to the 1250 Shift cam in 2018(ish)

2013/2014 was the first R1200GS LC (liquid cooled). They're okay but had issues with clutches/gearboxes etc. Although any truly bad ones have melted away now. If they've lasted this long, they good forever.

In 2015 they modified the motor and gearbox. 2017 I think they went to Euro 5. Carbon canister, LCD screen and a few other bits. I think these don't run as well as the earlier LCs.

If I were to buy a used R1200LC, it would definately be a 2015/2016.

Cheers, Ted

All apologies, I meant to write R1250GS, not R1200GS GS. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[dub 24]

All apologies, I meant to write R1250GS, not R1200GS GS. Sorry for the confusion.

Dumb ass
Smashing bike you have there looking forward to seeing it

 

[Anthony Byrne]

If you want to throw a leg over the 21 version just shout,

 

[Hatcho]

If you want to throw a leg over the 21 version just shout,

Cheers Anthony, that's a very generous offer. I'll pop you a pm.

 

[bosnjo]

2021 GS has (over the 2020):
- Cornering LED headlight
- LED indicators
- change in rear light configuration
- 5 level heated grips (vs 3)
- factory option of heated seats
- Dynamic engine braking
- New ECU (eliminates pro plug) and adds additional ECO mode
- Inability to turn off ABS as it is now linked to the new riding modes

There may be other changes.

And in my experience of my 2021 GS over my 2020: a noticeably stronger engine.

Just to add some more info not mentioned here, as my bike is 2021 GS:
- Doesn't have cornering light (you could choose without it)
- It has LED indicators
- NO change in rear light configuration
- NO heated grips
So, before purchasing just check the options the bike has as you could choose many of them when purchasing it new back in 2021.
I've also chosen NO ESA, just the standard shock, and NO Keyless start as I wanted the classic one.
I've already had few people asking if I was selling my bike as they were looking for a bike without ESA and Keyless. To be honest, I'm happy to have a bike without those two things as I've seen many of them go wrong.
As per "change in rear light configuration", you can see how many people on this forum are trying to revert it to what it was before the change. I'm so happy mine doesn't have that "problem".

 

[zoltan]

Just to add some more info not mentioned here, as my bike is 2021 GS:
- Doesn't have cornering light (you could choose without it)
- It has LED indicators
- NO change in rear light configuration
- NO heated grips
So, before purchasing just check the options the bike has as you could choose many of them when purchasing it new back in 2021.
I've also chosen NO ESA, just the standard shock, and NO Keyless start as I wanted the classic one.
I've already had few people asking if I was selling my bike as they were looking for a bike without ESA and Keyless. To be honest, I'm happy to have a bike without those two things as I've seen many of them go wrong.
As per "change in rear light configuration", you can see how many people on this forum are trying to revert it to what it was before the change. I'm so happy mine doesn't have that "problem".

Yep, that was the standard bike. I had heated grips and cruise added as extra.

 

[RichardD]

I'm a bit confused about the heated grip settings.

My 2023 has heated grips but no heated seat (I think there was a supply issue). My grips have only 2 levels (hot and stupidly hot) - just like my previous 2019 version. I'd love to have 3 (or even 5) levels so I could have them on without burning my hands...

I've heard this can be achieved via a GS-911 but don't know anyone who owns one - or knows how to use one???

 

[GSian]

If the bike didn't come with a heated seat, the heated grips only has 2 heat settings as standard. This can be changed to 6 by using GS-911.

If there was a heated seat specced, the grips have 5 heat settings.

 

[GSian]

I'm a bit confused about the heated grip settings.

My 2023 has heated grips but no heated seat (I think there was a supply issue). My grips have only 2 levels (hot and stupidly hot) - just like my previous 2019 version. I'd love to have 3 (or even 5) levels so I could have them on without burning my hands...

I've heard this can be achieved via a GS-911 but don't know anyone who owns one - or knows how to use one???

Richard, If you ever get over Yorkshire way I would be quite happy to do this for you. 10 mins max.

the good thing with this is you can individually set each setting % to what you want. I have 1 = 20%, 2 = 40%, 3 = 60%, 4 = 80% and guess what, 5 = 100%. but it can be done in any combination up to 6 settings.

 

[daesimps]

The heated seat/grips is something that bugs me. My 2023 bike doesn’t have the heated seat due the chip shortage, and therefore only has 2 grip settings.

My wife has a 2023 RS (they were both delivered on the same day) - her bike has all the gubbins for heated seat, but the seat itself isn’t heated as that’s not possible on the low seat.

So she has a bike with all the electrics but can’t use it as she’s a short arse, meanwhile my bike is missing the electrics. If only they could have moved the bits across

I struggle with the grips - 1 bar is sometimes not warm enough, meanwhile 2 bars requires oven gloves rather than motorcycle gloves.

 

[RichardD]

Richard, If you ever get over Yorkshire way I would be quite happy to do this for you. 10 mins max.

the good thing with this is you can individually set each setting % to what you want. I have 1 = 20%, 2 = 40%, 3 = 60%, 4 = 80% and guess what, 5 = 100%. but it can be done in any combination up to 6 settings.

That’s very kind of you. I’m in Cheshire (almost Staffs) but I’ll be in touch if I’m heading your way.

 

[GSian]

The heated seat/grips is something that bugs me. My 2023 bike doesn’t have the heated seat due the chip shortage, and therefore only has 2 grip settings.

My wife has a 2023 RS (they were both delivered on the same day) - her bike has all the gubbins for heated seat, but the seat itself isn’t heated as that’s not possible on the low seat.

So she has a bike with all the electrics but can’t use it as she’s a short arse, meanwhile my bike is missing the electrics. If only they could have moved the bits across

I struggle with the grips - 1 bar is sometimes not warm enough, meanwhile 2 bars requires oven gloves rather than motorcycle gloves.

I'll extend this offer to you too if it helps.

I'm in Wakefield but I could meet you at Squires or something, if you like.

 

[daesimps]

I'll extend this offer to you too if it helps.

I'm in Wakefield but I could meet you at Squires or something, if you like.

You’re actually not that far. I’m near Garforth. I certainly appreciate the offer.

I’ll try and figure out when would work

 

[GSian]

You’re actually not that far. I’m near Garforth. I certainly appreciate the offer.

I’ll try and figure out when would work

Just let me know, I'm free most days.