Toothless
Registered user
Hi all,
I very recently swapped my 2008 F650GS, with 108.000km (67500 miles) on the clock, for a brand new R1200GS.
This forum was read inside-out before I made a decision...one time I was even thinking about buying the new R1200R.
So,... What's included and why...what are my first impressions:
-I opted to get the standard headlight instead of the LED one. It's rather a Murphy's Law decision, as I don't feel comfortable with a LED unit that needs a cooling system.
Sure the light power of a LED headlight is superior. I prefer having a spare light bulb with me to solve a popped headlight on the spot.
The dealer mentioned he didn't hear of any LED trouble yet, and that's cool.
The standard light works fine for me.
-I included the quickshifter...because of positive reactions read and heard.
It's not that advisable to use it from 1st to 2nd (a bit snappy and direct)...works fine for all other gear changes, also back down and even from 2nd to 1st.
Had a few neutral gear situations though...maybe not to using the gear lever straight forward enough.
-It has cruise control. I thought it might be useful to keep me at the better end of speed limits...and it does (!) also on minor roads.
Some think it's useless in the car infested Belgian country...but it works fine and comes in handy
-The extra riding modes are also available, if I would ever get bitten by the offroad bug.
There's a difference in throttle behavior noticeable between the 3 major settings (Rain, Road, Dynamic).
Still running in the bike...so, I'm not to wild with the bike, but not at all soft too...
-ESA too...didn't think about adding this extra, but read enough positive things about it, so it's on there now.
Works great!
-LED day running light...quite bright, works fine in auto mode with the headlight when entering tunnels.
Added a collapsible Wunderlich headlight guard (allowed here in Belgium, we do not have any bike MOT (yet), not for road use in the UK I think).
Added a Machineart MudSling.
No GPS system, as I want to install my own satnav stuff.
No RDC...
No extras from the BMW accessories catalogue.
No panniers too (using it purely as comfortable, from A to B bike, without luggage), might use a weatherproof bag if needed.
No girlfriend on the backseat, because she's not into riding bikes ;-)
Conclusion:
As a first time boxer rider I was totally impressed with the road handling, stopping power, tork and power delivery.
Took me 2 years to decide and save the euros needed...would have switched earlier if I would have known what I experience now!
Doesn't let you feel it's weight, it's a well balanced and light handed drive.
Don't get intimidated by the size or weight, it's not there when rolin'!
I use the seat in lowest position.
As Sticky advised: I didn't test ride one.
Downside: a bit noisy compared to my former F650GS.
Hope this info is useful!
Cheers
I very recently swapped my 2008 F650GS, with 108.000km (67500 miles) on the clock, for a brand new R1200GS.
This forum was read inside-out before I made a decision...one time I was even thinking about buying the new R1200R.
So,... What's included and why...what are my first impressions:
-I opted to get the standard headlight instead of the LED one. It's rather a Murphy's Law decision, as I don't feel comfortable with a LED unit that needs a cooling system.
Sure the light power of a LED headlight is superior. I prefer having a spare light bulb with me to solve a popped headlight on the spot.
The dealer mentioned he didn't hear of any LED trouble yet, and that's cool.
The standard light works fine for me.
-I included the quickshifter...because of positive reactions read and heard.
It's not that advisable to use it from 1st to 2nd (a bit snappy and direct)...works fine for all other gear changes, also back down and even from 2nd to 1st.
Had a few neutral gear situations though...maybe not to using the gear lever straight forward enough.
-It has cruise control. I thought it might be useful to keep me at the better end of speed limits...and it does (!) also on minor roads.
Some think it's useless in the car infested Belgian country...but it works fine and comes in handy
-The extra riding modes are also available, if I would ever get bitten by the offroad bug.
There's a difference in throttle behavior noticeable between the 3 major settings (Rain, Road, Dynamic).
Still running in the bike...so, I'm not to wild with the bike, but not at all soft too...
-ESA too...didn't think about adding this extra, but read enough positive things about it, so it's on there now.
Works great!
-LED day running light...quite bright, works fine in auto mode with the headlight when entering tunnels.
Added a collapsible Wunderlich headlight guard (allowed here in Belgium, we do not have any bike MOT (yet), not for road use in the UK I think).
Added a Machineart MudSling.
No GPS system, as I want to install my own satnav stuff.
No RDC...
No extras from the BMW accessories catalogue.
No panniers too (using it purely as comfortable, from A to B bike, without luggage), might use a weatherproof bag if needed.
No girlfriend on the backseat, because she's not into riding bikes ;-)
Conclusion:
As a first time boxer rider I was totally impressed with the road handling, stopping power, tork and power delivery.
Took me 2 years to decide and save the euros needed...would have switched earlier if I would have known what I experience now!
Doesn't let you feel it's weight, it's a well balanced and light handed drive.
Don't get intimidated by the size or weight, it's not there when rolin'!
I use the seat in lowest position.
As Sticky advised: I didn't test ride one.
Downside: a bit noisy compared to my former F650GS.
Hope this info is useful!
Cheers
