GS 1200 Performance

[Deleted account 211025001]

Ride the bike to it's strengths and you'll have a great time. I do! And I've got no desire to improve the performance until I can use all of what the factory gave me in the first place.

Norman

Spot on

Andres

 

[iangough]

As an ex fireblade rider, i know exactly what you're talking about. Did 150 miles on mine (already has 780 miles on the clock), then went to France for 2k miles with an SP1, Fireblade and GSXR 600.

The comments made about the long throw of the throttle in this thread are quite true in my opinion. Also, and i'm not sure if its my imagination, but if you twist it quicker to full throttle the timing changes/valve thing opens quicker, and you're propelled nicely.

Stick with it. Also it's eaisr to get off the edge of the tyre and then some on a GS.

One other point, (In a vein hope not to change the thread) is that you will probably benefit (if you weigh around the 90kg mark) by setting the bike up like this:

Front suspension (leave alone) Set tyre pressures when tyre is cold to solo setup (31.6 ish PSI from memory)

Rear - Little screw at bottom of shock (Rebound). Unwind 1.5 turns from full in (as the manual says) and then get the slit in line of where the screwdriver goes, inbetween the "r" and the "e" on the word rebound.
Then on the preload (turnable knob at the top) put a bit of tape on it, and unscrew it 5 1/4 to 5 1/2 times from full in.

Put rear tyre pressure at 36 PSI (solo setting)

This will make it quick turning, but more importantly, give the sensation that the front suspension is handling the same bump as the rear (and visa versa of course) (i.e. stops lurching feeling and see sawing)

If bumps come through the handlebars when riding, move the screw on the bottom of the rear shock about 1/2 to 1 mm (yes milimetre) in until it goes away. Then adjust the preload (turnable knob) 1/8 of a turn until it feel right again.

This setting allows feel, and elimnates 99% of the bike 'sqwatting' under load. Hence the 'sportsbike feel' or just the right setup IMHO.

Incidentally, it's a 2004 1200 GS i have. I'm not sure if the spring changed on later models, cos the original (mine) is way too soft.

Hope this helps... (Hours of twiddling got me here !!)

 

[fuddy]

Hi. Im also new to Bmw's after riding jap sportsbikes for the last 7 years. the last one being a GSXR1000k5. Got fed up with just focusing on the vanishing point and going from A to B as fast as possible, so decided to take the plunge and get the bike i always wanted.I certainly dont miss the performance of the sportsbikes and find that im probably a quicker, smoother rider now as i see more of whats going on ahead and i can still leave most of my mates on sportsbikes behind if i want to. I get a more satisfying ride now (and dont ache at the end of it).

I agree sold my GSXR 1000 after only a year,because they are just too fast
for the road.I was always looking out for speed cameras/radar guns and unmarked cars that i just didnt enjoy the ride.The 1200 gs does take some getting used to after sports bikes,but im hooked on the Bm now.

 

[Ash]

Thanks for the informative reply...As someone who has never owned a BMW or used one of these forums it nice to know that i am not the only one who had initial reservations about my new purchase. I purchased the bike on recomendation (Spur of the moment) but am slowly adjusting to the differences that a BMW has. Looking forward to using the GS on my next European trip!!

As an ex fireblade rider, i know exactly what you're talking about. Did 150 miles on mine (already has 780 miles on the clock), then went to France for 2k miles with an SP1, Fireblade and GSXR 600.

The comments made about the long throw of the throttle in this thread are quite true in my opinion. Also, and i'm not sure if its my imagination, but if you twist it quicker to full throttle the timing changes/valve thing opens quicker, and you're propelled nicely.

Stick with it. Also it's eaisr to get off the edge of the tyre and then some on a GS.

One other point, (In a vein hope not to change the thread) is that you will probably benefit (if you weigh around the 90kg mark) by setting the bike up like this:

Front suspension (leave alone) Set tyre pressures when tyre is cold to solo setup (31.6 ish PSI from memory)

Rear - Little screw at bottom of shock (Rebound). Unwind 1.5 turns from full in (as the manual says) and then get the slit in line of where the screwdriver goes, inbetween the "r" and the "e" on the word rebound.
Then on the preload (turnable knob at the top) put a bit of tape on it, and unscrew it 5 1/4 to 5 1/2 times from full in.

Put rear tyre pressure at 36 PSI (solo setting)

This will make it quick turning, but more importantly, give the sensation that the front suspension is handling the same bump as the rear (and visa versa of course) (i.e. stops lurching feeling and see sawing)

If bumps come through the handlebars when riding, move the screw on the bottom of the rear shock about 1/2 to 1 mm (yes milimetre) in until it goes away. Then adjust the preload (turnable knob) 1/8 of a turn until it feel right again.

This setting allows feel, and elimnates 99% of the bike 'sqwatting' under load. Hence the 'sportsbike feel' or just the right setup IMHO.

Incidentally, it's a 2004 1200 GS i have. I'm not sure if the spring changed on later models, cos the original (mine) is way too soft.

Hope this helps... (Hours of twiddling got me here !!)

 

[Ash]

I certainly don't miss the sportsbike. All I rememebr about them is the pain in my wrists and having to avoid cars pulling out in front of me because of the speed that you end up doing. Each day I ride the GS I realise that this is a much more sensible bike., comfortable and for such a big bike handles extremely well. I think some of the replies to my initial threads just confirm some of this issues i initially had were shared by other GS owners...but you eventually get over them and become very attached to your GS.

Hi. Im also new to Bmw's after riding jap sportsbikes for the last 7 years. the last one being a GSXR1000k5. Got fed up with just focusing on the vanishing point and going from A to B as fast as possible, so decided to take the plunge and get the bike i always wanted.I certainly dont miss the performance of the sportsbikes and find that im probably a quicker, smoother rider now as i see more of whats going on ahead and i can still leave most of my mates on sportsbikes behind if i want to. I get a more satisfying ride now (and dont ache at the end of it).

 

[GSmonkey]

I've just moved the other way from a 1200GS to a GSX-R1000 K6. These are two totally different bikes with different characteristics. The GS is certainly the easier of the two to ride.

In terms of performance, the two aren't really comparable and as for drive out of corners, the torque of the gixer is certainly superior.

The real difference is that with the gixer the rider seems to be the limit rather than the bike i.e. you can dial in any speed at any point. If you find yourself going too fast its not the bikes fault.

 

[NorthernBoy]

You are expecting power in the wrong place, the 12 will chew a jap four, on torque, out of any bend, roundabout, hill, in a much higher gear..

???

ZZR1400, 113lbft
R1200GS 83lbft
Suzuki Hayabusa 99lbft

People say this a lot about lower powered bikes (you get Harley fans making the same claim). The fact that you have to rely more on torque, and the fact that a bike does not rev very highly, does not mean that they have more torque than other bikes. Quite why people claim otherwise, I do not know.

 

[Dellis]

The R 1200GS (2005) is my first BMW, having been used to Jap bikes. I have only had the bike for 3 weeks and feel a little dissapointed in the performance.....it doesn't seem to have much of a power band...the revs increase and the bike makes more noise, but it doesn't really move forward that quickly. I wasn't expecting superbike performance, but maybe a little more than it currently has.
Are there any performance mods avaliable...ie. chips or pipes that anyone can suggest ? If so where is the best place to get them.

Adapt or sell it and buy a jap bike.

Dave

 

[Schwarz Baron]

???

ZZR1400, 113lbft
R1200GS 83lbft
Suzuki Hayabusa 99lbft

People say this a lot about lower powered bikes (you get Harley fans making the same claim). The fact that you have to rely more on torque, and the fact that a bike does not rev very highly, does not mean that they have more torque than other bikes. Quite why people claim otherwise, I do not know.

Well let me enlighten you then. I'm quite aware of maximum torque figures, the difference is where the maximum torque is made in the rev range, which you'll find on the GS is about 5500rpm, as opposed to 14000rpm or wherever, on a kawasuki. I've been there, I haven't ridden BM all my 24yrs on a bike.
To summarize, the GS will be making it's 89lb ft of torque, long before the Kwak takes advantage of its extra 20lb/ft, to be able to make a difference.
It's a well known indisputable fact of the Twin vs the Four arguement.

How do you think the Ducati twins done so well on the world superbike circuit, against the much more powerful fours.
As I pointed out earlier, give the fours a bit of a straight, and they pass you like your standing still. But get a twisty and 160 BHP becomes totally irrelevant. Its down to Torque, and where its made in the rev range...

For example, stick a GS in top gear and Kawasaki in top gear, at 30mph, side by side. Now crack open the throttle, on both. Whose gonna reach 90mph first?

Glad to be of assistance.

 

[Alphason]

 

[NorthernBoy]

Well let me enlighten you then. I'm quite aware of maximum torque figures, the difference is where the maximum torque is made in the rev range, which you'll find on the GS is about 5500rpm, as opposed to 14000rpm or wherever,

Hmm, crap. But I am happpy to explain it to you. I will type slowly, too, as your physics kind of sucks.

Peak torque on the Kawasaki is at 7,000 rpm. Peak torque on the suzuki is at 7,500.

But please, do not let the actual facts get in the way of another ognorant, ill informed rant will you?

To answer your question, the other two bikes would get there first.

But only an idiot would ride in the wrong gear in the first place.

You aren't an idiot, are you?

Oh, oops, sorry

 

[Schwarz Baron]

Hmm, crap. But I am happpy to explain it to you. I will type slowly, too, as your physics kind of sucks.

Peak torque on the Kawasaki is at 7,000 rpm. Peak torque on the suzuki is at 7,500.

But please, do not let the actual facts get in the way of another ognorant, ill informed rant will you?

To answer your question, the other two bikes would get there first.

But only an idiot would ride in the wrong gear in the first place.

You aren't an idiot, are you?

Oh, oops, sorry

Absolutely no need for that, settle yourself down. You said you didn't understand, even the figures you gave, still puts the GS ahead at making Maximum Torque, first. We are not talking 0-60 times here friend, go back and read my posts, properly. But after that response, I shall leave you with your figures and dreams. An ignorant ill informed rant eh!. Nice!
A GS pulls very well in top gear from 30mph, and I know a Jap four dosen't, it was all relative. I was proving the Torque theory, as you appeared to want it explained. Cat fights are not my game pal, so you may go and find someone else to play with.....Nice way to make friends and influence people by the way.....

 

[NorthernBoy]

Absolutely no need for that, settle yourself down. You said you didn't understand, even the figures you gave, still puts the GS ahead at making Maximum Torque.

There is a world of difference between tha maximum bbeing at 7,000, and being at 14,000, which I assume you understand.

I seriously do not understand why people like you distort the facts so much.

Seriously, why is it? What do you have to prove?

 

[guffter6969]

Don't you find that the GS12 engine is very vibratory at 30 mph in sixth?
had a XJR1300 and that would pull from 25 in top no probs no fuss no shakes etc

 

[wilbjr21]

Don't you find that the GS12 engine is very vibratory at 30 mph in sixth?
had a XJR1300 and that would pull from 25 in top no probs no fuss no shakes etc

Yes......... but the point, attempting to be made, is the drivability of the GS compared to a four cylinder sports bike. The tourque is produced at a lower rpm so a higher gear can be used and short shifting (changing up before peak power) can be applied.
No-one has to buy a GS. If you want a large capacity multi-cylinder bike that's OK too. Some people have both - I was one of them until I found that I was only using the GS

Northern Boy: You seem to miss the point quite often - is this by design

 

[Schwarz Baron]

There is a world of difference between tha maximum bbeing at 7,000, and being at 14,000, which I assume you understand.

I seriously do not understand why people like you distort the facts so much.

Seriously, why is it? What do you have to prove?

You have missed my point completely. People like me? Do you know me?

You have replied with, personal insults and sarcasm, I have no desire to waste my time with you. I have endeavoured to explain what are well established facts. Yes your Kawasaki is the most powerful bike in the world, and would mince a GS in most areas, of power related topics. The examples I chose where those of extremes, to make the explaination understandable. I obviously wasted my time, but hey shit happens!

Think what you like, friend, but please, don't act like a child thats had his doddy taken away! Now I'm bored, and away to play with the adults.
Now doubt you will reply with more insults, but I won't be reading them this time.....

 

[Mouse]

Don't you find that the GS12 engine is very vibratory at 30 mph in sixth?
had a XJR1300 and that would pull from 25 in top no probs no fuss no shakes etc

2 cylinder vs 4 cylinder ... but I find it better to be in the correct gear

 

[fcasado]

???

ZZR1400, 113lbft
R1200GS 83lbft
Suzuki Hayabusa 99lbft

People say this a lot about lower powered bikes (you get Harley fans making the same claim). The fact that you have to rely more on torque, and the fact that a bike does not rev very highly, does not mean that they have more torque than other bikes. Quite why people claim otherwise, I do not know.

Jeeeeezuuussss, I got sick of all that sh1t a jap 4 cil is faster than a BM...Of course it's and so what?

A ferrari is faster than a Land Rover, a MIG-29 is faster than an A300 and so? What's new about it?

Now just sit back and enjoy

 

[PJ1200]

I've just moved the other way from a 1200GS to a GSX-R1000 K6. These are two totally different bikes with different characteristics. The GS is certainly the easier of the two to ride.

In terms of performance, the two aren't really comparable and as for drive out of corners, the torque of the gixer is certainly superior.

The real difference is that with the gixer the rider seems to be the limit rather than the bike i.e. you can dial in any speed at any point. If you find yourself going too fast its not the bikes fault.

Totally agree. The gixer is a truely amazing bike. Does exactly what you want when you want it. In an ideal world, would have both bikes.
At the end of the day Its all about going from A to B in the style you what.
Have fun with the Gixer.

 

[Paul Mac]

What is happening to this forum - why all the nastiness - Hey at the end of the day we're all bikers so lets all get on. Jap bikes have virtues BMW's have virtues Harley Davidsons do as well. PLEASE lets just live and let live and chill out!!!