GS1200 Difference between years

[Rasher]

Now I am closer to having cash to go shopping can anyone tell me what differences there are between years, or more to the point any major ones.

I know the 2010 has a new and more powerful engine, and at some point more options appeared for ESA and suchlike.

I know the 1200 appeared in 2004, my budget will hopefully stretch to a 2008, although a tidy 2007 model may appeal at the right money / mileage.

I assume the engine from 2004 - 2009 was the same and it won't be too much slower than the 2010 one.

Any other differences, particulalrly between 2007 and 2008?


Thanks

 

[BBB61]

Power of the engine was increased in 2008 to 105bhp from the original 98bhp, but the engine unit is esentially the same. ESA and other such gubbins became available in 2008 also. ABS and heated grips were available from launch in 2004. The servo ABS was fitted to 2004-6 models, but replaced with a different non servo set up from 2007 onwards.

 

[Mr K]

Yellow ones are fastest.

 

[Rasher]

Cheers, I guess a 2008 would be ideal as most powerful unit I can afford, but a very tidy 2007 may do the trick.

Anyone know how the power from 2007 - 2008 - 2010 compare?

Not that I can afford a 2010, so would I notice any difference between the 07 and 08?

 

[Schtum]

Of the top of my head....

2006 - got a redesigned centre stand which made it much easier to use.

2007 - got rid of servo brakes.

2008 - increase in engine power and introduction of ESA and ASC. At the same time, the steering head angle is steeper and the wheelbase slightly shorter, resulting in a bike that turns more quickly. New styling and better build quality.

2009 - different engine map - even leaner than 2008.

As to performance - a seat-of-the-pants evaluation tells me that my '09 with just a Remus can is as quick as my '07 was when fitted with a full Remus system.

 

[Bryn]

Remember... Servo brakes were a complicated solution to a problem that never existed

 

[Rasher]

Thanks guys looking more and more like it may be worth a few more quid for the 2008 model, but at the very least will aim for 2007 to avoid complex brakes.

You don't see many 2009 bikes for sale, and they would probably be outside of my price range, especially browsing here has added some "essentials" to my list which all come of bottom line of money for bike:

1. Crash Bars - I assume this can save a wrecked engine in a spill
2. Givi Airflow - got a lot of noise on test, so need something.
3. Maybe Tobinators and Winglets if above not enough
4. I need a £60 adapter for my tank bag
5. Possibly a visit to Tony Archer as I felt seat getting uncomfy on test ride.

Already got a £500 wish list, plus potentially another £900 for luggage.


One thing I forgot to look at is how easy are the suspension adjusters to get too (Front and rear preload and damping) - at my budget ESA is looking unlikely.

 

[blueboyxyz]

Cheers, I guess a 2008 would be ideal as most powerful unit I can afford, but a very tidy 2007 may do the trick.

Anyone know how the power from 2007 - 2008 - 2010 compare?

Not that I can afford a 2010, so would I notice any difference between the 07 and 08?

neither can i but i bought one anyway

martin

 

[Schtum]

One thing I forgot to look at is how easy are the suspension adjusters to get too (Front and rear preload and damping) - at my budget ESA is looking unlikely.

Front preload is easy - just use the C spanner to adjust the stepped ring. There's no damping adjustment on OE front shocks.

Rear preload is easy - there's a remote adjuster knob. On a <'08 bike you really need to run more than the ideal amount of preload to get the rear ride-height up so that the bike will turn quickly enough. Rebound damping is adjusted by a set screw on the nearside bottom of the shock and is very accessible.

 

[EggChaser]

2008 is where the optional 'short a***' or in official terms Height Reduced kit became available too as I have one. If you end up looking at an '08 or later that doesn't have the ESA then worth asking whether it is standard or height reduced - it won't be on an ESA bike as the reduced shocks aren't ESA compatible.

 

[mike j]

Yellow ones are fastest.

Absolute nonsense RED is the fastest by a country mile

 

[ciderman gs]

they get more reliable the newer they are because by the time bmw warranty has finished with it you have a new bike

 

[Rasher]

Originally Posted by Beemerman59
All of which can be cured - for a price.

Oh, he knows all about the price of remedying shoddy manufacturing.... from the 1400 Kwacka

Have tended to modify suspension on most of my bikes, already spoken to MCT, seems rear can be reworked easily enough, but not the front units.

Higher quality replacements are available (at huge cost) for both ends, but not if you have ESA, which is pushing me a bit more towards not being so bothered about it.

Looked at prices again and assuming I can get tuppence for my existing steed at this time of year then a low mileage 2008 model should be in reach.

Maybe even an '09 with comfort pack if I buy one with Vario panniers already fitted, just concerned I really need bigger ones such as Trax or trekker, so more tempted by £1000 cheaper '08 without panniers and the saving pays for the bigger kit.

 

[karlp]

........

Higher quality replacements are available (at huge cost) for both ends, but not if you have ESA, which is pushing me a bit more towards not being so bothered about it.

..............QUOTE]

Not quite correct ----Wilbers do a replacement for the ESA shocks

 

[Rasher]

Not quite correct ----Wilbers do a replacement for the ESA shocks

Thanks for heads up, ESA back on shopping list

 

[Stretchamus]

Absolute nonsense RED is the fastest by a country mile

Utter Gonads if its German it has to be Blond

 

[Stretchamus]

neither can i but i bought one anyway

martin

+1

Stretch

 

[dakarDude]

Utter Gonads if its German it has to be Blond

Says the guy who rides a GSA that makes him look like a Bionic Canary

 

[Rasher]

Another quick check with MCT and the ESA is now on the acceptable, but not so desireable list.

I have been told the Ohlins GS kit is amazing, the Wilburrs is very good, but if upgrading the Ohlins is worth the extra few quid.

Damn, not even bought the thing yet and I have a £3000 wish list, this is what got me in trouble with the last bike

 

[Schtum]

Another quick check with MCT and the ESA is now on the acceptable, but not so desireable list.

I have been told the Ohlins GS kit is amazing, the Wilburrs is very good, but if upgrading the Ohlins is worth the extra few quid.

Damn, not even bought the thing yet and I have a £3000 wish list, this is what got me in trouble with the last bike

Just get one and ride it. If you do get an ESA model, you can upgrade the OEM shocks with Wilbers which are ESA compatible.