Is this new R1200GS LC any good?

[Captain Beaky]

Now - before we start, hear me out...

I've had a R1150GS (51 plate) in the past - bought it imported in 2002 and deeply regret selling it in 2009- it was the best bike I have ever had - rode it everywhere and in all weathers (which is parly why I sold it) did a few GS'er events too. Its the longest I have ever owned a bike. I wish I had held onto it as my winter hack.

I then spent over a year test riding everything on the planet (even a harley XR1200 - shock horror), and had a flirt with a VFR800Vtec before ending up with my current bikes - a mint 10,000 mile 56 plate R1200R, a winter hack pre-crashed 50k mile 1998 K1200RS, and a greenlane 2005 model XR250.


I tried the R1200GS when it came out - it didn't float my boat versus the R1150GS I had at the time - yes a bit lighter, but the high cost and relatively poor torque put me off - particilarly since my 1150 was nicely tuned. Also the servo brake problems didnt appeal either, and I definitely want an ABS bike.

I tried the R1200GS Rallye (with the OHC engine), but again it didn't quite push the right buttons (especially when compared to the R1200R I currently have) - the R1200R felt a lot more fun/agile and better geared. But I do crave a bit more weather protection, I liked the ESA a lot, and the gearbox was much better than the 1150's.

Now then - it's crunch time.
I've gone and looked at the new R1200GS TE at Dick Lovatt in Bristol.
I have to admit, I do like the look of it, and I am fancying something new to replace the R1200R so I'm off for a test ride one evening this week - and if I like it I might go for a longer test ride on my days off next week.

Going back to an 1150 w/ABS might be an option, if a very nice pre-servo one turns up. Problem is that they are relatively poor value for money (or rather - they depreciate very slowly), and I'm not sure that I could bring myself to spend that much on a 10 year old bike (also - servo braked bikes are out of the question).

What's the honest crack with the new bike - what's the good and bad with it?

As I say, I've had BMW's for some time, so I know all the wonderful little characterful flaws - throttle balancing, surging, popping on the overrun, swingarm bearings, the joys of GS-911, the screen buffetting, ECU chip coding, the need for an optima battery, etc etc,.

What's the new bike like, in comparison to the old?

Thanks in advance,

Mike.

 

[The Hobbit]

Hi Mike

I picked my red TE low up this weekend and have done only about 250 miles. But I will endeavour to give an honest comparison as I see it.

The bike has a different feel that has surprised me, as I did not especially notice it on my ½ day test.
As everyone says, it feels lighter and more agile, maybe slightly less glued to the ground and faster to turn. At slow speeds <10 mph I find it marginally harder to control, but that may have something to do with the clutch and torque. Suspension is amazing, I can comfortable travel on very bad fen roads 10 mph faster with greater comfort. The only thing I think may have been better on the TC was the absorption or fast “edges”, but that could be the tyres as they feel like they may have stiffer sidewalls.
Engine is a gem above 2.5k, but you notice the lack of weight in the crank below this, my TC would happily stay in 2nd even 2 up if the wheels were moving, the LC does not. This and the new clutch, which has a narrower engagement range may give the slow speed difference mentioned above.
Once you get the engine over 2.5k, there is no comparison, it pulls so much cleaner, with much less vibration. The only problem is that it’s much to quite, is all you hear is the induction and the top end. Fuel consumption so far is about the same.
General comfort is a big improvement and the seat is way better as is the screen. I can now happily ride @60 visor up, no way could I do that on the TC.
The dash is a personal thing, but I prefer it over the TC, and it has a few more useful gadgets.
My wife, who has done most of the miles with me, says the seat is not quite as soft (but it may just need a few miles) but other than that pillion comfort is about the same.
My bike has full vario’s and the quality is an improvement over the last set. The top box is also bigger, but the new retaining straps are a bit too short and tend to pull the lid closed whilst you are trying to load it
Controls are good and seem well made, but I preferred the old indicator setup.
So all in all, I believe it to be a better all round bike, just a bit different, and that difference needs getting used to, after it’s not a copy of a TC.
General quality is better and the use of things like Goodrich hoses hopefully shows that BM have finally stopped scrimping on 3rd party parts.

Hope that helps

Barry

 

[Engineer]

Now - before we start, hear me out...

I've had a R1150GS (51 plate) in the past - bought it imported in 2002 and deeply regret selling it in 2009- it was the best bike I have ever had - rode it everywhere and in all weathers (which is parly why I sold it) did a few GS'er events too. Its the longest I have ever owned a bike. I wish I had held onto it as my winter hack.

I then spent over a year test riding everything on the planet (even a harley XR1200 - shock horror), and had a flirt with a VFR800Vtec before ending up with my current bikes - a mint 10,000 mile 56 plate R1200R, a winter hack pre-crashed 50k mile 1998 K1200RS, and a greenlane 2005 model XR250.


I tried the R1200GS when it came out - it didn't float my boat versus the R1150GS I had at the time - yes a bit lighter, but the high cost and relatively poor torque put me off - particilarly since my 1150 was nicely tuned. Also the servo brake problems didnt appeal either, and I definitely want an ABS bike.

I tried the R1200GS Rallye (with the OHC engine), but again it didn't quite push the right buttons (especially when compared to the R1200R I currently have) - the R1200R felt a lot more fun/agile and better geared. But I do crave a bit more weather protection, I liked the ESA a lot, and the gearbox was much better than the 1150's.

Now then - it's crunch time.
I've gone and looked at the new R1200GS TE at Dick Lovatt in Bristol.
I have to admit, I do like the look of it, and I am fancying something new to replace the R1200R so I'm off for a test ride one evening this week - and if I like it I might go for a longer test ride on my days off next week.

Going back to an 1150 w/ABS might be an option, if a very nice pre-servo one turns up. Problem is that they are relatively poor value for money (or rather - they depreciate very slowly), and I'm not sure that I could bring myself to spend that much on a 10 year old bike (also - servo braked bikes are out of the question).

What's the honest crack with the new bike - what's the good and bad with it?

As I say, I've had BMW's for some time, so I know all the wonderful little characterful flaws - throttle balancing, surging, popping on the overrun, swingarm bearings, the joys of GS-911, the screen buffetting, ECU chip coding, the need for an optima battery, etc etc,.

What's the new bike like, in comparison to the old?

Thanks in advance,

Mike.

It is a big improvement all round on the previous 1200GSs - there will be those that argue, but those that have done significant miles (1,000 miles up) on both will tell you that the new bike is better in just about everyway.

P.S. the 1200 always had more torque than the 1150 and new one leaves the 1150 way. way behind on torque.

 

[Captain Beaky]

That's funny - when I tested the first of the R1200GS's, while it did have more power higher up in the rev range, it felt a bit gutless low down - the old 1150 used to literally pull my arms out at 1500 - 2500 revs.
Mind you - I had been tuning it...


My current R1200R doesn't do that - it wakes up at about 2500, pulls really strongly to 6000 and then goes mad to 8000rpm (when the old 1150 had already packed up and gone home at 5500!)

 

[Engineer]

That's funny - when I tested the first of the R1200GS's, while it did have more power higher up in the rev range, it felt a bit gutless low down - the old 1150 used to literally pull my arms out at 1500 - 2500 revs.
Mind you - I had been tuning it...


My current R1200R doesn't do that - it wakes up at about 2500, pulls really strongly to 6000 and then goes mad to 8000rpm (when the old 1150 had already packed up and gone home at 5500!)

The new 1200 has gobs more torque over the entire rev range, about 20lb-ft everywhere compared to the 1150.

 

[jonnyp]

Hi Mike

I agree with what the others have said (could be a Cambs GS owners thing going on here!!)

To add to Hobbit's comments - I always thought the screen on the old bike was too low and I was going to get a GSA screen but never got round to it. The new one has a much better screen and I can happily sit at 85 visor up which I prefer. I'm 5'11 and have the seat high at the front low at the back.

The ride comfort is much better, never had ESA before, seems to do the trick.

I have Vario boxes, no top box. As with the rest of the bike the quality of the fixtures and fittings is better but time will tell.

The GS has always been a multi purpose bike but with the addition of the modes it's now several in one, I can set it in road or rain and just enjoy the ride or, dynamic mode and hard suspension and I've got a hoon machine !! Which is where I am and that's probably why my mpg is not as good as it should be!

I'm sure if you try one you'll love it, if you buy one you won't regret it

Like the Engineer I paid a deposit last year and picked mine up on day 1. Didn't even consider it a risk!

I just need more time to ride it..

 

[iandavid]

Hi Mike

I picked my red TE low up this weekend and have done only about 250 miles. But I will endeavour to give an honest comparison as I see it.

The bike has a different feel that has surprised me, as I did not especially notice it on my ½ day test.
As everyone says, it feels lighter and more agile, maybe slightly less glued to the ground and faster to turn. At slow speeds <10 mph I find it marginally harder to control, but that may have something to do with the clutch and torque. Suspension is amazing, I can comfortable travel on very bad fen roads 10 mph faster with greater comfort. The only thing I think may have been better on the TC was the absorption or fast “edges”, but that could be the tyres as they feel like they may have stiffer sidewalls.
Engine is a gem above 2.5k, but you notice the lack of weight in the crank below this, my TC would happily stay in 2nd even 2 up if the wheels were moving, the LC does not. This and the new clutch, which has a narrower engagement range may give the slow speed difference mentioned above.
Once you get the engine over 2.5k, there is no comparison, it pulls so much cleaner, with much less vibration. The only problem is that it’s much to quite, is all you hear is the induction and the top end. Fuel consumption so far is about the same.
General comfort is a big improvement and the seat is way better as is the screen. I can now happily ride @60 visor up, no way could I do that on the TC.
The dash is a personal thing, but I prefer it over the TC, and it has a few more useful gadgets.
My wife, who has done most of the miles with me, says the seat is not quite as soft (but it may just need a few miles) but other than that pillion comfort is about the same.
My bike has full vario’s and the quality is an improvement over the last set. The top box is also bigger, but the new retaining straps are a bit too short and tend to pull the lid closed whilst you are trying to load it
Controls are good and seem well made, but I preferred the old indicator setup.
So all in all, I believe it to be a better all round bike, just a bit different, and that difference needs getting used to, after it’s not a copy of a TC.
General quality is better and the use of things like Goodrich hoses hopefully shows that BM have finally stopped scrimping on 3rd party parts.

Hope that helps

Barry

Agree with all Barry has said. Wife and I have just completed 600miles with 3 x varios, and she says it's much more comfortable than the TC. Seats are much better and are softening up lovely. Screen is much better (I'm 5'10") and with low seat I can plant both feet firmly on the ground.

Not tried " rain" yet as it's been dry, I use " road" 2 up as " dynamic" is feckin manic, front lifts too easy with a pillion. Solo dynamic transforms the bike and it becomes a very fast road bike, much more than the TC.

Top box and left pannier, expanded, both take a system 5 helmet each.

All in all a brilliant bike

 

[Engineer]

Hi Mike

I agree with what the others have said (could be a Cambs GS owners thing going on here!!)

To add to Hobbit's comments - I always thought the screen on the old bike was too low and I was going to get a GSA screen but never got round to it. The new one has a much better screen and I can happily sit at 85 visor up which I prefer. I'm 5'11 and have the seat high at the front low at the back.

The ride comfort is much better, never had ESA before, seems to do the trick.

I have Vario boxes, no top box. As with the rest of the bike the quality of the fixtures and fittings is better but time will tell.

The GS has always been a multi purpose bike but with the addition of the modes it's now several in one, I can set it in road or rain and just enjoy the ride or, dynamic mode and hard suspension and I've got a hoon machine !! Which is where I am and that's probably why my mpg is not as good as it should be!

I'm sure if you try one you'll love it, if you buy one you won't regret it

Like the Engineer I paid a deposit last year and picked mine up on day 1. Didn't even consider it a risk!

I just need more time to ride it..

I am rapidly approaching 2,000 miles - but I am lucky and get to ride it almost every day

 

[Elvisto]

I agree with most of what other guys have said,

Ive not owned a 1200GS before, had the 1100 and 1150 a few years ago when they first came out,
I have 2,300 miles on the bike now, and i've loved every minute,no point in repeating what others have said,but this is the best all round bike i've ever owned, it does everything superbly,

Three small points let it down for me,

The Alarm is a pain
The heated grips are not warm enough when riding in Zero to +3 temps,
The shit thrown up by the rear wheel, covers the back of my legs,I've ordered the frame covers so hope they work,

Cheers Graham

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Buy a late TC and get into hilltop for the torque and power increase and save yourself a great deal of cash and have a fantastic bike !

 

[Captain Beaky]

I popped into dick Lovatt on the way home.
It does look good.
Heck of a price tag though.

One question:- are the panniers the same as the tc?
(I'm wondering if I try and do a deal on panniers when I get the bike, or leave it till later)?

 

[jonnyp]

I popped into dick Lovatt on the way home.
It does look good.
Heck of a price tag though.

One question:- are the panniers the same as the tc?
(I'm wondering if I try and do a deal on panniers when I get the bike, or leave it till later)?

If you mean the varios .. No

 

[jonnyp]

I am rapidly approaching 2,000 miles - but I am lucky and get to ride it almost every day

1300 miles. Out tonight !

 

[edwgordon]

I agree with most of what other guys have said,

Ive not owned a 1200GS before, had the 1100 and 1150 a few years ago when they first came out,
I have 2,300 miles on the bike now, and i've loved every minute,no point in repeating what others have said,but this is the best all round bike i've ever owned, it does everything superbly,

Three small points let it down for me,

The Alarm is a pain
The heated grips are not warm enough when riding in Zero to +3 temps,
The shit thrown up by the rear wheel, covers the back of my legs,I've ordered the frame covers so hope they work,

Cheers Graham

FRAME COVERS??? Can you point me to a web site to see and price them please...Thanks....Ed

 

[DING-DONG]

FRAME COVERS??? Can you point me to a web site to see and price them please...Thanks....Ed

http://shop.touratech.co.uk/large-frame-guard-for-bmw-r1200gs-from-2013-right.html

 

[Elvisto]

FRAME COVERS??? Can you point me to a web site to see and price them please...Thanks....Ed

They are the ones you can order from BMW, Actually I should have said frame infill panels,
They are in stock, mine should be here this week,

Sorry for the confusion, Graham

 

[ebbo]

Buy a late TC and get into hilltop for the torque and power increase and save yourself a great deal of cash and have a fantastic bike !

If you don't want to get hammered with the price of a new machine this is good advice

 

[Captain Beaky]

Yeah, I see the logic.
But
A low mileage fully loaded late TC would be about £11k
How much is tuning? Circa £1k?
So that's £12k versus £13,500 for an ex demo LC I've already looked at.

Not a huge amount of saving, considering the upgrade to a newer version.

I'll take a test ride later today, and see what I think.

M.

 

[lennythelion]

Hilltop re map is £360 or £330 if you're in a group.

 

[Nutty]

Yeah, I see the logic.
But
A low mileage fully loaded late TC would be about £11k
How much is tuning? Circa £1k?
So that's £12k versus £13,500 for an ex demo LC I've already looked at.

Not a huge amount of saving, considering the upgrade to a newer version.

I'll take a test ride later today, and see what I think.

M.

Plus the LC will be worth more when you come to sell it on