LC GS 2016 or 2017

[Gs1200robc]

Hi all,

I am looking at purchasing a 1200 GS, I had one before a 2008 GSA and have missed them so much.

My question is it worth the extra grand or so for a 2017 model GS over a 2016 model, I know that they improved the engine and furlong to the 2017 model which resulted in less vibrations and a smoother throttle/ride.

I am aware the 2017 engine was also put in some 2016 models, a 2016.5 if you will but how do you spit these?

Any advice or comments greatly appreciated.

Thanks rob


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[GrinningGSer]

(It’s news to me that there have been any engine changes 2013 up to the 1250 . I could of course be wrong .I am aware of some gearbox changes. )


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[Gs1200robc]

(It’s news to me that there have been any engine changes 2013 up to the 1250 . I could of course be wrong .I am aware of some gearbox changes. )


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You may well be right on the gear box front rather than the engine itself… hopefully someone with more knowledge than me can help shed some light on things and give us their opinion.


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[Mr Bean]

I think the 2016.5 you reference has reflectors on the fork legs, but still the earlier side panels - the fuelling was better than the earlier ones. Or at least it was on mine.

 

[Gs1200robc]

Just found this online

There have been a few updates to the R1200GS (a steering damper arrived in 2014) and also a partial update, which is a bit odd. In 2016 a stop-gap model (often called the 2016.5) was released that used an updated 2017-spec engine in the 2016 bike’s frame, however the major update was to the 2017 model. The 2017 R1200GS features a Euro4-compliant boxer motor with altered cats and a new judder damper on the output shaft with the selector drum actuator and transmission shafts also revised for smoother gear changes.

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/used-guide-bmw-r1200gs-2013-2018


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[Westy]

Just found this online

There have been a few updates to the R1200GS (a steering damper arrived in 2014) and also a partial update, which is a bit odd. In 2016 a stop-gap model (often called the 2016.5) was released that used an updated 2017-spec engine in the 2016 bike’s frame, however the major update was to the 2017 model. The 2017 R1200GS features a Euro4-compliant boxer motor with altered cats and a new judder damper on the output shaft with the selector drum actuator and transmission shafts also revised for smoother gear changes.

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/used-guide-bmw-r1200gs-2013-2018


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Think they added the heavier flywheel to the 1200 GS in 2014... there were issues with the original LC in 2013 that made it stall due to a light fly wheel

 

[CPJS]

2016 ESA and EU3 (better) fuelling
2017 D-ESA(better) EU4 fuelling(worse) and slightly better gearbox.
I would buy the best 2016 model you can afford.
Any fuelling issues with EU3 are easily fixed, EU4 not so.

 

[fredaroony]

The MY 2016 model brought in ABS Pro too

 

[yofi]

2016 ESA and EU3 (better) fuelling
2017 D-ESA(better) EU4 fuelling(worse) and slightly better gearbox.
I would buy the best 2016 model you can afford.
Any fuelling issues with EU3 are easily fixed, EU4 not so.

Can't comment on the 2016, but fuelling on the 2017.5 was/is most definitely an issue for town work, not good at all.

 

[GrinningGSer]

My judgement possibly clouded by the fact that I have a GSA and it had some sort of damper in the transmission somewhere from 2014 onwards and I vaguely recall a heavier flywheel on the 2014 GSA, which was shortly later followed by the GS .
As to fuelling , we’ll that’s just a reaction to emissions regs and tbh making emissions leaner has other issues .
On any GS 2013, up to the 1250 , they are improved by aftermarket fuelling mods ( let’s not start a Hilltop discussion here )
So I still think no mechanical engine change , but definitely some gearbox change


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[Gs1200robc]

I had the hilltop update on my old 2008 GSA and at the time I felt it was worth it, but since rider the newer 2013 > I really don’t think there is a need for it. I was just keen to understand the difference between the 2016 and 2017 models wether that we engine or gearbox improvements.


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[Gs1200robc]

Confirmed with bmw Bristol the 2016.5 has gear box update and engine ecu tinkering. You can spot one as they gave reflectors on the lower part of the front forks.


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[Carlosfandango]

I’ve got the 2017 model, as per 2016.5 but the bodywork and tank changed slightly, Nice gearbox, full ESA suspension, proper clocks; no tft rubbish, mine has got excellent fuelling. Also known as the Goldilocks model, just right! In fact I keep test riding other bikes and just dont want to get rid of mine, 4 years of excellent service.

 

[Mr Bean]

Confirmed with bmw Bristol the 2016.5 has gear box update and engine ecu tinkering. You can spot one as they gave reflectors on the lower part of the front forks.


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As in post 4?

 

[leadfarmer]

The MY 2016 model brought in ABS Pro too

And the dynamic brake light

 

[RallyeGS]

I’ve got the 2017 model, as per 2016.5 but the bodywork and tank changed slightly, Nice gearbox, full ESA suspension, proper clocks; no tft rubbish, mine has got excellent fuelling. Also known as the Goldilocks model, just right! In fact I keep test riding other bikes and just dont want to get rid of mine, 4 years of excellent service.

TFT rubbish?

 

[malcopopolo]

Being on my second GS1200 LC, current one is a 2016.5 model and can confirm they are indeed a goldilocks bike

The TFt is nice on the newer bikes, test road a GS 1250 this week as a loan bike and liked the TFT.
Fueling was spot on. Felt the increased torque and it certainly accelerated slightly quicker. Not worth the 8 to 9k to upgrade.
Will wait for the 1300 version in a couple of years

However i am going to test ride the KTM 1290 S adventure soon...

 

[Boxerlust]

I would buy a 2016 because the 2017/18 1200GS EU-4 lost a lot of power in the mid-range...Actually I would skip the 1200 and go straight to a 2019 R1250GS.Much better engine and worth the additional cost !