Question on the 1200's

[essjay]

Sold my 1150GSA a few months ago thinking I wanted to try sports tourers and because my small frame couldn't handle the height and weight of the bike (even with lower shocks). Decided they are not for me so I'm now back looking at the 1200 GS (non adv).

Quick question - is there any difference in the model years (besides colour maybe) on the pre-2008 bikes? I.E. is there any advantage to a particular year besides some being newer? The question in my head is whether I'd be better off buying an older cheaper bike and being able to afford some add-on's or a newer bike and having to wait a while for accessories.

Also I've heard that the non-adv rear subframe is not as strong as the adventure. Is that true? If so, how would a standard GS handle a loaded set of tough panniers (verns, civils etc) over a trip to the east (China, Mongolia, the Stans etc)?

 

[tunnie]

i think there was a spec update early 2007. Different dash cluster, and updated computer display. They dropped servo assisted brakes as well.

There maybe more, but not sure.

Mine is a 56 plate but its a 2007 year and was almost exactly the same as the 09 bike, bar a slightly different speedo

 

[essjay]

great - thats good to know. I was not aware of the spec update.

I don't want the servo brakes again, so I'll be after a late 2006 bike.

Is it safe to assume that all 1200's before the last third of 2006 had the servo brakes and that if I get a bike without this, I'll have got myself the updated spec?