R1250 GSA - Spoke to Alloy Wheel Question

[Mucky Helmet]

I want to change the spoked wheels on my 1250 GSA to alloys. I was pretty sure it's a straight swap but am getting different opinions on what's possible.

I've asked in my local Motorrad dealer and they've told me spindles and spacers are common on both models, I've checked the MAX BMW fiche and the calipers, and fixings, are the same part numbers on both models (K50 & K51).

Before I buy the alloys and start the job, could someone who has changed their wheels please tell me if it's a straight swap or if I need to change / add / modify anything? Any tips?

Thanks.

 

[GB.]

Straight swap, I know someone who has a pair of mint alloys who would swap with you, got sensors and Michelin PR on them.

 

[Richie N]

Yep, I did it on my 2006 GSA and used alloys off a standard GS. They just use different bolts.

 

[GB.]

Yep, I did it on my 2006 GSA and used alloys off a standard GS. They just use different bolts.

WC bikes use the same bolts, you’ll just have to reprogram the sensors.

 

[Mucky Helmet]

Straight swap, I know someone who has a pair of mint alloys who would swap with you, got sensors and Michelin PR on them.

Thanks - at the moment, I plan on keeping the spoke wheels.

Yep, I did it on my 2006 GSA and used alloys off a standard GS. They just use different bolts.

Thanks.

WC bikes use the same bolts, you’ll just have to reprogram the sensors.

Yes, same part number for spoke and alloys.

 

[Richie N]

I kept mine too, I just don’t like cleaning bikes and spokes are a nightmare to keep clean

 

[GSian]

What age is your GSA? It's a straight swap as far as fitting but for the pressure sensors to work, the wheels need to come of a pre 2022 (half way through) and going on a pre 2022 or post 2022 wheels on to a post 2022. These have LDL sensors. Easy enough to change sensors extra cost needs to be factored in and the new sensors will need to be programmed to the bike.

If you need info, I've done it and have all the part numbers and process etc. Pre 2022 wheels, 2023 bike.

 

[Mucky Helmet]

What age is your GSA? It's a straight swap as far as fitting but for the pressure sensors to work, the wheels need to come of a pre 2022 (half way through) and going on a pre 2022 or post 2022 wheels on to a post 2022. These have LDL sensors. Easy enough to change sensors extra cost needs to be factored in and the new sensors will need to be programmed to the bike.

If you need info, I've done it and have all the part numbers and process etc. Pre 2022 wheels, 2023 bike.

It's a 2021.

Part numbers would be very useful - everything I've looked at so far has the RDC sensor as a common part on the K50 and K51.

GSA looks great with alloys

 

[GSian]

You'll need the Schrader valves. there are cheaper versions available. The reason you can't see them is that the later parts fiche is not normally available till they're over 3 yrs old.

 

[kevmax]

I’m curious at to why you want to swap to alloys. Is there a benefit or is it just cosmetic. I was contemplating doing the opposite changing to spoke wheels on my K50 GS LC for cosmetic reasons as it’s mainly road riding I do. But if there was a reason leaving the alloys on and not changing to spokes I’d be interested in hearing it.

 

[M30SJM]

I did this swap on my 1200 TB.
The front wheel had a different size spacer than the spokes, cant remember whether it was larger or smaller, i just swapped the lip seal to allow me to use the same spacer as the spokes.
I really liked the looks of the alloys, and its more economical with tyres, not having to throw part worn tyres away when you set off on a long trip, just swap the wheels.

My first weekend away i hit a pot hole that was filled with water, bent the front rim. Went to a local bike shop and called out a mobile tyre fitter, tried to straighten the rim but it cracked, ended up drilling it and fitting a tube.

Later that year i did the same but with the rear, same solution, drill and fit a tube.
I've hit pot holes with the spokes on with all 3 of the gs's ive had, and never bent one yet.

Stu

 

[Mucky Helmet]

I’m curious at to why you want to swap to alloys. Is there a benefit or is it just cosmetic. I was contemplating doing the opposite changing to spoke wheels on my K50 GS LC for cosmetic reasons as it’s mainly road riding I do. But if there was a reason leaving the alloys on and not changing to spokes I’d be interested in hearing it.

I'd love to say there's a whole heap of technical reasons and benefits for me changing the wheels but no, purely cosmetic.

 

[GB.]

I’m curious at to why you want to swap to alloys. Is there a benefit or is it just cosmetic. I was contemplating doing the opposite changing to spoke wheels on my K50 GS LC for cosmetic reasons as it’s mainly road riding I do. But if there was a reason leaving the alloys on and not changing to spokes I’d be interested in hearing it.

Alloys are lighter than spokes, but for me a GS needs to have spokes.

 

[stick]

Always used spokes as they are tuff .
Did have alloys back in 2016-2018 but after two rims needed straightening I went back to spokes . With the condition of our roads now personally I would stay with the spokes . But it’s a straight swap as I had both choices .
If you do chop and change between the pairs remember caution the first few miles as the pads will need to bed in again and may catch you out .
My sets had new discs on so not an issue as wear was similar but a more worn disc may do . I used two sets of pads to match the set being used .
Over kill I know but piece of mind all the same.

 

[GSBR]

I want to change the spoked wheels on my 1250 GSA to alloys. I was pretty sure it's a straight swap but am getting different opinions on what's possible.

I've asked in my local Motorrad dealer and they've told me spindles and spacers are common on both models, I've checked the MAX BMW fiche and the calipers, and fixings, are the same part numbers on both models (K50 & K51).

Before I buy the alloys and start the job, could someone who has changed their wheels please tell me if it's a straight swap or if I need to change / add / modify anything? Any tips?

Thanks.

Hey @Mucky, Helmet! I'm wondering if you're interested in swapping it for my alloy? What colours are yours? I have a 20211250 GS TE Triple Black with black alloy wheels but was thinking of buying spoke rims. Please let me know your thoughts. Cheers!