Shock news

[STU12]

Well I've just gone from the GS12 to a new R1200S and you've lost all the bottom end in the new engine but gained a shed load from 6K up.
Whereas with the GS you could trickle along in 2nd and pull away, the S set up needs a drop into first.

However the good news is the gearbox is transformed! 100% improvment over my GS.

Stu

 

[Shep]

How long do BWM Mottorad normally keep product lines running? Anybody know?

Shep

 

[Timolgra]

the extra power comes at the expense of low down torque.

Like the 1150

I wonder at what point the GS will or has, ceased to be a GS

 

[nleader]

<snip>So, they'll probably rebrand it as the 13GS (which probably wont be as unlucky as those of us stuck with the 12GS). Yep, this is really good because what BMW will have done is nicely bracketed the 12GS as an easily identifiable (problem?) machine, otherwise why move on to a new model so quickly? What's this going to do for resale / part exchange?<endsnip>

The R1150GS was upgraded with servo-assisted brakes after being in production for 2-3 years. Most people still think of it as one model that had a 6-7 year production life, just with some refinements (or not!) along the way.

The only thing I can see that's wrong with the R1200GS compared to other GSs, is that too many people are spending too much time talking it down instead of riding it. If people want to brand it as a problem child, all they have to do is keep talking. I love mine (after 1 year) and I wouldn't go back to an 1150GS (which I rode for 6 years) for anything. Faster, lighter, better brakes, better handling, nicer noise, better panniers. It meets my needs beautifully. It's never broken down. I have had the front brake squeal problem fixed by the dealer at no cost to me.

It's not an investment. It's not a lifestyle choice. It's not a reflection of my own self-image. It's just a bl**dy fine motorbike to ride.

Cheers, Norman

 

[Timolgra]

It's just a bl**dy fine motorbike to ride.

Cheers, Norman

..........er for your needs maybe, but many of us want a GS because of it's capability off road, and over the years this has been eroded to produce something akin to a Fazer

 

[shuck raider]

How long do BWM Mottorad normally keep product lines running? Anybody know?

Shep

errmmm, since 1923 I think, R 32 boxer engine is basically the same concept as R1200 GS

 

[Shep]

..........er for your needs maybe, but many of us want a GS because of it's capability off road, and over the years this has been eroded to produce something akin to a Fazer

Go on, you want one really, you know you do else you wouldn't keep on like you do

Shep

 

[Dahoum]

I wouldn't go back to an 1150GS (which I rode for 6 years) for anything. Faster, lighter, better brakes, better handling, nicer noise, better panniers. It's just a bl**dy fine motorbike to ride.Cheers, Norman

Ringing endorsement if ever I heard one.

From someone well aquainted with an 'old' GS model

 

[Timolgra]

Go on, you want one really, you know you do else you wouldn't keep on like you do

Shep

Shhhhh, they are too fast for me

 

[Dahoum]

Shhhhh, they are too fast for me

What? Fazers?

 

[Shep]

Shhhhh, they are too fast for me

 

[BBB61]

I've owned the 1100 and 1150 GS's, having put on 55000 miles on both, before moving on to my 1200. The 1100 required a Superchip to make it work properly. The 1150 needed a change to the Remus Y piece and a Remus end can to liberate the power that was stifled by the standard exhaust set up. The 1200 has not needed any change to the engine management or exhaust system. After 10 months and 7500 miles, I am more than happy with its performance out of the box. Other improvements have been in the improved fuel efficiency over the 1150, the accuracy of the speedo and odometer and the overall feel of the bike compared to its predecessors.

The 1150 and 1100 are damn good motorcycles, but like Norman, I have no plans to go back to them. The 1200 hits the spot dead centre for me.

 

[Mouse]

..........er for your needs maybe, but many of us want a GS because of it's capability off road, and over the years this has been eroded to produce something akin to a Fazer

Tim you're just stirring now

What are you comparing? Your R100GS PD to my 1200 for example? Or your super lardy extra heavy 1150 Adventure to the PD? Or lardy Adv to the svelte 1200?

I've ridden a Fazer off road, and I can tell you the GS is far better

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

This isn't altogether surprising news. I can't imagine that the difference will be much though. Doubt they'll call it anything other than a 1200.

I'll add my name to the list of very happy 1200 owners too. Had mine now for almost a year and 11k miles and its doing fine. As long as it 'behaves' I'll keep it for a few years yet - regardless of what BWM bring out next.

In any case, I couldn't afford to change and I'd get shot if I even mentioned it. (That said, a nice wee 998 Duke and a dirt bike would keep it company quit nicely!)

Kai

 

[alimey4u2]

Not in the business of changing bikes like fashions, If I were so I would have bought another Japanese "state of the art for a year" rocket machine....

 

[jimbo]

Its due for a mid life up grade.

I think I need one of those

 

[Graham G]

The R1150GS was upgraded with servo-assisted brakes after being in production for 2-3 years. Most people still think of it as one model that had a 6-7 year production life, just with some refinements (or not!) along the way.

The only thing I can see that's wrong with the R1200GS compared to other GSs, is that too many people are spending too much time talking it down instead of riding it. If people want to brand it as a problem child, all they have to do is keep talking. I love mine (after 1 year) and I wouldn't go back to an 1150GS (which I rode for 6 years) for anything. Faster, lighter, better brakes, better handling, nicer noise, better panniers. It meets my needs beautifully. It's never broken down. I have had the front brake squeal problem fixed by the dealer at no cost to me.

It's not an investment. It's not a lifestyle choice. It's not a reflection of my own self-image. It's just a bl**dy fine motorbike to ride.

Cheers, Norman

Totally agree Norman. I love my 12GS. The more negative stuff I read on this site, the more I look at other bikes - but I always come back to the view that the 12GS is the bike I most prefer. Just ordered my Metal Mule pannier system - and at a grand all up, I wouldn't be spending that on I bike I didn't like.

The 12GS is nothing more than a mode of transport for me. It's practical, it's comfortable. So far it's been reliable. The combination of all this for me is that it is simply an enjoyable bike to ride. As you say, it's there to be ridden, not admired, pampered or fawned over.

As Shakespeare once said, "Rumour is a pipe blown by surmises, jealousies and conjectures" - so is Bill a member of UKGSer?

 

[Emoto]

Frankly, I enjoy seeing a bike model evolve over the years. I like seeing the minor detail changes that are made, and little improvements here and there. Sometimes, the new bits are things that can be retro-fitted to an older model, sometimes not. Sometimes the "advances" seem like a move in the wrong direction, sometimes they are great improvements that noone can deny.

We shall see what the factory releases and over the course of time will learn how any changes benefit the bike, or not.

 

[jonothan]

I don't suppose for one moment that anyone here thought that BMW had reached the pinnacle of their R&D with 1200GS production so that it would remain unchanged and all our machines would remain current up-to-date models? No, thought not.

It's just another logical move forward in the way that they constantly try to modify and improve what they produce.

I'm happy with my GS as it is.

But I can see some merit in Graham G's posting about buying a bike and contributing to BMW's R&D!

J

 

[Gipsy]

Everyone so far seems to be concentrating on the power output if the updated model appears. I am more concerned by the possible new ABS system, and what may imply about the current set up. There has been enough criticism of the current system on the site. If the production set up is changed does this imply BMW have doubts about it?