Some GS Knowledge Required...

[227duke]

Could I trouble folk for a little background on GS updates? I have got myself mired in the situation concerning the gearbox and clutch - when were these last updated? Has the transmission and clutch been updated since the introduction of the WC 2014 model? If so, at what point? Also, what are the main differences (apart from slight bodywork changes) which have occurred on the 2017-on models?

 

[Carlosfandango]

Goldilocks model - 2017. Decent gearbox, uprated suspension with self leveling ESA but no TFT, so should be cheaper than those registered Sept 17 on (2018 model) with TFT. However don't forget GSA's were usually a year behind prior to the 1250's. also slight change to bodywork. There was an interim model - euro4 known as the 16.5 also has better gearbox I believe. not sure when they were built though, someone will know.

They also came with free panniers in 2017 so make sure you get them

 

[fred_jb]

Could I trouble folk for a little background on GS updates? I have got myself mired in the situation concerning the gearbox and clutch - when were these last updated? Has the transmission and clutch been updated since the introduction of the WC 2014 model? If so, at what point? Also, what are the main differences (apart from slight bodywork changes) which have occurred on the 2017-on models?

The following may not be totally accurate, as it is from memory, but I bought my first GS in March 2017 and did quite a bit of research into the specs.

There was a heavier flywheel at some point, but I think that was for the 2016 model year. The 2017 model year had two releases - 2017 in August 2016, and 2017.5 in March 2017. I believe the 2017 release got the Euro 4 mods and the drive shaft shock absorber plus improved gearbox. The bodywork did not change but these Euro 4 bikes can be distinguished from earlier bikes by the reflectors on the fork legs - reflectors means Euro 4 with gearbox improvements, no reflectors means the old gearbox. For the 2017.5 release there were cosmetic changes to the bodywork, but the major change was the ESA update giving auto preload adjustment, replacing the old system of manually selecting from three preload presets (rider, rider + luggage, rider + pillion). I am not aware of any changes to the clutch which I believed changed from dry clutch at the rear of the motor to wet clutch at the front with the LC in 2013.

 

[spoonz]

The clutch had an update from May ish 2014. Most 2013 bikes were retrofitted with the update. It wasn’t a new clutch just a modded push rod with less oil grooves to reduce clutch drag and slightly longer to increase disengagement.

The heavier flywheel on the gs came in 2015 along with shift assist pro as oem which had been an option until then. Late 14 > bikes got updated heated grips (hotter) as well.

 

[DC]

Going for a GS ? Get the best you can afford. 16,17 and 18 the best. Think the gearbox changed at Euro 3 spec to euro 4 spec. Most have a clunky first gear ,it’s part of the GS characteristic, but up through the box then is smooth. I can highly recommend a17 GS rallye , superb . Enjoy what ever you buy

 

[227duke]

Going for a GS ? Get the best you can afford. 16,17 and 18 the best. Think the gearbox changed at Euro 3 spec to euro 4 spec. Most have a clunky first gear ,it’s part of the GS characteristic, but up through the box then is smooth. I can highly recommend a17 GS rallye , superb . Enjoy what ever you buy

Yes, looking seriously as I tried a GS some years ago and was, frankly, underwhelmed. But I understand there have been significant improvements in fuelling and transmission in the last few years, and these were my main reservations. So I'm looking at 2016/2017, but of course this corresponds to a new model being introduced, which is the basis for my question.

 

[Warlord]

The Euro4 R1200's are the Goldilocks bikes....

Just right

 

[Neil W]

Later the better , the box on my 14 plate GSA was shocking , the box on my 2018 model GSA is superb as good as the new 1250 gsa I recently tested

 

[dave hendy]

Goldilocks model - 2017. Decent gearbox, uprated suspension with self leveling ESA but no TFT, so should be cheaper than those registered Sept 17 on (2018 model) with TFT. However don't forget GSA's were usually a year behind prior to the 1250's. also slight change to bodywork. There was an interim model - euro4 known as the 16.5 also has better gearbox I believe. not sure when they were built though, someone will know.

They also came with free panniers in 2017 so make sure you get them

My July 17 registered GS didn't come with free panniers, not all did that year

 

[the woodster]

My July 17 registered GS didn't come with free panniers, not all did that year

You are right. My dealer stated that he could not give me the pannier deal if I'd negotiated the price down. This is because the dealer pays for the pannier deal apparently.

 

[Warlord]

My July 17 registered GS didn't come with free panniers, not all did that year

No... mine didn't either in March 2017 for a new Euro4... but then I only paid £15,800 for a Triple Black so price was very good.

Qualify what FREE actually means?

 

[Morety]

I have the 16.5 model gsa and the gearbox is fine on that. A little clunky into 1st but really quite slick up through the gears. As others have said, the later the better. A good well cared for 15 or 16 bike possibly gives the best bang for buck as far as WC models go and did benefit from a few improvements over older WC models (heavier flywheel, a few more extras as standard, better heated grips etc). Whilst the 17 & 18 bikes come with changes for Euro4 compliance and a revised gearbox and new display. On the road and reliability-wise, I doubt you'd notice much difference between a '15 model and a 17 model.

 

[Carlosfandango]

No... mine didn't either in March 2017 for a new Euro4... but then I only paid £15,800 for a Triple Black so price was very good.

Qualify what FREE actually means?

Bought the bike at a good price - near month end, he needed to hit his bonus levels. Then when i got home I went on the BMW web site to show/confess to the wife what I had bought and it said 'Free panniers', rang up the dealer and his comment was ' well you didn't ask for them' ! fair enough. But he did let me have some for nothing, free gratis, so he was really good. Part paid by BMW, part by the Dealer