THE NEW 08 R1200GS IS IT THAT MUCH BETTER?

graham h

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A question for the owners of the 08 model is it a great inprovement on the previous models? is it worth the extra money? or would it be wise to buy a good late 07 model.:confused:
 
graham h said:
A question for the owners of the 08 model is it a great inprovement on the previous models? is it worth the extra money? or would it be wise to buy a good late 07 model.:confused:
Click to expand...

I'd recommend taking one out for a decent test as a starting point.

When you look at the bike it seems there is just a chane to the body work but there is a lot more under the surface including a new tank and repositioned fuel relay to hopefully deal with the issues of water collecting at the mounting point.

The new engine seems to be a lot smoother with a much slicker gear box but you'll only find this out by trying it.
 
Agree with Thunder there.. I've had an 08 GS for a couple of days while I was getting a few things done to my 06 GS. Engine definately smoother, maybe even a little more 'revvy' (my 06 felt like a bag of spanners in comparison.... I think of it as character though ;-) so I'm not bothered by that), and the gearbox was smoother too. That said, I'm lucky enough to be in a position to change my 06 for an 08, and although I think the 08 is better, I don't think its 'that much' better, certainly not enough better to make me seriously think about trading in for a new one....
Try and get a test ride on (say) an 06, then speak to your dealer about riding an 08... then you can make more of a decision...
 
I've done 800miles om my '08 GS12. I really dont think there is that much difference between it and my '05. It feels a touch more urgent at the top of the rev range, the centre stand is easier to use and the hazard lights are activated using both indicator switches simultaneously. It has an LED tail lamp. Oh, and it's easier to fill the fuel tank. Overall though it has the same feel as the 04-07 bike. IMHO
 
I just made leap of faith from '53 1150GSA to 08 GSA, wish I had kept the 1150 GSA as a reference point. Not too sure about the zingy ESA, it gets caught out on road surfaces that never happened with a mechanical set up.
 
Mike Peers said:
The hazard lights are activated using both indicator switches simultaneously.
Click to expand...

So have earlier BMWs like 1100GS's and 1150GS's.............you can either use the Hazard switch or push both the indicators together:augie


Progress:rob:blast
 
Mike Peers said:
I've done 800miles om my '08 GS12. I really dont think there is that much difference between it and my '05. It feels a touch more urgent at the top of the rev range, the centre stand is easier to use and the hazard lights are activated using both indicator switches simultaneously. It has an LED tail lamp. Oh, and it's easier to fill the fuel tank. Overall though it has the same feel as the 04-07 bike. IMHO
Click to expand...
I too went from an '05 to an '08 and I agree with Mike. In addition the wheelbase is just a bit shorter and the steering is a bit quicker. One thing that I don't like is that the side stand seems shorter . . . causing the bike to lean more.
 
A big improvement over the pre 07's (19,250mls in the year touring) :rob
The 08, Revs higher, les vibs, gear box like a gap box (smooth), Handle bars in the right postion with a chance to change it needed off road, On board computer works, floating front disks great. It's not the same Bike.:cool But just got a call from dealer regarding the EWS recall.... :rolleyes:
Guess it must be better than my 07 Gs which failed in North Africa .. fuel control unit! :blast
Buy one and enjoy...but not knowing what will happen... on a longggg trip.
Thats what BMW call 'UNSTOPPABLE' :thumb :rolleyes:
Love it
A~
 
I had a 08 GS for the day while my 06 GS was being serviced - immediatley noticed it accelerated more quickly and the gearbox was a lot smoother. :bounce1

Did not really notice any change in riding position and just left the suspension on normal - but the engine felt more responsive overall.

Happy with my 06 at the moment but I will probably upgrade to the 08 in due course :D
 
Had a 57 GS then an 08.......................................08 is better however if you're new to the mark I would personally save some dosh and go for a later mark 1.................!All the thrills just the same!




David
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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