Think of change

[GSjay]

Hi everyone
I am an owner of an 05 k25 gs1200. I have been its owner for the last 3 years and enjoying every minute of it.

I’m looking for your opinions.
1. A local bike shop to me has a 2012 one for a higher price than a 2015 gs 1200 with similar mileage is this normal?

2. I am thinking of changing to a 2013 lc. Is there anything i should be looking out for or worried about on the lc? I’m just curious if I do take the deal will i enjoy it as much as my current 05 gs.

 

[Santa-2512]

2012 if its a twincam Hexhead, will hold its value its the most sorted Hexhead

2013 LC , weak point is the stator unit - Known failure point with big money to fix £1300 springs to mind

I had an 06, traded for a 16 and given away for a 11 - Hexhead / LC / Twincam

 

[Andy63]

Watch out for corrosiion on the engine and gearbox some of the early LC were prone to it.
Think this was resolved after 2014.

 

[GSjay]

2012 if its a twincam Hexhead, will hold its value its the most sorted Hexhead

2013 LC , weak point is the stator unit - Known failure point with big money to fix £1300 springs to mind

I had an 06, traded for a 16 and given away for a 11 - Hexhead / LC / Twincam

thanks I’ll keep that in mind. I’m not in a rush at the moment just keeping my options open

 

[gspod]

Steering damper on the 2014 not 2013.
Wife’s got a 2014 with 48K on the clock - had 12K when she bought it.
She had to have the rear shock rebuilt at around 30K - done by Denzo so not expensive. No other problems and of course BMW have fitted a new shaft - which is nice.
There is a bit of paint bubbling here and there so if you like a shiny bike, maybe look for a later model.
I’ve got a twin cam with 100K on the clock, it’s a great bike but It’s got through more consumerbles than my old 1100.

I didn’t think there was enough difference between the 1100 to 1150 to upgrade. And I wouldn’t upgrade from a SC to a TC - but that’s me.

Good luck with your choice

 

[wust588]

I think the early LC's had a weak alternator, prone to failure - which is an engine out job to rectify.

 

[Santa-2512]

I think the early LC's had a weak alternator, prone to failure - which is an engine out job to rectify.

Psst , dont read post #2

 

[gspod]

I think the early LC's had a weak alternator, prone to failure - which is an engine out job to rectify.

A quick bit of research and it looks like the design was changed in April 14 - so look for a later built bike.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I didn’t think there was enough difference between the 1100 to 1150 to upgrade. And I wouldn’t upgrade from a SC to a TC - but that’s me.

Good luck with your choice

TwinCam 1200’s 2010-13 aren’t that special in comparison to a late 2008/9 single cam (with a lot simpler engine)
Not as fabled or feted as some here make out & BMW had to fit an exhaust flap to make the grunt further down the rev range
Plus TwinCam are more vibey than the single cams

 

[gspod]

TwinCam 1200’s 2010-13 aren’t that special in comparison to a late 2008/9 single cam (with a lot simpler engine)
Not as fabled or feted as some here make out & BMW had to fit an exhaust flap to make the grunt further down the rev range
Plus TwinCam are more vibey than the single cams

I agree, if I was looking now I’d go for a, lighter, SC and spend the extra on a trip.

The OP is thinking about upgrading to an LC which, IMO, is a much bigger jump for not a lot more money than a TC.

 

[Lor Enzo]

I have not found enough difference between a 1150 and a 1200 twin cam, yes a 2012 sounds better, maybe easier handling but the technological jump was a bit meh .. maybe all the good things I read set my expectations on the twin cam high and left me a bit meh... Don't get me wrong I have done 1,000 miles over the winter and love the bike and will keep it for the time being, but I was expecting a bit more.
One simple thing that I cannot get my head around is the helmet hook, it worked on the 1150...

Get the best you can afford and enjoy, this is my advice! It would be good to try both TC and LC, something I have not done but should have given the crossover in prices.

 

[GSjay]

Steering damper on the 2014 not 2013.
Wife’s got a 2014 with 48K on the clock - had 12K when she bought it.
She had to have the rear shock rebuilt at around 30K - done by Denzo so not expensive. No other problems and of course BMW have fitted a new shaft - which is nice.
There is a bit of paint bubbling here and there so if you like a shiny bike, maybe look for a later model.
I’ve got a twin cam with 100K on the clock, it’s a great bike but It’s got through more consumerbles than my old 1100.

I didn’t think there was enough difference between the 1100 to 1150 to upgrade. And I wouldn’t upgrade from a SC to a TC - but that’s me.

Good luck with your choice

For the moment I’ll hold off doing anything my financial situation has changed a little. If things change in the future I’ll take it on board.

 

[GSjay]

I think the early LC's had a weak alternator, prone to failure - which is an engine out job to rectify.

I have heard that from an early LC owner.

 

[GSjay]

I agree, if I was looking now I’d go for a, lighter, SC and spend the extra on a trip.

The OP is thinking about upgrading to an LC which, IMO, is a much bigger jump for not a lot more money than a TC.

The money difference is what surprised me from a TC to an LC

 

[Khulu]

The early LC's also had a lighter flywheel so they revved quicker but felt like they had a lot less grunt. My wife had one and didn't like it (neither did I) so we sold it and I got a R9T Classic in its place!

 

[GSjay]

The early LC's also had a lighter flywheel so they revved quicker but felt like they had a lot less grunt. My wife had one and didn't like it (neither did I) so we sold it and I got a R9T Classic in its place!

For now I’ll stick with what I have. I was out on Saturday and enjoyed the spin.

 

[GSjay]

Guys thank you all for your information.

A ride from my brothers place Saturday night I got a lot of flashing from drivers coming towards me.
After checking i have a euro spec bike with headlamp. Is there any way to alter the beam without having to to replace the headlamp?

Thanks in advance

 

[Khulu]

Guys thank you all for your information.

A ride from my brothers place Saturday night I got a lot of flashing from drivers coming towards me.
After checking i have a euro spec bike with headlamp. Is there any way to alter the beam without having to to replace the headlamp?

Thanks in advance

Bikes dip down not left or right like cars.

 

[GSjay]

Bikes dip down not left or right like cars.

Low beam pattern on right hand side of the road is like it’s on full beam and I’ve adjusted it to the left as much as I can

 

[MrC99]

Bikes dip down not left or right like cars.

Some do some don't.

@GSjay - if it's an approved or OEM headlight there should be a single or double headed arrow on the glass. Single headed it dips in the direction of the arrow. Double headed it's a symmetric (flat) dip.

Also check that a previous owner hasn't changed the bulb to a non standard type and fucked up the beam pattern.