Looking to buy a nearly new 1200,should I spend a bit more and get the twin cam engine? Is there a big difference on a non twin cam apart from the money difference,any info would be appreciated,thanks
Twin cam or not twin cam
- Thread starter rockster1
- Start date
Gromit
Registered user
I have a twin cam but have never ridden the single cam.
From what I have been told the twin cam is a quicker bike.
Rob
From what I have been told the twin cam is a quicker bike.
Rob
Hi
I have had a version of all three 1200's. The original in an 05 from, an 07 with the slightly more powerful engine that I fitted modifications to, and now a twin cam.
I do prefer the latest model, but the differences are all about slight improvements rather than dramatic differences. As has been said try them and then decide what value you place on a particular model. It is after all your money, and there are plenty to chose from at this time.
I have just returned from a blast around France and am totally smitten again!
So whatever you do - you wont be disappointed.
JH
I have had a version of all three 1200's. The original in an 05 from, an 07 with the slightly more powerful engine that I fitted modifications to, and now a twin cam.
I do prefer the latest model, but the differences are all about slight improvements rather than dramatic differences. As has been said try them and then decide what value you place on a particular model. It is after all your money, and there are plenty to chose from at this time.
I have just returned from a blast around France and am totally smitten again!
So whatever you do - you wont be disappointed.
JH
wheeledwidewebb
Registered user
Get the twin cam. If you don't then you will always secretly wish you had.
Seriously, it is less agricultural.
Seriously, it is less agricultural.
I have had 3 GS R1200 ADV 2007 2009 and now my 2010 twin cam and its a lot diiferent smoother in the mids better power and its worth the extra dosh for the exaust valve
I love it
But go ride em both and decide....
Big D
sven
Registered user
If you can afford it, go for the Twin Cam as the mid-range power and top gear roll-on performance is noticeably better
Goose
Registered user
If looking for DOHC - ask the dealers for the availability of a "fleet" bike...? You could pick up a BMW fleet unit with minimal miles (sometimes as low as 600) for a huge lot less than new . and it will come with full warranty!
Had a 2009 before and loved it. haven't ridden the DOHC yet........... still waiting for it!
Had a 2009 before and loved it. haven't ridden the DOHC yet........... still waiting for it!
oyster
Registered user
Twin Cam or not?
Twin Cam for me, its not noticable on a test ride, as your a bit green on any new bike. I think after owning the bike for a couple of weeks, you start to explore the bike, in all situations, this is when the "wow" factor comes in(yes, you do have wow factors on a 90 year old design,honest) 8,000 revs with ear plugs does it for me!! Enjoy what ever you buy.
Twin Cam for me, its not noticable on a test ride, as your a bit green on any new bike. I think after owning the bike for a couple of weeks, you start to explore the bike, in all situations, this is when the "wow" factor comes in(yes, you do have wow factors on a 90 year old design,honest) 8,000 revs with ear plugs does it for me!! Enjoy what ever you buy.
sven
Registered user
I noticed the difference straight away after riding my 2009 MU model and the 2010 Twin Cam GSA.
The Twin Cam pulled a gear higher everywhere and is smoother/torquier in the mid-range.
The Twin Cam pulled a gear higher everywhere and is smoother/torquier in the mid-range.
I've only the experience of coming from a 1200RT to the twin cam GS and although both engines are great pullers the noticeable difference for me was you had to make the RT play while the GS twin cam WANTS to play but that depends on your riding style.
Like others have said...."Try both" I'm sure you won't be disappointed on whichever you get
Like others have said...."Try both" I'm sure you won't be disappointed on whichever you get
+1 - on mixed bike rideouts any GS, including a twin cam can leave you thinking that you wouldn't mind a bit more performance at times - if you don't buy a twin cam when its affordable to you I fear these thoughts might niggle in future....
I liked the Twin Cam, when I rode it
I tested a demo twin cam, but bought a 2008 model as it seemed better value, I picked up the 2008 model a fortnight after the test ride on the later one and did not notice any real difference a fortnight on.
I am sure side-by-side the differences are noticeable, but certainly not huge, I guess if you have the budget go for a later one, but if buying an ealier model allows you to get spec you really desire, or pay for a two week jaunt across the Alps perhaps that would suit you better
I have added Wilburs suspension to my 2008, an accelerator module (which improves low down running no end) got Tony Archer to rework the seats added luggage and a few other mods to get it exactly how I want it, which I could not have done if I dug up the extra cash for a 2010, rather be comfy on a long tour with wonderful handling when fully loaded, than wallowing about with a sore arse (and a few extra BHP)
Pays yer money and all that, can't see you will be dissapointed with whatever you choose, just make sure it is what you want and not what others say you need.
I am sure side-by-side the differences are noticeable, but certainly not huge, I guess if you have the budget go for a later one, but if buying an ealier model allows you to get spec you really desire, or pay for a two week jaunt across the Alps perhaps that would suit you better
I have added Wilburs suspension to my 2008, an accelerator module (which improves low down running no end) got Tony Archer to rework the seats added luggage and a few other mods to get it exactly how I want it, which I could not have done if I dug up the extra cash for a 2010, rather be comfy on a long tour with wonderful handling when fully loaded, than wallowing about with a sore arse (and a few extra BHP)
Pays yer money and all that, can't see you will be dissapointed with whatever you choose, just make sure it is what you want and not what others say you need.
X2
The GSA is heaven in the twisties and will do far much more than hold it's own in a group as this crowd will no doubt agree, but on the open faster roads, you'll wish you had the more powerful engine. I am learning to live with less top speed, after all I bought with my head to slow things up. I now get as much fun at slower speeds.
So as everyone else says, it's down to what you are going to use it for and how you feel, so go and test them!
Last edited:
Cheers!
Thanks for the advice to you all,will go and book a test ride to check the differences
Thanks for the advice to you all,will go and book a test ride to check the differences
I liked the Twin Cam, when I rode it
me too, i thought it was really nice, but it's not worth the £8K it would cost to change my 07.
the 08/09 is somewhere in between.
forget all that stuff about needing extra power to keep up with a newer bike. very few people ride any of them at max. if they're leaving you behind, they're just riding faster.
plenty of people keep up with my 1200, and i struggle to stay with some 1150s which are donkeys comparatively.
it'a all about feel, but i feel if i had more money, i'd buy a twin cam
forget all that stuff about needing extra power to keep up with a newer bike. very few people ride any of them at max. if they're leaving you behind, they're just riding faster.
plenty of people keep up with my 1200, and i struggle to stay with some 1150s which are donkeys comparatively.
it'a all about feel, but i feel if i had more money, i'd buy a twin cam
You are right, but it also depends if your riding mates all have GSs though.
Similar threads
