Twin cam or single cam

[Buckingham]

I'm sure this question must have been done to death before but I can't find it using search.
Looking at an R1200GS, it's going to be a struggle to afford a twin-cam with a decent spec. Am I going to be seriously disadvantaged by going for say an 09 single cam ?
The spec sheet seems to show relatively small differences, how about it practice though ?
Thanks

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

twin Cam if you can , Ive had an 06, 08 09 single cams and a 2010 30 Yr GSA and a current White GSA . The twin cams spin up faster and with the full akro now fitted its even better!! Having said that the red 08 GSA I had was Great .

 

[slimpickings]

I'm sure this question must have been done to death before but I can't find it using search.
Looking at an R1200GS, it's going to be a struggle to afford a twin-cam with a decent spec. Am I going to be seriously disadvantaged by going for say an 09 single cam ?
The spec sheet seems to show relatively small differences, how about it practice though ?
Thanks

Save up and buy a twin cam

I have had 1150 1200 and 1200twin cam(now for sale):
The twin cam is a far better ride....... IMO

 

[Format]

I had an 04 and now have 2010, chalk and cheese, get the DOHC.

 

[grin factor]

I take it this will be your first 1200GS?
The people saying get the twin cam have all had 1200's before, but if its your first 1200, go with your budget, you won't be disappointed. The single cam is no sloutch.

 

[Beemerman59]

Put a decatted set of headers on an 08 or 09 and it will be just as quick in the real world as a TC.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

I take it this will be your first 1200GS?
The people saying get the twin cam have all had 1200's before, but if its your first 1200, go with your budget, you won't be disappointed. The single cam is no sloutch.

I'd agree with that.......The twin cam is great but there's nowt wrong with any earlier 1200 if it's a decent one with good history.

I especially like the white 1200GS SE with its spoked wheels it looks really good........!

FP.

 

[Schtum]

Put a decatted set of headers on an 08 or 09 and it will be just as quick in the real world as a TC.

Actually...I reckon that my old '04 and '07 bikes when fitted with a full Remus system were just about as quick as my current '12 MY bike.

However, I wouldn't go putting a full system on an '08 or '09 GS without sorting the fuelling.

 

[Buckingham]

Great feedback guys - many thanks

 

[Big Nick]

Nowt wrong with the older bike, I've had 2 GSA's an 08 and an 09.

I've test ridden a twin cam and it's definitely quicker off the throttle but not so much as to make that much difference.

I personally dont think in the current market an upgrade to a twin cam is worth the price to change if you've got the older bike however that said if you're buying from scratch then if you can get a newer bike in your price range then I would.

 

[Greenman14]

I bought my first GS1200, first BMW, 3 months ago. I like twins and have had several: Honda, Ducati, KTM, Kawasaki, and I was wary of the old fashioned air cooled GS. A one hour test ride won me over and I just love it. Can't compare it to the 1 cam but to other, more advanced? Vee twins it's a great bike.

It's one I just want to ride and ride, no wonder they clock up big mileages. You won't regret it.

 

[philhunt88]

I have a 2008 single cam and fitted the accelerator module, took a 12plate twin cam demo bike home when mine was in for service and there really isnt that much in it. up to you really their all damn expensive.

Also who buys a gs to ride flat out? not the point of the bike so you wont miss the small gains with the twin cam (although i believe their slightly better on fuel?).

 

[theop]

Also who buys a gs to ride flat out? not the point of the bike so you wont miss the small gains with the twin cam (although i believe their slightly better on fuel?).

Exactly the point....

If you are looking for a properly quick bike, look elsewhere. GSs are quick A to B especially when A and B are quite apart and this is only because they can provide 9/10s enjoyment at 7/10ths speed while at the same time not exhaustng their rider. That last bit is the key. That is their magic so to speak. Arguing about the DOHC being fast is beyond the point. As they all are dead slow when compared with other bikes of similar capacity and perhaps more cylinders.

I currently ride/tour on a Honda with 160bhp but the reality is that I mostly use less than half that. There are many parts of my touring routes when I genuinely miss my - not very trusty tbh- old 1200GS and I would gladly swap. Then I get to an open 100mph+ A road like those in the black forest and I forget about the good old chuggers .

In an ideal scenario we all need a button on our bikes. One that toggles between GS1200 and K1200 or similar combos depending on the road.

 

[seahorse]

Looking at the figures from the recent thread re; Hilltop remapping, all the bikes produce very similar figures before and after, so in reality I doubt if there is much difference. Budget for a remap and whichever model you have it will be as good as it is going to get.
I will say that the 11 plate bike I rode did feel slightly perkier than my 08 (before its remap) but its fruitier exhaust note may have contributed to that impression.

 

[Tonopah]

I have an '09 R1200GS and added a Remus header (no CAT) and kept the OEM can for a while. The header absolutely woke up the bike. Really nice improvement.

Later I replaced the OEM can with an Akrapovic (baffle out). No improvement in performance above the improvement already noted.

I then put the baffle in as I quickly got tired of the unbaffled noise (a flat twin is no Ducati). No change in performance but the bike sounds a lot better to me.

All in all, it was the header that made a difference and it is really noticeable.

 

[Wilsdorf]

Depends on use - I have a MY08 model GS and a twin cam - the twin cam feels sportier - both in steering and engine, plus the gearing is set up for faster acceleration and easier low speed/low rev riding.

However, if I was going for a long lazy trip adhering to the speed limits all the way - I'd take the older quieter bike (no noisy pipes etc.) as it seems to handle a little lazier and I'd say comfier and the revs would be lower at motorway speeds.

Both are great bikes - I just wanted a triple black and will sell the older soon.

As said above - go with budget a nice slightly higher miles MY08 could be a great buy - low mileage TC's are looking expensive compared to a new bike with all the offers thrown in!

 

[mrjim130]

I would look for the best value for the money in your budget. List you needs, then find a bike that ticks the boxes.
Good luck

 

[ebbo]

Looking at the figures from the recent thread re; Hilltop remapping, all the bikes produce very similar figures before and after, so in reality I doubt if there is much difference. Budget for a remap and whichever model you have it will be as good as it is going to get.

Spot on, This is the way to go

 

[Reporter]

Set yourself a budget, deduct £360. Find the best bike for that money, then take it to Hilltop and give Geoff the £360 for the remap. Go enjoy yourself. Job Done.

 

[Buckingham]

Thanks again guys !