What can't I do on a 12GS (compared to GSA)

[Timolgra]

On a 1200, you can't:

Pull a rubbish wheelie, it's too good
Get a hernia moving it around
get stuck in traffic 'cos your handlebars are too wide
Get the gearbox to clunk
Take longer to stop than a supertanker full of oil
Get a wobbly head from the buffeting
Look like a beardy fat bloke who can't afford a new bike
Become a luddite
Help but laugh a lot

I own both, and the 1200's better. Period.

AH, that it's explains your viewpoint. PMT.

 

[Fitzy]

UPGRADE

You CAN`T upgrade to a more modern, faster, lighter GS as you`ve bought it already.Good choice.

 

[SQD8R]

Despite our rebellious nature, the truth is that most motorcycle riders are rather conservative when it comes to new technology. When a new model appears many riders say "I'll stick with the older model for reliability." Eventually the older model begins to fade into the past and the new model becomes the standard that everyone praises/hates (but certainly lives with). This has happened with each new model that BMW has released with the GS. "Oilheads? Thats crazy...I'll stick with pushrods." Oilheads are now the standard and airheads, although some are still going strong and performing well, are fading into the past.

My point here is that motorcycle technology conservatism is expected and not a bad idea. We have all heard of some horror stories with the 1200gs. But go back and look up 1100 and 1150 horror stories. Those models had them too and there were plenty of nay-sayers as a result.

Lets look @ the leaps of technology that is all around us in motorcycles. If motorcyclists were that conservative then how do you explain the ludicrous leaps in tech that permeate throughout the motorcycle community ever 2 years for the majority of manufacturers. Cars have progressed down the path of better safety features and amenities while pursuing moderate increases in performance, especially those available to the masses. A recent acquaintance that works for a car magazine was describing the limits of new car tech compared to new bike tech. Cars are going for more gadgets to make your life easier. His example was the truck/boot latch on the new Jetta’s. It’s electronic now instead of being just a tried and true manual latch. I look at the recent spate of articles comparing the new tech bikes with the bikes of the 80’s GP grid. Most super bikes today would qualify with a competent rider on that grid let alone WSC as we have seen from some privateers this year with minimal mods. How many cars can you list today that would qualify on an F1 grid let alone a domestic touring car grid back in the 80’s. Add to that the affordability of today’s top motorcycles compared to today’s top cars and the desire for new tech is greater than ever considering the initial outlay isn’t bank account breaking. I would agree that BMW owners are probably the most conservative in most aspects but they are also some of the more technologically astute and crave new tech, along with reliability, which tends to be an unlikely combination. BMW and most new manufacturers who are introducing new tech have had great sales this year that tells me new tech is wanted. BMW had to increase production of the new 12GS and the new K despite some initial teething problems is going to be a welcome bike to the line. The two BMW dealers I associate with have already sold their allotments of them and are on their 4th and 5th batch of 12GS’s already sold before they order them. Every model change of the GS line has resulted in this type of debate and it usually stems from blind loyalty to the model someone owns and a fear of repeating the “new beta bike blues.”