Which GS1200 model to go for?

[Big Jack]

A good friend of mine is wanting to buy a GS1200 and has seen a couple of 2007 models in his local BMW dealer. I've suggested that he holds out for a 2008 model since I was told and read that the later model is more reliable plus had an uprated gearbox and other key components. If the earlier model has been well looked will he a) notice the ride difference and b) have greater reliability issues?

Thanks

Big Jack

 

[haydw]

Doesn't really matter how old it is. Some old uns are really reliable, and some new uns are far from it. You never can tell

Whatever you do get a warranty- because if it fails (and it is highly probable in my experience) it will cost a fortune to put right.

 

[notpc]

After three years and 18,000 miles on a 2005 GS I have no worries and no plans to sell either.

I'm off to Ireland in a couple of weeks, and won't be carrying spares or expecting trouble, just like my peaceful trip to the south of France last month.

 

[Beemerman59]

I doubt there's much difference in reliability between an 07 and an 08 model. What is different is a small engine change (about +5 bhp) and the new options of ESA and ASC (traction control) which came in on the 08 models. I don't believe any of the electronic trickery brought in on the 08 is retrofittable to earlier models.

 

[Rasher]

The steering geometery was altered for 2008 to make it a bit sharper and the FPC housing angled so it collects a bit less water.

Hardly ground breaking stuff, but still changed from '07, I understand 09's are the same as '08s.

Would have liked the 2010 model, but not many around, and they were well beyond my cash pile.

 

[sven]

The extra power and ESA makes the post-2008 bike much better in my opinion having ridden both

The 2010 engine is even better still, although I'm hoping Keihan downpipes without the cat will improve my 2009 models power delivery below 5k

 

[the director]

You need to keep an eye out also for the difference in the abs system if it's fitted. I think it was 2007 when the system changed for the better (then again if it's something you don't intend to use it won't matter!)

 

[Rasher]

The 2010 engine is even better still, although I'm hoping Keihan downpipes without the cat will improve my 2009 models power delivery below 5k

Does removing the cats make much difference?

Also I assume you would also be into fitting power commanders to sort out fuelling and kissing goodbye to any warranty

 

[Stretchamus]

When I fit a power commander and Akro to my Gixxer Thou, no one mentioned warranty

What is it about these BM's that every one is worried about effecting warranty, every where you go there are brand new and almost new Jap bikes bristling with modifications.

What the ek have I bought

 

[Rasher]

Take a blown up gixer with PC3 and Akro back to Suzuki (or Yamaha / Honda / Kawasaki) and you would be told to bugger off.

Many dealers turn a blind eye, I worked in a Honda dealer once upon a time and many owners fitted pipes, officially this could void warranty, probably not for a wheel bearing, but if valves got burned out and Honda were aware of an aftermarlet pipe you may be out of luck.

Check the small print on any vehicke and performance modifications will not be covered unless they are factory fitted / options, this is not unique to BMW, but possibly BMW owners are more concerned

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Does removing the cats make much difference?

Also I assume you would also be into fitting power commanders to sort out fuelling and kissing goodbye to any warranty

Rasher

De catted headers give you apprpx 5bhp, more low down grunt and helps smooth out the slight blip at 5k revs. It makes it a nicer bike to ride overall.

You won't need a power commander until you go the whole hog and fit a full aftermarket system with a K&N filter. When you are at that stage, you probably have teh wrong bike The lambda sensors sort all the fuelling out when taking the CAT out so no worries.

It's a really good upgrade and never heard of it affecting the warranty. In fact, your friendly dealer probably sells decatted headers and fits them

 

[Ash]

The best model 1200 would be an 1150

 

[neil 23]

Had my 1200 three years now, done 36k mostly trouble free !

Always try to get a warranty, my FD went 4 days after I took out a extended warranty, paid for itself for about 3/4 years !

Unless youre a certain Mr Rossi, will you notice any difference in bikes, apart from reg plate ?

 

[Stretchamus]

Take a blown up gixer with PC3 and Akro back to Suzuki (or Yamaha / Honda / Kawasaki) and you would be told to bugger off.

Many dealers turn a blind eye, I worked in a Honda dealer once upon a time and many owners fitted pipes, officially this could void warranty, probably not for a wheel bearing, but if valves got burned out and Honda were aware of an aftermarlet pipe you may be out of luck.

Check the small print on any vehicke and performance modifications will not be covered unless they are factory fitted / options, this is not unique to BMW, but possibly BMW owners are more concerned

Very good Rasher, none of my previous 20 Jap bikes ever dropped any valves, also I'm struggling to think of anyone I personally know, who had a similar problem.

No attitude intended, best regards Stretch

 

[apple3]

So close to buying a GS1200??????

Ok so after many bikes and a million miles easily, I bought a 2007 650 Transalp and it dose every thing I ever wanted. After a CBR1000f I thought it would be a joke, I even kept the CBR. But after my first 2000k blast through the Rte de Grand Alp I was hooked.....................10,000miles later and a few more trips I'm thinking of whats missing from the Alp. The 700 dose not do it and after lots of looking and chasing you BMW owners I think its time I faced up to a GS1200.
So come on is it worth 12k, will I find its a bike that can only cross Europe but no good for day to day life in suburbia? If your bias thats fine.................I love my transalp 2!

Regards Confussed of essex.

 

[BAKERMAN]

standard 1200 GS, only reason is I don`t go on any Adventures, or if I do, wont be carrying so much extra weight.

 

[Rasher]

Rasher
It's a really good upgrade and never heard of it affecting the warranty. In fact, your friendly dealer probably sells decatted headers and fits them

Cheers, sounds like a worthwhile mod to stick on the (growing) list

Very good Rasher, none of my previous 20 Jap bikes ever dropped any valves, also I'm struggling to think of anyone I personally know, who had a similar problem.

Me neither, but official line tends to be a no to most mods, everyone does it, dealers tend not to care, and I believe legally the manufacturer would have to prove your neglect caused the fault, however if you did have to take up such a fight I bet your legal budget would run out before Mr Honda's.

If you do ever manage to blow something up, try to fit original kit before dropping it down the dealers.

Same goes for mods not declared to insurance, however this can be a bit tricky explaining how you totaled every fairing panel, crushed the tank, bent the forks yet the silencers look brand new.

 

[Stretchamus]

Cheers, sounds like a worthwhile mod to stick on the (growing) list



Me neither, but official line tends to be a no to most mods, everyone does it, dealers tend not to care, and I believe legally the manufacturer would have to prove your neglect caused the fault, however if you did have to take up such a fight I bet your legal budget would run out before Mr Honda's.

If you do ever manage to blow something up, try to fit original kit before dropping it down the dealers.

Same goes for mods not declared to insurance, however this can be a bit tricky explaining how you totaled every fairing panel, crushed the tank, bent the forks yet the silencers look brand new.