Yank vs. Euro Speedo Question

[JollyQuick]

Greetings all,

Yank GSer, stationed in Germany with a 1200GS UK version question. On the 1200GS speedometers that come with miles as well as kilometers, are they the same as the US versions (ie., Large miles, on outer ring, small kilometers on inside of ring)? A picture would be best, but I'll take what I can get...

I'm trying to figure out what the specific differences are between the euro-spec BMW 1200GS and the US version in a bid to convince the licensed DOT/EPA importer that the differences are negligible and the bikes are virtually identical...this of course to allow me to keep my bike as opposed to having to sell and by a US Spec.

Wish me luck.

JQ

 

[Tim Cullis]

I believe the two speedos are the same, the US models have km for Canada I think.

If I read this correctly, you want to permanently import your UK-spec 1200GS into the USA...

Here's one link on the subject: http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/community/FAQ?qid=7

There's a huge difference between EU and US cars, but I should have thought bikes were fairly simple to modify.

Tim

 

[motozen]

Yes, the US speedo is as you describe it, Miles with Km in smaller numbers on the inside. The speedo in Canada, is European spec, in KM and no miles.

To import your UK spec bike into the US, you are going to have to add the evaporation cannister, that a lot of US riders remove anyway.. so, you may want to post a wanted ad for a used one.

 

[Emperor Norton]

Hi JQ,

to import (and convert) a bike with European specs into the US can cost you a small fortune, depending of the State where you reside. Worst case is California. Before I came over to San Francisco I hade a nice dinner with the BMW Motorrad people and they strongly suggested to get rid of my beloved RT. BMW of San Francisco confirmed this view.

What you could do is to try and get a US model in Germany (available on Euro basis only, sorry), thus getting the German Mehrwertsteuer refunded.

Otherwise you could import your bike with the European specs and get it registered in a state whose regulations are less strict than e.g. the Californian ones. Even in this case you are most likely not allowed to sell the bike to a US buyer. You only could try and sell it to a member of the Diplomatic Corps who is exempt from these regulations.

My advice: Keep your GS until she falls apart. If you need more info, write me an e-mail.

 

[Marty Hill]

Assume you know that you get a large discount if military or diplomatic corps on a US spec bike thru pentagon auto sales. If private citizen, no deal. Good luck.

 

[Bullwinkle]

At one point, there also used to be a difference in the headlight beams, especially dipped, between UK spec and all the other places that drive on the right side of the road. Is this still the case with the 12GS?

 

[JollyQuick]

Thanks for the great responses!

I need to clarify two things though:

1. I have a non-UK Eurpoean Spec 1200GS. (I only have kilometers on the Speedo.)

2. Pentagon Car sales just lost the contract with BMW. All us GIs are waiting to see who ends up with the contract. However, in the interim the only BMW motorcycles available new overseas are UK or Euro specs

Thanks again!

JQ

 

[Emperor Norton]

Assume you know that you get a large discount if military or diplomatic corps on a US spec bike thru pentagon auto sales. If private citizen, no deal. Good luck.

Unfortunately not. Maybe they give you a set of footmats for free.