Thunder
Registered user
As someone who had a previous version of the 1200GS when I ordered the 2008 I found no one could tell me what exactly was different on the new model and which of my existing accessories would fit so I thought it would be useful to post what I’ve discovered so far.
Entire front sub-frame is new so existing Migsel light bar will not carry over, from enquiries it appears that no light bars designed for the 04 to 07 model will work on the 2008.
Screen mounting plate has changed; the screens themselves are the same for all the bikes and the GSA screen is still an option (as are any after market screen ) but accessories like the Touratech cockpit cover, Migsel GPS mount which use the centre panel of the frame won’t work.
Oil cooler grills are the same for all model years, some reports said the 2208 had a larger cooler but my existing Reyno grill went straight on with no issues with the new bodywork.
The oil cooler using the same mounting points as previous bikes so Les Wassell’s HID ballast bracket pops straight on, again the new beak is not a problem.
Best Rests Hid brackets designed to fit underneath the side panels of the 04 -07 won’t work with the 08 owing to the new sub frame.
The Stebel Magnum horn (dual or single) won’t work with the 08 particularly if it has ESC as an option. The mount for the horn has been moved to hang under the head stock to inside of the right hand side panel.
Touratech hand guard extenders can’t be fitted with the new guards on the 08 owing to the new shape. BMW offer extended hand guards as an option from the dealer. The new hand guards also prevent fitting a brace to the handlebars.
Touratech brake and clutch reservoir protectors are common to all model years.
Accessory sockets have been moved on the 08, the front socket designed for a GPS feed is now down on the right side cable tied to the frame underneath the horn, the main socket has been moved from the rear sub-frame to inside the tool tray under the seat which makes it easy to access if you want to connect an Autocom unit. In addition the tool tray mounting box no longer has any relays which gives more space for an auxiliary fuse panel should you which to fit one.
The 08 has a completely new fuel tank and panels. The filler cap sits higher and has 2 breather pipes, which makes filling it to the neck easy compared to the previous bike.
The fuel filler is now mounted with 4 screws inside the cap which makes it simple to remove to take the panel off, but the SW Motech tank bag which mounts on a quick release bracket using the mounting screws for the filler cap on the previous version is now useless.
With the new tank panels on the 08 BMW have released new tank bags for the bike. The previous version of the tank bag will not fit perfectly and is likely to mark the tank.
Other accessories like crash bars, exhausts, seats are common to all model years, changes are mainly to the front of the bike and the fuel tank.
If you find any other differences add them to the post.
Entire front sub-frame is new so existing Migsel light bar will not carry over, from enquiries it appears that no light bars designed for the 04 to 07 model will work on the 2008.
Screen mounting plate has changed; the screens themselves are the same for all the bikes and the GSA screen is still an option (as are any after market screen ) but accessories like the Touratech cockpit cover, Migsel GPS mount which use the centre panel of the frame won’t work.
Oil cooler grills are the same for all model years, some reports said the 2208 had a larger cooler but my existing Reyno grill went straight on with no issues with the new bodywork.
The oil cooler using the same mounting points as previous bikes so Les Wassell’s HID ballast bracket pops straight on, again the new beak is not a problem.
Best Rests Hid brackets designed to fit underneath the side panels of the 04 -07 won’t work with the 08 owing to the new sub frame.
The Stebel Magnum horn (dual or single) won’t work with the 08 particularly if it has ESC as an option. The mount for the horn has been moved to hang under the head stock to inside of the right hand side panel.
Touratech hand guard extenders can’t be fitted with the new guards on the 08 owing to the new shape. BMW offer extended hand guards as an option from the dealer. The new hand guards also prevent fitting a brace to the handlebars.
Touratech brake and clutch reservoir protectors are common to all model years.
Accessory sockets have been moved on the 08, the front socket designed for a GPS feed is now down on the right side cable tied to the frame underneath the horn, the main socket has been moved from the rear sub-frame to inside the tool tray under the seat which makes it easy to access if you want to connect an Autocom unit. In addition the tool tray mounting box no longer has any relays which gives more space for an auxiliary fuse panel should you which to fit one.
The 08 has a completely new fuel tank and panels. The filler cap sits higher and has 2 breather pipes, which makes filling it to the neck easy compared to the previous bike.
The fuel filler is now mounted with 4 screws inside the cap which makes it simple to remove to take the panel off, but the SW Motech tank bag which mounts on a quick release bracket using the mounting screws for the filler cap on the previous version is now useless.
With the new tank panels on the 08 BMW have released new tank bags for the bike. The previous version of the tank bag will not fit perfectly and is likely to mark the tank.
Other accessories like crash bars, exhausts, seats are common to all model years, changes are mainly to the front of the bike and the fuel tank.
If you find any other differences add them to the post.
i was looking at a demo 1200gs and a new r1200r, they both had the lug holes pre drilled in the casings. the securing bolt at the rear was used on the 1200r, on the 1200gs there was a threaded hole with no bolt.
