Do I get an '09 R1200GS Adv. or wait for the '10's?

[blu1200s]

I am in the process of having BMW buy-back my 09 K1200S. I am giving BMW one last chance at success and switching bike/lifestyles and looking into getting a GS. I just took the weekend class at Rawhyde Adventures (just north of Los Angeles) and the bike is now in my sites. BUT, I know that a new GS, the R1250GS, is coming early next year. Based on my history with BMW (ie - the lack of reliability), should I go for an '09 which is, theoretically, the proven engine/model...knowing that there may be 'teething' problems if there are major changes to the '10? There is no info out there and the dealers claim they know nothing...though my dealer, the one who's trying to sell me an '09, says that he just heard that there are no major changes to the '10. I did find some pre-released photo's of the '10. It seems that they may be doing DOHC on the heads, and the exhaust runs up under the seat.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Semper_Fi]

Welcome to the forum.

As a former off road rider the current GS has more than enough power to get thru almost anything.

More may not be better.

If you plan on using it more for on road excursions than off road then maybe.

As stated the current hex is proven.

Basically your call on how you plan to use the bike.

[Ludell]

I am in the same situation with an R1200R. I would have bought an '09 if I could have but I couldn't find one with the factory options I wanted in the color I wanted. I don't think the '10 R will have the DOHC engine, but if the '10 GS does then you are looking at something even wider than the current hexhead, which may or may not be a factor for off-road use.

[Sit]

You might want to check out the maintenance requirements for the DOHC engine, some have talked about it needing more frequent and costly work to keep it running. I Do Not know this for sure, just what I have heard. Maybe someone with more skill and knowing will chime in on this for you.

Also, be wary of any photos you see. I have yet to see any pre release photos that were real, there are some really good photo-shop'ers out there.

I would say if you find the bike with the features you want and you like the deal, then get it. There is always going to be something new and better coming out, but is it something you really need?

[AZ-J]

I have an R1200S and consequently, I am a member of this forum, and the Pelican Parts forum thread strings for the R11S, the R12S and the HP2S bikes. From the latter forum, I have read that the 1250 engine is akin to the one the HP and HP2S have.

Recently, on the HP bike, BMW announced at 30,000 miles, the engine needs a refresh service for optimal performance. That service includes replacing pistons, rings and a rash of engine parts, and makes the service more than $1500. Consider that in, as well, with the 1250 engine tech.

[Polarbear]

Its been going on for so many years now and BMW seems to want to do more and more to compete with somebody! Maybe the Japanese and their ever ongoing HP war amongst themselves? Who nows, but it sure seems unlike the BMW I grew up with, trying to put as much HP under the tank as possible and to what end? There is NO logical conclusion to this in my book:). The current GSA is simply WAY over the top already with performance, so far beyond most anybodies ability to ride it there. Why more cams, etc. is simply somebodies, other than my fantasy. I speak from an older rider perspective and maybe the youth today want rocket speeds? I WANT a BMW that gets 100mpg and still can always perform above my riding level, so I don't surpass it. Rocket ships sure aren't the answer! Rid'in a GSA1200'07 today is just fine enough for me and BMW has lost my interest, persueing less than efficient, high HP machines. My GSA is already a poor answer for my above needs, but I like the looks and its ability, even though its still a pig on gas. Randy:thumb

[AZ-J]

I agree completely Randy. I thought the HP2S replacing a 1.75 year of the R1200S in the US was part of the HP race, as well. Now, it looks like the S1000RR is going to kill the HP2S.

[Ludell]

Now, it looks like the S1000RR is going to kill the HP2S.

My take is that the four is going after Japanese superbikes while the HP2S is to compete with Ducati.... There's probably a niche for both but not so sure about the DOHC engine in a dual-purpose bike like the GS. I guess if it has more displacement BMW can increase torque for riding in sand and the like, although I suspect the present motor has more than enough.

[stkmkt1]

I will add this: I have an '09 GSA with 10,500 miles on it. It just had to have a new fuel sending unit, new rubber gas line, new injectors and a new fuel pump installed because of too much alcohol in the fuel (we think). BMW paid the towing and for all repairs (thank you BMW). But there is no guarantee it will not happen again because the best we can hope for, according to BMW, is for the fuel system to last the length of the warranty before it could fail due to exposure to E10 fuel. I have a flex-fuel Avalanche. If GM can make their fuel systems withstand E85, I think BMW should be required to provide vehicles that at least tolerate E10-E20 fuel for the expected life of the vehicle.

I love the bike, but I for one would like to get rid of the current management of the BMW operation and replace it with people who have some common sense. The current management has proven they are lacking.

[Polarbear]

'07 GSA here and my fuel gauge system "strip in tank" has failed twice now. At 30000 and at 39000 therabouts. 43000 now. Love the bike, but come ON people? I still love the bike and would recommend anybody must at least try one:). Same excuse from BMW. Ethanol is suspect and the German Engineers must have slept through the class on this subject, because we clearly got the answer as owners. Its crap and not thoroughly tested, our bikes on the gas topic! Randy:thumb

[marchyman]

new rubber gas line, new injectors and a new fuel pump installed because of too much alcohol in the fuel (we think).

What makes you think that? California has been using ethanol in gas since MTBE was phased out in 2003. The state consumes almost 1/3 of the ethanol produced in the US yearly. If there were problems relating to alcohol I'd expect them to turn up here, especially given the number of beemers on the road. Yet the fuel related problem that might strand a rider is the fuel pump controller. That is a water sealing and/or heat issue, not an ethanol/alcohol issue.

Fuel gauge sensor strips may be alcohol related. :dunno But a faulty fuel gauge shouldn't leave you stranded.

[mneblett]

I don't think the '10 R will have the DOHC engine, but if the '10 GS does then you are looking at something even wider than the current hexhead, which may or may not be a factor for off-road use.
I don't believe this is correct; I understand the DOHC is actually narrower across the jugs. Pics/drawings show some pretty clever packaging.

[cjack]

The fuel sensor strip on my wife's K12S failed in the first 10 miles. Must have been that bad German gas.

[kbasa]

I don't believe this is correct; I understand the DOHC is actually narrower across the jugs. Pics/drawings show some pretty clever packaging.

Yep. It's narrower.

If they put that in the RT, I'll be getting in line for one.

[osbornk]

I will add this: I have an '09 GSA with 10,500 miles on it. It just had to have a new fuel sending unit, new rubber gas line, new injectors and a new fuel pump installed because of too much alcohol in the fuel (we think).

That could be true. The local Chevrolet dealer had a problem with complaints about excessive fuel consumption with 3/4 and larger pickups and they could not find anything wrong. They started testing the fuel and found a lot of fuel had 25-30% ethanol. The mixing of fuel is very inprecise (at least in these parts). The fuelm is mixed in the tanker by the driver or other person loading the fuel. The gas is loaded at one location and the ethanol is loaded at another (sometimes 60 miles apart).

Ken

[stkmkt1]

What makes you think that? California has been using ethanol in gas since MTBE was phased out in 2003. The state consumes almost 1/3 of the ethanol produced in the US yearly. If there were problems relating to alcohol I'd expect them to turn up here, especially given the number of beemers on the road. Yet the fuel related problem that might strand a rider is the fuel pump controller. That is a water sealing and/or heat issue, not an ethanol/alcohol issue.

Fuel gauge sensor strips may be alcohol related. :dunno But a faulty fuel gauge shouldn't leave you stranded.

Actually, it is both BMW and the dealer's mechanic who agree that more than likely I got some fuel somewhere that had too much alcohol in it. They both agree the symptoms my bike was having are consistant with this.

[stkmkt1]

That could be true. The local Chevrolet dealer had a problem with complaints about excessive fuel consumption with 3/4 and larger pickups and they could not find anything wrong. They started testing the fuel and found a lot of fuel had 25-30% ethanol. The mixing of fuel is very inprecise (at least in these parts). The fuelm is mixed in the tanker by the driver or other person loading the fuel. The gas is loaded at one location and the ethanol is loaded at another (sometimes 60 miles apart).

Ken

I have witnessed this first hand, although the gasoline, alcohol and additives were put in the tanker at the same location. The driver just kind of hits a button to turn on the gas, then another for the alcohol, then uses a special key that sends the additives for whatever brand of fuel he is hauling. It all goes into the truck, but it does not all start at the same time, nor is it actually measured precisely. Strange, but that is what I saw. And the driver confirmed that what I saw is what is actually going on.

[Ludell]

the DOHC is actually narrower across the jugs. Pics/drawings show some pretty clever packaging.
Links to the pics/drawings? Thanks!

[ndjimbo]

Links to the pics/drawings? Thanks!

I found this in a Google search. Looks pretty slick, if this is indeed the final design:

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/galleries/2010r1200gsmotor/2010-bmw-r1200gs-new-cylinder-head.php

Jim

[AZ-J]

That is the final design of the 2010 GS if we can believe the post by DeanO on Motorcyclist Cafe' (the now retired founder of SJBMW) and I do.

[ka5ysy]

That could be true. The local Chevrolet dealer had a problem with complaints about excessive fuel consumption with 3/4 and larger pickups and they could not find anything wrong. They started testing the fuel and found a lot of fuel had 25-30% ethanol. The mixing of fuel is very inprecise (at least in these parts). The fuelm is mixed in the tanker by the driver or other person loading the fuel. The gas is loaded at one location and the ethanol is loaded at another (sometimes 60 miles apart).

Ken

I want the BMW green diesel in the RT !. That would stop that alcohol mix problem !:clap

[Ctrod]

I want the BMW green diesel in the RT !. That would stop that alcohol mix problem !:clap

+1
With a Jake brake!!!:brow

[mclassing]

:bikesI want the BMW green diesel in the RT !. That would stop that alcohol mix problem !:clap

That would be a torquey setup. I can see all the kiddies fitting Banks performance kits so they can leave the other motorcycles and convertables in a black cloud of smoke. :hungover

[bruche]

I bought a new GS in 07.Wanted to give it some time to see how it was to be back in the saddle after a long pause.Enjoyed it far more than I expected.Rode to the rally in Tennessee with three guys that have GSAs,had to get one.I thought I would wait and get the hot new 2010 then read a few comments and thought do I really want the "new model"?Two weeks ago the 09s went on sale and I jumped on it .Very glad I did.

[aaaaaa]

I have an R1200S and consequently, I am a member of this forum, and the Pelican Parts forum thread strings for the R11S, the R12S and the HP2S bikes. From the latter forum, I have read that the 1250 engine is akin to the one the HP and HP2S have.

Recently, on the HP bike, BMW announced at 30,000 miles, the engine needs a refresh service for optimal performance. That service includes replacing pistons, rings and a rash of engine parts, and makes the service more than $1500. Consider that in, as well, with the 250 engine tech.


Rings and pistons at 30K??? The warranty is 3 years 36K. Rings and pistons are not wear items. BMW must be planning to replace them under warranty.

[AZ-J]

The BMW service update is not a warranty item. It is a recommendation, not a "you must do this".