R1200 GS....I think I'm going to buy 1

[Kneedragon]

Like the subject says.......Looking for input from 12 GS riders. I've been doing lots of reading and asking questions and now I'm here! :type

[BradfordBenn]

KBasa has been all over his with his camera so he can probably tell you lots of stuff.... :thumb

[kbasa]

Yer gonna love it.

Got any specific questions?

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/3858920-L.jpg

[SheRidesABeemer]

That bike is unnaturally clean. Doesn't seem right.

[kbasa]

That bike is unnaturally clean. Doesn't seem right.

Ya got that right. I think in that picture it had all of 30 or 40 miles on it.

[RTRandy]

The bike is parked in dirt and the surfice of the tires are showroom clean.
Hmmmmmm. Was it lowered in there ? :brow

[Kneedragon]

Just because it can be a dirt bike doesn't mean it has to be a dirty bike!!! :stick
Just looking for impressions and any glitches that you may have encountered along the way. I'm keeping my 94 RSL but, the GS seems much more friendly for long haul and passenger comfort.

Dave Leonty

[Emoto]

Interesting that you have an RS. I went to the GS from a 1996 R1100RSA and the R1200GS really addressed all of my issues with the RS and the only trade-off was a slight loss of weather protection.

The issues I had with the RS that were fixed by the GS were (in no particular order):

1. agricultural feeling transmission that you had to shift "just so" or experience Bad Sounds or missed shifts.
2. too much weight
3. could use more power
4. single headlight
5. Cramped riding position
6. retarded battery location
7. no ability to turn off ABS

With all of these things corrected, I am REALLY happy with the GS!

:twirl

[gambrinus]

Another question to toss in the mix... How is the average crusing range on the 12GS?


RW

[Emoto]

Another question to toss in the mix... How is the average crusing range on the 12GS?


RW

I usually gas up at some small number of miles over 200. This is a combo of really bad stop and go mixed with hard acceleration and blasts up to 90-100, which returns 40-41 mpg. If I ride curvy secondary roads at more normal speeds, I tend to get 44-47 mpg (U.S. gallons)

[SheRidesABeemer]

http://www.photobiker.com/slideshows/slideshow.html?path=trip/southamerica/chilevalley&image=1

[gsjay]

[QUOTE=KBasa]Yer gonna love it.

Got any specific questions?



I traded my 2002 GS in yesterday for 2005 R1200GS :D

I didn't buy the BMW bags, I think I'm gonna go with Jesses again. How do you like the BMW bags?

And how's the seat? The stock seat on the 02 sucked! And I replaced it with a Corbin which I really liked.

thanks,
gsjay

[kbasa]

I like the stock bags. You can make them larger when you need more room and smaller when you don't, which is pretty cool. A friend of mine was riding one in Africa and it looks like he threw them on the ground a few times without destroying them. The top case is very nice, even though I'm not really a top case kind of guy.

Opinions on the seat vary, emoto likes the stock one, but it didn't fit me at all, so I've got a Rocky on there now.

[gsjay]

Put the first 200 miles on my new 1200GS today, Dec 5th in Johnstown Pa.

Wow, can you believe that? I got a new GS and we're riding on Dec 5th in Johnstown Pa. :clap I'm gonna go buy a lottery ticket!

The new GS is wonderful! Fast, lighter, quicker, smoother than my 1150 GS. I'm really impressed with how smooth it is..........................
And fast!!!!

Stock seat is much better than stock seat on the 1150 but I don't see me doing any 500 mile days on it. Corbin has a nice looking set up that I'll most likely try.

KBasa, do you have any pictures of the Top case?

Thanks,
gsjay

[kbasa]

It's not a real good shot of the case, but at least it gives you a perspective on it.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/6607805-M.jpg

[kbasa]

Another question to toss in the mix... How is the average crusing range on the 12GS?


RW

I ride mine pretty hard and usually get the light to come on at 170 or so.

:dunno

High mileage doesn't seem to be one of my strong suits.

[BradfordBenn]

High mileage doesn't seem to be one of my strong suits.

From what I hear, high speed is though... :stick

[Colt03]

Dave,

Don't you have a picture of the performance reward you received on the way to Charleston ?

[SuperMoto7]

Kneedragon, Life's too short, Go for it!

That bike is unnaturally clean. Doesn't seem right.
Guilty :brow

http://img6.exs.cx/img6/3648/f6gimg9143.jpg

[Grey Matter]

Every time I go into Ride West I look at the demo model they have. I really like the looks of the bike & from what all of you owners have said it is a really nice bike. I am wondering will an Adventure version will be forthcoming.

The reason I ask is that the standard R1150GS is too small for me. The R1150GS Adventure is just right.

I am thinking about getting a new bike next year & if they make a R1200GS Adventure I am pretty certain that will be it.

[Bfish]

never even sat on a GS let alone ride one, but gawddang they catch my eye. for you experts...is difference that noticeable between the old model and the new GS?

[Ghostryder]

I have had mine for about 6,500 miles and love it. I purchased the system cases, with the top box and have had no issues wth them. I have dropped the bike twice (low seed) and they have held up well. I like the fact that you can change the size of the bags, and I like the side loading.
As far as the range goes I usually fuel up at around 180 or so and have never seen the reserve light come on. I run the mid grade fuel and have had no problem with knocking, pinging or rough idle. I have installed a fuse block, and will be installing lights, and a gps shortly.
The only issue I have had was with the transmission, two failures, which were taken care of by the dealer quickly I might add. All in all I love the bike, I traded in my RT and have never missed it.
Excellent bike.....Go get one you will love it!!!!!! ;)

[Visian]

There's a pretty decent test on the bike in that issue.

While we're on the subject. I am curious whether anyone has ridden the bike with a set of upgraded shocks. Does the bike *need* upgraded shocks?

The Showas that came on my '00 1150 were fair, the Ohlins I put on at about 800 miles made a good bike great.

Really can't decide about upgrading my bike at this time. The 1150 is truly an excellent bike. If I get a 1200, I definitely would want an Adventure model.

And I would *really* like that bike to come without the whizzy brakes. Dream of all dreams would be ABS without the whizzy brakes. :D

Oh... it wouldn't it be cool if those panels on the side of the tank could be replaced with snap-on gas tanks?

Ian

[gsjay]

never even sat on a GS let alone ride one, but gawddang they catch my eye. for you experts...is difference that noticeable between the old model and the new GS?


Yes! Major differences.
Lighter by a load, quicker by the seat of my pants, much more nimble, feels like your riding a small dirt bike. You can just whip it around.
Figured all this out on my first 200 mile ride yesterday, now I'm an expert :brow
gsjay

[Emoto]

I have not ridden an R12GS with other than OEM shocks, but I have spent lots of time riding an R-RS with Ohlins, and 15k miles on the R12GS, so...

The OEM R12GS shocks are made by WP. I do not believe them to be as good as the high end WPs, Ohlins, or Fox shocks (not that Fox makes bike shocks anymore anyway) but they are quite good, and a step above typical BMW OEM shocks. Please note that my comments are for street riding, and not dirt.

When compared to top shocks like Ohlins, the R12GS shocks are lacking in adjustability. As set by the factory, they have a little too much high speed compression damping to suit my tastes. If the option existed, I would dial out a couple of clicks of it and then see what I thought of the suspension action. Beyond that, I think the springs could be a little more progressive than they are, but that's hard to say without being able to make and try other adjustments. They handle fairly high speeds well and keep the bike fairly well composed over rough roads, so they do the job.

Don't get the wrong idea about what I'm saying. These are good shocks and I am happy to run them until they are shot before I upgrade. They just don't give that compliant yet utterly controlled ride that Ohlins provide when dialed in properly, but they are within shouting distance of being that good.

[yellowmike]

Kneedragon
I got my GS in July and put about 8k on it this summer. I had to trade in my old friend , a 1995 R1100GS with 81000 miles.. Here are a few of my observations about the neww GS. The power increase was noticable my very first ride and it was smoother although not as much as I had hoped it would be. The handling was giving me a fit until I realized that I was trying to muscle it around like my older GS. The new GS is much lighter and more nimble and won't need as much rider input (muscle) to get around a corner. I did get a chance to get it out on some great roads this fall at the Falling leaf Rally and I now love the way it handles... The power level has increased and the vibration has decreased as I have gotten more miles on it.. The suspension is pretty good for OEM parts although I haven't had it off road they seem to be up to the job, but will be replaced by Olins when these are worn out.. At first I didn't think to much of the BMW bags but the more I use them the more I like them. I have ridden in some pretty nasty rain storms here in the midwest and so far haven't had any problems with water getting
in although some other riders I have talked to say they will leak.. The only complaints that I have so far are 1. it's hard to get on the center stand 2. the accessory plug only works when the engine is running so charging my cell phone or ipod at night will require another outlet connected directly to the battery... It seems the more I ride it the better it runs and the more I love it. I believe it will be a great work horse and the more you pack on it and the harder you ride it the more it likes it, but there is only one way to know for sure....

[Villalobos]

Just bought my R12GS last Dec 3rd, and it was delivered at the BMW Plant in Toluca Mexico. The tools just a few 5-6 bits, no Torx wrenches, no CO2 Tanks. Is this normal?. I wonder if you guys received your bikes as this

The Spanish manual has no mention of tools

Thanks

[wbunning]

Like the subject says.......Looking for input from 12 GS riders. I've been doing lots of reading and asking questions and now I'm here! :type
I'm loving mine so far. No major issues as yet, but I only have about 3800 miles on her. I'm getting around 42-47 mpg and as eMoto states, time to gas up at about 200 miles.
Kbasa sure picked a great color, eh? Here's mine:
http://homepage.mac.com/wbunning/carrizods/update/oct2004/ep.jpg

[ltthomas]

Every picture that I have seen posted shows the 1200GS's with the traditional spoked wheels. The BMW website shows the new alloy rims, and I would like to know whether anyone has any experience with the new style rims. Are the alloys lighter? Are they as durable as the tradional double spoked wheels. Does anyone have an opinion?

[wbunning]

Every picture that I have seen posted shows the 1200GS's with the traditional spoked wheels. The BMW website shows the new alloy rims, and I would like to know whether anyone has any experience with the new style rims. Are the alloys lighter? Are they as durable as the tradional double spoked wheels. Does anyone have an opinion?
Alloys come standard, the spokes are about $100 extra. Traditionally, spokes are regarded as stronger, and more likely to absorb strong shocks to the wheel without bending. I've never bent a wheel on either, but selected the spokes based on other's experience, and the 'cool' factor. I think the spokes just look better on this bike. These newer spoked wheels use tubeless tires.. another plus.

[Emoto]

Every picture that I have seen posted shows the 1200GS's with the traditional spoked wheels. The BMW website shows the new alloy rims, and I would like to know whether anyone has any experience with the new style rims. Are the alloys lighter? Are they as durable as the tradional double spoked wheels. Does anyone have an opinion?

If you are going to do any real rough stuff, then the strength of the spokes is what you want. For the street and light offroad, the cast wheels are fine. They are lighter than the spoked wheels.

Mine came through with cast wheels and since I wanted the bike right away, I could not wait the "couple of months" for one with spoked wheels. For my meager offroad skills, this is a very large heavy motorcycle, so I will never take it the kinds of places I would try with a 250. In other words, the cast alloys are A-OK for me.

:)

[kbasa]

Dave,

Don't you have a picture of the performance reward you received on the way to Charleston ?

I have a picture of the cop that gave it to me, but haven't scanned the citation itself.

80 in a 70 the ticket says, though I was stopped at 92 in a 55. I like the Nevada state police. Oh, and I got that on the RS.

[kbasa]

I'm loving mine so far. No major issues as yet, but I only have about 3800 miles on her. I'm getting around 42-47 mpg and as eMoto states, time to gas up at about 200 miles.
Kbasa sure picked a great color, eh? Here's mine:
http://homepage.mac.com/wbunning/carrizods/update/oct2004/ep.jpg

Nice picture, man. Where'd you take that?

Excellent color combo too. :D

[Kneedragon]

Keep it up. Answers to most of my questions. I think the alloy wheels will do me fine. I'm not planning on doing the Dakar race this year anyway. :dunno Apparently the bike will be more available non ABS this year. Does anyone know if the non ABS will still have the servo brakes? I know there are many diverse opinions on them but, I like them. In Canada the ABS option is about $1800.00. I guess I could use the extra $$$ to pay for gas for a long trip :brow
Keep the input coming gang....And Thanks!

[wbunning]

Nice picture, man. Where'd you take that?

Excellent color combo too. :D
Thanks Dave..
That shot is out on the Carrizo Plain National Monument, East of San Luis Obispo (see my sig line)

[Kneedragon]

[QUOTE=Kneedragon]Apparently the bike will be more available non ABS this year. Does anyone know if the non ABS will still have the servo brakes? /QUOTE]

Just found out yesterday...No ABS=No servo brakes. Which is ok too. Normal braking system means I can do the bleeding and fluid changes myself..... :clap

[lorazepam]

When I see pictures like that, it makes me want (for a moment) to change riding style. I could never take an RT to such beautifull areas. Well done! :thumb


It looks to me like a road to the right of where the picture was taken. I have ridden on gravel with a wide variety of bikes for years with no trouble. if you can drive a car there, I can ride there, too.

[Stuff2C]

I got mine late June and on July 8th left Orlando Fl to start my journey from Key West Fl to Dead Horse Ak and Back to Key West. 15483 miles and 28 day’s later I was back in Orlando. Now 18k plus miles and other than a flat tire it’s been trouble free. I also replaced a 95 R11GS that was a wonderful ride 80k plus miles and it was hard to part with. But I must say the 11GS doesn’t hold a candle to the 1200GS. This bike is nimble, fast, comfortable and a blast to ride. Don’t hesitate, BUY IT! IMHO :thumb

[Stuff2C]

If you were wondering if the bags are road worthy, here’s some proof. They don’t leak water, dust or mud, even when fully extended for 15k miles plus. I like em. :)

Gas milage, Wish it had 1 more gallon. Best 56 worst 41.

[Emoto]

I got mine late June and on July 8th left Orlando Fl to start my journey from Key West Fl to Dead Horse Ak and Back to Key West. 15483 miles and 28 day’s later I was back in Orlando. Now 18k plus miles and other than a flat tire it’s been trouble free. I also replaced a 95 R11GS that was a wonderful ride 80k plus miles and it was hard to part with. But I must say the 11GS doesn’t hold a candle to the 1200GS. This bike is nimble, fast, comfortable and a blast to ride. Don’t hesitate, BUY IT! IMHO :thumb

Hey Stuff2c, what is that windshield you're running?

[Stuff2C]

Hey Stuff2c, what is that windshield you're running?

I’ve been using the Laminar Lip on a few different bikes over the years. It’s a inexpensive very effective addition to your stock shield. :thumb


www.laminarlip.com

[Emoto]

Very nice. Thanks. :thumb

[Kneedragon]

:clap Well I did it yesterday! Order in and processed. Production date in the 1st week of February and expected delivery at the end of the first week of April!!

No ABS, Panniers, topcase, crash bars. It's going to be a long winter!!

I would like to thank everyone for thier input on this thread. Between reading and talking to other owners the info. from this thread sealed the deal for me.....Thanks again to everyone. :thumb

[Emoto]

That's great! Best of luck with it!

:thumb

[BradfordBenn]

Congrats. Remember we want to see pictures of the new baby. :stick

[Kneedragon]

Will do. Delivery sometime on early April :clap

[LTrider]

I currently have a '97 K11LT. I would love to do some light off-road, and like the versatlity of the R12GS. How does it handle two-up? I would like to keep my present ride, but don't know if the boss will let me. :dunno I would appreciate any imput.

Jim

[Emoto]

I currently have a '97 K11LT. I would love to do some light off-road, and like the versatlity of the R12GS. How does it handle two-up? I would like to keep my present ride, but don't know if the boss will let me. :dunno I would appreciate any imput.

Jim


Jim,

The R12Gs handles well with a passenger and all the gear. I've probably done about 2k miles that way. You will want to dial in some added rear preload with the standard remote adjuster.

I have no experience with an LT, but the issues that you might have to deal with are:

less comfort - let's face it, the LT is downright cushy. The GS is firm and taut in comparison.

Luggage capacity - I'm not sure if this is an issue or not, but you might want to check relative capacities

Weather prtection - How well does the LT protect a passenger from wind or rain? The GS does not do much of either for the passenger, although it is better than an unfaired bike.

Amenities - No radio, CD player, etc.

These are very different bikes, but if your riding includes bad roads or dirt roads, or you want agility and quick maneuverability, the GS is terrific.

[Kneedragon]

Yer gonna love it.

Got any specific questions?

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/3858920-L.jpg

Most have been answered but, I was wondering...Are the seats comfortable?

[kbasa]

Emoto's cool with his after 14K, but I got a Rocky Mayer at 4K miles. :dunno

[Emoto]

Emoto's cool with his after 14K, but I got a Rocky Mayer at 4K miles. :dunno

I dunno either. I mean, am I a glutton for punishment? Do I merely have a higher pain threshhold? I'd like to try an R12GS with a "good" seat to see what I'm missing. I've had Corbin and Sargent seats in the past and they were good, but I've never tired a Rocky Mayer seat...

I found that the seat took maybe 1-2k miles of breaking in and has ended up being somewhat firm and austere. It could be better, and perhaps some day I will replace it, but it isn't so bad that it jumps to anywhere near the top of the list. Of course, perhaps my enormous ass simply beat it into submission. :dunno

[nplenzick]

For those of you who maybe on the fence of buying a new GS, according to my dealer the price is going up $500.00 the first of the year and the spoke option is going to be $500 instead of $100. Picked mine up this past Thursday and my heart hasn't gotting back to its regular beat yet :wow !

[wbunning]

I dunno either. I mean, am I a glutton for punishment? Do I merely have a higher pain threshhold? I'd like to try an R12GS with a "good" seat to see what I'm missing. I've had Corbin and Sargent seats in the past and they were good, but I've never tired a Rocky Mayer seat...

I found that the seat took maybe 1-2k miles of breaking in and has ended up being somewhat firm and austere. It could be better, and perhaps some day I will replace it, but it isn't so bad that it jumps to anywhere near the top of the list. Of course, perhaps my enormous ass simply beat it into submission. :dunno
I drove mine home from the dealer's the first day via the 'scenic route': 300 miles including 100+ miles of dirt. Seat seamed fine to me and still does.

[knary]

Y'all are killing me. PLEASE STOP POSTING PHOTOS OF YOUR R1200GSs!

-sigh-

Do you think my wife would notice if I took some of the money that's going to be the downpayment on the house and bought one? Better yet, do you think the mortgage company would? :doh

[Emoto]

Y'all are killing me. PLEASE STOP POSTING PHOTOS OF YOUR R1200GSs!

Sorry, dude.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/emoto1/my12rear-med.gif

-sigh-

Do you think my wife would notice if I took some of the money that's going to be the downpayment on the house and bought one? Better yet, do you think the mortgage company would? :doh

Have you played with a mortgage calculator? Making the note for another 17k won't affect your payments by much more than about $100.00/month...

:thumb

[Bfish]

question for the GS guys...how does the stock windshield stack up? for aftermarket what has been the new screen of choice? :dunno

[gsjay]

I haven't got too many miles on my new 1200 but the stock shield seems pretty good.
Much better than the stock shield on my 1150. No head buffeting and it seems to offer a good bit of protection.
I think I'll give it a good test before spending money on an aftermarket one.
gsjay

[kbasa]

Sorry, dude.


Have you played with a mortgage calculator? Making the note for another 17k won't affect your payments by much more than about $100.00/month...

:thumb

Oh, you're EVIL.


But that's how we bought mine.

[kbasa]

question for the GS guys...how does the stock windshield stack up? for aftermarket what has been the new screen of choice? :dunno

I like the stock shield, but am looking at the Touratech extender. It clips right on the top of the stock shield in a couple seconds. It'd be nice for long trips in cold weather, like DVD.

[knary]

Sorry, dude.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/emoto1/my12rear-med.gif



Have you played with a mortgage calculator? Making the note for another 17k won't affect your payments by much more than about $100.00/month...

:thumb

:lol
Of course, that $17k would cost only end up costing over $35,000 if financed for 30 years. hmmm... that's only $1,166 per year! Do you think I could keep an R12GS running for nearly 600,000 miles?

[BradfordBenn]

:lol
Of course, that $17k would cost only end up costing over $35,000 if financed for 30 years. hmmm... that's only $1,166 per year! Do you think I could keep an R12GS running for nearly 600,000 miles?

Just think it would be $18K of tax deductible interest. The better question is do you think that you can keep yourself in shape to be riding for another 30 years...

[knary]

Just think it would be $18K of tax deductible interest. The better question is do you think that you can keep yourself in shape to be riding for another 30 years...

:nod
Without a doubt. I've ridden with enough guys twice my age to know that it's very possible.

[BradfordBenn]

:nod
Without a doubt. I've ridden with enough guys twice my age to know that it's very possible.

No more or less tequila for you than.

[wbunning]

I like the stock shield, but am looking at the Touratech extender. It clips right on the top of the stock shield in a couple seconds. It'd be nice for long trips in cold weather, like DVD.
I have the Touratech piece.. it really works well. BUT, I already busted my stock windshield (sorry, no great story..I overtightened the bolts after they worked loose!)so I think I'm going to check out a CeeBailey's.

[Kneedragon]

It's here! I picked the new GS up on Wednesday afternoon. So far so good. Behaving myself during the run in period..... :cry . But, great handling, lotsa torque, especially considering that I'm limited to 4-5000 RPM......I think it's going to be a great ride.
More photos later!!!

[kbasa]

Nice! :thumb :clap :rocker

[BradfordBenn]

Very nice :clap

[Kneedragon]

Another pic.....No riding here today. Snow, rain, freezing rain. Got a fire going and staying dry this afternoon. :thumb :drink

[MarkF]

I didn't buy the BMW bags, I think I'm gonna go with Jesses again. How do you like the BMW bags?

And how's the seat? The stock seat on the 02 sucked! And I replaced it with a Corbin which I really liked.

thanks,
gsjay

How do you like the Jesse's? I think I like the Touratech or Moto-Sport Panniers. The industrial look and shape. Jesse is in the next ON. Impressive!

[gsjay]

I mounted my new Jesse's on my 1200GS yesterday.

This is my 2nd set, also had them on my R1150GS, for 3 yr's and 40K.

Bags are nice.

Some issues:
Weld splatter on the mounting brackets
Muffler side lower mount didn't seem to line up correctly and need tweaked
Rear cross over pushes against rear tail light assembly, but not really a big deal I guess.
My bags don't seem to sit correctly on the front teflon blocks. I'll have Al look at this if he's at the Georgia Rally.

Positives:
Look great
Hold a ton
All fasteners are of very high quality, Stainless maybe?

I'd buy them again.

gsjay

[Kneedragon]

OK....1 More.... :wave

[Kneedragon]

I'd like to thank everyone that posted advice here and e-mailed the same when I was considering buying the new GS. The bike runs fantastic. I'm surprised that everything that I was told about it are true. It's not too often that something comes across as advertised. Very cool....I think that it will be in my garage for a long time to come.

Thanks again......I will now go back to posting the odd boring pic of my GS :type


Dave

[The_Veg]

Coming very late to this thread- read it all and loved it. I've been doing some financial head-scratching of late, assessing and re-assessing and making and modifying plans and I think I can get me a new GS in about a year without wreaking too much havoc in the bills department- so I've added a new GS to my mid-to-long-term plans.
Of course the seed is planted so I'm already doing as much homework as I can. What led me here was sitting on a couple of them last year and finding that the fit and ergos were about the best I've met. I've also been told that the GS is a hoot'n'a half to ride, so that gets my interest too. And of course I am already thinking about customisation...!!! :bikes

I'll keep learning as much about it as I can and I'll let you know when the day comes to act.

[Dave McGuire]

After many years away from BMW motorcycles (last bike was a 74 R90S) I am picking up my R1200GS tomorrow. I rode the 1200 RT (too heavy and not enough participation in the world) and the K1200S (amazing technological achievment and great fun for 5% of the time) and settled on the new GS (light, nimble, and wonderfully refined with plenty power). I'm looking forward to an enjoyable ride home tomorrow.

I just joined the association and am looking forward to tech articles to bring me up to speed. As a former tech chair for one of the Porsche club regions I enjoyed modifying refined German creaftsmanship, but I expect to pretty much leave this one alone. Any suggestions would be welcome though - especially for a short seat.

Thanks!

Dave McGuire

[BradfordBenn]

The best advice I can give you for the short seat, is get a different seat before lowering the bike. I have yet to meet a BMW motorcycle with a comfortable stock seat. Even their "comfort seat" is an oxymoron.

Oh yeah welcome to the Forum and the Fun