Future GS Owner question

[Bigdog54]

Hello eveyone. I'm about 1 month out from being able to purchase my first GS. I'm a MX convert who's body (back) cant take the beating anymore and like the idea of being able to do both on and off road riding.
Anyway, are there any maintenance concerns with the new 2010 1200GS? Are there any major differences between the 2010, 2011 or older models that would set one ahead of another?

[frothin hard]

Hi Bigdog, firstly just do it.
What I have been told is with the pre 2010 models that have a single OHC, these are fairly easy to adjust yourself, so I imagine that when they are out of warranty you can save on paying someone else to do this for you. But on the 2010 + and the DOHC they are best left to the BM experts. What I say is true and fair with the limited knowledge that I have but rest assured, that if what i have to say is not quite right, we are all going to find out shortly when you recieve some more replies. Anyway good luck with your purchase and make no mistake, the more you ride a GS the more you want to ride it...

I am happy to be humbled and stand corrected - frothin hard.. 2011GS

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by frothin hard

Hi Bigdog, firstly just do it.
What I have been told is with the pre 2010 models that have a single OHC, these are fairly easy to adjust yourself, so I imagine that when they are out of warranty you can save on paying someone else to do this for you. But on the 2010 + and the DOHC they are best left to the BM experts. What I say is true and fair with the limited knowledge that I have but rest assured, that if what i have to say is not quite right, we are all going to find out shortly when you recieve some more replies. Anyway good luck with your purchase and make no mistake, the more you ride a GS the more you want to ride it...

I am happy to be humbled and stand corrected - frothin hard.. 2011GS

A) The pre 2010 models aren't SOHC. They're actually a cam-in-head design
with short pushrods to actuate the valves.

B) The procedure for adjusting the valve clearances on 2010 onwards DOHC
engines is here - http://sanjosebmw.smugmug.com/Other/...67209614_WupU9 (courtesy of San Jose BMW)

[Bigdog54]

I guess my question would be what design is better? Maintenance vs performance. Sometimes an upgrade isn't worth the hassle, ect ect.

Also, are there any other mechanical concerns to be aware of between the 2010 and up or an 09 or 08. I'm trying to decide on buying new or slightly used.

[Schtum]

Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity ride a 2010 yet. I have, however, owned an '04 and '07 and currently an '09. Each iteration has been more refined and better built.

As to performance, I believe that although the new DOHC motor pulls better at the bottom end and in the mid-range, the older motor is faster at the top end, not that this is likely to be much of a consideration on a GS. The other common report is that the DOHC motor suffers less from vibration. I believe that its exhaust system produces a more "fruity" sound as standard, courtesy of the flap valve and this does complicate matters if you wish to replace the exhaust can with an aftermarket one or change the headers.

[pdxrmccgs]

One avenue for the full Monty on your question is local BMW clubs. As the Buddhist monks say: Some things are better mouth to ear....
#
BMW Motorcycle Club Of Northeast Florida. ... While we are predominately BMW riders, you needn't own one, or even want to own one, to join our club. ...
www.bmwnef.org/ - Cached - Similar
#
Internet BMW Riders - BMW Club Directory
Apr 28, 2009 ... Australian Capital Territory BMW Motor Cycle Club ... BMW Motorcycle Owners Club of Florida (Tampa Bay Area) ...
www.ibmwr.org/clubs.shtml - Cached - Similar
#
Florida Sunbeemers
The Florida Sunbeemers, Inc. is a BMW motorcycle owners club but members are not required to own a BMW motorcycle. Florida Sunbeemers welcome riders of all ...
www.floridasunbeemers.com/ - Cached - Similar
#
BMW Clubs
BMW Motorcycle Owners Club Of Florida · BMW Owners Of Northeast Florida · Tri-County BMW Riders · The Twisted Shaft · Mid Atlantic Riders · Central Florida ...
www.bmridersclub.com/bmwclubs.htm - Cached - Similar

As far as different years...they are all good.

[frothin hard]

Hi BigDog, see, I told you that if i was wrong that I would be quickly corrected..... I am very new to the GS and I stand corrected. one of many I am guessing... BUT I am just Frothin over the GS and in time I will learn what is gospel and what is not, because of the quality of men(and women) who share the same passion for two wheeled go anywhere machine, that is the GS.

One thing in common is------ firstly, just go for it-------

I wish you luck with your choice of GS and go where you have never gone before..

If you don't change anything - then - nothing will change...

[Bigdog54]

Although I appreciate the enthusiasm, that "just go for it" mentality is not easily employed when purchasing an $18,000 motorcycle, at least not by me. Remember, I'm a MX convert so I'm used to new bikes that cost $6000 out the door.
Anyway, I'm still researching in advance of the purchase so I get everything I really need and steer clear of that which I don’t need.


Thanks all for the input

[pdxrmccgs]

Here is one of the last options thread from the archives:

Buying new 1200 GS - Which Options or Stock ?

Hope it helps.

[frothin hard]

Originally Posted by Bigdog54

Although I appreciate the enthusiasm, that "just go for it" mentality is not easily employed when purchasing an $18,000 motorcycle, at least not by me. Remember, I'm a MX convert so I'm used to new bikes that cost $6000 out the door.
Anyway, I'm still researching in advance of the purchase so I get everything I really need and steer clear of that which I don’t need.


Thanks all for the input

Fair call BigDog, Just excited for you about your GS.. we pay closer to $28,000 AU here in Oz and I understand that it stings a little as I too am a working class man and this is my first BMW as well, BUT in saying this, when the price is forgotten, the enjoyment and childlike happiness stays for a very long time.. I know I should not go here BUT - Just Go For It -

Life is not a test run, you only get one shot and then you die, and there is only one way to find out if you can ride in heaven...do you want to risk it??

Jokes brother BigDog Jokes... Ahhhh its just that I am Frothin, take your time, and keep us updated