Buying new 1200 GS - Which Options or Stock ?

[Wolfx]

Greetings,

Sorry to beat the old donkey with a stick, but I am currently close to acquiring a new 1200 GS and I would like to hear the opinions of the experienced owners on the following:

1.) Over here you can get the bike stock standard or with the ABS, heated grip and ESA options as "add-ons" which pushes the price upp significantly.

I am not concerned with the electronic gadgets / "add-ons" but having said that, I would like to hear what others have to say. I have had other heavy traillies without ABS before and I was happy. Do I really need electronic suspension adjustment ? - How hard is it to adjust the suspension manually as/if needed ?

2.) There are many complaints about vibration which make me a little uncomfortable.

3.) What other issues might there be with the latest models, e.g fuel controller etc ?

Thanks

[bionicflite]

Howdy Wolfx

I have almost 9000km on my 2010 GSA

To date I have added lots of protection re guards,skid plates etc.gear,shifter .
I run TKC 80's as I am comfortable offroading ...years of mountain biking and MX.

I have all the extras ABS,ASC,ESA the lot.

ABS works great.....switch off when offroading.

As for the electronic suspension adjustment yes it works but going to a full Ohlins set up next spring as I prefer to set my own preload,compression and rebound.
The bike will ride real plush but cost a bomb...rode a Ohlin's equipped GSA this summer night and day.

I think it comes down to how you ride and what your intentions are.

The heat grips are worth their weight in gold!!

[pdxrmccgs]

The general consensus seems to be is to go with the ABS for safety and
resale.....and yes on heated grips.

[Roundel]

I have a 2010, it does not have the ESA, the linked ABS is a godsend.
The first thing I did was order a Corbin saddle.
Next a C. Baileys wind shield.
The saddle is breaking in nicely, do I really need the Ohlins, perhaps I don't know what I'm missing.
Absolutely love the bike, it's my third Beemer and the BEST

[Quanto12]

Goodday Wolfx,

I strongly support the ABS option, a close call made me appreciate their effectiveness! My budy following me wasn't so lucky and had to drop his bike to avoid a collision. He now has ABS on his new Varedero!
For the ESA option, it came with the other options I wanted. I think it's fun to have, but would I get it again? If it was a seperate option, probably not!
I am curious on the vibration that you are talking about though! I don't have that problem!
Good luck with your decisions

Art.

[pdxrmccgs]

Vibration problems seem to be fairly rare. Most if not all
seem to be tire induced. Doing the tire dance can be
just plain cussedness. Brands, type of tire, place of manufacture,
installation, mounting and balancing. Some guys use lead shot
in the tire.

[Quanto12]

Thanks Pdxrmccgs!
Never had any problem yet with tires! The knobbies vibrate a bit, but that is to be expected! And the dealer seam to be doing a decent job when installing them. Hopefuly my luck will keep up!!
Do you know if certain brand are worst then others?

[pdxrmccgs]

No, I am not a tire guy. Lots of tire threads on this and other
forums. Local club...riding buddies and then I guess you just
jump off the temple wall.