2009 GS improvements over 2004GS

[finny]

Hi everyone my first thread in this great forum. Recently purchased a 2004 GS
and love it. Only under 2000kms so far (too much work) around NSW Australia and still lots to learn about the bike. A friend has ridden mine and is looking at a 2009 model. Can anyone help if this model is much improved or quite similar? The how to site has been great for me thanks Cheers Paul

[marc]

'04 - '06 not much changed
'07 brakes changed
'08 got a newer look, 5 extra horses, and tranny gear ratio changes
'10 is an overhead cam

http://www.r1200gs.info/misc/specs/ has more. Someone should someday add the '10 model specs.

[Doc Chex]

Originally Posted by marc

'04 - '06 not much changed
'07 brakes changed
'08 got a newer look, 5 extra horses, and tranny gear ratio changes
'10 is an overhead cam

http://www.r1200gs.info/misc/specs/ has more. Someone should someday add the '10 model specs.

Hi,

sorry, this is "old". New is the DOHC-motor with 110hp in 2010

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by Doc Chex

Hi,

sorry, this is "old". New is the DOHC-motor with 110hp in 2010

I'm not clear what you're attempting to say but if you're suggesting that the the pre 2010 motor was already OHC, that's incorrect. Prior to 2010, GS motors were cam-in-head, not SOHC. The 2010 GS motor adopted the DOHC layout of the HP Sport.

[Doc Chex]

Originally Posted by Schtum

.....GS motors were cam-in-head, not SOHC. The 2010 GS motor adopted the DOHC layout of the HP Sport.

Hi Schtum,

you´re right.

I read only

Originally Posted by marc

.....
'10 is an overhead cam

.....

and thought 'no, this is a DOHC and before is OHC!'.

On closer inspection one can see that the camshaft is moved from the motor center (2V) in the head (4V). There are also tappets to move the valves but a lot shorter. And additional a chain was needed to drive the camshaft.

I think it´s described correctly now

[Wiley]

Originally Posted by finny

Recently purchased a 2004 GS
and love it. A friend has ridden mine and is looking at a 2009 model. Can anyone help if this model is much improved or quite similar?

Paul, I had a 05 and now have a 09. IMO the 09 is quite similar feeling to the 05, yet has some slight improvements. Here are a few that come to mind.
The first improvement I noticed was the shifting, the 05 was good the 09 is very good. They supposedly made a bearing improvement in 08 transmission as well. I've noticed other small improvements in hardware such as how the fuel neck attaches, the tank side cowling attachment, hand-guards, etc. The handlebar mounts now allow for two positions, a standard and 1"+ more rear ward. For me the brakes on the 09 work at least as well while being a far simpler and less costly system to maintain. Having a drain now for the final drive certainly makes it easier to change the oil.

[finny]

Thanks for all the responses. The info will help my mates decision i feel sure.
Now thinking i should upgrade! Cheers Paul