Upgrade to newer model

[iijm]

Hi,
Will the original BMW panniers and top box on my 04 R1200 GS fit a 09 R1200 GS I am looking at? Any mods needed?
Thanks,
Ian

[Schtum]

Yes, they should fit fine. All the Vario boxes are fundamentally the same. I think there's been one or two minor modifications along the way - mostly associated with topboxes becoming detached but nothing that will affect your ability to mount your old bags on a later model bike.

HTH

[iijm]

Thanks for the quick reply Schtum.
All the best.
Ian

[Schtum]

You're welcome, Ian. Just to corroborate this, it might help if I point out that I've used the same set of Vario panniers (no topbox) on my '04, '07 and now '09 bikes.

[iijm]

That's great Schtum. I'd be interested in your opinion as to whether the bikes have improved/changed much between the 2004 and 2009 models. Does your current bike have ESA,ABS,TPC and ASC? My riding is 80% tar, 20% good gravel/dirt roads. Are the two year models basically the same regarding other accessories such as H&B crash bars, tank bars, slip on aftermarket exhaust?
Regards,
Ian

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by iijm

That's great Schtum. I'd be interested in your opinion as to whether the bikes have improved/changed much between the 2004 and 2009 models. Does your current bike have ESA,ABS,TPC and ASC? My riding is 80% tar, 20% good gravel/dirt roads. Are the two year models basically the same regarding other accessories such as H&B crash bars, tank bars, slip on aftermarket exhaust?
Regards,
Ian

From my perspective, the bikes have become progressively more refined and seemingly better built. My '07 was a better and smoother bike than my '04 and my '09 is a world away. I can't comment on crash bars as I've always used Touratech head guards. The old-school airhead thing about not using crashbars dies hard. Your exhaust can will fit up to the 2009 MY bike. After that there's a butterfly valve in the pipe. That can be taken care of but it's not so straight-forward. I don't think your tank bars will fit the >'08 bikes because of the different design of the tank side panels.

My current '09 bike has all the toys. I like the ESA but it would be even better with the aftermarket Wilbers shocks fitted. I think that ABS is pretty much essential on a GS. Apart from affecting resale value, any bike which has such effective brakes and dives so little when using them, really needs it as a safety feature. The ASC is reassuring as a safety-net when you're cracking on, especially in the wet but I keep forgetting to switch the damned thing down to its less intrusive setting with the result that it cuts the fuel when I pop the front wheel over a crest or catch some air over a particularly fine vertical bend in the road. That's all on sealed roads since there's practically nowhere here in Scotland that you can legally ride on anything else.

Here's a wee pic of the current bike....

[iijm]

Thanks again. Your info has been extremely useful and much appreciated. I hope the Scottish weather is treating you well and allowing some time to ride the GS.
Cheers,
Ian

[Wiley]

Originally Posted by Schtum

From my perspective, the bikes have become progressively more refined and seemingly better built. My '07 was a better and smoother bike than my '04 and my '09 is a world away. I can't comment on crash bars as I've always used Touratech head guards. ..

Went from an 05 to a 09 myself. Kept the same Vario side cases, the dealer re-keyed them to the new bike for me. I liked the HB bars that were on my 05, so I bought them for my 09 only in black.

[iijm]

Thanks Wiley, are you happy with the newer model? Anything that is noticeably better? I think I will keep the Vario cases and get them re keyed as well. Did you keep the top box and do the bracket fit the 09 model?
Cheers,
Ian

[Wiley]

Ian, I bought an 05 used and really liked how it rode and handled. I didn't care for the wizzy brakes but I just got used to them. The servo pump failed on the previous owner, fortunately it was replaced under their extended warranty. On my way to the national in Oregon I stopped at the dealer in Michigan because the fuel tank was not venting. While they unclogged it I was admiring their last 09 left-over on the floor. The salesman offered me a trade deal I just couldn't pass up and agreed to do it on my return from the rally. Plus I got two sets of body colors, Namibia (orange) and charcoal.
I'll pretty much echo what Schtum said. In a good way they essentially feel like the same motorcycle. My 09 feels just a little peppier and smoother and it shifts a little nicer. BMW improved a number of small things like how the tank lid attaches to the tank, the windshield hardware, the side covers mount more securely, and a few other little details.
The mods I've done consist of a front fender extension and a rear inner fender. Do the BMW designers ever actually have to clean these bikes :-) ? Also added was a SAE pigtail to the battery for my Tender and heated jacket plus a power connection and handle bar mount for a GPS. For conspicuity I installed an additional LED brake light and Clearwater Krista LED front running lights. I kept the Corbin off my 05 which I like. The 09's stock seat isn't bad though and I probably wouldn't change it otherwise. My rear seat is seldom ever on the bike. As mentioned I liked the HB engine guards on my 05 so I bought them for the 09. I took the rear perch off which leaves a nice flat platform across the side cases to strap a dry bag on. I don't have a top case but I imagine the one off an 04 will fit. Good luck and if you buy it post back with a review!