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daz1964

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I will soon be ready to purchase a R1200 GSA ... big question?? Should I buy the current model or wait for the new water cooled engine?

I've always be advise not to go for the first of a new design and I'm a bit of a traditionalist so I'm leaning towards the air cooled. Also there are some great deals on offer for the last of the current model.

Thoughts, info, advice would be appreciated.
 
First, look at the accessories. There are tons of things out there that are designed for right-side swingarm and left-side exhaust. New GS is backward. The intake and exhaust of the engine is different. Needs new tooling on the crash bars. Is the seat the same? Can you get a Sergeant seat that fits the '12 to fit the '13? Will the radiator fill location be in a good spot? Can you fill it without removal of vital bike components? I say wait until the '14 comes out if you want to buy the more efficient, water-cooled version instead of the slightly less environmentally friendly oil-cooled version.
 
Buy the water cooled one and puts lots of miles on it.

Once BMW has the bugs worked out - I'll buy one. :)

Daz - I'm actually thinking the same thing, considering selling my RT and going for a GSA. I've done about all the road touring I want to do and am now looking for the ability to meander the gravel and dirt a bit.

Good luck with your decision - it's a tough one.
 
Air Cooled or Water Cooled

I agree with what other inmates said, let BMW produce the water cooled motor for a couple years to sort the bugs out then decide if you still want one.
I'm not wild about the inlet and exhaust being at the top and bottom as opposed to back and front, just looks wrong to me, just my thoughts.
Harley produced the water cooled motor for their V -Rods, a good motor by Porsche I believe and I don't know that they had many hiccups with that motor and I reckon BMW will do a good job of the new H2O cooled motor for sure. It may take a while before the guys get the full range of accessories into the market for the new bike though.
I just bought a new R1200GS because personally love the Boxer motor, may be the last of that historic machine.
I'm happy with my air cooled HD Fatboy, I still prefer the air cooled motor to the water cooled one and now happy to have what I think will be one of the last and the best air cooled Boxer motors with my new GS acquisition.
Good luck with your decision.
 
I will soon be ready to purchase a R1200 GSA ... big question?? Should I buy the current model or wait for the new water cooled engine?

I've always be advise not to go for the first of a new design and I'm a bit of a traditionalist so I'm leaning towards the air cooled. Also there are some great deals on offer for the last of the current model.

Thoughts, info, advice would be appreciated.
I have been told by two local dealers that the Wasserhead will only be produced in the standard GS model and not the GSA. This may have changed, but that is the latest scoop I got. I own a 2011 GSA, my second GSA as I owned an 06 previously. I would give the wasser at least a year before buying one. I like my cam head, so I am in no hurry.
For what it's worth....why not own both :)
 
The R1200GS is a mature design and very well thought of. BMW is only bringing out a water cooled version due to ever tightening European emission standards that the air/oil cooled boxer cannot meet. Were it not for that, I doubt BMW would have made the move to water cooling.

I have also heard that, at least initially, only the GS will go to water cooling and I hear that the bike is expected to be 4-9 pounds heavier. Just rumors. Looks like weight will be carried somewhat higher. With the new water cooled bike, BMW will probably use the opportunity to make some other changes (cruise control? updated ESA? new look to instrument panel?) but it will also be a new bike with probable teething problems in the first few years. Horse power will probably be upped to 120 or thereabouts.
 
I'm hoping they add longer intervals between valve checks. With a cooler motor they could (in theory) extend the interval to say 12,000 or so.

My preferences for a liquid-cooled boxer would be, in order:
1. Longer service intervals
2. Cruise control
3. Better mileage (which I would prefer over more power)

Gee, I can't really think of anything else. All a stock GS needs is a better seat, some luggage, and lots of free time to enjoy the rides.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Thanks to all for your input ....

and now I'm very excited to say I've placed a deposit on the 1200GSA Triple Black, picking it up in late October :):)

This has been a dream for 10 years, finally I'll actually have one!! Now to get the time to ride ride ride.

Thanks again for all the advice

Ride on..................:D:D
 
Buy a new air cooled now, then trade for a water cooled when you've worn it out (7-8 years from now). Maybe they'll have all the bugs worked out of the WC's by then! ;)

Seriously though, there is no way in hell I'd buy the first year model of ANY vehicle with all the new stuff this one will have. Paying huge $$$ for the privilege of being a beta tester is for suckers IMO.
 
Thanks to all for your input ....

and now I'm very excited to say I've placed a deposit on the 1200GSA Triple Black, picking it up in late October :):)

This has been a dream for 10 years, finally I'll actually have one!! Now to get the time to ride ride ride.

Thanks again for all the advice

Ride on..................:D:D
Congrats on deciding to get the most refined GSA to date! I'm doing exactly the same. Same approximate delivery date too!! :)

What options did you go for? I ordered mine with everything. Last new bike I'll ever buy, so WTF - right?? :D
 
Buy a new air cooled now, then trade for a water cooled when you've worn it out (7-8 years from now). Maybe they'll have all the bugs worked out of the WC's by then! ;)

Seriously though, there is no way in hell I'd buy the first year model of ANY vehicle with all the new stuff this one will have. Paying huge $$$ for the privilege of being a beta tester is for suckers IMO.
Hahaha! AGREED! Well said.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Congrats on deciding to get the most refined GSA to date! I'm doing exactly the same. Same approximate delivery date too!! :)

What options did you go for? I ordered mine with everything. Last new bike I'll ever buy, so WTF - right?? :D
I think I just about got all the options too. Triple Black with panniers, top box, head light protector etc etc ... I'm thinking of getting the Akrapovic Silencer too...what do you think? is it worth it?
 
What is difference between oil and water cooled?

Hi Would someone point me to the thread about the difference between the water and oil cooled gs?...particularly the maintenance differences? Are all gs bikes sold after 2010 water cooled?

Thanks for your time!
 
The 2013 GS is first year liquid(I think 35% liquid cooled/65% air cooled-someone will correct me if wrong on percentages)....2014 GSA is first year liquid on Adventure model.....2005-2012 GS is air/oil cooled(although there were a couple of 2013 air/oil GS's)....GSA's 2005-2013 air/oil cooled.....my dealer had 1 2013 air/oil on the floor just prior to the 2013 WC arriving.
 
Engine differences: not one part is the same between the old and the new motors :D

Water cooled differences:
  • cylinders an integral part of the case
  • cylinders rotated 90 degrees (exhaust goes down, not toward the front)
  • airbox is at the front, not under the saddle
  • transmission is inside the engine case not a separate unit
  • wet clutch, not a dry clutch
  • radiators
  • cooling fan
  • fly by wire (electronic throttle control, no throttle cables)

Maintenance on the wethead is a little bit less overall. There is nothing to adjust or balance for the throttle bodies. Oil changes are about the same but the wethead has no separate transmission requiring a fluid change. Valve check about the same, but done half as often on the wethead. It is more work on the wethead if you actually need to adjust a valve.
 
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