GS-Riders International

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here: R 1200 GS changes from 2004 - 2007

Electricals
- Changes to the software which switches the bike on, in 03/2005
- Left handle bar switches: changed the 4-way flasher switch layout, was a separate switch, now activated by pressing both turn signal buttons, in 08/2005
- New central controller optimized a huge number of electrical functions (changed some sensor settings of the can-bus system), drastically decreasing the number of fake electrical failure notifications, in 08/2005
- Info display changed from dot-matrix to a segment display, in 08/2005
- New type of glass matt battery with better electrical properties and lasting, in 02/2006
- Different ignition coils for the future use of ASC systems, in 10/2006
- Slight changes to the ABS sensor cables to improve durability
- Changed display unit layout with easier to read fuel gauge segments
- Changed fuel sensor in the tank, is now a resistor strip instead of a floater
- Side stand switch relocated, tugged in between the framework for better protection
- Several electrical connectors have been replaced by improved versions
- Improved cam position sensors

Engine and Transmission
- New catalytic converter (new design of first muffler) and software brings the GS to Euro 3 emission standards, in 08/2005
- Modified gear switching levers (shorter leverage) for improved gear shifting, in 10/2005
- Redesigned gear drum for better gear switching, in 08/2006
- Drain plug for the rear drive oil introduced, in 09/2007
- Changed service instructions for the rear drive, now oil service at 1.000 km, in 09/2007
- Improved alternator belt for longer life span
- Hydraulic clutch system is now a closed system with a lifetime fluid filling and no service need

Chassis
- Modified front brake disk mounts to reduce braking noises, in 08/2005
- With production start of the ADV unified stronger rear frame, in 11/2005
- Better side stand and center stand, in 11/2005
- Improvements to the sump guard design, does not catch objects anymore as easy, in 12/2005
- Rear tray (silver plastic under the seat) is now a molded in one piece. It can not anymore be dismantled, as it was possible before with the two piece tray. Done in 03/2006.
- Suspension supplier changed from White Power to Showa, models from '06 onwards. Not an improvement!
- New ABS system from Continental-Tewes without power assistance and significant lower electrical power consumption, starting for the '07 model
- Additional clear coating of the rear frame for the '07 models

Miscellaneous
- lower windscreen spacers changed to metal (before plastic) to reduce noises and improve durability, in 04/2005
- Changes to the sewing in the lower part of the seat to improve fit and durability, in 04/2006
- Improved mirrors (fixing cones), in 08/2006
- Improved mounting plate for the top case, in 11/2006
- Tool kit has been reduced from an almost complete kit for on-the-way service to pathetic (from 2006 models)
- Gross weight permitted is higher from 2007, now 450 kg, increasing the total payload to 225 kg
- Exhaust without depression chamber and back-pressure valve, sound is slightly more bassy. The new exhaust has a silver end cap, the old one has a black end cap.
- Several software updates which mostly care for smoother engine running and better power delivery
- Fixtures for the tank side cover (lower front) changed from quick lock plastic knobs to SS bolts, for all models produced in 2007 (not '07 produced in '06)

Click here ( 3 MB)

2007 models produced in 2007
- The plastic knobs in front of both side panels have been replaced by a new fixture using a bolt. This does not apply for 2007 models produced in autumn and winter 2006. If there are concerns regarding the previously used plastic knob, the new fixtures can be obtained at low price from the BMW dealer.

(change is adopted to the list above)

With the launch of the R 1200 GS readers of the Austrian website http://www.1000ps.at were asked:

Which GS looks better?
R 1200 GS : 1219 votes
R 1150 GS : 320 votes

What would you choose for the wheels?
Cast wheels: 465 votes
Sprocket wheels : 310 votes

• 105 hp at 7500 rpm / 115 Nm at 5750 rpm
  
• Max. engine speed lifted to 8000 rpm
  
• Different gear and secondary transmission ratios for improvements in traction and acceleration
  
• Optional shorter 1. gear for Adventure model
  
• Redesigned six-gear transmission with bigger bearing diameters and optimised switching kinematics for even more precise gear shifting
  
• Optional electronic suspension ESA available (Electrohydraulic Spring Adjustment of the spring struts at front and rear).
  
• Higher handle bar clamps plus new, lower aluminium handle bars for improved ergonomics and handling
  
• Fuel display with expanded measurement range, new sensor system, and more fine detail display
  
• LED tail light and white turn signals.
  
• Higher power for the electrical generator, 720 W (600 W old)
  
• Changed design of the front beak and side covers with stainless steel decoration
  
• Different fuel tank for the GS model, tank cap without visible bolts, fuel pump mounting area slanted forward for better cooling
  
• Redesigned seat for more comfort, seat height now 850 / 870 mm for the GS (was 840 / 860 mm until 2007)
  
• New enforced hand guards (optional for the GS)
  
• tank nozzle redesigned for easier refueling
  
• new brake rotors
  
• Colour choices GS = titanium silver metallic, slate grey metallic, namibiaorange uni, tansanitblue uni, ADV = Magnesium metallic matt, plain red.
  

Changed handle bar clamps

2008 R 1200 GS










2008 R 1200 GS Adventure







More detail pics here: 2008 version of the R 1200 GS

That's the one I'd choose





Overall a modest upgade / refinement. We will get used to it quickly. Seems there are more important changes under the hood, than above. I am not sure about the higher hp, though. I had preferred even more torque at low rpm. The previous cast wheels were made by BBS, a German manufacturer renowned for highest quality. The new ones are not anymore from this company. Say is they are 2 kg heavier. No more grey seat variant.

I personally am not keen regarding the new colour schemes. But I hear many other do love the yellowish forks, darker engine in three shades of grey plus black, and the stainless steel cladding.

The gear box is already good on the 2007, at least mine is. And the engine differences are marginal, IMO. The 2007 model is known that it runs better than claimed. It is tested with 104 hp, the new 2008 model with 111 hp. The only thing I pity a bit is, I can not have the ESA suspension.

The 2008 brake rotors



source: member micha at http://www.gs-forum.eu

R 1200 GS - changed for 2007 + 2008 (first models)


picture source: member qtreiber at http://www.gs-forum.eu

These are the new brake lines, which can be recognized by the curly shape, which is supposed to avoid vibration leaks. which BMW will install them in line with a recall campaign. The recall concerns the models built in between Aug 2006 and Feb 2008. This means the upgrade is for all models with Continental-Teves ABS until Feb 2008.

applicable to certain models from '07 and '08 (models until March). Owners have been notified by a BMW letter.

Part no old : 61 35 7 696 463
Part no new : 61 35 7 705 247 (costs in Germany Euro 23 ~ US$ 35)


picture source: member Draht at http://www.gs-forum.eu

... to give only two keys to the customers.

Starting from the 2009 model year there will be three keys handed over to the customer on delivery. This applies for Boxer, F an K models -> two metal keys and one plastic key. :idea:

• 110 hp @ 7,750 rpm, 120 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
  
• DOHC (two overhead camshafts, chain driven)
  
• More compact combustion chamber with radial valves
  
• Valves with spherical cut ridges, intake valves now 39 mm (was 36 mm), exhaust valves now 33 mm (was 31 mm)
  
• All valves open 10.8 mm (was: intake 10.54 mm, exhaust 9.26 mm)
  
• Redesigned pistons
  
• Throttle bodies now 50 mm (was 47 mm)
  
• Redesigned air snorkel and air filter for higher air through-put
  
• Magnesium colour valve covers
  
• Redesigned exhaust internals and connector pipe
  
• Electronic exhaust valve
  
• Updated Mototronic
  
• Raised rev limit, now 8,500 rpm (was 8,000 rpm)
  
• Needs ROZ98 or 95 fuel (ROZ91 possible)
  
• Shock absorber supplier from mid 2010 WP (before Showa)