R1200GS / R1250GS | Complete Buyer's Guide [2005-2020]

In 2019 my son in-law gave me a 05 1200 GS with only 1700 miles in it. It was in a climate controlled hanger with other toys but it had regular service done on it.
I love this bike! I do my own maintenance but the two things I don't like is the LCD as that it's hard to read in sunlight. Second is the servo breaks because there very touchy and they require specialized service every 2 years. I do it every year just to play it safe.
Wonderful video, I've watched it several times.
Thanks

This is a great video, I really appreciate it

For the same money would you prefer a gs1250 over gsa1200 latest model ?

R1200GS 2007, bought 2012. Why no mention of issues??? Corrosion on engine,fuel cap, wheels. 3 fuel pumps, rear drive bearing, alrm key switch, tyre pressure sensors,abs, front suspension seal AND leaking front shock, one ECU, balancer shaft seal , reliable????? My bottom!!!!! now only 50000 km, I wonder what is next....

I think, 2017.5-2018 is wrong, EU4, hill start, abs pro become in 2016...

Very good mate,no mucking about,thanks

Thank you for a concise and useful video![

Great list of different aspects. I think it was just important you highlighted that some changes happened in middle of the year in USA market, only adding can that on international level some spec changes could happen one year earlier/later and packages are different as well. I am not sure TFT was optional at all in Finland or at least dealership din not order much basic models after tft was released, majority of new bikes on our market were having tft nearly immediately it was released. On our market there is still huge price gap between -2013 and 2014+ models. Yes they are completely different bike but the difference in price is almost double, some exceptions only if 2013 is overpriced or having very low mileage. Models in 2005-2010 has very little price difference which makes sense to stay away from servo brakes, again 2008 is safe from servos on our market and 2007 is the question mark: Registration date, manufacturing date and year of the model put some impact on model equipment as well. Weight development is sad for bmw R series bikes, definitely should be the other way around from current situation.

Does the early 2017gs have any upgrades or differences from the 2016 model?

Just buy a Japanese

Hello
I’m looking at a 2013 r1200gs with 35000 miles is this too many miles? $9000-$10000. 🤷🏻‍♂️thanks what do you think?

Thanks again for this video. I keep coming back.

This is the only comparative video about the evolution of the GS. Simple and to the point. Thank you

All ready have two bikes, but definitely itching for the GSA hence I am taller older guy. One of the best information buying guide. Thanks. 1250 GSA RED with WHITE OR BLACK, I am game. Thanks again. I like the extra weight, better on the freeway. Most GS riders don’t use them off road as much.

Lol, with the water cooled engine having the clutch at the front made it easy to service. But NOW when the stator goes bad you have to pull the engine, pull the transmission and still remove the wet clutch to replace the stator. BMW needs to keep the wet clutch at the front of the motor, take out the stator (from the back of the engine) and reintroduce the alternator to the top of the engine for ease of service.

So glad to find your video. It helps me a lot to make decision to buy which model of GS.... great work!

Thanks so much for this video. This info is exactly what I’ve been looking for during my GS search

Now I'm wondering to spend my life savings for 2016-18 africa twin or 2013 gs ;
Have first gen vstrom 1000.
AT would better Complement vstrom, both adventures with vstrom being very road oriented and AT for more adventerous adventures :)
With gs i know I would have to turn around in some terrain and onroad it would be prolly even better than vstrom and wouldn't make sense to keep old suzi.
Hmm ;

Excellent work. My knowedge was nothing til you learned me and now I am a master. I just got a 12 and oh boy.

Why can't we have an inline 4 in an adventure bike is it too big ?

Ian, thanks a million for this video, I just bought a 2014 low mileage (22k miles) R1200GSA following your advice! I was really worried by the weight and size but the bike handles so much easier than I expected on and off-road! Unless you do rock climbing or single track trails this bike is great, even an amateur like me can take it almost anywhere! Thanks again for the advice!

Thank you from Australia, your guide helped me select a model with confidence. Picked up a 2010 R1200gs with under 50,000Ks on the clock in near pristine condition.

EXCELLENT GUIDE I KEEP WATCHING IT.

Great video. It is informative 🎉🎉

Wow, great summary and overview Ian. Thanks! Most of us have gained more weight than the GS over time!

The motorcycle generally regarded as the world's finest deserves a fantastic and ranging video like this. Terrific job thoroughly, yet briefly taking us through this history. Beyond useful for us experienced riders considering our first GS. Thank you.

Loved the Vid. Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

What happens if you have a pwr commander on the 2014 ? I don't have the plug for enduro pro...? 125hp at wheel. Dyno.

Great video. Personally I prefer your earlier work like “Sean of the dead” or” Hot Fuzz” but this stuff is still right up there.

No thanks in all cases. And when it breaks, the parts and labor costs 3 times of a new Harley!. And then very very few US dealers!!.

Great informative video, thank you.

I’m about to buy 2012 GS. What you guys think ?

Appreciate you putting this together.

Please make a ktm buyers guide for their super adventure lineup from old to new

Long story short, get the newest one you can get your hands on unless you are a weight whore get the oldest one.

I love the way I can muck around the farm, my last was a K1200GT, chalk n cheese, never go back to K bikes now age 76

thanks your vid, buying 2013

I had a K100/16v with servo brakes. Hated them so much I put off buying a GS until 2007 GSA. That was one great bike, and no servo brakes. Perhaps some of the '07's came with whizzy brakes, but not that I know of.

i am thinking to buy 1150 GS year 2000 130k and replaced clutch from owner in his 60s he took good care about bike

great review. considering a GS and this gives me the info needed to make an informed purchase

Liked for the Starbucks blurb 😆. Keep up the great work!

Great video Ian

Really god information👍

Sory to correct you again the servo failed not because of the motor, the pressure sensor failed the whole thing was prone to leak and wreak all kinds of havoc. The German KBA deserves a death sentence for allowing this garbage go street legal.

Why does the boxer has power limitations? Long stroke, difficult to cool and keep the emissions in specs, inline 3 or fours can be cooled easier and balance shaft options allow higher revs and thus power. Got it?

It was in 2004 already. 98 hp 11,0 compression in the first iteration.

the servo brakes in the late 1150 and early 1200s are complete garbage. The servo can crap out even with routine brake fluid changes. When it takes a crap, the best solution is to just bypass it, but then you lose your ABS as well. Terrible system.

What's your feeling on a very clean 2016 straight 1200GS w/ premium package and Nav 6 (non adventure) for $15K?

Just got a 2017 Rallye and it’s the best bike I’ve ever seen or ridden. Thanks for this guide Ian!