The All New 2013 LIQUID COOLED R1200GS threadfest

[rritterson]

I like the way the new bike looks, assuming the current tank shroud is just a disguise. But I have mixed feeling about it overall- it seems like a solution in search of a problem. If the vast majority of GS riders never go off road, then the multistrada really does represent decent competition, and it makes sense that BMW would move the GS in its direction.

Watercooling brings what benefits exactly? If it helps meet future emissions standards, we're going to have to take it whether we like it or not. But otherwise, what? The bike will probably burn less oil, warm up faster, be less prone to overheating, and make more power. It will also be more complicated to maintain, both routinely and when problems occur. I'm certainly not using all 105HP the 1200 is making now, except in those rare cases where I feel the need to go WOT for no reason, so the additional power isn't really something I look forward to. I have, in bumper-to-bumper traffic, nearly overheated, so would like water cooling for that. If we presume BMW will make the bike as smooth and torquey as the current mill, then water cooling is an overall wash, in my opinion. If it gets substantially better MPG or weigh less, the balance could tip.

The multi plate wet clutch is the biggest gain here, I think. The dry clutch is the achilles heel of the current bikes. Multi plate wet clutch will be more progressive, and last longer with even more slipping.

My biggest complaint with the current bike? The front end is twitchy, on road and off. I went over a botts dot yesterday and got a whole bunch of headshake. None of the changes we've seen seem to address that problem.

[Emoto]

The fact that the transmission is no longer a separate unit does not necessarily mean that the transmission and the crankcase share the same oil. It may be so, but unless we have official word, it may or may not be the case.

[tallguy-09]

Originally Posted by Emoto

The fact that the transmission is no longer a separate unit does not necessarily mean that the transmission and the crankcase share the same oil. It may be so, but unless we have official word, it may or may not be the case.

I'd be extremely surprised if they would not share the same oil. You're right about the official word but I'd say
this notion can be discounted because it simply wouldn't make sense, would it?

[Bails]

In reality I would think separate oil would be the better option , not mixing fine metal from the gear box with the engine oil would seem a better option ! That being said all other machines seem to go this way,with only a few exceptions , Hardleys, Moto Guzzi's , come to mind .

[Florida Lime]

Originally Posted by Bails

In reality I would think separate oil would be the better option , not mixing fine metal from the gear box with the engine oil would seem a better option ! That being said all other machines seem to go this way,with only a few exceptions , Hardleys, Moto Guzzi's , come to mind .

I changed the gearbox oil after 15,000 miles (of 30,000 miles total) yesterday, and it still looked and smelled brand new. Virtually nothing on the magnetic plug either.

I wouldn't worry about fine metal from the gearbox in the engine oil !

[Gompie]

Originally Posted by hillbillypolack

"Rear frame: can now be easily removed , and allows for different variants of the bike (note think S/GS/GSA)"

Did anyone read that CLOSELY?

'S'? As in something BELOW the GS, perhaps an enduro / HP2 style variation. . ?? Okay, I'm listening now.

I did say the bit in () was my own view. I've since checked geman GS sites, and they too mention future Sports, and Naked versions. Makes sense, BMW has done it with 1200/1300 bikes, and the 1200 GS/A is their largest sales sector. This bike has to survive the next 5-6 years. It needs to have easy, future, uprates

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by Florida Lime

I changed the gearbox oil after 15,000 miles (of 30,000 miles total) yesterday, and it still looked and smelled brand new. Virtually nothing on the magnetic plug either.

I wouldn't worry about fine metal from the gearbox in the engine oil !

IMHO, the real concern is the shearing forces that gears apply to oils and how quickly that beats up engine oil.

I don't know what BMW will do, but being BMW they may or may not take the simplest path (a common sump).

[def]

Originally Posted by rboett

Yes, How often do you change you anti-freeze? What mixture do you run?

Synthetic for sure. Change it once at 600 miles with fill for life coolant.

[def]

Originally Posted by rider1150gsadv

Yup! Now, what oil to use for the 'wasserkopf'......

A cooler cylinder head and valve gear can likely tolerate lower vis oils, especially synthetics...maybe 5w-30 or 0w-30.

But, it also depends on the clutch/gearbox lube...is the engine oil shared?

[def]

Originally Posted by Sam Buca

Add throttle-by-wire and here will be no need for TB synchronization either.

More time to ride and cheaper to maintain.


.

Throttle by wire...I like it....along with cruse control plus selectable throttle advance gain/damping and decel programs could be incorporated...throttle limits during break-in. Going to let your kid ride your waterboxer? Programmable speed limits...

The Boxer goes digital....where do I sign up for one?

[OConnor]

BMW is counting on hype to drive sales like always. Look how many inmates "upgrade" every time something is tweaked. Hell, some of us trade in for no other reason than new colors.

[Anchorbend]

I believe that liquid cooled can be made lighter, run cooler, higher power and torque. What is most interesting to me is that the final drive appears to be on the opposite side. Could be that Corporate is quietly acknowledging the issue by redesigning the drive and putting it on the opposite side? Think of the teething issues this bike could have.

[Deans BMW]

BMW is going to the same basic final drive unit that has first appeared on the K1600 series. A much heavier duty and much more robust unit.

[Deans BMW]

A R1250R Water Boxer...

[Aviatordoc]

K1600 final drives have failed as well!