Rallye or '13 R1200GS WC feedback

[vntgmx]

Looking at getting a R1200GS and I'm looking at a new leftover Rallye or a new '13 R1200GS water cooled version. I'll be using it for mixed surface rides as I have lots of sandy fireroads that I hit to string the road sections together and to mix things up and keep it fun.
Had a first year F800GS and liked it and it was good but I've fancied a R1200GS since I bought the F800GS and at 54 years old it's time to scratch that itch. Have lots of motorcycling experience and lots of offroad riding and racing experience as well as I started riding dirt bikes in the golden era of motocross when Honda Elsinores first came on the scene. I'm well aware of the limitations of the R1200Gs offroad but again I have real dirt bikes for the heavy lifting there but it will see lots of fire roads and jeep trails just not the real technical stuff and I'd say it'll be 60/40 usage as most all of my rides are mixed surface.
Anyway with that in mind I'd like to hear what you guys who have saddle time with a '12 & '13 feel the differences are between the two in real world environments.
I certainly like the fact that the Rallye is the last and most refined of it's production run while the jury is always out on a 1st year model such as the '13 but it does look intriguing in spite of the potential teething pains. I enjoyed it when I test rode the new model last week but of course it was a short ride and only road work but it felt nice and balanced and carried it's weight well.
I'm also not looking for all the doodad electronics such as Traction etc but the Rallye has esa which doesn't move me when one or the other. The '13 is just abs,heated grips,racks,chrome exhaust and cruise. The Rallye has spoked wheels which does appeal but again the cast wheels of the '13 are not an issue in my book as it's all slow speed soft dirt offroad stuff.
So with all that I look forward to hearing some feedback as I plan on pulling the trigger this week one way or the other.

[Neun93]

For what it's worth, I had the same choice to make and I picked the Rally last week.

The water boxer will have its day, but there is nothing wrong with the tried and true oil cooled GS. For your needs either would be fine. I didn't want to be the first to experience any issues, but most of all I really like the look of the Rally and how it stands out from the other GS's with its color scheme. That was my basis.

BTW- the 1200gs is a panzer tank, so what it can't go over it will go through. I have seen this bike do incredible things in skilled hands. Sure it can't go everywhere and there are situations where a smaller bike would be better or even more fun, but you won't be disappointed with its off road capabilities.

My choice would be to work a deal on the Rally, see how far you can get. The up side is that you will not be disappointed either way.

[hammick]

Originally Posted by vntgmx

Looking at getting a R1200GS and I'm looking at a new leftover Rallye or a new '13 R1200GS water cooled version. I'll be using it for mixed surface rides as I have lots of sandy fireroads that I hit to string the road sections together and to mix things up and keep it fun.
Had a first year F800GS and liked it and it was good but I've fancied a R1200GS since I bought the F800GS and at 54 years old it's time to scratch that itch. Have lots of motorcycling experience and lots of offroad riding and racing experience as well as I started riding dirt bikes in the golden era of motocross when Honda Elsinores first came on the scene. I'm well aware of the limitations of the R1200Gs offroad but again I have real dirt bikes for the heavy lifting there but it will see lots of fire roads and jeep trails just not the real technical stuff and I'd say it'll be 60/40 usage as most all of my rides are mixed surface.
Anyway with that in mind I'd like to hear what you guys who have saddle time with a '12 & '13 feel the differences are between the two in real world environments.
I certainly like the fact that the Rallye is the last and most refined of it's production run while the jury is always out on a 1st year model such as the '13 but it does look intriguing in spite of the potential teething pains. I enjoyed it when I test rode the new model last week but of course it was a short ride and only road work but it felt nice and balanced and carried it's weight well.
I'm also not looking for all the doodad electronics such as Traction etc but the Rallye has esa which doesn't move me when one or the other. The '13 is just abs,heated grips,racks,chrome exhaust and cruise. The Rallye has spoked wheels which does appeal but again the cast wheels of the '13 are not an issue in my book as it's all slow speed soft dirt offroad stuff.
So with all that I look forward to hearing some feedback as I plan on pulling the trigger this week one way or the other.

Tell you dealer you need an extended test rides on both models. You need to spend a couple hours on each bike to make the decision. I have owned three R1200GSAs in the past. They are incredible bikes. However, the new GS wethead is in another league.

[mike cummins]

find a hp2 enduro and have something that goes up in value and rides like no bmw has done before

[BMW JEEP]

I just recently chose to buy a 2013 R12GS camhead (yes there were a few last oilheads produced in '13 before changing to production of the LC, to my surprise). It's a Triple Black that is factory lowered, which suits me just fine. I could have gotten a new LC in any color for about the same money. In my mind, getting one of the last 12GS camheads produced in a limited edition (like your Rallye), was the right thing to do. No buyers remorse here.
Ironically, I actually went in with the goal of getting a 2012 Rallye, but none were on hand and the only one in the area would have to be relocated to my dealership and things got complicated. If you have already located one and don't have to jump thru hoops to find one, then I would think you a lucky fellow.

JMHO, good luck with your final decision. Can't lose either way.

Curt

[jachard]

Another vote for the Rallye. It is a fantastic bike, I love mine. I would not want to be a beta tester for the new wet head plus I think the cast wheels on the new bikes are revolting. An off road bike needs laced wheels!!

[vntgmx]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I settled on the Rallye today. It's actually a 2013 year model but is identical to the '12 offering with the old style switchgear,windshield etc. It's just esa equipped as far as optional electronics go and I'm very happy to keep it simple. Swapping out the stock Tourances for a set of TKC80s as I'll be in lots of loose sand so aggressive offroad tires are much preferred otherwise I would've went with the K60s.
Adding the Alt rider red engine guards to start off with and my wallet needs to recover before I go hog wild
I'm very happy with the final number I got on it and I'm looking forward to picking it up early next week.

[SS Twin]

Congrats on the new Rallye. 2 good choices and you made the best one for you! Of course, pics are now needed!

[ianwalberg]

I had a 2012 Rallye until 2 weeks ago until I traded it for a 2013 GSW.

Rallye was fantastic and GSW is astonishing, as a previous poster said in another league.

I hope you got a good deal on the Rallye

[cozmo2312]

Originally Posted by ianwalberg

I had a 2012 Rallye until 2 weeks ago until I traded it for a 2013 GSW.

Rallye was fantastic and GSW is astonishing, as a previous poster said in another league.

I hope you got a good deal on the Rallye

can i ask you what you got in trade? you can pm me if you'd like

[BMW JEEP]

I think you did great. Isn't it nice finding out that your bike is actually a '13, while expecting a '12?
I have been farkling now for about a month and have learned to just treat it as a 2012 when trying to order stuff. My understanding is the '12 and '13' cam heads are pretty much the same bike. And, when you mention that you're buying something for a '13, it just confuses folks.

Enjoy!! And ride safe.

Curt

[vntgmx]

Originally Posted by BMW JEEP

I think you did great. Isn't it nice finding out that your bike is actually a '13, while expecting a '12?
I have been farkling now for about a month and have learned to just treat it as a 2012 when trying to order stuff. My understanding is the '12 and '13' cam heads are pretty much the same bike. And, when you mention that you're buying something for a '13, it just confuses folks.

Enjoy!! And ride safe.

Curt

Thanks! Yes I'm just ordering for the '12 or there's just too much confusion! Imagine down the road if you list it for sale how that's going to stir things up

[cliffy109]

Originally Posted by vntgmx

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I settled on the Rallye today. It's actually a 2013 year model but is identical to the '12 offering with the old style switchgear,windshield etc. It's just esa equipped as far as optional electronics go and I'm very happy to keep it simple. Swapping out the stock Tourances for a set of TKC80s as I'll be in lots of loose sand so aggressive offroad tires are much preferred otherwise I would've went with the K60s.
Adding the Alt rider red engine guards to start off with and my wallet needs to recover before I go hog wild
I'm very happy with the final number I got on it and I'm looking forward to picking it up early next week.

I started reading your thread and my first thought was about the tires. The GSW has a unique rear tire size that really limits you, especially is you want knobbies. With the amount of off-road riding you are talking about, that's a major consideration. I think you made a great choice.

[millsan1]

I had the same choice and chose the Rallye. 2 Reasons, I don't like to buy first gen first year anything and the look of he rallye is so sweet.

[Willie B]

Originally Posted by vntgmx

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I settled on the Rallye today. It's actually a 2013 year model but is identical to the '12 offering with the old style switchgear,windshield etc. It's just esa equipped as far as optional electronics go and I'm very happy to keep it simple. Swapping out the stock Tourances for a set of TKC80s as I'll be in lots of loose sand so aggressive offroad tires are much preferred otherwise I would've went with the K60s.
Adding the Alt rider red engine guards to start off with and my wallet needs to recover before I go hog wild
I'm very happy with the final number I got on it and I'm looking forward to picking it up early next week.

I think you made the right decision. I remember when I bought my '04 1150, it was the 1150 without the issues the earlier one's had. The next year the 1200 hit the scene and the following 2 years saw fueling and brake issues with the new bikes. I want a new water cooled GS, but I'll let the pioneers work out the bugs in the first ones.