F800GS - 2010 vs 2009

[Nictrolis]

So, I'm looking to buy a F800GS, and the dealership near me has a 2009 available. I've looked over some of the posts here, and noticed a couple common problems that have been covered by warranties and recalls. I haven't quite seen something that asks this though - is it worth it to save a couple bucks buying the 2009 model, or should I just go with the 2010 and get the benefit of BMW fixing their mistakes?

Thanks for your help guys!

[Too Many Toys]

Not sure of the whole recall/update deal, but I would have to save $1,000-$1,500 to buy the '09.

I would guess that the real savings for a new '09 vs. a '10 would be hundreds, not a thousand.

[Apostolos]

I opted to purchase a 2010 a few months ago for a couple reasons:

1. I liked the 2010 white better than the '09 colors.

2. Since this bike is relatively new on the market, it gave me peace of mind to know i was ordering one right off the assembly line with the latest and greatest improvements.

I could have bought a 2010 white that was at another dealership, but it was manufactured in Sept of '09 and I wanted one right off the production line.

I figured if I'm going to spend 15k, I want one right off the assembly line. That way I know it's got all the latest "unpublished" updates and recalls done.

A new production fresh off the assembly line wouldn't be as important to me if the F800gs had been around for a several years.

God Bless,
David

[GoneAgain]

blah blah blah...

this has been beaten to death a few times... its not as simple as 09 v's '10..

my july 09 has all the 'new' stuff your '10 will have... tinted bobble head, bigger rear sprocket bolts etc etc..

plus it came in the 'better' yellow color

[docsherlock]

Originally Posted by ADVExplorer

just curious, anyone know what the first month of mfg was for 2010's?

For the sake of a few hundres, I'd get the 2010; if it was a couple of grand, I might get the 09. Apostolos has a valid point.

[DockingPilot]

Originally Posted by Apostolos

I opted to purchase a 2010 a few months ago for a couple reasons:

1. I liked the 2010 white better than the '09 colors.

2. Since this bike is relatively new on the market, it gave me peace of mind to know i was ordering one right off the assembly line with the latest and greatest improvements.

I could have bought a 2010 white that was at another dealership, but it was manufactured in Sept of '09 and I wanted one right off the production line.

I figured if I'm going to spend 15k, I want one right off the assembly line. That way I know it's got all the latest "unpublished" updates and recalls done.

A new production fresh off the assembly line wouldn't be as important to me if the F800gs had been around for a several years.

God Bless,
David

Good advise. My way of thinking as well.

[itsatdm]

I am not sure it matters that much. I have a very early 09, manufactured in 08. The recalls were on a faulty front axle on some, and a too short top radiator hose. Service upgrades included replacing the 9mm sprocket bolts (2010 have 10mm), faulty fuel senders and upgraded mapping. Problems included cracked fuel tanks on some. All are warrantee items and the dealer can check and repair as necessary before the bike goes off the lot.
Chain specs were an issue on early bikes, but the newer version is not the best. Not a warrantee item in the US, but something worth considering, even out of your own pocket.

I am suspicious that BMW made some front suspension changes, either to valving or springs some where along the line, in view that there has been little discussion on the newer bikes. The very early bikes were pretty bad.
Unless you fit the ideal weight, you are likely to make changes anyway, as they are non adjustable.

If you can save money, the 09 should be fine. BMW warrantee service has been good to me.

[Zacharia_11]

I, like Apostolos, wanted a 'fresh' bike and ordered mine off the line. I figure I would take advantage of as many production advancements as possible and I ordered it over the winter - so not many missed riding opportunities.... until it showed up 3 weeks later than expected. I sure was anxious to get the bike those last couple of weeks.

I would do it again the same way if I had to. The dealership had a few 09's available but the discount was only a few hundred, I actually saved close to the different by not having to insure it for the few months it took to be built and delivered.

[cathulu]

Originally Posted by itsatdm

... Service upgrades included replacing the 9mm sprocket bolts (2010 have 10mm)...

I haven't heard about this. How do you get this service upgrade? Is it under warranty and or how much does it cost? What is done exactly?

Thanks in advance.

[jtw000]

I have a 9 because I simply couldn't afford a 10. I guess it comes down to how much you'd save and whether you can live with the new colours. I like grey.

[itsatdm]

Originally Posted by cathulu

I haven't heard about this. How do you get this service upgrade? Is it under warranty and or how much does it cost? What is done exactly?

Thanks in advance.

Not sure it affected all bikes, mine seems to be a service upgrade/recall magnet. Anyhow, the upgrade was to properly torque the sprocket bolts. My dealer replaced the bolts and torqued. I do not know if new sprocket bolts were part of the package or not. The new bikes have larger bolts than the older ones. BMW tracks these bikes by vin#. If you need one, all covered by warrantee.

[a1fa]

Originally Posted by jtw000

I have a 9 because I simply couldn't afford a 10. I guess it comes down to how much you'd save and whether you can live with the new colours. I like grey.

I like gray myself.. ^5 on the color choice. I saved $4k by buying 09... btw..

[Nictrolis]

Great, thanks for all the responses! Seems like I should at least see what I can get an 09 for... $4k is nothing to scoff at, but I do want something fresh off the line if I'm going to pay near MSRP.

Speaking of which - any of you that bought '10s, did you have any luck talking down your dealer? Most of what I've been hearing is that the dealers think they're likely to sell without having to go lower, so they aren't very willing to deal...

[JoelWisman]

Not to be a pesamist, but what makes everyone think the 2010 is more reliable then a 2009 with campaigns and recalls completed, as they must be before delivery?

BMW does not release a list of changes to anyone, but it's pretty common for manufactures to not only address flaws but also try to get away with cheaper materials and production techniques.

For example, those of you that bought an 09 have a metal water pump gear driven by a metal gear on the cam shaft.

Those of you with 10's have a plastic gear on the water pump driven by a metal cam gear.

The NEW AND IMPROVED water pump gear is white and feels like nylon. Is this an improvement?

[Zacharia_11]

Originally Posted by JoelWisman

Not to be a pesamist, but what makes everyone think the 2010 is more reliable then a 2009 with campaigns and recalls completed, as they must be before delivery?

BMW does not release a list of changes to anyone, but it's pretty common for manufactures to not only address flaws but also try to get away with cheaper materials and production techniques.

For example, those of you that bought an 09 have a metal water pump gear driven by a metal gear on the cam shaft.

Those of you with 10's have a plastic gear on the water pump driven by a metal cam gear.

The NEW AND IMPROVED water pump gear is white and feels like nylon. Is this an improvement?

I'd like to think that as more bikes are produced the process is improved and as items are reported measures are taken to improve the bike and the production methods used to produce the bikes.

Are all the older bikes getting the production 'improvements' made to the new ones? Such as this one you posted in the pics thread? My thinking when I opted for a new one is that items that BMW deemed NEEDED to be replaced would be in campaigns and recalls, but some of the improvements would never make it to the older modles unless I shelled out coin (assuming I wanted them).