As a very long time GS owner, I was put off by the new H2O Boxer engines because it was a submission to the enviable pressures of emissions and “NEW” model syndrome which the snob in me looks down upon. Admitting to even riding one was dishonoring an old friend, but thinking back, I had the same conversation when the /7’s came out and again with the R1100’s. The R1200 was so good and so similar I just saw it as the best it could be. Water Cooled was vilified.

Until I rode one to BC this fall. It is the same bike, but just better at what it does. The electronic menu solves all of the issues I did not know existed until I tried them out on the new bike. The GPS interface in the left bar is worth the price of admission. Cruise… I can hear it now, but when your right wrist, arm and elbow start to suffer from years of being dropped upon and abused, it is a huge relief on long sloughs on the freeway or endless straight roads. The rest of that stuff is pretty great I am sure, but being old and slow to change, having all of those MODE’s to choose from is a waste to me. Thankfully I did not notice anything interfering with the throttle other than what I asked for. The ESA is outstanding. Changing the dampening on the fly becomes second nature and adjusting the preload before taking off makes correcting the suspension for load simple. People forget how the bike’s handling changes dramatically when the attack angle of the front end is changed when the back of the bike is lowered with added weight. It is not just about comfort, it is about maintaining desirable and predictable handling characteristics.

This 2013 R1200 GS came equipped with the Premium Plus Package including Comfort Package, Heated Grips TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor), Hand Protection, Saddle Bag Mounts, Vario Bags and Tail Trunk, Dynamic Package, Enduro ASC and Riding Modes, Dynamic ESA, LED Headlight, On Board Computer Pro, GPS Preparation and Cruise Control. Also added where Tourtech Engine Guards and SW-Motech Tank Bag with Mount.

Miles are 19,410 and the VIN# is WB110A1106DZ184120. The selling price is $12,995. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest