OHV vs OHC

[captainbeaky]

Hi,

I'm seriously considering treating myself by upgrading my 2007 r1200r with abs and heated grips for a 2011 or 2012 version with all the extras ( i was won over by the esa on the gs i rode the other day)
Before i buy a screen and luggage for my current bike, i though i'd check out the opportunity to get the newer bike.

I know that there are many fairly minor cosmetic differences.
The dealer says that it's significantly updated.

What are the real differences on the road?

Does the OHC engine make much difference?

What else has changed?

Thanks in advance.

Mike.

[2wheels]

I had an '09 which I replaced with the DOHC last year(mainly because I liked the red paint job!).

They are both the same and at the same time quite different..

Engine wise the most immediate difference is the engine spins much more freely which is particulary noticeable when blipping throttle dow thru the gears. Next is a slightly louded exhaust note. There is greater flexibility and roll on accleration. Mpg no different. Maybe a bit smoother.

Handling is noticably better(though this could due to metzler tyres as opposed to Michelins). More stable through corners and hold its line more securely.

I was very happy with the '09 but even happier with my '11. If I could quantify it I would say 20% better!

Hope this helps...

[Anyname]

The forks on the canheads are stouter than those on the earlier bikes. Theoretically that might improve handling, dunno if it does. The difference I noted between my 2005 GS and 2011 R is that the R has much better low and midrange power.

[psycle.vt]

I have an 09 R1200R w Cal Sci screen, stock seat + airhawk. We just my wife a RED 12 R1200R. I have put some of the initial miles on it and like it a lot. The "high" comfort seat is lower than my stock seat and is much more shaped. Comfortable for 200+ mile ride (to dealer and back to pick up the bags we should have ordered with the bike).

The instrument cluster is a BIG improvement both in visibility and in wind protection. The bike is currently naked (no windscreen) and it is fine well up into the 70s. On the 09 I felt like I was being blown off the bike at highway speeds, hence the Cal Sci. We may still get a small screen of some sort, but it is not a requirement.

It seems to get better gas mileage by a bit although that may be partly explained by the difference in screen/no screen. The new bike is still too new to tell much about the engine, but it does seem to be a bit freer reving.

Surprising amount of differences visible. GS hand guards won't fit on it, using the Barkbusters. Going to add the Mudsling and basic GS bash plate. No Fenda Extenda available for it yet.

I still love my 09 - rode it down from VT to temporary home in NJ on Sunday (with some side trips for SmokeChasing BBQ photos) without incident or problems. Now have to figure out how to share tiny garage with car and bike. Probably start riding to work this week if weather cooperates. About the same commute as I used to have in VT/NH, but more traffic and more traffic lights. I wouldn't trade it for the 12, but then I get to ride one if I want to

[deilenberger]

It seems to get better gas mileage by a bit although that may be partly explained by the difference in screen/no screen. The new bike is still too new to tell much about the engine, but it does seem to be a bit freer reving.

Best gas mileage I ever got was on the break-in trip I took down the BlueRidge shortly after I got the bike.. did 52-55 MPG. Never really matched that. This weekends 1,029 mile jaunt - 48 MPG, at an average speed of 48 MPH (according to Garmin..) Not too shabby since a bunch of the riding was 2nd-3rd gear twisties in Virginia (and part of the BRP again..)

I still love my 09 - rode it down from VT to temporary home in NJ on Sunday (with some side trips for SmokeChasing BBQ photos) without incident or problems. Now have to figure out how to share tiny garage with car and bike. Probably start riding to work this week if weather cooperates. About the same commute as I used to have in VT/NH, but more traffic and more traffic lights. I wouldn't trade it for the 12, but then I get to ride one if I want to

They put paint on cars for a reason Cy.. wasting perfectly good garage space for a car seems silly to me. Cars natural habitat is the driveway.

Hey - New Sweden meeting tonight, not all that far from you (6PM or so) at Upper Crust Pizza, 1576 Route 206, Tabernacle NJ. Friendly group of people (hi Herb!)

And we should get together to ride sometime.. I'm noodling with the idea of Square Route (this would make it 18 years..) on the weekend of June 1-3rd. There is this nice route (took it Monday) across the top of Maryland to get there once you get outta NJ.. and you're lots closer to where I get outta NJ for that route.

[mogu83]

I'm planning to make Square Root after the Cass Rally. Going to spend some time in Southeast Ohio, I've never ridden there and want to ride Rt555 to see if it's as good as some people say it is. Maybe hit the AMA museum in Columbus.