BMW R 1200 Low 1st gear?

[42cdparalell]

Forgive my "Newbyness" But, has any one found a salution to lower 1st gear for their BMW r 1200 GS adventure?

[Tim Cullis]

Welcome, and a sensible first post. This is something the GS really needs.

There's a police version of the RT called the R1200RTP that has a much lower first gear such that the clutch can be fully home at walking pace. The GS and RT gearboxes are somewhat similar and I would imagine it would be possible to utilise the lower ration in the GS box.

Originally Posted by BMW Press Release

BMW Motorrad at the Milipol
22 Nov 2005

World premiere of the R 1200 RT for special customers
From November 22nd - 25th 2005, BMW Motorrad will be showing the R 1200 RT in the authorities version at the Milipol in Paris. Based technologically on the outstanding touring motorcycle of the new flat twin generation, the ergonomical design has been adapted to the needs of the security forces and fittings have been developed which do justice to practical needs. With its excellent riding properties, superior ride comfort and a generously designed body for highly effective wind and weather protection, the new R 1200 RT Authority provides an excellent basis for supporting the police and German Federal Border Guards in their work, in some cases having to withstand extreme conditions of use.

Series fittings ex works
The large fuel tank with a capacity of 27 litres allows lengthier distances to be covered without fuelling stop. The short-ratio first gear - adopted from the civilian version and shorter in ratio than the predecessor model - ensures smooth running and ride response, and also allows walking speeds for escort purposes. A specially adapted suspension strut is installed to withstand the additional wear and tear.

Completely newly developed special equipment
In addition to the special equipment already offered for the R 1200 RT such as heated grips, seat heating and an anti-theft warning system, the authorities version also has certain specially developed features. For example the panniers have upper lids which can be removed without a key and with one hand when seated. Matching inner bags are of course offered too.

A new authorities speedometer with high display accuracy has two digital displays, enabling current speed to be displayed on one of the instruments at the push of a button. Particular attention has been paid to the tone sequence system. In order to optimise the warning effect, volume has been increased significantly. The special feature "Light deactivation" is only available for authorities' use.

These and other equipment features will be available for security forces all over the world from March 2006, enabling increased work efficiency.

Tim

[42cdparalell]

Tim, Thank you for that bit , Anyone out there that you know of succesfully accomplished this swap? insight on obtaining these gears? part #s etc.
Thanks Sandy

[Dean de St Croix]

Right, with the sensible post!!! I have been looking to replace my first gear also (1200GSA).

Haven't done it yet - but HPN sells gear clusters etc. and/or will supply you with the gears you need from their selection.

I do not know of cost but they do make one for it.

http://www.hpn.de/english/english.html

Dean

[Tim Cullis]

HPN's €121 for a replacement first gear isn't too bad, though by the time it's been installed it will add up to a pile more. However, I'd be looking for more than a -5% change, at least -25%. I appreciate it would leave a bit gap twixt first and second, but I could live with that.

Tim

[42cdparalell]

Tim,
I am not familiar with that currancy? what is that equivilent in U.S. dollars? also, Is 5% enough of a change to make it worth it? I would like to speak with someone who has made the swap. It seems as though not many ride off road other wise BMW would offer something. I miss my 1150(except picking it up) thanks Sandy

[42cdparalell]

BMW had a press release in Nov 2005. They were developing a low "walking pace" 1st gear for the r1200rt-p which had they produced it, would have fit the r1200gsa. IT NEVER HAPPENED. If you have a R1150adv as I did, and are considering the r1200gsa try it off road with full tank, panniers and passenger before you buy it. Unless you enjoy the wafting eroma of clutch. Sandy

[gsworkshop]

The gears produced by HPN is for the older airhead gearboxes.