BMWMCCWA

Can anybody tell me if it is true that first gear ratio on the 2008 + models of the R 1200 GSA's are lower than the earlier models?

If so, does it make lot of difference when you are offroad on steep inclines?

First gear on the 2008 12GSA is lower than previous models, but the final drive ratio has also changed, which makes very little difference between the 2008 and previous models overall ratios, so to answer your question "does it make a lot of difference when you are offroad on steep inclines" No. Refer to here for actual ratios of gears and final drive: http://www.r1200gs.info/misc/specs/

bwanainoz
Thankyou very much for your help there. As you said there appears to be little difference. I love my R1200 GS but wish first gear was a bit lower.

I and others I know would also like a lower first gear ratio - but then we may start chewing out final drives with all the torque generated - and I am sure the engineers at BMW have also given this consideration. Cheers