1200?

[n0ct0]

Every vehicle that has a forum will be full of horror stories.

I had a DRZ400SM, not long till various bits fell off without Loctite, according to the forums.

I had an F800ST, not long till piston slap appeared, according to the forums.

I had a Mini Cooper, not long till the gearbox destructed, according to the forums.

I've got a VW Touareg, not long until the centre propshaft bearing collapses, according to the forums.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that these things may happen, but for every forum member with a problem, there will be many more people riding around quite happy. You're more likely to start a thread on a forum with, "My bike is dead, what do I do?', than, 'My bike started today, as usual'.

The safest course is to never buy anything, go out, or do anything. The most dangerous, to buy a neglected bike and thrash it around at 100mph. A sensible person will probably try and find a happy medium between the two.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

Why do you want everybody to agree with you ? You had your opinion now let others ! Just because you are master off all and like to stick your fingers in this dose not mean that everybody has to fallow you path
You are like the Israeli ! If they don't like the news they kill the messenger

I could ask the same about you, why do you want everyone to agree with you? You say everyone should get the dealer to service their bike. Fine, you have had your say now move along like a good chap. Oh and stop insulting people! First of you say every failure is due to the home mechanic being incompetent and now your comparing people to the Israeli's. Get a grip or your going to come in for no end of abuse and not have a happy time here.

Phil, In all honesty reading your replies the best advice I could give you is don't buy a GS. Rightly or wrongly you have the idea that its going to be totally unreliable and be more trouble than its worth. it just isn't worth it mate. You will never be happy and never enjoy the bike if your always thinking it is going to break down. IMHO you would be better buying a bike that you trust, you will be far happier in the long run and after all that's what its all about. They are great bikes but if the trust isn't there your not going to use it like it should be used. There is another thread on here titled afraid to ride, this guy has exactly what I am trying to save you from.

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

Why do you want everybody to agree with you ? You had your opinion now let others ! Just because you are master off all and like to stick your fingers in this dose not mean that everybody has to fallow you path
You are like the Israeli ! If they don't like the news they kill the messenger

THAT was quite unnecessary....................You may want to re-read Adam's post!

 

[Pukmeister]

Shooting the messengers, a bit deep there for a chat about bikes. As for expecting everyone to agree with me, wrong there pal.

It's a forum and we all have our opinions, I'm expressing mine and stating my argument like everyone else here, and respecting the rights of anyone else to do the same including your good self. It helps with the balance instead of being one-sided negative cobblers about an amazing piece of modern machinery by the few that have experienced issues or are 'insecure' about the reliability of their bikes.

Have another read of my previous post and think about what I have said.

Apologies to anyone on here of Jewish faith guys.

 

[Bendy toy]

I recently bought a used GSA (08) because most of the kit already on the bike is what I would choose add to a vanilla 1200GS. so to my new fashion victim status.

My only complaint is the slightly long leg stretch but I knew what I was getting into and I'm managing ok. I might extend the side stand though - it does lean over a heck of a long way.

Its got full BMW service history so I might get them to do the next one, but I'm competent with servicing and upgrading my own bikes so we'll have to see on that. I've bought some Torx tools and fitted an Ilmberger hugger so dealer servicing may already be in jeopardy.

As for the bike? Frankly I'm stunned at just how very good it is. After about 350 miles, my brain is still being recalibrated as I'm generally going 20mph faster than I expect to be its just so good.

 

[Belper phil]

Many thanks

Firstly - for the many participants and their balanced and honest views. Yes these things can start to raise peoples pulses, because opinions are like arse-holes, everyone has got one.

It was really about reliability and it does seem that i have both sides of the coin with this one. You can't beat someone who has run one or someone who still does - giving their thoughts and opinions on a bike and i suppose a large part of this forum is about doing that when guidance is asked for.

I also take into consideration that a lot of the time you only hear about the dark side of things and not about the positives - i think we have had both sides here. Totally honest from Marki GSA and he may well be right because if you have not got the trust its not right. n0ctO also has valid points and goes down the route of a sensible person finding a happy medium - on that note:

Been today to look at a private sale - 07 - full luggage - 33000 - and fairly nice condition - will spend a day or 2 having a think about this one whilst mulling over the many replies.

Juddaredd (Lee), pm on its way in the next day or so - be good to have a quick meet up local and hear your thoughts on the bike.

 

[CuzGS]

Mate Ive been on GS for donkeys. Current steed an 06 GSA.

Theyre mega bikes, I compromise and get servicing done by a reputable independent, makes me feel safe whilst on v long solo trips.

07 bike sounds nice, good time of year to haggle

We need to get a Ripley posse together me thinks Give me a shout if you want to head out guys, Im near police HQ

 

[Bendy toy]

Ive just bought an 08 GSA with 33K miles. Only complaint is the stretch to the floor but I knew they are a bit tall and can cope. Otherwise its ****ing brilliant. On the road, its always moving faster than I expect and so stable at low speed (even fully fuelled) it would be easy to forget to put your foot down.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Ive just bought an 08 GSA with 33K miles. Only complaint is the stretch to the floor but I knew they are a bit tall and can cope. Otherwise its ****ing brilliant. On the road, its always moving faster than I expect and so stable at low speed (even fully fuelled) it would be easy to forget to put your foot down.

I'm ok on level ground but car parks, unexpected dips in the road etc sometimes threaten me. I know it compromises comfort but a standard GS seat (for my 2012 GSA) is on the cards.

Is this a good move?

 

[walrus]

My only complaint is the slightly long leg stretch but I knew what I was getting into and I'm managing ok. I might extend the side stand though - it does lean over a heck of a long way

Ice hockey puck. Get it off eBay, drill and a few bolts, all sorted. Worked for me

And OP, nothing's infallible but my 09 1200GS just carried me 4,500 miles including some rough times in Morocco and it was brilliant. It coped with everything. Fuel sensor packed up again but Hey Ho. If you're really nervous buy a BMW warranty for peace of mind.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2