1200GS Electrics

[Uncle Ricky]

When did the so called electric problems start with the 1200GS , ie which year and should it put me off getting one

Cheers

 

[Padge]

2 general probllems with the 12GS...
Ring antenna (takes key signal and let's it start)
Fuel pump thingy..

Both have very simple road side solutions... Now stop worrying and buy the bike and enjoy..

 

[chad]

When did the so called electric problems start with the 1200GS , ie which year and should it put me off getting one

Cheers

SOME BIKEs HAVE PROBLEMS SOME DONT for the most part they are few and far between, the only reason people think the 1200s have leccy etc etc problems is the fact that BMW have sold many times more of them than any other manufacturer, so with that many bikes out there, your bound to hear of the odd problem.


if you want one mate just go for it, if its new you got the warranty.

if second hand get one that been well looked after with good history and you'll be fine

 

[shready]

which year and should it put me off getting one

Cheers

Any year starting with a '2'

 

[wilbjr21]

Any year starting with a '2'

Somewhat predictable very funny and so helpful answer

1200 electrics are very good with waterproof connectors. Two notable exceptions are the starter relay under the seat where the contacts will corrode if not protected and the rear light cluster which suffers in a similar way.

These points have been addressed in the '08 model year.

The later bikes also use the AGM type battery which is better and have the larger output alternator from the Adventure.

The Antenna ring recall (campaign ) seems to have addressed this problem.

The latest version of the FPC is black and it's too soon to know if this has been fixed. Carry a spare, and a spare antenna ring as these are the ony two things that will stop you.

Other advantages are the CAN bus system that uses many fewer wires/connections and lends itself to easier diagnosis of problems by the dealer (or yourself with the GS 911 device).

So, the later the better - but any year is ok with the above caveats.

 

[Uncle Ricky]

2 general probllems with the 12GS...
Ring antenna (takes key signal and let's it start)
Fuel pump thingy..

Both have very simple road side solutions... Now stop worrying and buy the bike and enjoy..

Thank you all for replies, the bike in question is a 2005 with 25k and fsh by BMW dealer if that makes a difference to the so called problem. How much are the parts? that you need to replace/have has spare.

 

[Big Lee]

Fuel pump workround http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143272

 

[John Armstrong]

54 R1200GS - No problems

07 R1200GSA - No problems. But did buy myself a spare FPC and antenna last April. Not that I need them anymore

 

[Uncle Ricky]

2 general probllems with the 12GS...
Ring antenna (takes key signal and let's it start)
Fuel pump thingy..

Both have very simple road side solutions... Now stop worrying and buy the bike and enjoy..

I have

 

['Nuffsaid]

54 GS - 25k Miles - No problems
07 GS Adv - 20k Miles - No Problems
08 GS Adv - 20k Miles - No Problems

As per wilbjr21 's comment - Spot on, and the later the better with 08 onwards having fewer reported electric component failures.

As said before - Pay money, Ride , Smile ... Simple as!

 

[Prattapillar]

As per wilbjr21 's comment - Spot on, and the later the better with 08 onwards having fewer reported electric component failures

Call me a sceptic but could that be because at the moment there's fewer of them out there, they probably haven't got that many miles on them and most of them have probably been tucked up in their nice cosy garages since September?

04 1200GS with 28k on the clock, ridden every day and not a hint of an electrical problem to date.

 

[mecando]

great bike

Done 47174 miles,on my 05 GS1200 gearbox seal under warranty24000, now just bought another batery. Other than that routine servicing, wich For the last 15000 done myself.
Tom

 

[GSmonkey]

2004 onwards

 

[Engineer]

When did the so called electric problems start with the 1200GS , ie which year and should it put me off getting one

Cheers

Mine is a 2005 standard GS - never had any electric problems, some early ones had fuel pump problems mainly cos the numpty owners let the surround fill up with water and they corroded. - duuurrrr!

 

[Pukmeister]

Mine is a 2005 standard GS - never had any electric problems, some early ones had fuel pump problems mainly cos the numpty owners let the surround fill up with water and they corroded. - duuurrrr!

Yeah true some did, but I was in Australia at over 30 degrees and the damned thing on my 2004 bike decided to stop working after 4 years of reliable performance for some other reason. The part I replaced it with was a modified part and no problems since.

As has been said already, DONT let it put you off buying a 1200 because they are great machines. Carry a spare FPC/Ring Antenna on longer journeys (and Torx screwdriver that fits it 'cos the toolkit ones don't) and relax.

 

[Uncle Ricky]

Yeah true some did, but I was in Australia at over 30 degrees and the damned thing on my 2004 bike decided to stop working after 4 years of reliable performance for some other reason. The part I replaced it with was a modified part and no problems since.

As has been said already, DONT let it put you off buying a 1200 because they are great machines. Carry a spare FPC/Ring Antenna on longer journeys (and Torx screwdriver that fits it 'cos the toolkit ones don't) and relax.

It DIDN'T check out my ride report Scotland onyack to Somerset , in I new here