13/14 R1200GS

[oldnotbold]

I'm looking to buy a used 13 or 14 R1200GS (LC engine and Dynamic ESA) in the coming months. I know to check for weeping shocks, service history etc, but are there any known problems that are likely to be seen on a bike that will probably have done at least 35k. Thanks in advance.

 

[skr80a]

I believe the gearbox was prone to issues, and also it lacks a steering damper that the later years have

 

[MrC99]

Other posts on here cover the alternator on the early bikes. Any bike of that era and mileage will likely need shock rebuilds if no evidence (eg receipts) of it having been done recently - many use T-Tech (denz0 on here). Also look out for corrosion, especially the rear sub-frame and rear frame rails under the seats. Some electrics may be worth checking out (eg wonderwheel if fitted) and check usual stuff like wheel bearings and any looseness/noise from rear drive bearings. Some issues with cam/follower hardening can be experienced so listen carefully for top end noise (& yeah the engines are noisy from the factory!). Check for weeping of the front fork seals (not as critical with Telelever and relatively easy to fix). Otherwise usual 2nd hand checks (eg battery age/health, etc).

 

[Neil W]

Switchgear was of a similar quality to a Chinese moped , issues with alternators , talked to a few in Europe who had wiring loom issues on early bikes, front and rear ESA shocks , gsap units (not helped by the gearbox and engine/frame paint finishes .
That said , anything that is still running and has clocked up a few miles will either have not had those issues or they will have been long since sorted.
I would do the normal checks but if it looks right and has been regularly used it probably is fine

 

[Posh Pete]

Buy a late twin cam instead.

 

[J biker]

The first lc (2013) had no steering damper. From what I recollect it was also difficult to retro fit.
Go 2014 onwards. Full story on ‘13 bikes search ‘Kevin Ash’.

 

[J biker]

I would add, that yes, you can get the bars moving on a GS when making progress. The damper is a good idea.

 

[oldnotbold]

Buy a late twin cam instead.

Yes agreed, that might be a better option given my fairly limited budget on the basis that the last of the line should have had all the issues sorted rather than first of new design which is bound to have some teething trouble.

 

[Posh Pete]

Yes agreed, that might be a better option given my fairly limited budget on the basis that the last of the line should have had all the issues sorted rather than first of new design which is bound to have some teething trouble.

Exactly. Stick a wanted ad on here. It won't take long for a very good one to pop up.

 

[J biker]

Yes agreed, that might be a better option given my fairly limited budget on the basis that the last of the line should have had all the issues sorted rather than first of new design which is bound to have some teething trouble.

I would not count on that. It is not how manufacturers operate these days imo. Very 1st off the line, maybe avoid. After that any issues are sorted by recalls/updates at service time. End of line, manufacturers dont change anything except paint schemes to sell the last units..

Plenty will try to tell you, earlier bikes are better, they just happen to be running the older bikes! Think about it, manufacturers improve power, accessories, make machines more modern and design out small flaws. Add in manufacturing process improvements that mean better tolerances etc.

 

[gspod]

2014 built after April is the one to go for as the alternator design was changed. Steering damper on the 2014 not 2013.
Wife’s got a 2014 with 48K on the clock - had 12K when she bought it.
She had to have the rear shock rebuilt at around 30K - done by Denzo so not expensive. No other problems and of course BMW have fitted a new shaft - which is nice.
There is a bit of paint bubbling here and there so if you like a shiny bike, maybe look for a later model.
It is and has been a great bike - the engine is very different to a Hex Head, much more sporty. It’s also a lot easier to wheel around and a little cheaper to service especially when you factor in the new shaft.

The early ones get a bad press due to 2013 teething issues (a bit like the early 1200s) but (like the early 1200s) I think people will come to appreciate them in time - the GS roundabout I call it.
This all means you can get a late 2014 for reasonable money.