2010-2012 GS issues

[Oldrat]

2010 GSA, 13k
Just had the fuel gauge reset once by the shop, other than that, it's induced a Cheshire Cat grin, ear to ear.

Fab machine

 

[Nutty]

Mines a 2011 8 months old 4800 miles so far so good!

How can it be 8 months old if its a 2011?

 

[ianran]

How can it be 8 months old if its a 2011?

2011 model?

 

[Nutty]

Ultimately, you need to decide if you actually want to get a 12GS. If you do, then go for it, but if you want to be put off by the one FD problem for every thousand odd twin cam bikes sold, then close the thread.

There will always be issues with any bike, but if the "what if" is going to eat away at you, then walk away. As for the people that have sold their bikes and moved to another brand just in case something might go wrong in the future, they are missing out on many miles on one of the best bikes out there.

 

[Gromit]

Bought December 3rd done 14000 miles so far and it's the best bike I have ever owned.
Wouldn't swap it.

 

[Georgeeboi]

Sorry nutty 2012!

 

[grin factor]

I think the fuel gauge has replaced the FD as most common fault which sounds a lot cheaper.

Still my 2008 scared me enough to go for a Tenere rather than take the BMW QC Lottery - although I prefered the Twin Cam GS over all the other bikes I tried.

I still have nagging doubts as a few FD's have been reported as going very early, fuel strips go all the time and it seems at high mileages expensive gearbox failures are common on earlier models and I don't think the gearbox design has changed a lot.

I am sure they are better, but IMO you can't beat the Jap stuff for quality and reliability, and when they do go wrong the parts / labour tend to be a lot cheaper.

The thing that I think BMW generally do better is know their bikes, if only the bikes were a bit more reliable to begin with I would happily pay the premium for the servicing.

I think I have to agree with you here. I really fancied a 1200GS, but there are too many reported problems about QC etc, witch has put me off. Some say the only way is to buy the yearly warranty, which in my mind is expecting the bike to break down, and not confidence inspiring.

 

[Roymondo]

June 2011 GSA, 17 1/2 K, couple of minor issues sorted by the dealer straight away. (1) base gasket leaked oil on RH barrel (dealer said never heard of that before - renewed the gasket sealant). (2) leading edge of rocker covers paint flaking (new ones fitted).
I now service it myself which is really easy.
So very very pleased SO FAR!

My 2011 GSA suffered from flaky paint on the cam covers too. Spotted by the dealer during the 12k mile service and new covers fitted. I've also had the exhaust flappy valve thing replaced twice, and the TPS also went all wobbly around 12k miles. Dipped beam bulb replaced under warranty at the 6k miles service . Only other issue of note was rear brake caliper corrosion - cleaned up at the 12k mile service.

 

[wheelnut]

2011 GSA on 25k. Spat a final drive at 17k, two flappy paddle replacements, no corrosion issues. Heavier on tyres than my pre twin cam GSAs

 

[Roberto]

Ultimately, you need to decide if you actually want to get a 12GS. If you do, then go for it, but if you want to be put off by the one FD problem for every thousand odd twin cam bikes sold, then close the thread.

There will always be issues with any bike, but if the "what if" is going to eat away at you, then walk away. As for the people that have sold their bikes and moved to another brand just in case something might go wrong in the future, they are missing out on many miles on one of the best bikes out there.

Well said

Of course Robb.. as a back up, if you buy a bike under two years old then you'll still have warranty which you'll be able to extend.. so for a few bob you can have that peace of mind if you want it.

 

[trebor]

Mines a late 2010 model, now 2 years old, with 14500 miles on the clock. Only two minor problems; the auxilary light switch failed in the first 3 months and just over a month ago the rear brake/ACS/ABS sensor failed. Both replaced under warranty.

No corrosion problems, other than the centre stand, but they all suffer from the same AFAIK, and I ride it through the winter in all weathers. In October I give the bike a thorough clean, apply ACF50 to the relevant bits, and thereafter only hose it down to wash of any excess dirt/salt until April when it gets another thorough clean and it comes up like new.

Bob

 

[robb]

No problems with any of mine. Saying that though, my 2012 is getting a new centre stand fitted this week, under warranty, as the paint is a little too thin on some.

Out of interest, why you getting rid of the mutley?

I got one of the 1st ones in the country. It's a great bike when it's running but it's deffo not built for high mileage and has spent too much time in the dealership. Their aftersales service is really poor compared with BMW.

 

[robb]

Well said

Of course Robb.. as a back up, if you buy a bike under two years old then you'll still have warranty which you'll be able to extend.. so for a few bob you can have that peace of mind if you want it.

I'm looking to get a low mileage 2012 just for the reason you say. I've had 3 GSs previously and as I said the last one was going to be a keeper until the final drive failure put me off a bit. I was just after a heads up on the newer model - thanks to everyone

 

[Nutty]

I'm looking to get a low mileage 2012 just for the reason you say. I've had 3 GSs previously and as I said the last one was going to be a keeper until the final drive failure put me off a bit. I was just after a heads up on the newer model - thanks to everyone

If you can wait till March, you can buy mine

 

[Greenman14]

Mine's only 7 months' old but totally reliable and no corrosion issues so far (apart from the centre stand) best bike I ever bought and a definite keeper. Walked past a couple of Mutleys when I collected the GS, they were on sale at the same price but I didn't give them a second glance. I loved each of the 3 Ducatis I owned but none of them were keepers even though two were reliable.

 

[Roymondo]

My 2011 GSA suffered from flaky paint on the cam covers too. Spotted by the dealer during the 12k mile service and new covers fitted. I've also had the exhaust flappy valve thing replaced twice, and the TPS also went all wobbly around 12k miles. Dipped beam bulb replaced under warranty at the 6k miles service . Only other issue of note was rear brake caliper corrosion - cleaned up at the 12k mile service.

Oops - Seeing the later post reminded me - had to have a new foglamp switch at around 6k miles too.

Actually it's not true to say these have been the only issues - I have had significant issues with the local dealer service. They have however been very quick to acknowledge poor service and have immediately dealt with it to my satisfaction without any prodding.

 

[original_concept]

2011, but the 2012 spec, 24K just over a year old. Rubbish bike, don't buy one. Suspension is starting to show it's age though.

 

[robb]

If you can wait till March, you can buy mine

Thanks for the offer will you do p/x?

Are you beta testing the water cooled GS in March?

 

[Nutty]

Thanks for the offer will you do p/x?

Are you beta testing the water cooled GS in March?

Funnily enough, you're posts have put me off the Mutley

Yep, I'm on the list for one of the first water cooled GS's in March (as long as the price is sensible) and am looking forward to seeing it for real at the NEC in a couple of weeks.

 

[robb]

Funnily enough, you're posts have put me off the Mutley

Yep, I'm on the list for one of the first water cooled GS's in March (as long as the price is sensible) and am looking forward to seeing it for real at the NEC in a couple of weeks.

Good luck with that one. I've done it twice now, once for BMW in 2008 and again for Ducati in 2010. I would give it a year and let someone else find the bugs.