Advice on buying a R1200GS (2009-2010)

[Baden]

Hey Everybody,

I am new to the forum as I am a soon-to-be first time BMW owner . I am also hoping to get some buying advice on a used GS.

I am not very familiar yet with BMWs, it would be great to get some input on things to look out for on the R1200GS. Is there anything special to look for?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Baden

 

[GeorgeM]

Final drive , check for play , corrosion on frame and casings , abs , fuel strip ,engine is pretty robust


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[jwpzx9r]

From what I read on here transmission , ABS module and final drive are the usual suspects... if you get a chance to test ride it give the clutch a roasting with high gear roll on 6k upwards if it is dodgy it will let go. There are a myriad of minor electrical problems reported but what bike does not have minor issues... The ones I have listed are major and frequently appear on here but having said that you must appreciate that there have been many thousands of these bike sold and the number of failures heard of on here is really quite small so the must be a pretty reliable beasty One thing that is universally accepted is they are an easy bike for the owner to spanner so if it is something you would enjoy doing you can do it yourself servicing as it were.

 

[Pukmeister]

Condition is more important than mileage, the adage that you can't polish a turd is very relevant. Paint finish should be clean and bright, engine covers and alloy driveline/chassis parts can corrode if neglected.

Full service history is desirable, or a knowledgeable owner that does their own servicing properly and regularly.

Extras or "farkles" may be desirable, but add modest extra value, its the bike you are buying. Exceptions are factory fitted luggage which is expensive to purchase separately.

You have a lot of choice, don't rush in.

 

[Bounce]

Modifications thread to have a browse through:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showth...ods-for-a-1200-GS?highlight=top+modifications

What to look for thread to enrich your browse:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/435526-Newbie

The above threads may make your head spin a bit, but you can make a short list of 'things to look for' and 'shopping list of mods'.

As you're a subscriber, you do have access to the for sale & wanted section and there are plenty of GS's that come up for sale, and there'll normally be photo's to support the sale of the bike - some are very well equipped with all sorts of after market bling/useful items.....plus you can contact the sellers via PM's (private messages) to get more information, service history etc.....most of the forum members are good people and will be happy to chat with you about a prospective purchase etc.

Take your time your time searching for your bike....there's plenty out there to choose from, and be mindful of your budget....OEM farkles/bling can work out to be expensive!!

 

[oddshapedballs]

Hey Everybody,

I am new to the forum as I am a soon-to-be first time BMW owner . I am also hoping to get some buying advice on a used GS.

I am not very familiar yet with BMWs, it would be great to get some input on things to look out for on the R1200GS. Is there anything special to look for?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Baden

09 will be a single cam, 10 plate will be a twin cam (unless it's a late 09 registered in 2010) - twin cam is an improved bike.

 

[Greenman14]

I'd go for a higher mileage TC rather than a low mileage single cam. As usual condition and service history are important. When I was looking to trade mine in the dealers wanted my full luggage but didn't up the price, you should look for the same. As said, there are plenty about and many with high spec and luggage, avoid a low spec bike and go for ABS/ESA/TPS etc.

 

[comberjohn]

Go for a TC if possible. Many of the problems on the SC were eventually sorted(ish) on the later model.
Improved FD, although mine blew the main seal, no real issues with ABS/servo and no more fuel strip problems. Easy way to tell the difference. SC cylinder head covers have four bolts, TC only has two.
As has been said before. Service history is good and overall condition is a good indicator about how well it has been looked after. Don't pay much extra for farkles but don't cut your nose off to spite your face when it comes useful accessories such as luggage. You will pay dear for them later.
It has been the biggest single model seller of all the manufacturers for years so keep the stories of unreliability in perspective. The peasants like to knock them but they're still one of the most popular bikes out there. Which also means that there's plenty of choice.
I fought the urge to buy one for years. Even bought a K1600GT instead! (Don't go there!)
I've had my TC for nearly two years and 30k miles and it just seems to get better and better.

 

[Mistacat]

I would go for the mid 2010 on wards TC with the fuel float rather than the fuel strip.
Everything else is easily repairable but there is not a permanent cure for fuel strip problems.
Also a better gearbox and final drive.

 

[Baden]

Hi, guys, thank you for all information. Now I know what way to go.

The only one thing missing now is a good bike for sale.

I would appreciate if someone knows any good bikes (2010 Reg) available for sale now.

 

[fizzer]

Hi, guys, thank you for all information. Now I know what way to go.

The only one thing missing now is a good bike for sale.

I would appreciate if someone knows any good bikes (2010 Reg) available for sale now.

sent you a pm mate

 

[Kitsilano]

Go for a TC if possible. Many of the problems on the SC were eventually sorted(ish) on the later model.
Improved FD, although mine blew the main seal, no real issues with ABS/servo and no more fuel strip problems. Easy way to tell the difference. SC cylinder head covers have four bolts, TC only has two.
As has been said before. Service history is good and overall condition is a good indicator about how well it has been looked after. Don't pay much extra for farkles but don't cut your nose off to spite your face when it comes useful accessories such as luggage. You will pay dear for them later.
It has been the biggest single model seller of all the manufacturers for years so keep the stories of unreliability in perspective. The peasants like to knock them but they're still one of the most popular bikes out there. Which also means that there's plenty of choice.
I fought the urge to buy one for years. Even bought a K1600GT instead! (Don't go there!)
I've had my TC for nearly two years and 30k miles and it just seems to get better and better.

Comberjohn, Your well-phrased and detailed advice is exactly along the lines of why I signed-up for UKgser and is much appreciated, speaking as one who is undecided about the 'classic' R1150GS and the 'new era' R1200s - and as one who was ignorant as to what the term "TC" being used across forums, actually meant - so thank you! I have to say that your comments are now shifting me right away from the R1150GS models and even the 2006-2009 model year R1200GS machines that I have been considering.
Safe riding.

 

[comberjohn]

Thanks, Kitsilano.
With age comes wisdom, although my wife disagrees there.
The 1150 is a nice bike but any of them are now getting on a bit, age wise.
Go for the TC if you can, for the reasons mentioned. But get the fueling fixed if it hadn't been done already. Makes a good bike into a great one.
I have thought of an WC (watercooled) but just can't like them.
Had a K1600GT before and like the relative simplicity of the TC.
Good luck with your search.

 

[simonwood]

Hi,
Im also new here and haven't worked out how to PM, I have a 2010 twincam adventure to sell, can you PM me if you want the details.
Simon

 

[sparky56]

You will need to subscribe first then you can send and receive PM's and also use the for sale section.

Steve.