Advise please before i take the plunge

[Speedy1959]

Hi all....
Its been a while since I have been on here..
Errrr I have a Honda CB1300 now which is a superb bike but I always missed the BMW GS I used to own..So its looking like I may well be back on here officially as it were..
I cannot afford something nearly new BUT....
On Saturday I have arranged to go and see a Red 2009 1200GS with 12,400 miles (Verified).
Can you please tell me what I need to look for on that year of bike please..
Is there a simple way to test / listen for impending Diff trouble?
Anything else you can recommend will be gratefully received.

 

[fizzer]

nothing with that mileage
as far as a final drive if and if it needs a rebuild in another 20000 miles,so what still cheaper than you buying three or four chain and sprocket sets on your cb1300.
as i am sure you know servicing is an easy task other than the fact you need a gs911 to put the service light out

 

[Speedy1959]

nothing with that mileage
as far as a final drive if and if it needs a rebuild in another 20000 miles,so what still cheaper than you buying three or four chain and sprocket sets on your cb1300.
as i am sure you know servicing is an easy task other than the fact you need a gs911 to put the service light out

Thanks Fizzer.
Pardon my ignorance but what is a gs911..
How much are they and where do i get one?

 

[fatnfast]

Here you go:
http://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911
They do come up for sale now and again, it's worth looking on other BMW forums in their for sales as well.
It's a good tool that helps with diagnostics, resets the service indicator etc. I would go for the Bluetooth version as you can then do (limited) diagnostics on your tablet/phone.

 

[Speedy1959]

Here you go:
http://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911
They do come up for sale now and again, it's worth looking on other BMW forums in their for sales as well.
It's a good tool that helps with diagnostics, resets the service indicator etc. I would go for the Bluetooth version as you can then do (limited) diagnostics on your tablet/phone.

Excellent.
Thanks fatnfast

 

[fizzer]

its the tool for resetting your service light and fault finding ,it plugs into the obd plug under the rear seat works with your laptop.
from time to time they come up on here for sale or ebay etc ,if you do pay someone to do your servicing i would trust they have one and put the service light out as a matter of course

 

[Speedy1959]

Thanks Fizzer...

 

[oldnfat]

Or you can join the BMW owners club for a nominal fee and they will lend you one....for another small fee.

 

[NZRalphy]

Abs pump 12v motor were fault on a few bikes. One of the motor brushes sticks in the wrapped brass holder. You can shave a little of the brush - it is fixable at home. If the shop need to replace the pump it is a lot of cash. Intermittent abs light can be an indicator.

Probably find the hub is ok, but wIth the bike on the stand try feeling for wobble at the rim - 1mm is ok, 2mm is probably too much

 

[AberdeenAngus]

2009 GS should have had the rear wheel flange replaced (cracking).
Also check that the Fuel Pump Controller (FPC) is the newer black one (silver ones failed all the time).
Check that the fuel gauge is working as the senders fail....a lot.
Think that's about it.

 

[Speedy1959]

Thank you AberdeenAngus..
Those are some good pointers.
Is the FPC located under the tank?

 

[Pukmeister]

The FPC is an electronic module that is screwed into the top of the fuel pump mounting flange on the top of the fuel tank, typically the LHS. It is an alloy block with heatsink fins, some are black and some are plain alloy.

The rear wheel flange that the wheel and rear disk bolt onto should now be from forged steel and not forged aluminium.

Mileage on any GS isn't the highest concern, but finish and condition is. Check for corrosion and general condition, you will easily see if it is a cared for bike. Likewise, you should easily tell if the owner is an enthusiast or a knob head.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Just forward and to the left of the filler cap. Just under the plastic tank cover. Turn bars to the right then look in the gap. You'll see the FPC. It has a cable going into it and has cooling fins.
The bottom picture shows what happens. Water can collect in the recess And the earlier fpcs suffered. So make sure yours is the improved black type which seems to have sorted the issue.

 

[Paul B]

2009 GS

Hi all....
Its been a while since I have been on here..
Errrr I have a Honda CB1300 now which is a superb bike but I always missed the BMW GS I used to own..So its looking like I may well be back on here officially as it were..
I cannot afford something nearly new BUT....
On Saturday I have arranged to go and see a Red 2009 1200GS with 12,400 miles (Verified).
Can you please tell me what I need to look for on that year of bike please..
Is there a simple way to test / listen for impending Diff trouble?
Anything else you can recommend will be gratefully received.

Hi check this bike out .... I can genuinely say it is like new ... Call him he might do you a deal on your Honda too

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/426272-R1200-GS-SE-2009

 

[Speedy1959]

Pukmeister and AberdeenAngus, thank you for your informative responses.
Paul B thank you for the link..Unfortuanately I cannot access the link because I haven't subscribed . . . . Yet !
Also I am actually picking her up tomorrow (Wednesday) at around 4pm.. Then a nice 76 mile ride back home!

 

[Bendy toy]

Get an endoscope camera to look at the alternator casing. Alternators of that age with minimal use can corrode, and seize.

Look closely at the engine front cover paint as they all seem to corrode around bolt holes. Mine started from the bottom bolt on the alternator cover but check all cover screws.

Look closely at the engine top paint condition. Unseen it can corrode and lift the paint. Ditto the frame paint. Black OM paint on my 08 frame was not very durable.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Also check for play or roughness on rear wheel bearing....

 

[Speedy1959]

Thanks again for your advice.
I had a great ride back home and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The frame is a silver one and looks totally mint.
The engine doesn't show a spec of corrosion. Obviously I only got back home at 7pm and then fitted the Mud sling I ordered a few days ago.
Just checked the rear wheel flange and it looks to be cast steel.
I also looked at the FPC and I couldn't see it.. What I mean is I couldn't see a silver one so I am guessing it must be black?
I shall grease the splines (with the Honda molybdenum grease I have) and change the rear diff oil over the weekend.. Then i know its done !

S.

 

[comberjohn]

Enjoy!!

 

[Bendy toy]

Use helicopter tape on the frame where the mudsling attaches. This will avoid the plastic chafing at the paint. Road grit will quickly grind between the plastic and paint.

Also use a strip of 2" tape along the bottom edge of the petrol tank side panels where the seat front edge sits. The seat seal rubs the paint dull but the tape can be replaced.