Any reliability issues with GS

[sk4r4m4ng4]

I've recently lost my Triumph Tiger due to an particularly unobservant Audi driver, fortunately he admitted liability and the insurance paid out if full and I'm almost in the position if being able to upgrade to a GS or GSA.

I've test rode a GSA and a Moto Guzzi Stelvio , albeit only for an hour on each. I was really impressed with both as both and for what I want to use them for, annual 3000 mile Euro excursions with my girlfriend and daily commute.

I doubt I'll be off-roading but the luggage capacity is important, both have huge petrol tanks and suit my riding style. Height isn't a problem in fact it's a plus, handling is great on both.

My questions are there any reliability issues with the GS/GSA in particular 2009 onwards, my mechanical knowledge is nil. I know there's an ever increasing amount of electronics involved and the BMW support network is excellent from what I've heard.

Is the GSA a realistic everyday bike?

The GS has always been the goal but the Stelvio, Multistrada et all are putting seeds of doubt in my mind.

 

[swissrob]

off the top of head failures for the gs - 1200 I assume......?

final drive shits itself , they can last a few thousand miles or 40 thousand, luck of the draw.

final drive oil seal does the same - spare is £12

fuel guage is useless, reset the trip meter each time.

rh exhaust valve head likes to fall off and say hello to the piston

the fuel pump controller fails leaving you stranded unless you have a spare or bodge the wiring.

antenna for the key chip does the same

paint finish is crap micron thin in general on the frame

front engine cover corrodes

thats the main issues

 

[Dom]

What a question!
In my opinion, it's either the 1150GS or the Yamaha Tenere
But that is only my opinion.

 

[grayinthestores]

off the top of head failures for the gs - 1200 I assume......?

final drive shits itself , they can last a few thousand miles or 40 thousand, luck of the draw.

final drive oil seal does the same - spare is £12

fuel guage is useless, reset the trip meter each time.

rh exhaust valve head likes to fall off and say hello to the piston

the fuel pump controller fails leaving you stranded unless you have a spare or bodge the wiring.

antenna for the key chip does the same

paint finish is crap micron thin in general on the frame

front engine cover corrodes

thats the main issues

I have a 1200 and have heard of all of the above but have not had any of the problems yet maybe i am lucky.

I previously had a 955i Tiger to which i can give you a list of faults costing me around £1500 during the 3 years i had it.
I think the point is all bikes have some faults, its the luck of the draw
(unless its a TRIUMPH) not that i am bitter or twisted by this wonderful British engineering marvel, just i would not touch one even if they came begging at my door,threw in ten grand and a night with Daryl Hannah. (I just have this thing about her)

 

[jonnie comet]

I've recently lost my Triumph Tiger due to an particularly unobservant Audi driver, fortunately he admitted liability and the insurance paid out if full and I'm almost in the position if being able to upgrade to a GS or GSA.

I've test rode a GSA and a Moto Guzzi Stelvio , albeit only for an hour on each. I was really impressed with both as both and for what I want to use them for, annual 3000 mile Euro excursions with my girlfriend and daily commute.

I doubt I'll be off-roading but the luggage capacity is important, both have huge petrol tanks and suit my riding style. Height isn't a problem in fact it's a plus, handling is great on both.

My questions are there any reliability issues with the GS/GSA in particular 2009 onwards, my mechanical knowledge is nil. I know there's an ever increasing amount of electronics involved and the BMW support network is excellent from what I've heard.

Is the GSA a realistic everyday bike?

The GS has always been the goal but the Stelvio, Multistrada et all are putting seeds of doubt in my mind.

Non whatsoever.......

Sorry to be a t**t...Put the kettle on, make a 'cuppa' do a search, and all will be revealed.....

 

[Rasher]

Many owners take out the extended warranty each year, most get far more back than they pay out so if you really want a GS and don't want to risk huge repair bills then expect to pay £310 per year for warranty and an avereage of about £350 every 6k for servicing.

Also note the double service scehdules for BMW's, they need servicing on an annual basis and every 6k, so unless you do exactly 6k a year you may find yourself having an extra service between mileage ones.

I carry an FPC (£80) and I believe the EWS faults are sorted now, Final Drives still seem to crap themselves far too often and look at the final drive failure thread here and you will see 2009 models still blow them up and sometimes before the bikes have reached 10k. My bike also managed to warp both discs, blow both fork seals and develop a clutch fault on my last tour (just 14k on it)

Have you tried the Yamaha Super Tenere, as a long term and high mileage / commuting option this would seem more practicle, I would not see the Stelvio or MTS as year round bikes.

Oh, I disagree with finish complaints as my GS seems better than most modern Jap bikes with regard to paint thickness and general finish.

 

[Beemerman59]

In the two and a half years I have had my '08 GSA and the 22K I have added to the mileage it has cost me exactly nothing in repairs or failures. Oh sorry, forgot, I have replaced the clutch interlock switch which cost about £15. I service it myself which is very straightforward to do by a reasonable competent DIY mechanic and have not taken out an extended warranty.

Just giving you an alternative view......

I hear Yamaha are giving £3K worth of goodies to try and move the Tenere so its struggling to sell for some reason.

 

[BBB61]

Many owners take out the extended warranty each year, most get far more back than they pay out so if you really want a GS and don't want to risk huge repair bills then expect to pay £310 per year for warranty and an avereage of about £350 every 6k for servicing.

Bullshit. Many get their bikes serviced for well under this figure. Besides, have you seen the cost of the 12k service on a Triumph triple?

Also note the double service scehdules for BMW's, they need servicing on an annual basis and every 6k, so unless you do exactly 6k a year you may find yourself having an extra service between mileage ones.

More bullshit. This has been explained so many times to you, but you just don't get it.

 

[grayinthestores]

Bullshit. Many get their bikes serviced for well under this figure. Besides, have you seen the cost of the 12k service on a Triumph triple?



More bullshit. This has been explained so many times to you, but you just don't get it.

Bullshit. Many get their bikes serviced for well under this figure. Besides, have you seen the cost of the 12k service on a Triumph triple?
+++++1 Paid for it once then got shot

 

[Pip_UK]

Hi SK4, the GS has lots of competition nowadays as you say. However if you like to tour with pillion and the luggage, then the GS is peerless, because of the Telelever front suspension, which keeps the handling sweet and the braking level, even when fully loaded.

It's also very versatile, and good on anything from flinty farm tracks to motorways. It's a bit of a big lad in town, but very easy to control, balance and steer - it's only the width that I find a problem in town traffic.

I bought mine new in Feb 2007, and have had no problems so far, although it's had three recall notices.

I think GS's are lovely bikes - practical & easy to ride, but still loads of character & charisma. Although you may miss that rorty Triumph engine.

Have fun whatever you choose!

 

[Andy B]

The dealers report less issues with 2010+ bikes and apparently, the number of Final Drive issues has reduced considerably.

One thing I think would definitely be in my 'wants' list is comfort for the pillion if you are going to do the sorts of miles you state 2 up.

 

[UturnTony]

i have had two GS 1200's.

first one a 2006, fuel pump controller failed at about 12K in the isle of man, ruined my stay (it was sunday and the bmw agent was shut).
carole nash recovery home the cost of the FPC. born by BMW but fitted by me.

second and current 1200gs 2007, 12500 miles and the final drive bearings have failed
these bikes are really fun to ride and i love mine but i am now falling out of love with it. i dont care how many of them are out there final drive bearings going at such low mileages should not happen!

i would think very carefully before you part with your hard earned.

 

[Mutley]

I doubt I'll be off-roading but the luggage capacity is important,

Then why buy a GS?

There are plenty of bikes with huge luggage capacity and far better road capability and weather protection. If all you want to do is tour and commute then a GS isn't a bad option, but it is a compromise. BMW themselves do half a dozen better road bikes if you want to stay on the tarmac

My questions are there any reliability issues with the GS/GSA in particular 2009 onwards, my mechanical knowledge is nil. I know there's an ever increasing amount of electronics involved and the BMW support network is excellent from what I've heard.

You'll hear tales of woe from plenty, but others with no issues. People with problems are always more vocal than the happy majority. If it was such a bad bike that reliability would be a problem on most then would it be the best seller in the market? I thought not

Is the GSA a realistic everyday bike?

Depends on your height, experience, confidence and commute. You tell me

The GS has always been the goal but the Stelvio, Multistrada et all are putting seeds of doubt in my mind.

You are worried about BMW reliability but are seriously considering Ducati and Moto Guzzi?

Are you sure you are not a

 

[Stretchamus]

I bought my 2010 twin cam thinking I was buying the most reliable bike in the world.
Not long afterwards I was soon disillusioned on hearing about all the GS's problems.
I was reading on here about extended warranty, I have never had extended warranty on any bikes I have previously owned.
So I sold it on whilst it still had some warranty and was worth a bob or two.
I would never buy another.

Best regards Stretch

 

[David Nimrod]

Are you sure you are not a

Seems unlikely, he never asked what Oil to use

 

[BBB61]

I bought my 2010 twin cam thinking I was buying the most reliable bike in the world.
Not long afterwards I was soon disillusioned on hearing about all the GS's problems.
I was reading on here about extended warranty, I have never had extended warranty on any bikes I have previously owned.
So I sold it on whilst it still had some warranty and was worth a bob or two.
I would never buy another.

Best regards Stretch

Did you have any issues with your GS Stretch?

 

[mark2jag]

Besides, have you seen the cost of the 12k service on a Triumph triple?

Feck. go on frighten me then. I've just bought one of the last Tiger 955I's and am genuinely scared of the figures you are about to post. On the plus side the tiger goes like stabbed rat, and sounds rather nice too. Oh and just bought 2 new headlight relays so I can wave goodbye to the one eyed tiger effect, and see where I'm going at night.......

 

[Wrinkly]

GS ownership 1 1100
2 1150's
2 1200's

Plus numerous other Boxer Twins.
I must be a very fortunate guy,because I have never had an issue with any of them, (touch wood)

Ok servicing is not the cheapest,but neither is it exorbitant as others have said have a look a Triumph triple 12k service.

I bought a new 1200gs last month,after deliberating for a long time between it and the new Stelvio which was a lovely bike,but in my opinion not quite as good as the gs.

I love the new 1200gs,and if it does go wrong, then it goes wrong it's warrantied throughout Europe with a second to none dealer network.

Most of the faults are minor which can easily be sorted on the rare occasions that they do occur.

As for corrosion,I've never had a problem with this either,but I do wash my bikes down with cold water when I've been out on salty roads and give it a thorough clean twice a year.

Even if you never take it off road it's a great bike on all classes of road and,again in my opinion a difficult bike to beat on those gravely little back roads.

Go on treat yourself,it's a great bike.

Steve

 

[BBB61]

Feck. go on frighten me then. I've just bought one of the last Tiger 955I's and am genuinely scared of the figures you are about to post. On the plus side the tiger goes like stabbed rat, and sounds rather nice too. Oh and just bought 2 new headlight relays so I can wave goodbye to the one eyed tiger effect, and see where I'm going at night.......

A dealer in Abergele (Woods) put estimates on their website and for the 955 Tiger and a 6k comes in at £145 and the 12K comes in at £420 including VAT. North City Triumph in Romford quoted £550 (including VAT)for the 12k on the Tiger 955i. If the valves needed re-shimming this would be an additional cost on top of the £550

Carl Rosner in Croydon quoted £500 all in for the 12k service.

A good independent is Trimoto in Greenwich. Les and Jason were the mechanics at Boyer Racing in Plumstead right up to when Boyers closed. They know Triumphs inside out and I would suspect their charges should be a good bit less than the main dealers charge.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Fatbloke down the pub told me that the 12k service on a Triumph was $100,000,000 give or take 50 cents