anything good to say?

[ahg]

I have paid a deposit on a 1200GS. I have just read the brake failure comments in the technical section. There seems to be a lot of issues, many of them frightening. Is this the norm? Are 1200GS poorly designed and built? Are the chances of getting a dangerous one such that I should look elsewhere?

Are there any satisfied users out there? How many would buy another one. Lots of questions but if this site is designed to promote GS ownership it needs some positive news to balance out the horror stories.

Have I opened a can of worms?

Harry

 

[Davel]

Most of us are very happy with our bikes but, when you buy the latest technology, thing can go wrong from time to time.

You rarely hear of the bikes with no problems but, when something goes wrong, me and several other may vent our frustrations on this forum.

It's probably the best bike on the market but my personal view is that BMW's customer care policy has deteriorated in recent times.

The bike itself is fantastic.

Enjoy because performance wise, riding position and comfort are terrific and the view is brilliant all around you!

 

[Dahoum]

it needs some positive news to balance out the horror stories.

Harry

Harry, look at the sales figures

 

[shuck raider]

Look, any new bike will have some problems. Dealers will, by and large, fix 'em. People just get on and ride the things, maybe log on here to tell others what to watch out for, but generally go about the business of enjoying their new bike. It takes a thread like this to get folks to actually say. "Yeah, it's a damn good motorcycle and apart from niggles, we like it."

BTW, I tested both the 1200 and the 1150 and decided the 12 wasn't for me just yet but that's what personal choice is all about

 

[ahg]

with or without ABS

Would existing owners recomend ABS or due to the problems posted is it best to omit this option? Thanks for the replies so far but not sure if it could be called a resounding vote of confidence to date.

Harry

 

[ed4554]

Hi Harry, I was in 2 minds to buy a 1150GS secondhand fully dressed or the new 1200GS. I could have saved a load of cash going for the 1150. However I chose the 1200. Had BM luggage, headed grips, ABS & alarm. I am over the moon with the bike. ABS is one hell of a safety feature not to have so go for it. 6000miles since September 04. Had squeal on front brakes which dealer and BM have now sorted and a fuel line part on a quick release connection which dealer replaced.

Bike is brill no complaints with dealer or after sales service. Buy the 1200 and ENJOY!!

ride safe all

Ed

 

[Pukmeister]

Likewise, my 12GS is going in for its 18000 service soon, the only gripe is corroded out auxiliary power socket wiring which needs replacing, and they are going to fit my Autocom power lead to it whilst repairing it anyway.

When you get your 12GS, smear some vaseline or silicon grease into the wiring connector where the wires enter it on the rear of the aux power socket to prevent having the same corrosion problem. Maybe mine is a one off, but a few minutes spent on prevention is better than needing a cure.

Go for ABS, mine has it and I really rate it especially when pressing on a bit and fully laden.

Enjoy the new bike, they really are great.

 

[Davel]

Agree about the ABS - for what it costs, it a great feature to have even if you never really truly need it.

You don't take more risks because it's there, but it's nice to know you've got it - in case you ever really need it.

Enjoy!

 

[Engineer]

Re: with or without ABS

Would existing owners recomend ABS or due to the problems posted is it best to omit this option? Thanks for the replies so far but not sure if it could be called a resounding vote of confidence to date.

Harry

I have a 1200GS without ABS - The brakes are excellent, powerful and have loads of feel - just as you would expect them to be, as they are good quality re badged Brembos.

I didn't like what I was hearing about the Servo/ABS system - it just seemed too complex and too error prone for it's own good.

The standard brakes are about £800 cheaper which is nice.

 

[Dreamer]

Originally posted by ahg

There seems to be a lot of issues, many of them frightening....

Is this the norm?
No
Are 1200GS poorly designed and built?
No
Are the chances of getting a dangerous one such that I should look elsewhere?
No
Are there any satisfied users out there?
Yes, hundreds
How many would buy another one.
The vast majority! This should keep you busy.. http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42070
Have I opened a can of worms?
No, but you've just committed a large sum of dosh... it makes you nervous... we all go through it...

Keep on browsing the forums, but be aware that people are more likely to report problems than lack of them... and also look at the dates - many reported problems were 'teething troubles' with early models and now ironed out. Not perfect, but a bloody good bike.

FWIW I got mine end of March and it's not had a hiccup in the 2,500miles of daily use since.

Relax. And enjoy!

 

[Fanum]

Keep on browsing the forums, but be aware that people are more likely to report problems than lack of them

Just as an illustration, look back a fortnight and count the threads started around and about the American Grand Prix ....there must have been a dozen and boy did they go on.....

But I haven't seen ONE about yesterday's French GP.

 

[ahg]

Thanks all for the feedback - reading the recent braking problems in technical 1200gs prompted the question and I will continue to monitor the answers which come in. Still cannot quite belive the all the braking issues posted - locking on and not working at all seems like most peoples idea of a nightmare.

 

[Jockser]

Great bike - 5500 mls since March - only problem has been a puncture

Would have to say go for the ABS - you might never need it but if you do its money well spent.

Get the bike & ride the nuts off it

 

[ianm00]

I have paid a deposit on a 1200GS. I have just read the brake failure comments in the technical section. There seems to be a lot of issues, many of them frightening. Is this the norm? Are 1200GS poorly designed and built? Are the chances of getting a dangerous one such that I should look elsewhere?

Are there any satisfied users out there? How many would buy another one. Lots of questions but if this site is designed to promote GS ownership it needs some positive news to balance out the horror stories.

Have I opened a can of worms?

Harry

Mostly NO Im afraid!

The bike is an excellent bike to ride but I have had problems with mine which puts the dampers on things!

This is my first BMW (R1200GS) and probably the last the way Im feeling now.
My bike is currently back at the dealers (been there for a week now!) for the third time with the same electrical fault.

Dealer backup is supposed to be good in my experience its just as crap as any other dealer once they have your money tough!

I agree this forum will highlight problems only, but go a a popular bike meet and speak to other 1200 owners. I have spoken to several in my area and they have ALL had some sort of problem which worries me!

I traded in a VFR for the 1200GS and right now I wish I stuck with the VFR. It may not have been suited to me as well as I think that the 1200GS but it was reliable which so far my GS hasn't been!

Sorry to put the dampers on it and I hope urs is a goodun!

Ian